At Authors Talking Bookish, our mission is to dedicate ourselves to inspiring writers and readers by providing the-road-to-publishing insights from two debut novelists who learned the hard way and discussing our love of books from the writer’s perspective.
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
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
In 2022, Publisher’s Marketplace announced its decision to retire the term “Women’s Fiction” as a genre because they “aim not to presume or define a book’s audience, or categorize books, by gender.” In this episode, we’ll take a look at the effects of their decision, its implications and the status of “Women’s Fiction” as a genre today. SHOW NOTES: Women’s Fiction Writers Association definition of Women’s Fiction: “layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey.” How we define Women’s Fiction as writers Criticism of “Women’s Fiction”: “Arbitrary” “Sexist” “Limited” “Perpetuates stereotypes” “Too Broad” Gender stereotyping Marginalizing women The problem with retiring “Women’s Fiction” Genre Characteristics: Audience Issues Authors Exceptions: Men writing women’s fiction Women writing women’s fiction with male protagonists Genre Label Confusion/Misconceptions: Writing Style: Commercial, upmarket, literary Commercial: plot-driven, fast paced, trope-based Literary: slowed-pace, character-driven, elevated prose, depth of characterization, layered themes and motifs Upmarket: contains elements of both Timeframe: Historical, Contemporary, or a blend Target Audience: children, YA, adult.. Type: paranormal, dystopian, western, romance… Where does Women’s Fiction fit? SOURCES & LINKS: Women’s Fiction Writers Association Publishers Marketplace “Embracing the Women’s Fiction Genre Label” By Orly Konig, the founding president of WFWA “Genre and Gender: Grappling With the Awkward Question of ‘Women’s’ Fiction,” Writer Unboxed, by Barbara Linn Probst “What Do We Really Mean By ‘Women’s Fiction’?” Lit Hub, by Rachel Howard “Genre Guide: Women’s Fiction, Upmarket, Romance, Literary…?” by Lidija Hilje 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
One year ago, Hope and Donna sought to embark on a journey to bring a writing, publishing, and marketing podcast to writers. The goal was to address the many learning opportunities brought about through their journeys as debut authors. This mission was to teach aspiring writers about everything they learned the hard way to clear a path for success for other writers. Join Hope and Donna as they look back at their first year of podcasting. SHOWNOTES: How the seed of starting a podcast sprouted and what needed to be done for it to fully blossom. First Year Stats What have we learned? How do we come up with ideas? What is our process? What was your favorite episode? A Look Ahead? Feedback??
In this episode, we explore the essentials of building a successful author website, covering key elements like design and content, as well as practical tools and tips to enhance your online presence. Tune in to learn how to establish your credibility, connect with readers, and effectively market your books through a professional and engaging website. SHOWNOTES: Importance of an Author Website Domain Name Design your own website or hire someone? Author Website Key Elements of a Successful Author Website Remember: Use High-resolution photos Choose a color scheme and font that you can carry throughout all of your marketing materials–stay on-brand. Keep it consistent LINKS & SOURCES: Hope’s Website: https://www.authorhopegibbs.com Donna’s Website: https://www.donnanormancarbone.com Go Daddy Wordpress Wix Best Web Hosting of 2024: Forbes Advisor Hague Consulting “Unpublished Writers Websites,” Jane Friedman “Step-by-step Guide to Build an Author Website” Writer’s Digest DO NOW: Google some of your favorite author websites for inspiration. Think of design ideas that work with your author brand. Create a domain name. Weigh the pros and cons of designing a website yourself or should you hire a web designer.