In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, authors Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome western author Doug Osgood to discuss the art of writing Westerns. Doug, a lover of Western storytelling, talks about his journey from reading to writing, the inspiration behind his works, and his meticulous research process. They delve into themes, tropes, and the state of the Western genre today. Doug offers valuable insights on balancing historical accuracy with ...
Aug 19, 2025•34 min
In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the significance of networking in the writing and publishing industry. They outline what networking is, why it's essential, and offer practical tips for writers at all stages of their journey. The conversation covers how to approach networking with authenticity, balance professionalism, and maintain meaningful connections. They also share personal anecdotes, common mistakes, and advice for...
Aug 12, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 82
Send us a text In this Way-Word Writers episode, Senior Literary Agent Heather Cashman engages in an insightful conversation with Aje Roberts, a Senior Commissioning Editor at TOR Bramble, about the genre of Romantasy. They delve into her career journey, the emerging trends in Romantasy, the impact of TikTok on book popularity, the essential elements of viral book success, and the importance of intersectional diversity in publishing. The episode also explores the challenges faced by underreprese...
Aug 04, 2025•48 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, literary agent and authors Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the six Ps of wellbeing in the publishing journey with special guest author and trauma therapist, Danielle Render Turmaud. They delve into topics such as the importance of pausing, patience, persistence, and building a supportive writer community. Danielle shares her insights on how listening to one's body and emotions can guide better responses to stres...
Jul 28, 2025•34 min
Send us a text This episode of Wayward Writers features senior literary agent Heather Cashman, authors Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, and special guest Danielle Render Termeaud. The discussion focuses on the intersection between mental health and the writing journey. Danielle, a trauma therapist and author, introduces her six Ps framework, which aims to help writers maintain mental wellbeing amidst the pressures of the publishing industry. The conversation delves into personal experienc...
Jul 21, 2025•30 min
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, discuss the exhilarating and often complex phase that follows signing with a literary agent. They emphasize the importance of celebrating this achievement while remaining realistic and proactive in one's writing career. Key topics include dealing with mixed emotions, understanding the evolving dynamics of the publishing industry...
Jul 14, 2025•42 min
Send us a text In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Wendy Dale, an acclaimed author and memoir writing coach. Wendy discusses her journey into memoir writing, emphasizing the complexities and common pitfalls writers face. The conversation highlights crucial topics like the importance of structure, the challenges of balancing personal vulnerability with craft, and the necessity of creating an emotional experience for readers. W...
Jul 07, 2025•44 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the key elements of author branding and platform building with special guests Nicole Meyer and Gretchen Schafer. Nicole and Gretchen, the brains behind 'Bookwork,' share their expertise in book coaching and branding strategies to help fiction writers stand out. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of author platforms, tips for crafting compelling pitches, an...
Jul 01, 2025•44 min
Send us a text OUR 75th EPISODE!!! In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss strategies for introverted writers to survive and thrive at writing conferences. The trio explores the differences between introverts and extroverts, shares personal experiences from their first conferences, and provides practical self-care tips. They also emphasize the importance of attending conferences for networking and community building, regardless ...
Jun 24, 2025•39 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by Victoria Strauss, co-founder of Writer Beware. The discussion covers the origins and mission of Writer Beware, types of publishing scams they report on, common mistakes writers make, and steps to verify a potential scam. Victoria shares her experiences investigating scams, highlighting shocking cases, and discussing the evolving landscape of publishing fraud. The episo...
Jun 17, 2025•34 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer delve into the controversial and rapidly evolving topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in the writing and publishing industry. They discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI tools, share personal insights, and consider the ethical implications related to creativity, job replacement, and originality. They also highlight various AI tools for brainstorming and research while ...
Jun 09, 2025•43 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome prolific writer Leslie J. Wyatt to discuss her extensive career. Leslie shares her journey from writing inspired by her mother to publishing romance and middle-grade novels, as well as over 800 articles. Highlights include her initial inspiration, the shift from different genres, the process of writing across multiple genres, and her recent foray into romance writing. Lesl...
Jun 03, 2025•29 min
Send us a text This episode features Jamie Dalton, a YA fantasy author and indie publisher, sharing her journey and strategies in handling the challenging balance of writing, parenting, and business responsibilities. Jamie delves into her writing routine, the evolution of her career, her approach to creative productivity, and the importance of understanding target audiences to create appealing book covers. She also discusses her strategies for marketing, building an organic fan base, and the rol...
May 26, 2025•41 min
Send us a text In this episode of Wayward Writers, USA Today bestselling author Karen Odden joins the show to discuss her fascinating journey from academia to a successful career in historical fiction. Karen shares her background, the inspiration behind her novels, her research process, and the intricate art of developing character backstories. The conversation delves into the importance of personal myths, worldly and personal realms shaping characters, and effective techniques to avoid the dr...
May 20, 2025•37 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer interview Zach Von Zonk, a creative director and children's book author. They delve into Zach's background, including his debut book Old McDonald had a Farm, E-I-UFO and his experience with advertising and storytelling. Zach shares insights on balancing commercial and creative writing, the importance of humor and play in children's books, and the value of illustration. He also discu...
May 13, 2025•43 min
Send us a text Navigating the World of Critique Groups and Partners In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent and author Heather Cashman, writing coach Stephanie Bearce, and author Nicki Jacobsmeyer continue their discussion on critique groups and critique partners. They delve into the structure of different critique groups, the benefits and potential pitfalls, the importance of setting ground rules, and handling tough feedback. The episode also offers personal anecdotes and ins...
May 07, 2025•43 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the important role critique partners and critique groups play in a writer's journey. They explain the differences between critique partners, critique groups, beta readers, and professional editors. The episode covers the benefits and misconceptions of critique groups, how to find and choose the right group, the importance of honest and constructive feedback, and red flags to...
Apr 29, 2025•43 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent and author Heather Cashman, along with authors and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, welcome digital marketing expert Emily Ritter. Emily shares her extensive experience in social media and digital marketing, offering authors valuable insights on how to navigate the complex world of online promotion. Key topics include the misconceptions about social media marketing, identifying target audiences, bala...
Apr 22, 2025•32 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Karen Chan, founder of Gloo Books, a children's publishing company dedicated to creating inclusive and compassionate content. Karen discusses her inspiration behind starting Gloo Books, her journey as an entrepreneur and publisher, and shares valuable insights into the independent publishing industry. The conversation covers the importance of diverse representation in children's ...
Apr 15, 2025•21 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and guest Nicki Jacobsmeyer delve into the world of nonfiction book proposals. They discuss the intricate process of selling a book before it's written, specifically focusing on adult nonfiction. Nicki, who has successfully sold several nonfiction works, shares her journey, challenges, and strategies for writing compelling proposals. The conversation covers the importance of thorough research, building a...
Apr 14, 2025•39 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome accomplished author and historian Valerie Battle Kenzel. The discussion centers on effective book promotion techniques, including creating compelling media pitches, utilizing talking points, engaging with local media, and leveraging social media. Valerie shares her insights on navigating the various facets of book promotion and emphasizes the importance of a proactive, strat...
Apr 01, 2025•44 min
Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer interview Shannon Anderson, an award-winning author and seasoned educator. They explore Shannon's journey from teaching to becoming a prolific author and speaker. She shares valuable tips on transitioning from writing to public speaking, effectively booking speaking engagements, tailoring presentations for various audiences, and managing a busy schedule. Shannon also offers insight...
Mar 24, 2025•39 min
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-driven and voice-y manuscripts, maintaining the author's voice, and offering insights into the revision process. Carina shares her collaborative appro...
Mar 17, 2025•31 min
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, and the process of writing a book series. The episode also covers her approach to character development, crafting puzzles in stories, and the dynamics...
Mar 10, 2025•37 min
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 for audio and foreign rights, her marketing strategies, and the importance of market research. Vera also gives insights into the financial aspects of ...
Mar 03, 2025•30 min
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 mysteries. Lisa shares insights into her writing process, how to manage the balance between detail-oriented editing and creative writing, and the impo...
Feb 24, 2025•39 min
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 without crossing professional boundaries, and underscore the importance of professionalism and correct formatting. Heather also shares insights into her dai...
Feb 17, 2025•40 min
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 contest host. She outlines the importance of writing contests in fostering a supportive community for writers, emphasizing her own '50 Precious Words' con...
Feb 10, 2025•50 min
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 importance of real-life research, character development, and the method of building suspense and plot twists. Wood also reveals his process for immersi...
Feb 03, 2025•44 min
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 the North Street Book Prize and Sarton Woman's Book Award. Evelina provides insights on the importance of community, the advantages and challenges of...
Jan 27, 2025•37 min
