336 / How can selecting the right verbs and a creative approach to language set your writing apart?

Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and author Sarah L. Kaufman shares her passion for verbs, practical tips for vivid writing, and the grammar lessons she wishes every author embraced.

• The power and artistry of verbs in storytelling
• How verb choices have evolved from Shakespeare to Hemingway to today
• The pitfalls of adverbs and “fancy” verbs
• Tips for using active vs. passive voice
• Metaphors, deep POV, and making your language memorable

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📚 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

335 / Are you curious how to unlock your creativity and make your stories truly matter to both yourself and your readers?

Abbie Emmons dives into the psychology of compelling storytelling, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building a thriving community.

• The science behind what makes stories and characters compelling
• How to avoid overwhelm and burnout as a writer
• Why emotional truth matters more than “write what you know”
• Building a vibrant online author community
• Breaking free from rigid writing rules and trusting your inner instincts

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish

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📚 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

334 / Susan Neal is a certified writer coach, health and wellness expert, and the author of ten books including How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month. Susan shared actionable advice for writers who want to grow their careers and stay healthy along the way.

• Transforming your writing with critique groups and editors
• The science behind book marketing and keyword strategies
• Why entering contests can change your sales trajectory
• Building a website that actually attracts readers
• Easy ways for writers to stay healthy and energized

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish

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📚 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

333 / What mindsets and practical strategies can transform setbacks into growth for writers—and what really defines success in a creative career?

A.B. Jackson shares how he successfully pivoted from music marketing to writing and publishing fiction and non-fiction. He unpacks the lessons learned from both industries and how he leverages community and personal growth.

• Changing limiting beliefs and redefining success
• Lessons learned from the music industry
• Building authentic connections with readers
• Managing criticism and unhelpful advice
• Crafting your own marketing approach

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: https://www.tryvellum.com/wish

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• Written Word Podcast about A+ content: https://pod.link/1828995043/episode/Y2QxNDBjZDAtNTI2YS00NGYzLWI5ZjgtY2JmYzU5ZjY0NDM0

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📚 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

332 / How can you craft vivid, sensory-rich books set in places you’ve never visited while thriving as a modern author?

Action-adventure writer Luke Richardson shares insights on transporting readers around the globe and balancing the art and business of writing.

• Incorporating travel and sensory details into fiction
• Tips for writing about locations you haven’t visited
• Deciding how much personal travel experience to include
• The benefits of slowing down production
• In-person travel event with readers
• Podcasting for readers

✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: bookfunnel.com

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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

331 / How can you balance craft and criticism? How do you know when to take feedback and when to reject it?

A.A. Sekhon shares insights on filtering feedback, writing historical fiction, and staying creative when you don’t feel creative or inspired.

• Navigating the difference between writing and marketing skillsets
• The role of constructive vs. destructive criticism
• Finding your first readers and building review momentum
• Leveraging an academic background to enrich storytelling
• Why writing for yourself can unlock creative freedom

✨ This week’s sponsor is BookFunnel.com.

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• Indie Author Magazine article about Sara Rosett: https://indieauthormagazine.com/sara-rosett-shares-how-shes-built-a-cozy-career-in-indie-publishing/

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🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ 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

330 / Curious how authors can turn their books and stories into brands and unique products—while actually making the process work for them? Dana Claire shares how she founded The Inkfluence agency and what she’s learned about successful marketing, Kickstarter campaigns, and brand expansion.

-From author to founder: Dana’s journey and the birth of The Inkfluence
-What authors need to know about overseas book production and special editions
-Kickstarter campaign strategies and common mistakes to avoid
-Expanding author IP into collectibles, novelties, and mass market retail
-The power of tracking, simplifying your marketing, and building the right author mindset

✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://bookfunnel.com

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• Dana Clari DanaClaireBooks.com

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❤️ 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

329 / Have you ever wondered what it takes to narrate or produce an audiobook—and whether you should record your own? Todd Eflin shares insider secrets from his journey as a voice actor, audiobook coach, and narrator, including what authors need to know before jumping into audio.

• Common misconceptions about audiobook production
• When to produce an audiobook
• What authors should consider before narrating their own books
• Technical setup basics for home audiobook recording
• The five essentials of recording quality audio for authors

✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://bookfunnel.com

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• https://buydirectfromauthors.com

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🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ 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