Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by Carina Licon, Assistant Editor at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, part of the Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. The discussion navigates through Carina's editorial process—emphasizing the importance of character-…

Send us a text In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer delve into Stephanie Bearce's writing journey and the release of her new book, 'The Secret of Moonrise Manor.' Stephanie shares insights into her career, including transitions from nonfiction to fiction, overcoming personal challenges, …

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer interview Vera Ray, a fantasy romance author from Storm Literary Agency. Vera shares her long journey from traditional to self-publishing, including struggles, successes, and lessons learned. She discusses her decision to get an agent …

Send us a text In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bierce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer welcome Lisa Q. Matthews, a seasoned editor and author of cozy mysteries. The discussion explores Lisa's unique career transition from editing popular children's series like Nancy Drew and Lizzie McGuire Mysteries to writing adult cozy …

Send us a text ​​In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman joins authors and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer to discuss the intricate process of navigating query letters. They delve into the key elements Heather looks for in a query letter, offer valuable advice on personalizing queries withou…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer introduce Vivian Kirkfield, an adventurous author with a unique journey into writing that began with skydiving at the age of 64. Vivian shares her inspiring path from kindergarten teacher to a celebrated children's book author and cont…

Send us a text ​In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome USA Today bestselling thriller author Simon Wood. Wood shares insights into his whirlwind career shift from race car driver to writer, describing how his diverse experiences influence his gripping thrillers. He discusses the i…

Send us a text ​​In this engaging episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome USA Today bestselling author Nicole Evelina. Nicole shares her inspiring journey from self-publishing to becoming a hybrid author, detailing her rigorous writing process and the numerous awards she has won, including…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, the hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, engage with Matt Kay, CEO of Bindery Books, and Meg​han Harvey, Co-founder and President. They discuss Bindery Books' revolutionary publishing model that leverages 'tastemaker' influencers to lead imprints and engage with their au…

Send us a text In this special anniversary episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, author and writing coach Stephanie Bearce, and author and writing coach Nicki Jacobsmeyer celebrate one year of their podcast. They emphasize their mission to support writers in all genres and publishing paths through various platforms. Th…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by editor Foyinsi Adigbonmire from Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Children's. The discussion delves into the intricacies of creating a distinctive narrative voice, the difference between character and narrative vo…

Send us a text In this milestone episode of Way-Word Writers, Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer reflect on their journey of creating the podcast, expressing gratitude for the community they have built. The trio discusses personal challenges, growth, and the value of fostering connections within the writing community. They sha…

Send us a text In this episode of Way​-word ​Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Dr. Cristie Ritz King, an expert in trauma and maternal mental health, to discuss how to write authentically and sensitively about mental health issues. Dr. King shares her journey from a teacher to a trauma therapist, and of…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer speak with Naomi Kirsten, a seasoned freelance editor, creative consultant, and former Chronicle Books editor. Naomi shares her extensive experience in the publishing industry, discussing the importance of thinking like an editor, the …

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie ​B​earce, and Ni​cki Jacobsmeyer introduce children's book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison. Darcy, who has written over 70 award-winning books​,​ with some translated into 10 languages, shares her journey from traditional publishing to becoming a successf…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer dive into the topic of imposter syndrome. They define what imposter syndrome is, discuss the various types identified by Dr. Valerie Young, and explore how it affects writers. The hosts share personal experiences and offer advice on ho…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman and authors and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer chat with Anna Orenstein-Cardona, a children's author and financial educator. They discuss the financial realities of the publishing industry, from advances to royalties, and offer valuable…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer chat with Kathleen Sweeney, COO of Book Brush, about the essential tools and strategies for authors to boost their book marketing efforts. Kathleen provides insights into how authors can use Book Brush’s platform to create visually app…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, and authors Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, discuss their favorite craft books. They explore a range of topics from the importance of foundational language skills to techniques for structuring and enhancing storytelling. Each host shares personal insi…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome ghostwriter Loren Stevens. Loren shares her journey into ghostwriting, which started with her writing her mother's biography. Her impressive resume includes over 40 books, with clients spanning diverse backgrounds and stories. …

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer talk with Leyla Erkan, Acquiring Editor at Christy Ottaviano Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. Leyla shares insights into her journey from an editorial assistant to acquiring editor, her passion for various genres, and her thou…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the intricacies of the acquisitions process in trade publishing. They offer a detailed walkthrough of what happens after a manuscript is submitted, including the roles of agents and editors, the significance of second reads, an…

Send us a text A quick informational video all about Way-Word Writers' upcoming retreat!Von Way-Word Writers

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer chat with author Bethany Hegedus about her eight phases of the literary life. Bethany discusses her inspirations and the journey of launching the Courage to Create community. The episode delves into the different phases from 'dreamer' …

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, along with authors and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, welcomes author Bethany Hegedus. They discuss Hegedus's journey from New York to Austin, her founding of the Writing Barn, and her approach to fostering a vibrant writing community…

Send us a text In this episode of 'Way-Word Writers,' hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome USA Today best-selling author Jennifer E. Hilt to discuss her work 'The Trope Thesaurus.' Jennifer shares her insights into why tropes are essential building blocks in storytelling, how they can be effectively utilized and de…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by editor Kade Dishmon from Holiday House. The discussion delves into what publishers look for in authors, the significance of perseverance in writing, and the advantages and disadvantages of working with small to midsize pu…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer sit down with author Meredith Tate to discuss her journey as a writer and explore common plotting pitfalls. Meredith shares her methods for plotting and character development, offers insights into balancing plot and character arcs, and…

Send us a text In this episode of Way​-W​ord Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie B​e​arce, and Ni​cki Jacobsmeyer discuss strategies to improve time management for writers. They cover various methods such as time blocking, day theming, and the Pomodoro technique, share personal experiences, and highlight the importance of setting goals, creat…

Send us a text In this episode of Way​-​Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie B​e​arce, and Ni​cki Jacobsmeyer introduce Ines Johnson, an indie author specializing in reimagining fairy tales and folklore. The discussion explores Ines’s journey from screenwriting to self-publishing, and her success in contemporary and paranormal romance gen…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome acclaimed historical fiction writer Pat Wahler. The discussion delves into Pat's journey from an avid reader and writer of fan fiction to an award-winning author. Pat shares insights on her writing process, the importance of jo…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Amy Collins from Talcott Notch Literary Agency. Amy delves into the essential elements of writing a compelling novel synopsis, sharing her 17-question method and practical tips. The discussion covers the importance of character…

Send us a text In this episode of 'Way-word Writers,' Nicki, Heather, and Stephanie discuss the vital role research plays in both fiction and nonfiction writing. They emphasize how research grounds a story in realism, enhancing the reader’s ability to suspend disbelief and making the story more compelling. Heather, an agent, shares how she can diff…

Send us a text In this episode of Way​-w​ord Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, and authors Stephanie Bierce and Nikki Jacobsmeyer discuss the importance of incorporating themes and layers into storytelling with award-winning author Jodi Feldman. Jodi shares her journey into writing, her thoughts on the evolution of her thematic approa…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer welcome author Sarah Angleton to discuss her journey into writing historical fiction. Sarah shares insights into her research process, the challenges of writing about real historical figures, and her experience with both traditional an…

Send us a text In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the compelling world of indie bookselling with Emily Schrone from Main Street Books in St. Charles, Missouri, and Mickey George, an author and bookseller at King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, Utah. They engage in a livel…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather and Nicki have an in-depth conversation with Parnaz Foroutan. Parnaz shares her journey from being an Iranian refugee to becoming an acclaimed author. She dives into the challenges and rewards of writing about her family's history, offering insights into the processes of research and…

Send us a text In episode 25 of Way-word Writers, the hosts delve into the critical 'agent call' — a pivotal moment in a writer's career. They discuss the significance of the call, provide advice on preparation, and explore key questions to ask, such as the agent's style, experience, and communication preferences. The episode also includes insights…

Send us a text On this episode of Way-Word Writers, Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer sit down with Jess Townes, a children's author and bookseller, to discuss the emotional arc in picture books. The conversation delves into how Jess crafts her stories, drawing inspiration from reading children's books and using her experienc…

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, Nikki Jacobsmeyer, and author Brad R. Cook discuss the technique of story graphing with author Brad R. Cook. Brad shares his diverse background in writing—from playwriting and corporate writing to his role as a co-publisher and acquisitions editor. He expla…

Send us a text 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…

Send us a text 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 expl…

Send us a text 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 fict…

Send us a text 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 intere…

Send us a text 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 set…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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, an…

Send us a text 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 Chara…

Send us a text 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 anecdot…

Send us a text 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 mus…