Write the Damn Book Already (Elizabeth Lyons)
Explore every episode of Write the Damn Book Already
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Nov 2023 | Ep 63: Fictionalizing Real Life with Pamela Kripke | 00:49:02 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In Episode 63 of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I had the opportunity to chat with Pamela Gwyn Kripke, a journalist and author whose writing has appeared in dozens of publications, including The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Huffington Post, Slate, Salon, and Parenting. Pamela's novel, At the Seams (Open Books, April 2023), details the journey of precocious eight-year-old Kate Nichols, whose understanding of her world is shattered when she learns of an uncle who died inexplicably in the hospital just days after his birth. Interview Highlights:
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 11 Oct 2023 | Ep 60: The Art of Reissuing a Book with Alix Strauss | 01:03:46 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Alix Strauss recently reissued The Joy of Funerals, 20 years after its initial release (with St. Martin's Press). This fascinated me, as so often I hear authors wonder, "Can I still promote my book? It's been out for a year!" In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we chatted about:
I had to sit quite far from the mic for the majority of the interview so it didn't pick up my near-constant laughter; the woman is hysterical! ABOUT ALIX Alix Strauss is a trend, culture, and lifestyle journalist; an award-winning, four-time published author; speaker; and frequent contributor to The New York Times. Her books include: The Joy of Funerals (St. Martin’s Press & Palagram Press), Based Upon Availabil From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 05 Dec 2023 | Ep 66: Reigniting Your Writing Passion: Strategies for Discipline, Inspiration, and Accountability | 00:28:45 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Struggling to keep the creative flame burning? I hear it a lot: "Elizabeth, where do YOU get accountability? How can I get back to this being fun? I’ve lost the joy." Episode 13: Deep dive into the "3rd-layer why"
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 13 Dec 2023 | Ep 67: What Authors Will Need Most in 2024 | 00:29:43 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Are you ready for an honest conversation about what skill authors will most require in 2024? From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 20 Dec 2023 | Ep: 68: Creating Companion Journals for Your Book | 00:28:01 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Interested in creating a companion journal or workbook to complement your book? Ditching the Dream by Bethany Clemenson
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Helping Writers Become Authors
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 03 Jan 2024 | Ep 69: Women's Fiction Writing with Sarahlyn Bruck | 01:12:30 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Have you ever wondered how authors juggle character's voices when writing from multiple perspectives? In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, it's just one aspect of the creative labyrinth I chat through with Sarahlyn Bruck, author of Light of the Fire (Lake Union Publishing, January 2024) as well as Daytime Drama and Designer You.
ABOUT SARAHLYN From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 10 Jan 2024 | Ep 70: Self-Publishing Predictions for 2024 | 01:00:04 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I unveil my 6 predictions for 2024 in the world of self-publishing. I hope to continue to lend transparency to the self-publishing process and the growing opportunities available while helping you determine whether self-publishing is the right approach for your first (or next) book.
With advice on maintaining visibility and the necessity for intentional outreach, this episode will inspire you to foster a community around your work, helping you stand out in a crowded market. From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 17 Jan 2024 | Ep 71: From Attorney to Author with Novelist Jessica Saunders | 00:47:01 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Jessica Saunders's debut novel, Love, Me, was released on January 16, 2024 (Union Square & Co.) In the latest episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Jessica and I chatted about the power of pursuing a literary dream as she discussed her debut novel, Love, Me, (January 2024, Union Square & Co) with raw and captivating honesty. We also discussed the delicate balance between rigorous careers and the pull of creative passions, the catalysts that drive us to write, and the sacrifices made along the way—including, sometimes, a brief hiatus from all things Netflix!
Jessica Saunders is a lawyer, who, after years of writing scintillating legal briefs, was finally able to fulfill her lifelong dream of writing fiction. A gradu From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 24 Jan 2024 | Ep 72: Simple (and Essential) Reminders for Authors | 00:27:04 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! With the book publishing industry overflowing with titles vying for attention, I aim to guide aspiring authors through the important steps of writing and publishing high-quality books that get noticed.
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast featuring Lucy E.M. Black WTDBA episode with Sarahlyn Bruck From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 31 Jan 2024 | Ep 73: From Memoir to Fiction with Zibby Owens | 00:29:21 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Transitioning between genres can feel like learning a new dance with the same set of feet. In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, Zibby Owens shares her experience shifting from memoir (Bookends, July 1, 2022, Little a) to fiction (Blank, March 1, 2024, Little a). Zibby is the author of Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature and children’s book From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 07 Feb 2024 | Ep 74: First comes publisher, then comes agent, with Julie Chavez | 00:58:36 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In the latest episode of Write the Damn Book Already, I spoke with Julie Chavez, author of the incredibly well-received memoir, Everyone But Myself (January 2024, Zibby Books). INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT JULIE Julie Chav From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 14 Feb 2024 | Ep 75: Writing Novels in the Operating Room with Elle Evans | 00:42:47 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Elle Evans is an anesthesiologist and a novelist whose debut novel, Wedding Issues, comes out April 2, 2024 with Zibby Books. And was this ever a fascinating conversation!
ABOUT ELLE A Boston native, Elle Evans spent five years in Nashville soaking up sweet Southern hospitality and even sweet iced tea. She now lives in Philadelphia with her husband and rescue dog Calypso, the first of many pets named from Greek mythology characters. Elle enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and attempting ambitious cocktail recipes. She writes under a not-so-secret pseudonym to maintain separation from her academic research papers and From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 21 Feb 2024 | Ep 76: When Going Viral Goes Very (Very) Wrong | 00:44:54 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! These days, almost everyone dreams of having a post or reel go viral. That is, until they do. From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 28 Feb 2024 | Ep 77: Indie Publishing with Fiction Author Kathryn Biel | 00:50:08 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Armed with quick wit, relatable characters, themes of resilience, and always a happy ending, award-winning and USA Today Bestselling author Kathryn R. Biel writes comfort reads.
Balancing drama and angst with laughter and love, Kathryn weaves stories that will whisk you away for a few hours and have you rooting for the underdog, whether it's through sports romance, romantic comedy, or lighter women's fiction. Kathryn is the From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 06 Mar 2024 | Ep 78: Traditional Publishing Lessons with Neely Tubati Alexander | 00:47:29 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Neely Tubati Alexander's second novel, In a Not So Perfect World (March 2024, Harper Perennial), was noted a "Best Romance to Read in 2024" by Cosmopolitan and received starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. In her second appearance on the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discussed her two-book deal with HarperCollins, and how her writing process and industry perspective shifted from Book 1 to Book 2. INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT NEELY TUBATI ALEXANDER Neely is the author of women’s fiction with rom-com feels you can escape into with a smile. If you like seeing women pursuing love AND careers, you'll love her books! If she's not tucked away at the little desk in her bedroom wri From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 13 Mar 2024 | Ep 79: Querying Literary Agents with Lauren Kay | 00:50:58 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Lauren Kay's young adult debut novel, We Ship It, was a dream come true, but it wasn't easy to get there. Now, she helps other writers achieve the same joy, minus the roadblocks. Having secured eight agent offers in a month, she works with authors dreaming about a traditional publishing deal to help them write irresistible query letters. INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
CONNECT WITH LAUREN: Query letter masterclass: https://www.laurenkaywrites.com/insiders-guide-to-publishing From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 20 Mar 2024 | Ep 80: How to Avoid Copyright Infringement (and Other Listener Questions) | 00:24:47 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In this solo episode of Write the Damn Book Already, I respond to listener's questions, including:
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 03 Apr 2024 | Ep 81: The Short Chapter on Permission | 00:22:09 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! This solo episode discusses the pressure authors face to follow specific strategies and approaches when writing and promoting their books. I share my observations about the conflicting advice authors receive about book writing, publishing, and marketing (and how to handle it without losing your mind!). Key Takeaways:
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 10 Apr 2024 | EP 82: On Submission with Diana Naranjo (Memoir) | 01:02:03 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! The story is always unfolding...
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 17 Apr 2024 | Ep 83: Self-Publishing Cookbooks and Children's Books | 00:44:43 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! The time has come! We're finally able to move on from the days of traditional offset printing to print-on-demand options when it comes to children's books and cookbooks. Whether you're contemplating watercolor illustrations for a children's book or publishing a mouthwatering cookbook, this episode is for you!
>> Which publishing approach is best for you? Click here to find out! From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 24 Apr 2024 | Ep 84: Releasing the Sophomore Novel with Donna Norman Carbone | 00:42:23 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Donna Norman-Carbone's second novel, Of Lies and Honey, just launched (April 24, 2024, Red Adept Publishing), and it was wonderful to have her on as a repeat guest.
ABOUT DONNA Donna Norman-Carbone's debut novel, All That is Sacred, was released in June 2023 and has earned eight awards. The BookFest Awards featured All That is Sacred among the other winners on the Tower billboard in Times Square. Donna holds a master’s degree in English from South From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 01 May 2024 | Ep 85: Book Marketing Tips from Publicist and Industry Expert Kathleen Schmidt | 00:57:22 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Kathleen Schmidt is a well-respected voice in book publishing with in-depth experience in all aspects of the industry. She has worked on 50 New York Times bestsellers, and her clients have continuously appeared in top-tier national print, broadcast, and radio outlets such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, Vogue, Elle, Financial Times, and Vanity Fair.
CONNECT WITH KATHLEEN From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 08 May 2024 | Ep 86: Understanding Indie Publishing Options | 00:37:57 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! With the rise of available options for indie authors, authors are more curious than ever about how to navigate so many options without being overwhelmed or disappointed (simply because they didn't know what questions to ask!). In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we cover:
RESOURCES MENTIONED Chip Valutis's book, Talent-Driven Growth: Your BluePrint for Scalable Organizational Success Ep 85: Marketing Tips from Publicist and Industry Expert Kathleen Schmidt Adazing.com (for 3D book graphics) From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 15 May 2024 | Ep 87: Best Writing Advice (from Published Authors) | 00:19:16 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! This episode of Write the Damn Book Already features two of the best pieces of writing advice I’ve received (and I've received a lot of writing suggestions over the years!). BOOK OF THE WEEK Ep 55: How to Write While Feeling Discomfort (with Joanna Hardis) Ava Dellaira's forthcoming book, Exposure (Zibby Books, Sept 2024) Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes by Jessica Fein
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 29 May 2024 | Ep 88: Writing From Multiple POVs with Ava Dellaira | 00:31:46 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Ava Dellaira’s adult debut novel, Exposure, comes out with Zibby Books on September 10th, 2024. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed young adult novels In Search of Us and Love Letters to the Dead, which was named Best Book of the Year by Apple, Google, BuzzFeed, the New York Public Library and the Chicago Public Library.
CONNECT WITH AVA
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 05 Jun 2024 | Ep 89: When Fiction Incorporates History with Joselyn Takacs | 00:46:46 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In the latest episode of Write the Damn Book Already, Joselyn Takacs and I discussed her first novel, Peace Oysters (Zibby Books, 6/25/2024).
Joselyn Takacs holds a PhD in Creative Writing and Literature from the University of Southern California and an MFA in Fiction from Johns Hopkins University. Her fiction has appeared in Gulf Coast, Narrative, Tin House, Harvard Review, The Rumpus, DIAGRAM, Columbia: A Journal of Art and Literature, and elsewhere. From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 12 Jun 2024 | Ep 90: Creating Audiobooks with Drew Linsalata | 01:09:16 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Drew Linsalata has been my go-to for years when it comes to audiobooks and podcasts as well as any "How do I get the most bang for my buck?" questions when it comes to tech hardware.
CONNECT WITH DREW From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 19 Jun 2024 | Ep 91: From Playwright to Novelist with Gail Priest | 00:45:08 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Gail Priest is the author of five books (including a trilogy). Her latest, Soul Dancing, was released on April 2024 through Red Adept Publishing. CONNECT WITH GAIL Instagram: @gailpriest_author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGailPriest Website: gailpriest.com/
Annie Crow Knoll: The Complete Collection: WHAT GAIL'S READING NOW A Very Crowded House by Kelly Elizabeth Huston Of Lies and Honey by Donna Norman-Carbone From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 10 Jul 2024 | Ep 92: How to Navigate Writing Detours | 00:20:30 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! I've recently had a key realization about book writing, especially when it comes to writing memoir and non-fiction. As is the case with therapy (ask me how I know), there’s no set timeline for completing a book, and the process is often more complex and time-consuming than anticipated.
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 17 Jul 2024 | Ep 93: The Art of Short Stories with Mary Jones | 00:39:32 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Mary Jones' book, The Goodbye Process (July 30, 2024, Zibby Books), is, in four words, hard to put down. Her raw, vivid descriptions of characters and experiences alike quickly pierced my soul and extended my bedtime! CONNECT WITH MARY Book: The Goodbye Process Instagram: @maryjoneswriter Threads: @maryjoneswriter Website: www.maryjoneswriter.com WHAT MARY'S READING All Fours by Miranda July MENTIONS I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 24 Jul 2024 | Ep 94: WTH is an ISBN? | 00:22:55 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Click here to check out the Publish A Profitable Book / Publish the Damn Book Already course (currently 25% off with code AUTHOR25).
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 31 Jul 2024 | Ep 95: Conquering Nonfiction and Memoir Chaos | 00:39:19 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 🎙️ Feeling Overwhelmed Writing Your Nonfiction or Memoir? This Episode is For You! Do you feel like you have multiple books' worth of material? Are you wrestling with imposter syndrome or struggling to organize a mountain of thoughts? My work with authors typically focuses on two key genres: transformative nonfiction and inspirational memoir (yes, I made up these terms). 💡 Tune in to hear my tips on overcoming self-doubt, structuring your content, and finding peace in sharing your personal story. This episode is packed with insights to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity! From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 07 Aug 2024 | Ep 96: How to (Easily) Form a Publishing House | 00:24:46 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Many indie authors find the idea of creating a publishing house overwhelming. But with the right steps, it becomes both manageable and highly beneficial. Here’s why setting up a publishing house is essential and how to do it. First, it’s crucial to understand that forming a publishing house is not about creating a giant company like Amazon. Instead, it's about legally separating your personal and professional assets. This separation is vital as an author, because it protects your personal finances from any potential legal issues that may arise. While many creatives shy away from the business aspects of publishing, treating your book as a business can help you reach a broader audience. This means embracing some business tasks (even those you might not enjoy, like accounting. Just me?). Setting up a publishing house may seem daunting, but it’s simpler than it appears. The key is to create a legal entity, like an LLC, to protect your assets, which isn't nearly as complicated or expensive as it used to be. You can often set up an LLC yourself or use services like LegalZoom for additional support. You don’t need a complex infrastructure to start a publishing house. A simple logo for your book’s spine and a business bank account are sufficient. Today, many online banking options make it easy to set up a no-fee, no-minimum business account without visiting a physical bank. There’s also no need for an elaborate office setup or expensive branding packages. The challenge often comes when authors overcomplicate this step, perhaps assuming they need an extensive branding package, a physical office space, or expensive accounting software. But none of this is necessary. It’s a worthwhile investment for protecting your assets and managing your book sales professionally. For a detailed guide on this process, including how to create a logo and manage business essentials, refer to the third module of "Publish the Damn Book Already," which walks you through the necessary steps without overwhelming you with unnecessary details, ensuring you can focus on what you do best: writing. RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 14 Aug 2024 | Ep 97: Offering Pre-Orders as a Self-Published Author | 00:30:38 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Until somewhat recently, streamlined pre-orders were only possible for traditionally published authors. Now, indie authors can also benefit from pre-orders as well, helping them with: Community Building: Offering pre-orders helps authors build and nurture a community by gathering email addresses and establishing a direct connection with readers, which can lead to quicker reviews and word-of-mouth promotion. Data Collection: Through pre-orders, authors can collect valuable reader data (like email addresses) that is otherwise inaccessible when books are sold through platforms like Amazon. This data allows authors to maintain a relationship with their readers post-purchase and make future marketing efforts more effective. This episode of Write the Damn Book Already discusses not only the benefits and considerations of offering books for pre-order but also the potential hiccups (and how to avoid them!) such as unexpected costs due to Amazon's handling of pre-orders through IngramSpark. RESOURCES MENTIONED Pre-Order Packages workshop with Mary Belle From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 28 Aug 2024 | Ep 98: Wide vs. Amazon Exclusive: Understanding eBook Distribution Strategies | 00:24:26 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In this episode, we explore the critical decision of whether to distribute your ebook "wide"—across multiple platforms—or stay exclusive to Amazon through their KDP Select program. On the other hand, exclusivity with Amazon through KDP Select offers perks like participation in Kindle Unlimited, higher royalties in certain regions, and access to exclusive promotional tools. However, this exclusivity comes with restrictions, including a 90-day lock-in period and the inability to sell your ebook elsewhere, even on your own website. The right choice depends on your genre, goals, and audience. Romance, mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy often perform well on KDP Select due to the voracious reading habits of their audiences. However, if your readership spans multiple countries or platforms, going wide might be the better option.
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 04 Sep 2024 | Ep 99: The Novel AFTER a Bestseller, with Emma Grey | 00:48:35 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Emma Grey is the Australian author of the international bestseller, THE LAST LOVE NOTE, which was both a Book of the Month and Target Book Club pick, and was praised in Oprah Daily as “relatable, hilarious and charming". From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 25 Sep 2024 | Ep 100: Navigating the Publishing Industry with Megan Tady | 00:54:16 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Megan Tady's second novel, Bluebird Day, launches on Dec. 3, 2024 (pre-order now!) In her second appearance on the podcast, we had the most wonderful chat about:
LINKS WHAT MEG'S READING NOW From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 02 Oct 2024 | Ep 101: Amazon Ads for Authors | 00:27:43 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Amazon ads are one of my favorite tools for indie authors to boost book sales and visibility, but they can feel so complicated that it's easy to avoid using them. Link to blog post detailing setup of this ads campaign Link to Publisher Rocket software Link to audiobook of Enough: The Simple Path to Everything You Want ($4.99) From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 09 Oct 2024 | Ep 102: Literary Suspense with Sarah Sawyer | 00:43:54 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! From writing the first chapter of The Undercurrent (Zibby Books, Oct 2024) as a standalone piece to fleshing out a full literary suspense novel I can’t put down, Sarah Sawyer has quickly become one of my new favorite authors. In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we discussed:
LINKS WHAT SARAH’S READING From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 30 Oct 2024 | Ep 103: Memoir Writing with Sarah Gormley | 00:53:09 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! What if you could transform a lived experience into a compelling narrative that reads like fiction? From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 13 Nov 2024 | Ep 104: Writing Personal Essays with Amy Wilson | 00:53:10 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Amy Wilson, the brilliant co-host of the "What Fresh Hell" podcast and author of Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser (Jan 2025, Zibby Books), joined me for a fabulous conversation about owning your story through writing. We dive right into the real stuff—like what it’s actually like to share personal essays (and how to spill your truth without accidentally blowing up your family’s group chat). Amy opens up about her journey from writing the hilarious chaotic When Did I Get Like This? on parenting to exploring deeper themes, like people-pleasing, that resonate with an audience far beyond parents. And for anyone out there staring down an editing deadline or wondering what in the world the publishing gods are up to—Amy shares some hard-earned wisdom. From her writing routines to her secret recipe for mixing humor with “let’s get real” moments, she provides an inside look at what makes her stories connect with so many people. So, grab your favorite drink (and maybe one of your new notebooks--I know you have one), and get ready for some relatable insights, laughs, and just the right amount of “you’ve got this” inspiration. From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 20 Nov 2024 | Ep 105: Book Events (that Actually Sell Books) with Traci Thomas | 01:05:08 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Want the insider secrets to creating book events that actually sell books and build superfans? This episode is your masterclass! I'm joined by the absolutely magnetic Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast and literary event connoisseur, for a conversation that's packed with actionable insights for authors at every stage. If you've ever wondered how to transform your book events from awkward readings to memorable experiences that drive real connection (and sales!), you'll want to grab your notebook for this one. We dive deep into:
Whether you're launching your debut or working on book #10, this episode delivers a blueprint for creating author events that actually move the From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 27 Nov 2024 | Ep 106: Writing Rom-Coms with Jane Costello | 00:58:07 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! An episode that celebrates the joys of writing and never-ending search for inspiration, this laughter-filled chat with the incredibly witty Jane Costello, bestselling author of romantic comedies and women's fiction, also features the prep for the release of her upcoming novel (her fifteenth), It's Getting Hot In Here (Zibby Books, Feb 2025). From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 04 Dec 2024 | Ep 107: Author Marketing Strategies with Jenn Hanson-dePaula | 01:13:14 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In this episode, I speak with the legendary Jenn Hanson-dePaula about strategies authors are using today to promote their books. From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 11 Dec 2024 | Ep 108: Passionately Crafting Memoir and Nonfiction with Patti Hall | 01:06:34 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Have you ever imagined trading a stable career for the unpredictability of writing and publishing? That's exactly what Patti Hall did, transitioning from urban design to becoming a full-time writer and publishing strategist. Our conversation takes a candid look at the realities of traditional publishing. And, as we explore the myths surrounding bestseller status, we underscore the importance of writing with a purpose and focusing on genuine connections with specific communities rather than chasing commercial success. From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 08 Jan 2025 | EP 109: From TV Writer to Author with Michael Jamin | 00:53:31 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! What happens when a seasoned television writer known for his work on irreverent comedies such as Beavis & Butthead, Just Shoot Me, and King of the Hill takes a leap into the author world? From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 22 Jan 2025 | Ep 110: ISBN Essentials for Indie Authors | 00:30:05 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! This episode explores the critical role ISBNs play in the self-publishing journey. It's not the most glamorous part of publishing, but understanding the role of the ISBN is critical when it comes to managing book sales and metadata ownership. 7 Critical Questions to Ask Hybrid Publishers Awesome Email Templates for Authors From communicating with your launch team to building relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. 🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 29 Jan 2025 | Ep 111: Behind the Scenes of Hybrid Publishing | 00:27:50 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Navigating hybrid publishing can feel overwhelming, but understanding the unique way it helps indie authors grow their author career helps authors make informed decisions. Awesome Email Templates for Authors From communicating with your launch team to building relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. 🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 05 Feb 2025 | Ep 112: Keyword Tips for Getting More Amazon Book Sales | 00:32:14 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! One can easily overlook that little piece of the Amazon upload process where you specify 7 keywords related to your title. After all, who wants to filter through the millions of options to find 7 that are most likely to ensure your book is seen by the readers actively looking for it? It might not sound fun, but it's a step you don't want to ignore or breeze through. In short, strategically choosing keywords helps to ensure visibility and connection with the right audience. In this episode, we explore practical keyword strategies and how tools like Publisher Rocket that can help authors succeed in an incredibly saturated marketplace. TOPICS COVERED: RESOURCES MENTIONED *Publisher Rocket: How to Choose the Most Effective Keywords Google Suggestion Expander extension *Affiliate link Awesome Email Templates for Authors From communicating with your launch team to building relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. 🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 19 Feb 2025 | Ep 113: Amazon Book Sales: What’s Working (and What’s Not) with Dave Chesson | 01:11:23 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Keywords: they either fascinate you or they're the bane of your existence. For me, it's the second. Which is why I'm so excited to bring you this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast with guest Dave Chesson, founder of Kindlepreneur, where we do an in-depth exploration of the significance of keywords and categories when it comes to a book's success on Amazon. We discuss strategies for choosing keywords that maximize book discoverability and allow you to run effective Amazon ads, as well as best practices for connecting with your ideal readers. TOPICS INCLUDE: CLICK HERE FOR THE SPECIAL DEAL ON PUBLISHER ROCKET ($30 off when you purchase, plus get Dave's Keywords and Categories course (normally $50) absolutely free. This is a t Awesome Email Templates for Authors From communicating with your launch team to building relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. 🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 25 Mar 2022 | TRAILER | 00:03:24 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! What is the WRITE THE DAMN BOOK ALREADY podcast all about? Writing, publishing, and marketing a book doesn’t have to be complicated and overwhelming. From myths and misconceptions, to practical tips and sound strategies, to the REAL reasons you likely still haven’t written and released your amazing story, Elizabeth Lyons (5X author, book writing coach, and the founder of Finn-Phyllis Press) is here to help you untangle the process and, even more importantly, untangle yourself.
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 28 Mar 2022 | 01: Getting Your Book Into Bookstores | 00:17:15 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! "How do I get my book into bookstores" is an often-asked question by new authors.
Boy do I get it.
I LOVE bookstores...as a reader. As an author, not so much!
I'll address the REAL reason most authors want to see their book in bookstores in Episode 3, but for now, let's break down the actual behind-the-scenes of having your book carried by bookstores so that you can decide: 1. Do I still really want my book to be carried by bookstores? 2. If yes, how can I make the process as simple and rewarding as possible?
For more resources on modern-day book writing, publishing, and launching, visit PublishAProfitableBook.com
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 30 Mar 2022 | 02: Traditional Publishing Myths & Misconceptions | 00:21:45 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! "I want my book to be published by a big publishing house." I hear this often. And more often than not, that belief is bolstered by a few misconceptions when it comes to traditional publishing. In episode 2 of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I clarify the reality of the 3 biggest misconceptions when it comes to traditional publishing, specifically in the areas of: - time to market - the "lucrative" advance - marketing and distribution support Once you understand the reality of the time to market, the advance, and the marketing support you'll likely receive from a traditional publishing deal, you can make an informed decision (instead of one based on incorrect assumptions) for you and for your book. The best part? Once you have this level of understanding, your expectations will be properly set so that you can embark on the process with far less frustration and disappointment! *** For more resources on modern-day book writing, publishing, and launching, visit PublishAProfitableBook.com
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 22 Apr 2022 | 03: Why you REALLY think you want your book in bookstores | 00:20:22 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Most of us have walked through a bookstore and imagined what it would feel like to see our own book sitting on one of the shelves (or, preferably, a front-of-store table!). It's incredibly common (and understandable!), therefore, that aspiring authors dream of seeing their book in the bookstore and wonder how to make this happen. The truth is, it's possible. Even without a traditional publisher behind you. But once you understand more thoroughly how that part of the book selling process works (and what it costs, both financially and in terms of logistics to have your book carried by a bookstore), it's not uncommon for authors to identify alternate ways to realize this dream without unnecessary stress or unexpected costs. In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, you'll discover:- Why you REALLY want your book to be carried by bookstores (it's not to sell 1,000,000 copies) and how acknowledging this can immediately flip the switch on this dream - Why some authors appear to be available through Target and other retailers that sell books (even though they really aren't) - The actual behind-the-scenes process of getting your books into big-box bookstore (Barnes & Noble, Target, Costco, ...) *** Click here to sign up for my monthly Favorite Books list!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 24 May 2022 | 04: What is the Difference Between Non-Fiction and Memoir? | 00:22:25 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! This episode of Write the Damn Book Already clarifies the answer to a common question: What the heck is the difference between non-fiction and memoir? Episode highlights: [1:24] Why it's important to clarify "common concepts" covered in your book [3:40] The BIGGEST difference between non-fiction and memoir (and it's not what you think!) [6:40] Where most aspiring authors get "tripped up" when it comes to writing memoir (and how they can get back on track, writing with ease and excitement) [8:22] The main difference between the author's intention when it comes to memoir verses non-fiction [12:52] A great question to ask to ensure that your book lands in the hands of those who will love it and recommend it constantly
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 09 Jun 2022 | 05: The (Little Known) Quality Most Bestselling Books Have in Common | 00:19:21 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Being able to claim "bestseller" status is all the rage, but what creates a REAL bestseller? What creates a book that is recommended again and again because it deeply touches the hearts of its readers? What creates a book that truly transforms not only the readers but the author as well? In this episode, you'll discover:
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 15 Jun 2022 | 06: American Idol's Justin Guarini | 01:10:28 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Justin Guarini became a household name in 2002 as the runner-up in Season 1 of American Idol. From there, he's starred in multiple Broadway shows and, in 2015, began appearing in Diet Dr. Pepper commercials as "Lil' Sweet." But the road to success has not always been an easy one. Through the ups, down, and complete direction reversals that the public is often not made aware of, Justin ended up in unexpected territory, fascinated with the ins and outs of what allows entertainers, influencers, and entrepreneurs to be confident in moments when they're feeling anything but. It's been a journey that led to the creation of his Core Confidence program and his soon-to-be-released book, Unshakeable Confidence. In this incredible conversation, Justin and I discussed confidence -- that "thing" that every creative person lacks at one point or another, no matter how much success he or she attains! Interview highlights: [4:30] Confidence is not necessarily something you’re born with. You don’t “have it” or not. The formula that stands the test of time wh From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 23 Jun 2022 | 07: The hidden benefits of talking (less) about money | 00:19:50 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Listen, I love money. I welcome it. I appreciate it. I celebrate when my clients receive it in exchange for their guidance. And I celebrate when I receive it in exchange for mine. An overflow of money makes a lot of things easier. But let’s be honest. It’s just one type of win. It feels like lately, in the coaching space, the focus is heavily on wins like: 🥳 My client generated $12K after just two weeks in the program 🥳 Sarah was living in an alley last year and now she owns two castles outside of Rome 🥳 Cliff attracted a $30K client immediately after investing $60K in my program. Because that’s the power of alignment and action. Now, let me be clear. I am not saying these things don’t happen (the castle purchase may be a stretch). They do. But what I’d love to see more of is a focus on what we’ve come to consider “just a small win.” In truth, there is no such thing as a small win. And what we’ve come to see as BIG wins (the $60K client who is so demanding that you want to claw out your eyeballs) often end up not feeling quite so big when you have to hire your own expensive therapist to get you through the contract without going insane! In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, our focus is on getting back to recognizing wins like: ✅ An aha moment on your messaging that gives you 4 new content ideas ✅ Having the courage to finally go live on social media (and not even caring that no one joined) ✅ Sticking to your new exercise routine for a full week and having so much more energy to engage in life AND confidence in your self-discipline game ✅ Thinking about grabbing the ice cream after a long day and then…not doing it (full disclosure: this is not a win I’m claiming lately) ✅ Meditating for longer than 7.34 seconds ✅ Not having a full freak-out when an $8K client backed out at the last minute Can we stop dismissing all that? These are all huge accomplishments. And their indirect result is often the one you’re clinging to: a rising bank account balance. Because with more clarity comes more confidence. With more confidence comes more aligned action. With more aligned action come more aligned clients. With more aligned clients comes more…
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 08 Jul 2022 | 08: Get What You Want with Julie Solomon | 00:30:27 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Julie Solomon has built quite a name for herself in the coaching space as the creator of multiple high-value programs and masterclasses and as the host of The Influencer Podcast.
In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we discussed her recently released first book, Get What You Want: How to Go from Unseen to Unstoppable.
While Julie has built an enormous business and following over the years, I only just learned of her a few weeks ago while listening to Amy Porterfield's podcast! (I love waking up each day and wondering who I'll discover. Also, the reminder that no matter how "big" or "small" you are, there's always someone out there just waiting to find you and your perspective.)
Interview Highlights
Please rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts!If you enjoy this episode, please take just a quick moment to rate, subscribe and leave a review on From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 26 Jul 2022 | 09: What Makes a Book a Bestseller? | 00:19:57 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! What makes a book a bestseller?I was asked a question last week about how I define success for my book writing programs. The reason the answer made me so excited was that the answer has changed. Truthfully, my answer to this question a few years ago was very dangerous, even though I didn't realize it at the time. If you have a similarly dangerous perspective (without realizing it) when it comes to your book, your program, your product, or your service, this episode is an invitation to reconsider so you can have MORE confidence and excitement about how you're sharing your value with the world. *** Are you ready to get your non-fiction or memoir (finally) written or published so your experiences and insights can impact others? Click here to check out the various ways we can work together! *** SUBSCRIBE to the Write the Damn Book Already Podcast so you don't miss a single episode!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 04 Aug 2022 | 10: Interview with Zibby Owens | 00:31:43 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
If you've ever wondered whether other people really have it easier than you do when it comes to writing and publishing a bestselling book, my interview with the incredible Zibby Owens is one to listen to.
Author of the recently released, Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, as well as editor of Moms Don't Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology, Zibby is has a unique and thought-provoking perspective on writing, publishing, and just about everything in between.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS[4:35] The actual journey behind Bookends (hint: it was NOT "I think I'll write a book" and then the book was written).
[7:50] Zibby's "secret weapon" for improving her own writing
[9:02] How rejection before acceptance feels different from 273 rejections before "BUT THEN it was accepted."
[9:58] Handling setbacks and Zibby's "why" that compels her to continue to press on
[13:55] Wisdom on assumptions about how "easy" it is for someone else, and what we need to remember about other people's perspectives
[16:25] How Zibby decided on a unique structure for Bookends (the answer will surprise you, and it isn't exactly what I recommend, but it worked!)
[21:40] The unexpected formation of and mission for her publishing house, Zibby Books
CONNECT WITH ZIBBYWebsite: https://zibbyowens.com/ From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 11 Aug 2022 | 11: Interview with Tyler Merritt | 01:04:27 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Tyler Merritt is an Actor, Author, Activist, and Encourager, and speaking with him on this latest episode of Write the Damn Book Already was nothing short of joy-giving. His first book, I Take My Coffee Black, is part personal story, part history lesson, part laugh-out-loud humor, and part perspective-considering/shifting, and it's a must-read I'll be recommending for years to come.
I N T E R V I E W H I G H L I G H T S[6:13] The reality of not knowing what will resonate with a reader and trusting your own voice (Plus, honoring the value of content that you include JUST FOR YOU!) [6:58] The community writing approach Tyler uses to keep himself "in check" (that prevents getting too much outside opinion that confuses him more than helps him) [12:50] How Tyler sees his book as a love letter to all the things he loves, and how he intentionally and subtly included points intended to educate without shaming or proselytizing [14:30] Elizabeth's "stupid" question of the month (asking this was my BOLD MOVE of the day!) [20:20] How Tyler figured out how to organize so much content a From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 23 Aug 2022 | 12: Interview with Annabel Monaghan | 00:47:48 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Annabel Monaghan's debut adult novel, Nora Goes Off Script, was released on June 7, 2022. In her words, "Writing it was probably the most fun I’ve ever had" (and she did it during quarantine, so there's that!) Before Nora, she wrote YA fiction and the popular column, "Does this Volvo Make My Butt Look Big?" about motherhood and womanhood. In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, Annabel and I talked about her journey to Nora and some of the key moments of her writing career, many of which will likely (delightfully) surprise you, as they did me.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS[7:22] How Annabel got a "late" start as an author (at 37) co-writing a book for teens that she had zero intention of writing [11:30] The impetus for writing a novel for women and the inspiration for the plot of Nora Goes Off Script (it involves the Hallmark channel) [13:49] Annabel's process for fleshing out the plot (hint: it’s not what she recommends that others do or what she told her students when she taught novel writing at the The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College). [14:05] Her rationale for writing fiction versus non-fiction—in other words, her belief From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 31 Aug 2022 | 13: Getting to the "Third Layer Why" of Your Book | 00:23:02 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Identifying your motivation for writing a book is about far more than simply saying, "I want to write a book about my experience learning how to nurture an organic garden" (for example). One thing I've discovered over the past nearly 2 decades is that stopping at that layer of clarity is what keeps many authors in a state of stagnancy once they've started writing and lost a bit of their initial momentum. Which is why it's important to take the time to peel back the layers of your why until you get to the third layer, revealing what I refer to as your Third Layer Why. What are the 3 layers?Your first layer why is often your knee-jerk reaction or response when asked, "Why do you want to write this book?" For example, I'm working on my 6th book right now, which is about how to write non-fiction and memoir. That's a surface-level summary that barely touches the surface of why I actually want to write this book now. Taking the organic gardening book as an example, the author might say, "I want to teach people how to grow an organic garden, even if they think they couldn't have a green thumb if they were paid to." Intriguing, but also surface level. Your second layer touches a bit more intimately what's new or different about your book, compared to others already available on the subject. For my own book, my second layer is, "I want to speak to both the tactical and the energetic aspects of writing non-fiction and memoir, which I don't believe many have done. In many cases, the tactical how-to process alone isn't enough to get someone's book out of them, onto paper, and out into the world. I believe I know why, and that's something I'd like to address. For the gardening book, the author might say, "I want to teach people how to start and sustain a thriving organic garden and also how they can incorporate aspects of gardening into their life to reduce stress and increase longevity." You're taking your WHY a layer deeper in order to speak not just to what YOU want to say and to what your reader wants to learn on the surface but to an emotional level that will resonate with your reader. The third layer addresses an underlying belief you have related to your topic. When it comes to writing n
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 14 Sep 2022 | 14: Book Coincidences You Don't See Coming | 00:34:49 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Meeting Cory Goodrich and working on her book, Folksong: A Ballad of Death, Discover, and DNA has been one of the greatest gifts. Yes, she's wonderful. And kind. And funny. And talented as hell.
It also reminded me that there are no coincidences in this life. While Cory will join me again in coming weeks to chat about the writing and launching of Folksong, this conversation was focused more on the importance of trust, patience, and recognizing that "coincidence" is little more than confirmation and reassurance when it comes to the path you're traveling when writing a book. CONNECT WITH CORY
Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode!*** Book Writing Made Simple is my newest program to help you write powerful, thought-provoking memoir or From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 19 Sep 2022 | 15: What to Do When Writing Feels "Hard" | 00:22:30 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! You have the vision and the hook and the Third-Layer Why and the outline, but it STILL feels "hard" to sit down and actually do the writing.What's the deal? The deal is simple. You're telling yourself a story that:
In this episode, I invite you to consider the way a brilliant symphony (or opera or Broadway musical) comes together in order to reframe your perspective on what it takes to go from "I have an idea" to "I've outlined the idea" to "I'm writing the idea, and the first draft is going to be sh*tty---as it is for EVERYONE---and that's okay." *** Whenever you're ready, here are a sampling of ways we can work together:Book Writing Made Simple is a 12-month book writing & coaching program (for those writing non-fiction and memoir) that allows you to:
*** [FREE] 25 Days of Bold Moves shows you how to trust yourself more, love thinking bigger, stop seeing “yes” as the biggest (or only) win, and recognize that even the sky isn’t the limit when it comes to what you’re capable of creating. *** Publish A Profitable Book is a complete step-by-step program that shows you exactly how to self-publish an irresistible book that's indistinguishable in quality from any New York Times bestseller!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 29 Sep 2022 | 16: On How We Decide to Navigate Challenges | 00:24:50 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! As a book coach, I hear a lot of people say, "What I've gone through happened for a reason" or "I'm sharing my experience so that it has purpose." I ALSO hear a lot of people say, "I made a decision to write this book, and everyone says the universe starts moving things around in your favor once you make a decision, but all I see happening is more challenges being placed in my way." I've come to believe these statements represent two sides of the same coin, and that there's a piece of "everything happens for a reason" that we're not talking about enough when it comes to personal growth. In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I explore that a bit in the hopes that it offers a different perspective on what's REALLY happening when things don't seem to be moving in your favor and how you might look at the delay (and your active participation in it) in a different way. *** Whenever you're ready, here are a sampling of ways we can work together:Book Writing Made Simple is a 12-month book writing & coaching program (for those writing non-fiction and memoir) that allows you to:
*** [FREE] 25 Days of Bold Moves shows you how to trust yourself more, love thinking bigger, stop seeing “yes” as the biggest (or only) win, and recognize that even the sky isn’t the limit when it comes to what you’re capable of creating. *** Publish A Profitable Book is a complete step-by-step program that shows you exactly how to self-publish an irresistible book that's
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 30 Sep 2022 | 17: How to Write Without Immediate Feedback | 00:19:57 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Talking to people face-to-face (whether 1:1, in a small group, or from a stage) allows you to gauge their response (and pivot if/when necessary). But when you’re writing a book, you don’t have that luxury. Even when writing posts, you can get pretty quick feedback. But a book feels so…permanent! In this episode, I'll guide you through how to write through the feeling that you’re writing “in a vacuum” where no one is giving you the same kind of immediately reaction you get when talking face-to-face and give you a great secret for writing through this new experience in a way that feels empowering and expansive! *** AMAZING UPGRADE to announce for Book Writing Made SimpleWe now have pop-up writing containers! This is an opportunity for you to join a Zoom room for 60 minutes, where everyone will be on mute, writing their book or catching up on trainings (so they can efficiently and excitedly write their book!). My hope is that this will help to create a collective energy of "doing the damn thing" that ALL of us need from time to time! BOOK WRITING MADE SIMPLE is a 12-month program for writing powerful, thought-provoking non-fiction or memoir that readers can't put down. The book writing process I provide in Book Writing Made Simple is the result of 18+ years of helping hundreds of authors get their books written. It addresses the critical (and often overlooked) aspects of writing a book that: 👏 makes a deep and lasting connection with readers (and is therefore recommended again and again) 👏 creates unshakeable confidence in the author's (that's you!) ability to help others create transformation in their lives 👏 doesn't feel like you're tryin
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 03 Oct 2022 | 18: Interview with Joanna Rakoff | 01:03:30 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Joanna Rakoff has been a writer for as long as she can remember---even back to the days when people more routinely stated things like, "A career in the arts isn't realistic." That said, her journey has taken more than a few twists and turns. From believing she wanted to follow a specific writing journey that didn't exactly "pan out" as she expected to discovering what type of writing she's truly passionate about (and why one needn't ever utter the words "I thought it was 'bad' to want [fill in the blank]," her story offers no fewer than 973 lessons in perseverance, the value of self-awareness, and the rewards that come from following the unique beat of one's heart. On this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discussed: - Joanna's ultimately realization that she desired "to make art rather than comment on it" (having started out with a more journalistic pursuit) - The process of having her second book, My Salinger Year, optioned for film and the experience that resulted from choosing a producer with her heart, not her head. - Her thoughts on the publishing industry From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 13 Oct 2022 | 19: Interview with Chris Martinez | 00:34:15 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Chris Martinez's journey as an author is one I've had the privilege of being part of since the beginning. We've now worked on six books together, and his perspective on being of service through a published book (as well as why he keeps writing more!) is one that every author can benefit from hearing. In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we discussed: [9:30] One of Chris's most heavily recommended books (that I've yet to read, even though it's a perennial bestseller) [13:22] The biggest reasons why he keeps writing more books (it's not about money) [11:35] How one book can provide you with a principle you'll refer back to for the rest of your life [12:28] Chris's philosophy when it comes to looking at book sales figures [14:13] The biggest opportunity that came as the result of just one book sale (it changed his life) [27:32] How Chris manages promoting 6 books (while running multiple businesses and promoting other programs and services) ***Connect with ChrisInstagram: Instagram.com/chrisjmartinezatx Website: CarSalesSuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjmartinezatx/ ***A rock-solid outline takes the book-writing experience from overwhelming and complicated to exciting and empowered. And it's not nearly as complicated as you may think! My simplified book-outlining process helps you: From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 17 Oct 2022 | 20: What to Do When "But What If..." Takes Over | 00:17:31 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Even the most optimistic, curious, open-minded of us occasionally have moments when we worry, "Oh sh*t. What if...?" If you're like me, it's enough to keep you stuck in one place for hours (if not days. Or months). Many of us have two sides: we have a side that says, "Oh sh*t, what if...?" and we have a side that says, "I've got this! I'll figure it out!" When writing your book (or, ultimately, getting ready to publish or starting on your fifth marketing campaign), how can you effectively (and quickly!) switch from a "Holy sh*t. What if...?" mindset to one of excited curiosity? I'll tell you exactly how I do it in this episode of Write the Damn Book Already. Resources mentioned
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 01 Nov 2022 | 21: Interview with Cory Goodrich (Pt 2) | 00:44:36 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Being able to interview Cory Goodrich a second time (click here to listen to our first interview), this time doing a deeper dive into the writing of Folksong: A Ballad of Death, Discovery, and DNA, was a gift that's I just know is going to keep on giving. An actor, painter, singer, songwriter, and all-around creative person, it shocked me to no end to hear that Cory didn't consider herself a "writer" and, in fact, didn't initially write with the intention of publishing a book. And yet, maybe this is precisely how it was all meant to come together. In this insightful episode, Cory shares:
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 10 Nov 2022 | 22: Writing Breath Taking, a Memoir (with Jessica Fein) | 00:46:42 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! One of Jessica's most remarkable accomplishments is as a mom of three amazing kids. When her beautiful daughter Dalia passed away in March 2022 from an ultra-rare mitochondrial disease called MERRF syndrome, she was compelled to transition from how-to format and personal essay to long-form memoir. Her newest book, Breath Taking, will be released in 2024 (which cannot come soon enough). In this episode, we talked about her journey through the writing and acquisition of this newest book. Highlights include:
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 21 Nov 2022 | 23: Interview with Jamie Gagnon (Children's Books) | 00:48:09 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Jamie Gagnon’s first book, Imagine My Love (an illustrated children’s book), was released in September 2022. With a degree in early childhood education and preschool teacher certification, it makes sense that she'd write a children's book. But it was ultimately the love for her two children (combined with an "interesting" experience that showed her the power of words to young children) that compelled her to write this wonderful book. In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we talked about the process of writing a children's book as well as the importance of recognizing the season of your life that you're in and not forcing yourself into others’ definition of success or opinions on how you “should” market your book.
Episode Highlights:[3:55] The root of her reason to write this book (what her 2nd grade and 6th grade teachers taught her about the power of words) [5:17] How she found that “motherhood made an incredible mess of her” and compelled her to find a way to lead her own kids with her love [10:40] Industry standards for children’s books (and how Jamie avoided getting hung up not knowing exactly how to adhere to them) [11:30] How Jamie found a ch From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 06 Dec 2022 | 24: Why being on the slow boat isn't bad | 00:33:50 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! I don't know it it's an end-of-year thing or an all-year-round thing, but I'm hearing a lot of people saying, quietly, that they feel like they're a bit "behind. Honestly, I get it. I'm about to turn 50, and I certainly have days where I think, "I can't possibly be 50, because I haven't yet [fill in the blank]." It's easy to begin to wonder if everyone else knows something we don't, is smarter, happier, or more deserving. But the good news (and the truth of it all) is, being on the "slow boat" (taking a bit longer than you perhaps wanted to) toward any goal isn't a bad thing! This episode is here to remind you that you're exactly where you're supposed to be while offering you a few different perspective shifts that may even make you grateful you didn't get where you want to be sooner!
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 04 Jan 2023 | 25: Beware of this Self-Publishing Myth | 00:23:54 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! When it comes to book publishing, there are 3 main models available: traditional, independent, and self. None is the best across the board. One is the best for each author and each book! I find it curious that still (and we've somehow made it to 2023), self-publishing (or hybrid publishing, or author-financed publishing, as it's sometimes referred to) is seen as "lesser than" by authors. In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, I offer a perspective that might shift yours as well. Not because I'm trying to steer you in any specific direction or convince you of your best next step, but because the way we think of "self-financed" when it comes to publishing is so much different from the way we think about it in any other business! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. You can tag me on IG (@elizabethlyonsauthor), DM me, or email me (elizabeth@elizabethlyons.com).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONEDWrite the Damn Book Already: Tell Your Story, Share Your Message, Make Your Impact Publish A Profitable Book course
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 15 Jan 2023 | 26: Interview with Renata Trebing | 00:40:29 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Even though she ended up getting a degree in chemical engineering, Renata Trebing started reading cookbooks (for fun) when she was 8 years old. So it’s not terribly surprising that she ended up writing one! She loved the idea of writing about food passionately, as Nigella Lawson has done. Not long after her first book was published, she had an idea for a second book (with a completely different style and intention). In the most recent episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Renata and I chatted about her author journey (and about the many benefits of breath work, which was incredibly informative!) Interview Highlights[8:00] Why Renata couldn’t get started on or hone in on the main message for the second book (even though she knew how to write and publish one already) and how an unexpected illness cemented the purpose of the book [12:00] The macro level of writing versus the micro level (the micro level is where it’s supposed to become fun, but it often becomes overwhelming and people quit) [13:20] On what her illness made her feel about herself as a nutrition coach (it’s the OPPOSITE of “a fraud” or in any way not able to position herself as a credible authority] [14:21] Why she was petrified of having anyone read it and what she was worried they’d judge (even though she was so certain of what she had written) and the actual messages she got from readers [18:10] The book writing schedule that helped her get the damn thing written! [30:36] How Renata determined WHO she was writing to and how hi From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 25 Jan 2023 | 27: Interview with Linda Sivertsen | 00:48:09 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Linda Sivertsen, “Book Mama,” is in LOVE with books—reading, writing, and selling them. Her titles have won awards and hit all the lists as an author, co-author, and former magazine editor and ghostwriter. But her driving force has been to publish sustainably. Naïve and optimistic enough to believe in magic, she’s on a mission to save forests via her role as a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Ambassador. When she’s not fostering literary love matches on her Beautiful Writers Podcast (a favorite stop for writers on tour), writing, and promoting Beautiful Writers, or midwifing books at her Carmel or virtual writing retreats, Linda can be found on the back of a horse or running with her dogs. In this ep From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 31 Jan 2023 | 28: 5 Tips for Removing Writers Block | 00:25:28 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! As you may or may not know, I don't believe in writers block. At least, not in the way many people do---that it's a concept every writer must experience, a rite of passage of sorts, that can keep a writer from writing for days, weeks, or---God forbid---even longer. To me, "writers block" is simply the name we give to a feeling we have when we feel "stuck." And the reason we feel stuck is usually far more simple than we like to make it. We aren't entirely sure what we want to say, or we aren't sure that we "should" say whatever it is that we want to say. Over the years, I've identified six (I said it was going to be five, but a sixth came to me while I was recording the podcast!) tips for getting you OUT of "writers block" and into "I have so much to say about this!" These work especially well for those writing nonfiction. In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we'll explore each tip so you can get yourself back into writing (and wondering how you ever thought you had nothing to say on a particular topic!). RESOURCES MENTIONEDPublish A Profitable Book course Book Writing Made Simple program
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 08 Feb 2023 | Ep 29: How to Sustainably Increase Book Sales | 00:23:55 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! "I can get your book onto the NYT bestseller list." "I can get your podcast ranked in the top 10 on Apple." "I can get you 8692.7 verified reviews on Amazon...in 2 days." The offers are everywhere. And of course they're appealing. Who WOULDN'T want to be on the New York Times bestseller list? Or have a top-rated podcast? Or have Hunger-Games-level reviews on Amazon? But the question often is, at what cost? (Literally.) And then, after nearly passing out upon hearing the answer, the next question is, "Do I HAVE to do that? Is there another way?" No, you don't. And yes, there is. Magic bullets sound exciting. But they're rarely sustainable. Bona fide shortcuts, on the other hand, ARE exciting. And yes, they require more work and time. But more often than not, work + time = joyful momentum, while magic bullet = quick (expensive) dopamine hit followed by months of sadness and confusion. The good news is that there ARE ways to leverage the system without outright gaming it (and, bonus, you don't end up incredibly disappointed when, within a week, the flash in the pan is fully extinguished and you're unsure how you'll cover next month's expenses). If getting one of these accolades is a bucket-list item for you and/or you have the cash to invest in the process, terrific. But if not, there are plenty of other creative ways to get the word out and nurture organic (sustainable!) growth when it comes to book sales and visibility. Resources Mentioned*** Are you ready to make some bold moves as an author (or aspiring author)?This FREE challenge will help you stop overthinking and over-planning so you can get out of your own way and show yourself exactly what kind of magic your story or message is capable of creating. Join th
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 16 Feb 2023 | Ep 30: My reel went viral; here's what happened next | 00:32:38 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! I’ve always said that if I ever went viral, it would be for something stupid. I’d be filmed saying something grammatically incorrect. Or trip and fall face-first into the concrete in front of Ryan Eggold (after saying something grammatically incorrect). Apparently, manifestation is truly a thing. The PUNCHLINEI made an Instagram reel. Within 24 hours, it had 1.2 million views. 10,000+ likes. and 6,944 shares. Here's what happened next. THE BACKSTORYIt started like any old Monday. Slowly and with (decaf) coffee that I firmly believe wakes me up. Late afternoon, my best friend send me a reel she thought I’d find funny because we have an inside joke about the pronunciation of the word “croissant.” I laughed hysterically and clicked on the account of the stand-up comedian who made it. He only had 554 followers, which I thought was a crime because he's so funny. I screenshot his account and shared it to my stories, hoping that a member of my community of 8 would also be thrilled to discover him. He replied to my story via DM and said thank you. His account had been hacked 2 week prior and he was starting all over. I thought, "How can I better share him with my community (of 8)?" I could repost to my feed (but to repost a reel I figured I'd have to download some new app I didn't know how to work) or I could try one of those duet things. The duet option made more sense. It was quick and didn't require that I download a new app. So I made a ridiculous duet of me "reacting" to Dylan's hilarious reel. From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 23 Feb 2023 | Ep 31: Interview with Laura Belgray | 00:49:55 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Sometimes, you're sure you'll love someone well before meeting them. That's the way I felt when I learned of Laura Belgray's forthcoming book, "Tough Titties." At once a collection of essays, a memoir, and a hilariously honest look at navigating various stages of life and business ownership, this book made me feel like I'd known Laura for many lifetimes by the end of page 5 (because she's so wholly relatable). In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we chatted about why she wrote the book, why she wrote it this way, and her experience (thus far) navigating the publishing world. It's safe to say I had to back away from the mic a few times during this interview because I was laughing so hard I would have blown out the speakers (and your eardrums). I know you're going to enjoy it as much as I did!
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS- How Laura wrote the exact opposite of a “should book” - The belief she had about her ability to tell stories that held her back a bit. - What made her book “hard” to sell, and what she ultimately found in an agent that made all the difference (this is the kind of agent we ALL would want, were we to go that route) - Laura's (very h From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 07 Mar 2023 | Ep 32: Interview with Sam Garcia | 01:06:18 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Whenever I have questions about Instagram/Facebook (or, as it's newly referred to, Meta) ads, the first person I go to is Sam Garcia. The founder of Dirty Alchemy Digital Marketing, Sam and her team have run ads for some big brands, and not only does she know what she's doing but she also has a way of simplifying a process that often feels like a 1436-mile maze. In the latest episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Sam and I talked about how authors can utilize ads to grow their visibility and their community and, as a result, sell more books and attract more clients. INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS🎙️ The most basic (and un-overwhelming) place to start in terms of budget and ad creation 🎙️ The biggest difference between running ads to your book's listing on Amazon and to a page on your on website (and why the second option makes more sense most of the time) 🎙️ Which posts are best to begin boosting (and which are a complete waste of time) 🎙️ Different types of ad campaig From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | Ep 33: Interview with Emily Lynn Paulson | 00:39:22 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Emily Paulson's second book, Hey Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and other Lies Behind Multi-Level Marketing (Row House, May 30, 2023) is the eye-opening, funny, and dangerous personal story of author Emily Lynn Paulson rising to the top of the pyramid in the multilevel marketing (MLM) world, only to recognize that its culture and business practices went beyond a trendy marketing scheme and into the heart of white supremacy in America. In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discussed several aspects of her book writing process as well as her journey to the top of (and then exit from) the MLM she participated in. INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 03 Apr 2023 | Ep 34: Where to find motivation to write | 00:34:13 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! The vast majority of people who join the Write the Damn Book Already Facebook group say they are looking for one (or more) of the following things:
I can help you with all three, but not in the way you might think. Today, let’s talk about motivation. When people say they are looking for motivation to write their book, what they’re often really saying is, “I’m not clear ENOUGH on what I’m writing about (or why) to get my ass in the chair on a regular basis.” Or, “I’m (unknowingly) misunderstanding what it looks like for other authors. I think they have a certain amount of motivation or awareness or knowledge or know-how, and once I get that, I’ll be good to go.” They think that what they are missing is “motivation.” But motivation (or inspiration) is just the word used to describe the feeling they want to have, much like “writers’ block" is the phrase often used to describe the feeling of “I don’t know what the hell to write or whether I should actually write what I’m thinking.” So let’s get clearer about what you really need (and how to get it!).First, a few truths:
Now that we have that out of the way, le From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 10 Apr 2023 | Ep 35: I Want to Write a Book. But Where Do I Start? | 00:43:06 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Want to write a book but have no idea where to start? You're not alone. In fact, "Where do I start?" is the most common question I hear! In this episode, I break down the first three steps I encourage every aspiring author of nonfiction or memoir to take in order to make the process of writing an incredible book a little more clear and a little less daunting. But make no mistake, writing a book is hard work! My saying that is in service of your desire to do it, not a deterrent or a precarious warning. The fact that it feels hard is NORMAL! Every author feels this way, sometimes even after writing several books. (The only difference there is that by that point they know to expect it that "hard" feeling and have stopped judging it as "bad.") Every single one of your favorite authors once asked, "Where do I start?" Someone gave them a bit of direction, and then they decided to get (and keep) going. See if these three steps help you to get out of thinking and into action. Because that's where all the magic happens! From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 25 Apr 2023 | Ep 36: Interview with Megan Tady (Superbloom) | 00:47:33 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In Episode 36 of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Megan Tady (author of Superbloom, May 2023, Zibby Books) and I chatted about the journey to her debut novel. INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 02 May 2023 | Ep 37: Interview with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi (Joy is My Justice) | 00:53:30 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! “It’s not about whether I believe this is good every day. It’s whether I can relate to this critical mind and understand that that’s just a part of my nervous system trying to protect me from the fear of ‘Will anyone read this?’…and understanding that the way I relate to that…is the journey.” Dr. Tanmeet Sethi is a Joy Activist with a mission to give people access to their innate human right to their own joy practice. In this episode, we talked about the writing and publishing of her debut memoir, Joy is My Justice (May 2023, Hachette Go). INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 05 May 2023 | Ep 38: How to Choose the Right Publisher | 00:38:07 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Hybrid publishing is a model whereby an author pays a publishing house to do the publishing legwork---including (sometimes) editing, cover design, interior formatting, and distribution channel setup---while retaining final say over the edits, title, cover design, interior layout, and retail price. The cost to work with a hybrid publishing house is likely to fall somewhere between $1,500 and $50,000. I consider my publishing house, Finn-Phyllis Press, to be a hybrid publisher. Several of the bigger, more well-known traditional publishing houses offer a hybrid model: Hay House has Balboa Press, and Simon & Schuster has Archway Publishing. Some publishing houses take no profit off sales, while others take 15% (or more). Some houses pay author royalties every month; others pay them every quarter. Some make it easier than others for authors to order author copies for events or promotion, but almost all of them up-charge when an author does so. When I began publishing other authors’ books through Finn-Phyllis Press, I put in place the business model that I would’ve loved to have available to me when I started publishing. I wanted someone to help me with the publishing legwork, but I didn't want to give away a portion of my earnings, and I wanted to retain full control over my listing on Amazon and other distribution services post-publication. That model didn't exist two decades ago (that I was aware of), but thankfully, more and more author support partners have come on the scene since. Because I've learned of so many authors who didn't know what questions to ask th From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 17 May 2023 | Ep 39: Interview with Neely Alexander, author of Love Buzz | 00:37:46 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! If you love hearing other authors' experiences when it comes to querying, agent selection, and the publisher selection process, this episode is one to listen to! Neely Tubati-Alexander's debut novel, Love Buzz, released on May 2, 2023. (It's so good, grab a copy through links below!). In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Neely and I talked about:
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 01 Jun 2023 | Ep 40: How to Sell 2589 Books in 30 Hours (guest: Sam Garcia) | 01:03:29 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Sam Garcia's first book, Regenerative Business: How to Align Your Business with Nature for More Abundance, Fulfillment, and Impact made quite a (quiet but impactful) splash right out of the gate. It sold 2,589 copies in its first 30 hours on the market and hit #1 on several (large and relevant) Amazon lists, including Women in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Environmentalism. It also hit #72 in the entire Kindle store (which boasts millions of titles), and when I checked it was #949 in the entire paperback store. These are big accomplishments, without doubt. But did it all happen with nary a plan? Absolutely not. In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Sam and I chatted about exactly what led to this incredible launch (and how she's planning to keep the momentum going!). INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS💥 The REAL reason she was able to hit all the charts From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 07 Jun 2023 | Ep 41: Interview with Cara Sapida | 01:00:44 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! When people talk about selling 867,386 books (in a week), it sounds good. It's also probably a lie; most authors intent on making an impact on their readers, whether through entertainment, education, insights, or all three, have no idea what the numbers really are. That's not their focus. What is their focus is the ONE person who needs their message and will be so grateful to have it in their life. (And if one person will love it, two will. Twenty will. 1000 will. We start with one.) In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Cara Sapida and I chatted about her book, Not the Breast Year of My Life (which, as of this posting, already has 66 5-star reviews on Amazon). INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 14 Jun 2023 | Ep 42: Interview with Jill Krzyzanowicz (aka Margo Reilly) | 00:44:23 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Jill Krzyzanowicz writes under the pen name Margo Reilly, which I found fascinating since her first book, When the Apple Falls Far from the Tree, is memoir. Many people wonder whether they can (or should) write memoir under a pen name, and in all cases (up until speaking with Jill), I advised against it for a variety of reasons that Jill and I spoke about. But Jill's rationale made perfect sense, and it provides a great additional perspective for anyone considering the same approach. In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Jill and I had a wonderful time chatting about the book writing, publishing, and marketing processes, as well as her plans for a second book.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 21 Jun 2023 | Ep 43: Donna Norman-Carbone (All That is Sacred) | 00:38:41 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Donna Norman-Carbone's debut novel, All That is Sacred, released on April 11, 2023 (Red Adept Publishing). In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discussed her journey to writing and publishing the novel, which was inspired by true events.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 28 Jun 2023 | Ep 44: Interview with Rob Schwartz (The Wisdom of Morrie) | 00:45:15 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Few people (in my age bracket, anyway) aren't familiar with the perennial bestseller, Tuesdays with Morrie. Published in 2002, the book highlights the lessons passed down from Morrie Schwartz (a college professor) to his student, Mitch Albom. Morrie passed away before the book was released (before a word of it was written, in fact). And years after his death, Rob discovered a manuscript in the drawer of his father's desk. That manuscript would become The Wisdom of Morrie: Living and Aging Creatively and Joyfully, released April 18, 2023 (Blackstone Publishing). On this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Rob and I talked about his discovery of the manuscript, and the decision for him to edit it and seek a publisher who would help continue to spread Morrie's timeless insights.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 05 Jul 2023 | Ep 45: Does Your Writing Feel "Stuck"? Consider This... | 00:22:04 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! "Sometimes, the writing comes easy because we have been thinking about it for so long. It has taken years come to fruition, but it is already there. We are writing to explore both what we know and what we don’t know." -Rick Rubin Sometimes, content flows easily. Sometimes, it’s like pulling a rock out of solid concrete with your bare fingers. In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, you'll discover often-overlooked reasons for why the writing sometimes feels "hard" (reasons that will have you both curious and eager to get your butt back in the chair!). *** READY TO GET YOUR BOOK OUTLINED?Consider enrolling in my pay-what-you-can Book Outlines Made Simple workshop!
*** MORE OF ELIZABETH'S WRITING & PUBLISHING PROGRAMSBOOK WRITING MADE SIMPLEA program for writing powerful, thought-provoking nonfiction or memoir so you can grow your business or simply share your story. This is for you if you: ✍️ Want to write a powerful, top-quality book, making sure you're avoiding common (and unnecessary) mistakes along the way ✍️ Crave the support of a proven book-writing process as well as knowledgeable guidance and compassionate ass-kicking (when necessary) when the adventure feels “sticky” and you begin feeling unsure of what you’re doing, why you started, or whether it’s going to be worth it (hint: it absolutely will) ✍️ Desire to be part of a community of authors who provide you with accountability, motivation, and support (not to mention a spot-on meme here and there!) and ✍️ 2x/month group coaching /support/guidance sessions with Elizabeth to help you navigate roadblocks (both tactical and mindset-based) so you can get to the finish line of writing a book you're immensely proud of
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 13 Jul 2023 | Ep 46: When to Rethink Your Book's Core Message | 00:16:20 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Click here to sign up for the Social Media for Authors + Writers Workshop (July 20, replay will be sent if you can't attend live!)******* When it comes to book writing, "I'm waiting for inspiration/motivation" is often code for "I have no idea where this is going and it scares the sh*t out of me so I'll figure it out another day." But there are ways around (read: through) this challenge. In today's episode, I offer some of my favorite tips so that you can get out of "waiting" and into writing! *** ELIZABETH'S CORE WRITING & PUBLISHING PROGRAMSBOOK WRITING MADE SIMPLEA program for writing powerful, thought-provoking nonfiction or memoir so you can grow your business or simply share your story. This is for you if you: ✍️ Want to write a powerful, top-quality book, making sure you're avoiding common (and unnecessary) mistakes along the way ✍️ Crave the support of a proven book-writing process as well as knowledgeable guidance and compassionate ass-kicking (when necessary) when the adventure feels “sticky” and you begin feeling unsure of what you’re doing, why you started, or whether it’s going to be worth it (hint: it absolutely will) ✍️ Desire to be part of a community of authors who provide you with accountability, motivation, and support (not to mention a spot-on meme here and there!) and ✍️ 2x/month group coaching /support/guidance sessions with Elizabeth to help you navigate roadblocks (both tactical and mindset-based) so you can get to the finish line of writing a book you're immensely proud of
PUBLISH A PROFITABLE BOOKA complete step-by-step program to help you self-publish a book that's indistinguishable in quality from a New York Times bestseller. This is
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 18 Jul 2023 | Ep 47: Interview with Author and Book Coach Lauren Eckhardt | 01:01:04 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Lauren Eckhardt, author and founder of Burning Soul Collective and Burning Soul Press. We discussed the changing landscape of the publishing industry, the importance of marketing your book in a way that feels authentic, and the therapeutic aspect of book writing. Lauren shared her insights on different publishing opportunities and paradigms, emphasizing the need to align your values with your chosen approach. She also debunked the idea of being published for free and provided guidance on self- and hybrid publishing, encouraging authors to be more curious about the hidden value of paying someone else to publish their work. We also discussed how Lauren helps authors overcome imposter syndrome and shared her own strategies for battling "writer's block" and lack of inspiration. Finally, we explored a new perspective on book launches, an alternative to the traditional "finish line" mentality. Overall, the conversation was filled with valuable insights and practical advice for both aspiring and established authors.
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 26 Jul 2023 | Ep 48: The Power of Reels to Grow an Author's Audience | 00:25:06 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Remember Kara Forney’s @BoyMomsBook reel that got 4 million+ views, brought in 13,000+ followers, and sold 70+ books in the first 6 days? We said we didn’t know how she did it. And we don’t 100% know. Not to the extent that we can now sell you on “the perfect formula to reach IG and life stardom in 27 seconds.” Yes, it seemed random, and one certainly never knows what will “hit.” A viral reel is rarely the singular key to "success." But even though Kara's reel wasn't necessarily "intentionally strategic" (meaning that she didn't spend hours concocting the perfect video, verbiage, caption, and hashtags), we did identify four key takeaways EVERY author can benefit from. GET TO KNOW YOUR AUDIENCEIt’s not just about getting people to follow YOU. You need to know what hooks the types of people you want to attract! Boy Moms: Collective Tales of Mothers and Sons launched a year ago. Since then, Kara has been keeping tabs on where her ideal audience is. In other words, who are other Boy Moms are following, and what kinds of posts get traction with that audience? Put simply, she set out to understand the “Instagram language” of her audience. She determined the answer to be short, funny, repurposed posts, so that's what she posts a lot of.
“When that particular video clip came across my feed,” she told me, “I absolutely recognized I could do something with it ‘my’ segment of the Boy Mom audience would relate to. Did I think it would get 3.5 million views? Definitely not. But I knew that, on some level, Boy Moms would think it was funny.” STAY IN YOUR LANEKara isn’t a “boy mom coach.” She doesn’t help people become better boy moms. Her book isn’t directive or prescriptive in any way, nor is it meant to be. She’s an extremely successful corporate consultant. (Remember The Bump? She founded it
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||
| 02 Aug 2023 | Ep 49: Unlocking the Creative Process: Insights from Novelist Jamie Varon | 01:08:20 | |
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In Episode 49 of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discussed:
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers. They also help you help others know exactly what to say to their email lists to effortlessly promote your books to their audiences. CLICK HERE to access to the templates here Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process? Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. | |||