Writing Roots

S51E2 - Being an Author in Reader Spaces

Bad behavior from authors has been causing all sorts of drama across the online book community recently, and much of it stems from authors interacting within reader spaces.
Reader spaces are places like BookTok or Storygraph, where readers go to review, build community, and share their favorite (and sometimes least favorite) books. For authors, those spaces can serve as a great way to find and build an audience - if you don't ostracize anyone in the process.
In this episode, our hosts talk about the benefits and potential pitfalls of being an author in a reader space, and how to best navigate it without ending up infamous in book circles.
First aired February 5, 2024.

S51E1 - How to Handle Being Rejected

Rejection is part of writing. It's a simple fact which, unfortunately, not all writers are prepared to face. Throughout February, we will be discussing author conduct using recent examples of authors behaving badly.
If you've been following author circles in the last six months, you've likely heard of more than one author criticizing reviewers for leaving bad reviews. In some of the worst cases, those authors ultimately tanked their careers because of how they handled rejection.
In this episode, we discuss how to properly handle rejection from readers, contests, agents, and publishers.
First aired February 1, 2024.

S50E9 - Your Unique Journey: This or That?

Part of figuring out yourself as a writer is testing different options along the way. Are you a pantser or plotter or something in between? Do you like doing writing sprints? How much time do you spend on each project in order to get it done? Do you write at scheduled times or as you’re inspired?
Walk through with us as we talk about the different options of your journey to figure out what kind of writer you are or want to be.
First aired January 29, 2024.

S50 Bonus - Publishing on Kickstarter with Oriana Leckert

Funding is one of the most precarious parts of publishing your own books. From the editing to cover design to formatting, it can be an expensive process to undertake on your own. One route many authors have found is through crowdfunding campaigns such as Kickstarter.
We talked with Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, to talk about how crowdfunding can be a useful tool in getting your books out into the world.
First aired January 27, 2024.
Resources:
Kickstarter Publishing
How to Create a Kickstarter Budget
How to Create a Publishing Project Page
How to Promote Your Kickstarter Project
Examples of Kickstarter Publishing Projects
Small Genre
Skyblue
Fraud and Feta
Haunted Haven
Kit and Basie
Anthologies
Death in the Mouth
Crown Collection
Audiobook
Wounds of Ash
The Lost Cause
Stone & Sky
Deluxe Editions
Dragons Rising
The Gilded Blood
The Sea at the End of Everything
Big Genre Projects
Esrahaddon
Seasons of Shadowhunters
Wraithmarked
Other Resources
Kickstarter for Authors Facebook Group
Writer MBA – Russel Nohelty

S50E8 - Your Unique Journey: The Path

Each writing journey is a totally unique experience, and it’s not just because each book is unique. When you start along the path of writing and maybe even publishing a book, you have to understand that no other author’s journey is going to be a perfect fit for you as well. Things would be a lot easier if there was some perfect formula to follow, but there simply isn’t.
Instead, writing is about discovering your own path. It may be similar to someone else, even being a parallel at times. But eventually, you will come across a fork that will take you in a branching direction. In this episode, we take a look at why your journey is unique and how understanding what makes it yours will help make the process easier.
First aired January 25, 2024.

S50E7 - Making the Choice to Monetize

When you are writing, we always want you to focus on creating the story for yourself. Inevitably, however, there comes a time when you will likely consider sending that story into the world for readers to consume. Making that choice to monetize – whether through direct sales or as a marketing hook for other stories – isn’t always easy.
In this episode, we discuss things you should consider when approaching the topic of when and how to monetize your writing.
First aired January 22, 2024.

S50E6 - Arming Yourself with Writing Tools

Much of writing is having the right tools in your toolbox. Finding those can be complicated, especially if you’re just getting started. It boils down to being open to learn, to grow and to change your perception of your own writing journey.
First aired January 18, 2024.

S50E5 - Get Yourself a Writing Community

Writing is not a solitary experience. Though you may be alone while you are actually writing, having a community around you of other writers is essential for the process. A community of writers means you have a support system, encouragement when you need it, and even advice when you run up against a wall with your writing.
Discover ways to find a writing community for you, whether in-person or online, by listening to this episode.
First aired January 15, 2024.

S40E4 - Take Advice With a Grain of Salt

You might think it strange to hear this advice from a podcast based solely on the idea of giving advice to authors, but this idea to take all advice with a grain of salt is embedded into how we operate. After all, isn’t that what writing selfishly means?
When getting advice about writing, you should never apply an “all or none” sort of attitude. Your story is not for everyone, so everyone’s opinion does not actually matter. It’s important to develop the skill of listening and applying appropriately as your story needs. We talk about how to achieve that balance.
First aired January 11, 2024.
 

S50E3 - Write Now, Edit Later

One of the most common reasons we see for why people don’t finish their books is because they try to edit as they go. While everyone has their own process, trying to edit before the book is done often leads to a never-ending cycle of trying to achieve perfection.
In this episode, we discuss the process of writing and publishing, and why it’s important to write now and edit later.
First aired January 8, 2024.