Episode 236 / Ever wondered why certain characters steal your heart? This week we chat with Jessica Firpi, a TV and movie reviewer as well as a K-drama enthusiast and podcast host. We explore everything from effective "save the cat" moments to why a sunshine character can make a dark character shine.

If you've ever wondered how to make your characters compelling, relatable, and unforgettable, we’ve got some ideas for you. Plus, we've got examples from your favorite Kdramas and blockbuster movies.

Topics:

• How a Save the Cat moment gets the audience to root for a character
• Our favorite Save the Cat moments why they worked for us
• Genuine vs. manufactured conflict
• Creating complex backstories
• Pitfalls writers should avoid with Save the Cat moments
• Jess’s tips for bloggers and podcasters

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

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• Shoutout on a future episode.
• 🌟New: writing sprints on Tues and Thurs at 9 Eastern. Link in the slack group

📥 Send us a Text Message Send us your questions about writing and publishing for an upcoming Ask Us Anything episode. We love to hear from you!

⚡Links:

• Jess’s podcast: daebak-krambles.com
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daebakpod
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daebakpod/
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/daebakpod

• Better-Faster Conference 2024 in Minnesota

https://classes.betterfasteracademy.com/courses/bfacon-2024-in-minnesota--6084b57c-5905-472f-a1dc-c180d44a2f6e/salespage

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🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

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🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 235 / Fantasy romance author Penn Cole shares tips on writing to market in a way that goes beyond the usual analysis of trends and tropes, patience in the writing and publishing process, and translations using an agent.

Topics:

• Penn’s tips on prepping for publication and ARC teams
• How to research and write to market in a deep way, focusing on why certain books resonate with readers
• Putting your blinders on and having the self confidence to go with your intuition
• Special editions from trad publishers
• Translations–why using an agent who specializes in sub-rights can be helpful
• The power of kindness, especially toward readers

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

Links:

https://www.penncole.com

https://classes.betterfasteracademy.com/courses/bfacon-2024-in-minnesota--6084b57c-5905-472f-a1dc-c180d44a2f6e/salespage

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 234 / Liz Shipton is a freelance writer, hybrid author, and full-time, off-grid, liveaboard sailor. She shares how changing her lifestyle to become a digital nomad created more time for writing and how she uses Tik Tok to market her books.

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Topics:

• Going viral on Tik Tok
• How become a digital nomad created more time for writing
• Why Liz creates two versions of her books, a new adult version and a YA version
• Pros and cons of writing a long series as your first series

Links:

https://lizshipton.com

https://tiktok.com/lizshipton

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGZPK9NX

https://instagram.com/lizshipton

Joe Solari interview: Ep. 211: Financial Freedom, Direct Sales, and Author Nation with Joe Solari https://wishidknownforwriters.com/211-2/

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🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 233 / Ever wished you had some writing hacks to make your drafting and editing go more smoothly? (And who hasn’t?) Then this episode with cozy author Barbara Emodi is for you! Barbara is a developmental editor for emerging writers and has great insights.

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast and get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months. Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Topics:

• Writing hacks
• Streamlining social media
• How to write authentically
• Letting go of the thought that you have to plot to write a book
• Tips for writing humor

Links:

https://www.Babsemodi.com

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 232 / Jessie Kwak writes supernatural thrillers and sci-fi crime as well as nonfiction productivity books including, From Chaos to Creativity and From Big Idea to Book.

Topics:

• Trusting your own process, reassessing expectations, and enjoying the writing process
• How Jessie blends sci-fi and crime genres and found her second series easier to market with a clearer target audience
• How Jessie integrates her fiction and nonfiction in her promotion and marketing
• The power of showing up consistently and focusing on daily work to achieve long-term success
• Author Alchemy Summit - February 14th-16th in Portland, a small, intimate conference focused on marketing and business, with plenty of opportunities for networking

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months.
Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Links:

www.jessiekwak.com

Conference: www.authoralchemysummit.com

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 231 / Dr. Nick Courtright of Atmosphere Press, a literary hybrid publisher dedicated to author rights, joins us to discuss different publishing options, letting go of the mindset that you must have an agent, and the importance of a personal brand.

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months. Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Topics:

• The rise in indie and hybrid publishing
• Tips on navigating the industry
• Common mistakes Nick sees authors making
• Letting go of the mindset that you must have an agent to be successful
• Atmosphere Press’s commitment to transparency and author rights

Links:

https://www.atmospherepress.com

https://www.atmospherepress.com/call-for-submissions/

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Subscriber-only episode

In this supporter-exclusive chat, we broke down the Enemies to Lovers trope–and it’s not just for romance novels!

From Pride and Prejudice to You've Got Mail, we've got tons of insights and examples that show how friction and chemistry can turn rivalry into romance.

• Why readers love this trope
• The need to maintain the core characteristics of your protagonists
• The difference between Opposites Attract and Enemies to Lovers
• Variations/subtypes of the trope
• Story beats of the Enemies to Lovers trope
• Using the Enemies to Lovers story beats for bromance or reconciliation plotline
• Common mistakes to avoid

What are your favorite examples of the Enemies to Lovers trope? Let us know with a text message.


Links mentioned:

https://denton.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1251047067/1899729279

Jami and Sara on Creating Sympathetic and Intriguing Characters with Examples from Ted Lasso: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/168-2/

💙 Thanks to all our supporters who made this episode possible! If you’d like to become a supporter go to https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support.

You’ll get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode.

Send us a text

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 230 / A.B. Herron blends elements of fantasy and romance in her fiction. She shares about balancing a full-time job while diving headfirst into the world of writing, the joy of connecting with readers at book fairs, and the critical role a supportive community plays in overcoming challenges, especially for authors with dyslexia.

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months. Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Topics:

• Forming and maintaining a tight-knit writing group, which Amanda formed through a combo of accidental encounters, the NextDoor app, and a bit of subterfuge
• The necessity of ongoing learning in the writing and publishing industry
• Launching with stand-alones instead of a series
• The importance of figuring things out on her own along the way
• Advice for overcoming obstacles and believing in your story

Links:

https://www.abherron.com/

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing