Way-Word Writers Podcast
To nurture and enrich the established writer’s journey of all genres, age groups, and publishing paths through video podcasts, on-line classes, in-person retreats, and more.
Episodes
In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer are joined by the remarkable author Vicki Irwin. Vicki shares insights from her extensive experience in the book business, including her multiple roles in libraries, bookstores, and as a sales rep. She delves into her true crime writing journey, touching on her published works across various genres and her MFA i...
In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer delve into the often avoided topic of money within the publishing industry. They emphasize that this conversation is not legal or financial advice, but rather an authentic discussion about the financial struggles authors face. They explore the differences in income between traditionally published and indie autho...
In this episode of Way-w0rd Writers, hosts Heather Cashman and Stephanie Bearce interview Lisa Mangum, an accomplished author and editor at Shadow Mountain Publishing. Lisa shares her extensive experience in the publishing industry since 1997 and discusses her new book Write Fearless, Edit Smart, Get Published, a masterclass for fiction writers. The conversation delves into Lisa's approach to writing fea...
In this episode of Way-Word Writers, Kendra Levin, Editorial Director of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, discusses the challenges writers face in defining success and dealing with envy when peers achieve milestones. She shares insights on the importance of focusing on craft, finding a supportive community, and having interests outside of writing. Levin underscores the value of setting personal g...
In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather and Stephanie Bearce engage in an insightful discussion with Michelle Hauck, fantasy author and literary agent specializing in middle grade, young adult, and adult books. Michelle shares her expertise in world building, covering its importance across all genres, even contemporary settings without magical elements. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of sett...
This episode of Way-word Writers, hosted by Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer, dives into the challenging topic of breaking up with a literary agent. The hosts, along with their personal experiences, discuss the emotional and professional aspects of ending agent relationships, whether initiated by the agent or the writer. They highlight reasons for breakups, including changes in agency ...
In this episode of Way-Word Writers, the hosts are joined by married duo Haleh and Chris Massey, who are both marriage and family therapists as well as psychologists, to discuss the intersection of mental health and writing. The discussion highlights how writing can improve mental health by allowing introspection, reducing stress, and aiding in emotion regulation, citing studies that support these benefits. T...
In this episode of Way-Word Writers, co-hosts Heather Cashman and Nicki Jacobsmeyer introduce Miffie Seideman, a former newborn ICU pharmacist turned author, who combines her extensive knowledge of drugs with her passion for writing. Seideman shares insights from her novel, 'The Grim Reader: A Pharmacist's Guide to Putting Your Characters in Peril', which helps writers incorporate accurate phar...
This episode features Karen Boss, an editor at Charlesbridge Publishing, as she discusses creating standout, realistic characters in publishing. Karen, holding an MA in children's literature and an MA in higher education administration, shares insights from her extensive publishing and editorial experience, alongside personal anecdotes from her travels. The discussion includes developing deep, flawed, an...
In this episode of the Way-Word Writer's Podcast, romance author Mia Brody shares her journey from marketing professional to bestselling author. Mia, known for her Courage County series, often incorporates characters with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or who are neurodivergent, drawing inspiration from her own experiences with muscular dystrophy and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of pre-market...
Disclaimer: Anything stated in this episode is for educational purposes only and not to be used as legal advice.
In this episode of 'Way-Word Writers', hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer address the critical scenario of receiving a book deal without having an agent, a topic prompted by discussions observed on Twitter. The episode covers the dilemma authors face b...
In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts along with guest author Nikki Lenz, explore the intricacies of character development in writing. Nikki Lenz shares her journey from teaching to becoming a published author of middle-grade books, highlighting the role her teaching experience and personal life played in her writing. The discussion delves into the challenges of conveying strong, well-rounded characters ...
Self-Care for Writers: Chiropractic Insights and Essential Oil Tips
This episode of Way-Word Writers features Dr. Erica Patton, a chiropractor who discusses the importance of self-care, especially for individuals who spend extended periods sitting and writing. Dr. Patton shares her background, her journey into chiropractic care motivated by personal experiences with migraines, and the joy of balancing wor...
Unlocking Creativity: The Impact of the Descriptive Thesaurus Collection with Becca Puglisi
This episode of Way-word Writers features Becca Puglisi, co-author of the Descriptive Thesaurus collection and a passionate educator in the writing community. Becca shares her unconventional journey into writing, which began at 30, initially as a means to earn extra income, leading her to explore various genre...
Understanding Ghosting in the Publishing World: Discourse with Way-word Writers
This script covers an interactive dialogue in which the hosts of 'Way-word Writers' discuss ghosting in the publishing industry. The conversation is triggered by questions about ghosting sent by their fans via Twitter. Emphasis is placed on the numerous factors that contribute to ghosting, such as time limitatio...
The script is a comprehensive interview with Susan Chang, a former editor at HarperCollins who then shifted to freelancing. Susan talks about her fascinating journey in the publishing industry. The interview covers a wide range of topics including her experience working with traditional publishing houses and the essential qualities needed for a successful book. Susan also sheds light on her approach to editin...
In this episode of the Way-word Writers podcast, we welcome Dr. Tasha Golden, the director of research at the International Arts and Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Golden discusses the connection between mental health and the arts, and shares her journey from a professional singer-songwriter to a researcher studying the therapeutic properties of art. During the conversation, she touches upon how wr...
On the Way-word Writers podcast, guest Lee Tobin McClain, New York Times best-selling author, discusses her journey as a hybrid author - writing books for traditional publishers and independently publishing her work. She delves into the advantages of being a hybrid author, like multiple sources of income and control over backlist, while highlighting the extensive time commitment and need for business acumen. ...
The episode includes dynamic Bridget E. Baker as the guest, a highly productive and successful indie author. Beginning with an entertaining look into her personal life, filled with family, farm animals, and kickboxing, Baker then dives into the particulars of her writing journey. She talks about her initial attempts at traditional publishing with agents, her transition to self-publishing and the elements invo...
In this episode, acclaimed author Tamara Grantham discusses her journey to success in her path with small (but mighty) publishers, detailing how she started writing, faced rejections, and attended writing classes and conferences before finally publishing her work. Tamara Grantham, author of numerous award-winning fantasy novels, candidly shares her experience with publisher issues and how resilience has helpe...
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