Episodes

  • Leveraging a Successful Career through Public Relations, Episode 33
    Oct 15 2024

    SUMMARY:

    Today we are interviewing two publicists, Michelle Glogovac, THE Podcast MatchmakerTM and Lilian Sue, publicist and author, to help you leverage a successful career through public relations.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Journey into public relations

    Specializing in storytelling and relationship-building

    Unique approach to PR

    Overcoming fears, imposter syndrome, etc.

    Establishing your Unique self

    Key milestones as “The Podcast Matchmaker”

    The Powerful Publicity Prescription

    Broadening your reach as an author

    Beyond the podcast: sharing content to expand your audience

    SOURCES & LINKS:

    Lilian Sue, PR Coach & Publicist

    www.linkedin.com/in/liliansue

    https://www.instagram.com/liliansuecopywriterpr

    www.inretrospectwritingservices.com

    https://in-retrospect-marketing-academy.thinkific.com/

    Michelle Glogovac, The Podcast Matchmaker

    https://michelleglogovac.com

    https://www.facebook.com/TheMLGCollective/

    https://www.instagram.com/michelleglogovac

    https://twitter.com/micglogovac

    Episodes mentioned in this one:

    So What Kind of Writer Do You Want to Be? Episode 30

    What is an author brand & how do you get one? Episode 5

    Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

    Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

    Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

    Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

    If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

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    31 mins
  • An Interview with Author Libby McNamee, Episode 32
    Oct 1 2024

    SUMMARY:

    Join us in conversation with Libby McNamee, author of award-winning upper middle grade novels including "Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War" and "Dolley Madison and the War of 1812: America’s First Lady," and their Study Guides. She is also the co-editor of "The Epic Story of 1776" and "The Epic Story of America 1777-1779." Currently she is writing a third novel, "The Union Spymistress: The Story of Elizabeth Van Lew."

    .We’ll delve into what led her to becoming an author, what fuels her to write historical novels, her writing process and more.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Welcome

    Tell us about your books

    Tell us about your author journey

    What fuels you to write historical novels?

    What made you want to write upper middle grade novels?

    How do you market to a young audience?

    What is something you learned the hard way?

    Advice for authors wanting to write to this age group?

    What are you working on now?

    SOURCES & LINKS:

    Website: LibbyMcNamee.com

    Facebook: LibbyMcNameeAuthor

    Instagram: libbymcnameeauthor

    Goodreads: Libby McNamee

    LinkedIn: Libby McNamee

    Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

    Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

    Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

    Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

    If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

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    27 mins
  • So, You Want to Write a Novel? Where to Begin, Episode 31
    Sep 17 2024

    Summary:

    Are you interested in writing a book but don’t quite know where to begin? This episode delves into the beginning stages of writing a novel. From brainstorming, to research, character creation and world building, we’ll discuss the process to set a good foundation for the novel you always dreamed of writing.

    Show Notes:

    How to begin?

    Character, world, plot, title, a question…

    How to explore seeds of inspiration

    Once you decide, write a quick summary of the plot or even a tagline to help you begin conceptualizing the story

    Do you need to conduct research?

    Freewrite what you know

    Make a list of what you need to know & begin researching: record details and sources in a document

    Create extensive character bios: goals, conflicts, arcs

    Create a timeline of major plot points/ when and where major events in your novel occur

    Create an outline

    Establish a schedule and goals for writing

    Begin! The first draft will be messy (and probably not good). Refrain from trying to perfect it. Just get it all down on paper.

    Remember, the first draft is the story you tell yourself.

    Sources:

    Save the Cat Writes A Novel, Jessica Brody (structure)

    Story Genius and Wired for Story, Lisa Cron (structure and character development)

    Launch Pad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book, Emma Dhesi, Grace Sammon

    Everybody Writes, Ann Handley

    Busy Writer’s Guide, Marcy Kennedy

    Write the Damn Book, Elizabeth Lyon

    Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott

    Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg

    Do Now:

    First decide what your book will be about. Use the Fiction Inception worksheet. Next, get the gist of the story. Write a plot summary or tagline. Create in-depth bios for your characters with the Create a Character worksheet. Conduct research, timelines and an out. And, then begin.

    FREE Downloads are also available on our website.

    If you enjoyed this episode AND are a member of the WFWA, consider attending our workshop

    “What We Learned the Hard Way” which will not only address next steps, but will highlight all the steps from inception of an idea to beyond publication. Our webinar will take place on September 25 @ 7:00 PM ET.

    Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

    Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

    Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

    Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

    If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

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    29 mins
  • “So What Kind of Writer Do You Want to Be?” Setting Goals, Priorities and Boundaries, Episode 30
    Sep 3 2024

    Summary:

    A recent article by author Rea Frey, “Protecting Author Privacy: The Cost of Marketing Your Own Books,” Writer's Digest, touches on the challenges of today’s authors and why the question “So what kind of writer do you want to be?” is fundamental for all writers. In this episode, we’ll discuss the article, our own take on some of the key points and discuss how to set goals, priorities and boundaries as a writer.

    SHOW NOTES:

    • Rea Frey’s Perspective: Key points from article.
    • Self-Assessment: Now ask yourself…what drives you to write? What kind of impact do you want to have? What are you willing and not willing to do?
    • Writing Exercise: Discuss a writing exercise or prompt to help listeners explore their own writing identity. For example, "Write a letter to your future self about the kind of writer you hope to be in five years."
    • Examples of Successful Writers: Share examples of well-known authors who have clearly defined their writing paths and discuss how this focus contributed to their success.
    • Setting Goals: Discuss the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals to help steer your writing career in the desired direction.
    • Setting Boundaries: What are you not able/willing to do?

    Claiming your Boundaries in a Social Media World:

    Engaging with Your Audience Beyond Social Media

    SOURCES AND LINKS:

    “Protecting Author Privacy: The Cost of Marketing Your Own Books,” Writer's Digest, Rea Frey

    “Marketing Your Books: 4 Essential Questions for Authors,” Linkedin, Drew Garber

    DO NOW:

    Write a letter to your future writer-self projecting where you will be in five years. Make a list of goals for the next five years AND a list of boundaries. Finally, prioritize what is on these lists from most to least important.

    Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

    Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

    Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

    Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

    If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

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    26 mins
  • Reading Like A Writer, Episode 29
    Aug 20 2024

    SUMMARY:

    Have you ever wondered if or how a writer reads differently than a reader? Join us on this episode as we discuss passive versus active reading. What are writers paying attention to when they read as compared to what most readers don’t even notice? Learn how you can use reading as a school for writers.

    SHOW NOTES:

    What writers say vs. what they do

    Reading as a reader (passive reading): characterization, plot, conflict…

    Reading as a writer (active reading): style (diction, syntax, tone)

    Anthony Doer, All The Light We Cannot See: Wordsmith/prose *excerpt

    Barbara Kingsolver, Demon Copperhead: Architect, constructing intricate plots

    Liane Moriarty, Apples Never Fall: Ensemble cast, characterization

    Taylor Jenkins Reid: Daisy Jones and the Six, journalistic style

    Edith Wharton,The Age of Innocence: Omniscient narration *excerpt

    Elin Hilderbrand, The Nantucket Hotel: Establishing atmosphere/setting

    Jean Meltzer, The Matzo Ball: Creating culture

    Infusing what we’ve learned into our craft

    SOURCES & LINKS:

    Elements of Style, E.B. White & William Strunk Jr.

    On Writing, Stephen King

    Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott

    Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg

    DO NOW: Make a list of the authors you love. What is it about them that attracts you? Take a look at a passage from their writing. Highlight examples of what you admire about it.

    Take a piece of writing you have written & try a mirror writing exercise. Use elements of the authors’ style you have flagged with your content. Try to get as close to the author's style as you can.

    Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

    Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

    Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

    Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

    If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

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    26 mins
  • Making Your Live Events Come to Life, Episode 28
    Aug 6 2024

    Being an author is more than just putting words on a page—it's about bringing your story to life for the world to discover. It's about stepping into the spotlight and sharing your passion with readers far and wide. One of the most thrilling and effective ways to promote your work and connect with your audience is by attending live events. In this episode, we’ll share with you all of your tips for scheduling and preparing live events.

    Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

    Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

    Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

    Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

    If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

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    33 mins
  • From Book Writer to Book Keeper: Budgeting Your Author Endeavors, Episode 27
    Jul 23 2024

    Authors set out to write a book. They often don’t realize the bookkeeping and budgeting aspect of becoming a published author. In this episode, we’ll talk about establishing a budget, what to regard as high priority vs. low priority and how the publishing path you choose should figure into your budget.

    Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

    Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

    Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

    Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

    If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

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    29 mins
  • An Interview with Maggie Smith, Episode 26
    Jul 11 2024

    Join us as we chat with award-winning author Maggie Smith, known for her books "Truth and Other Lies" and "Blind Spot." Drawing on her psychology and business background, Maggie crafts stories of resilient women facing extraordinary challenges. She also hosts the "Hear Us Roar" podcast and manages The Write City Magazine. Tune in for insights into her writing and inspirations.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Bio:

    Influenced by her former careers as a psychologist and a business owner, author Maggie Smith pens compelling stories of ordinary women who face extraordinary challenges with grit, brainpower, and strong doses of empathy and humor. She hosts the podcast Hear Us Roar and is managing editor of The Write City Magazine. She is the award-winning author of Truth and Other Lies and Blind Spot.

    Book synopsis

    How was your experience different/better launching book two vs. book one?

    Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this book, in the context of your journey as a writer of women's fiction?

    Can you give us a glimpse into your writing process? Research process?

    Affiliation with the WFWA

    Hear Us Roar podcast

    The Write City Magazine

    SOURCES & LINKS:

    Website: www.maggiesmithwriter.com

    Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

    Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

    Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

    Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

    If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

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    32 mins