#AmWriting

92: #HowToBeABadass

February 02, 2018 06:32 - 49 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ talk about sticking to your guns, even as a new author, with Jennifer Weiner. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

91: #Co-WritinginHollywood

January 26, 2018 06:40 - 36 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ speak with fellow writers and podcasters Liz Craft and Sarah Fain about writing for screens both big and little, and how it works writing with someone else. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

90: #NotJustStuntJournalism

January 19, 2018 06:38 - 40 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ speak with journalist AJ Jacobs. He discusses his version of immersion journalism and how he might be related to you. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

89: #StructureIsGood

January 12, 2018 06:12 - 39 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ get back to the basics add structure to their writing lives. Now that you’ve got your goals set for the year, how do you stay on track. Jess learns to keep better records and KJ has rec for a useful app. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

88: #OrganicStory

January 05, 2018 06:04 - 42 minutes

…in which Jess and KJ are joined by Sarina Bowen as they speak with novelist Kristan Higgins about how she got her start, learned to grapple with the work of writing, and managed to successfully transition from one genre to another. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

87: #ReadySetGoals3

December 29, 2017 06:42 - 31 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ share their words of the year, as well as their goals for 2018. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

86: #GoalReview

December 22, 2017 06:43 - 36 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ...wait for it...review their goals and their words of the year for 2017 (see episode 34). Might be worth reviewing yours. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

85: #BookCoach

December 15, 2017 06:33 - 48 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ talk with book coach Jennie Nash. How a book coach supports writers, and how to find one for yourself. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

84: #WritersGifts 2

December 08, 2017 06:03 - 42 minutes

…in which Jess and KJ, eventually, share their (and listener) ideas about the perfect items for your gift list or for the writer in your life. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

83: #NaNoWriMoWrap

December 01, 2017 06:38 - 40 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ close out National Novel Writing Month, find out how they fared, and what they dropped from their routines to make time to write all their extra words. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

82: #ATouchofthePoet

November 24, 2017 06:01 - 43 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ discuss with their guest, poet Lauren Halderman, how one gets started in poetry...and keeps it going. And is it really like writing code? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

81: #AcademicPress

November 17, 2017 06:46 - 52 minutes

….in which Jess and KJ speak with Devorah Heitner about the nature of academic presses, and her...unique experience as she shepherded her first book to print. Academic presses, prices and audience, speaking career - building an audience; and her ...unique experience in publishing. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

80: #NaNoWriMo3

November 10, 2017 06:09 - 33 minutes

….in which Jess and KJ update us on their word counts after week 1 of NaNoWriMo. Jess gets lots done in the airport and KJ comes clean about the voices in her head. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

79: #NaNoWriMo2

November 03, 2017 05:09 - 34 minutes

…in which Jess and KJ are psyched for the beginning of November, discuss final prep like clearing the decks and the dining room table. And if you’re not doing NaNoWriMo, make November a “make your goal” month! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

78: #NaNonFiWriMo

October 27, 2017 05:29 - 40 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ share tips about surviving (and succeeding) NaNoWriMo whether your writing fiction or non. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

77: #GhostWriting

October 20, 2017 05:56 - 41 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ welcome Meg Lukens Noonan, who walks us through some of the ins and outs of the ghost writing business; she also tells the tale of her own book. PRODUCER'S NOTE: Sorry folks, I mistakenly uploaded last week's episode! Download this episode again to listen to this week's episode. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

76: #FaceTime

October 13, 2017 05:21 - 40 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ laud the value of meeting and learning from your colleagues. KJ updates us on progress with her edits, and Jess needed a change of scenery. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

75: #NovelPreparations

October 06, 2017 05:45 - 44 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ grill superstar guest Sarina Bowen about what you need before you sit down to write your novel next month. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

74: #ListenerQuestions 2

September 29, 2017 05:56 - 43 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ open the mailbag and answer your questions, like how do you know when you’re finished with research? And how to do all this with a day job? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

73: #OpenYourMouth

September 22, 2017 05:00 - 40 minutes

...in which author/illustrator Katherine Roy tutors Jess and KJ on the process of pitching and selling an illustrated book; and the power of talking to people about your project. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

72: #NaNoWriMoPrep

September 15, 2017 05:37 - 36 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ begin putting their affairs in order ahead of National Novel Writing Month. Jess is finishing up her sample chapter and KJ doesn’t know what her next project is. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

71: #YouAndYourBookstore

September 08, 2017 05:14 - 45 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ chat with Mary Laura Philpott about the advantages of cultivating a relationship with your local bookseller, before you even have a book! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

70: #Fresh Fall Starts

September 01, 2017 05:18 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ celebrate the third new year of the year with a cathartic re-org and prep for the last productive time of year before the holidays. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

69: #FromAtoBook

August 25, 2017 05:11 - 36 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ chat with Catherine Pearlman about the entire process from creating a platform, to finding an agent, to writing the proposal, and building an audience. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

68: #HireAPublicist

August 18, 2017 05:42 - 45 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ weigh whether it may be time for you to hire a publicist, whether you might just need an assistant and other solutions. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

67: #MysteryWriting

August 11, 2017 05:31 - 39 minutes

…in which Jess and KJ speak with mystery writer Sarah Stuart Taylor about what make a good mystery, and the dangers of passwords and four-year olds. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

66: #CrunchedForTime

August 04, 2017 05:46 - 29 minutes

…in which Jess and KJ touch base briefly about moving the needles on a couple of projects, while feeling a little pinched by too many others. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

65: #SummerWriting

July 28, 2017 05:06 - 42 minutes

...in which Jess, KJ and Sarina compare notes about addressing notes, the perils of “summer brain,” and what makes for a productive writing environment. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

64: #PubDay

July 21, 2017 15:00 - 32 minutes

...in which guest host Sarina Bowen joins KJ to discuss how to celebrate the day your writing goes public. From panicking to practicalities, how to spend your day of jubilation. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

63: #Priorities

July 14, 2017 05:49 - 43 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ discuss how best to make hay whilst the sun shines, and the importance of balancing work with leisure and sleep. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

62: #WhatIsADraft

July 07, 2017 05:35 - 33 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ dig into the nuances and vagaries of knowing when a draft is finished enough to submit. KJ’s having trouble settling into the summer and Jess has a new research org tip. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

61: #AcademicStuff

June 30, 2017 05:08 - 41 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ welcome author Tim Lahey and discuss the traps and tricks of jumping from the annals of academic literature to the popular press. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

60:#CheckingIn

June 23, 2017 05:58 - 36 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ take stock; everything from the daily word goal, daily routine v. summer hours and their words of the year is under the microscope. Also some tips on staying on top of your growing mountain of research. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

59: #BeginnersFiction

June 16, 2017 05:16 - 36 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ share their anxieties about writing outside their comfort zone...fiction! Also tips on how to survive a writers group. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

58: #ChangingSeasons

June 09, 2017 05:59 - 39 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ celebrate the arrival of summer by changing up their work schedules. And it’s a good time to take stock of your writing goals. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

57: #WritingIsHard

June 01, 2017 05:26 - 40 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ compare notes about when your writing takes you in unexpected directions; they also have tips on writing and submitting for anthologies. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

56: #TravelWriting

May 26, 2017 05:04 - 37 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ sit down with travel writer Heather Greenwood Davis; Davis offers tips about getting started in this field, and shares her experiences about her year traveling with her family. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

55: #HumorWriting

May 19, 2017 05:37 - 39 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ sit down with award-winning humor writer Wendi Aarons and dig in to her career and her craft. Tips on becoming a humor writer, selling that funny stuff, and rules of the comedy road. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

54: #ListenerQuestions

May 15, 2017 10:58 - 41 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ field listener questions; like how and whether to move forward in the face of rejection? How to become a blog contributor? How do you construct a social media strategy? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

53: #BookProposals

May 05, 2017 13:41 - 41 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ walk us through the devils in the details of a book proposal, KJ turns in her manuscript and finds herself adrift, and Jess gamifies her writing with stickers. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

52: #WritingAdvice

April 28, 2017 05:48 - 42 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ digest really good bits of writing advice from other writers (like King and Vonnegut) and editors; they also argue the merits of semicolons and other punctuation. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

51: #BeingAnonymous

April 21, 2017 05:57 - 32 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ consider when you can or when you should use a nom de plume or no nom at all. They also debate the pros and cons of anonymizing your sources. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

50: #WriteMore

April 14, 2017 05:29 - 34 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ compare notes about time management tools and share parts of the job they’re tiring of; Jess rethinks speaking agents and KJ contemplates strategies for writing away from home. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

49: #BooksForWriters

April 07, 2017 05:03 - 40 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ recommend many and sundry books to get you or the aspiring writer in your life excited about writing, some inspiring, some practical. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

48: #StickWithIt

March 31, 2017 05:14 - 41 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ confess to not playing hooky as much as it might sound. KJ updates us on her Burn Chart and her looming May 1st deadline, and Jess shares some tools for working with editors. Also the dangers of cooking with wine, and where do dogs come from? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

47: #SpeakingCircuit 2

March 24, 2017 05:36 - 39 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ have more tips on fostering a speaking career. Jess explains the true purpose of the green M&M contract rider, and shares many other things she’s learned on the Speaking Circuit...the hard way. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

46: #GiveItARest

March 17, 2017 05:11 - 44 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ grapple with the challenge of not getting things done, and that’s OK! KJ’s on a media diet as her manuscript deadline looms, and Jess is repurposing work and taking naps. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

45: #FamilyMemoir

March 10, 2017 06:03 - 43 minutes

..in which Jess and KJ talk with Meghan Walbert about Foster Parent Diary, her column about foster parenting from the New York Times. They discuss the many perils that come with writing about real people, especially your family, like how to share without over-sharing, how to write about your kids and the need for editors who have your back. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

44: #GetTheFacts

March 03, 2017 06:21 - 43 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ emphasize the importance of good research. They explains the many facets of conducting primary research, from hiring a pollster to interviewing a source; otherwise read everything you can and keep your research straight (see episode 7)! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

43: #SpeakingCircuit

February 25, 2017 00:49 - 41 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ talk through turning a writing career into a speaking career. Jess has tips on how much to charge, how and who to pitch and other ways to jump-start your speaking career. And KJ updates us on her book progress, including that famous burn chart. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

Episodes

Twitter Mentions