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In this episode, Janeen Ippolito explores the age-old debate of night owls versus early birds in the context of creativity and productivity. She shares her personal experiences of balancing a demanding schedule while nurturing her creative side. Janeen emphasizes the importance of finding a rhythm that works for each individual, acknowledging that sleep patterns and productivity can vary greatly. She encourages listeners to embrace their unique creative seasons and to prioritize rest and self-care, ultimately advocating for a personalized approach to creativity.TakeawaysCreativity can thrive at any time of dayPersonal experiences shape our creative processesFinding your rhythm is key to productivitySleep patterns vary - embrace what works for youDon't let societal pressures dictate your scheduleNaps can be beneficial for night owlsRest is essential for long-term creativity
In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito emphasizes the significance of world building in science fiction and fantasy writing. She encourages authors to embrace the joy of creating unique worlds and to remember the importance of this aspect in their narratives. Ippolito discusses the challenges that come with writing in these genres, highlighting the extra work involved in developing cultures and settings. She also shares personal insights on maintaining excitement and balance in storytelling, urging writers to reconnect with the joy of their creative process.TakeawaysWorld building is a crucial element in storytelling.Authors should enjoy the process of creating their worlds.Science fiction and fantasy genres require more effort in world building.World building can convey messages in a subtle way.It's important to maintain excitement about your story world.Authors can lose sight of their passion when focused on deadlines.
In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito shares her predictions for the publishing industry in 2025, focusing on the impact of AI, the rise of personal branding, the evolution of direct sales, and the changing dynamics of author communities. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking amidst information overload, the need for authors to establish their unique identities, and the challenges of managing profit margins in a competitive market. Ippolito also discusses the implications of tribalism in literature and the potential shifts in publishing models. Takeaways -AI will become more prevalent in publishing-Personal branding will rise as a counter to AI-Direct sales will become more decentralized and competitive-Content inclusion and exclusion will shape author communities-Profit margins will be harder to maintain-Short-term collaborations may replace traditional publishing models
In this episode, Janeen Ippolito reflects on the challenges and expectations that come with the New Year, particularly for authors. She discusses the importance of evaluating one's progress and setting realistic goals, emphasizing the need for a personalized creative calendar that aligns with individual rhythms. Janeen also shares her strategies for streamlining content creation and managing social media presence, encouraging listeners to let go of unnecessary pressures and focus on what truly matters in their author journey.takeawaysThe New Year can bring mixed feelings of accomplishment and disappointment.It's important to evaluate what truly matters in your author life.Creating a personalized creative calendar can alleviate pressure.Sometimes doing less can lead to greater productivity.Self-reflection is key to understanding your goals and ambitions.Letting go of certain expectations can be liberating.Consistency in content creation is more important than perfection.Social media presence should align with your personal goals.Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they didn't work before.Focus on what matters to you and your creative journey.
In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito discusses the critical role of theme and message in storytelling. She emphasizes that understanding and effectively communicating these elements can significantly enhance a book's connection with readers. The discussion covers the definitions of theme and message, their importance in narrative structure, and practical tips for authors to identify and convey these concepts in their writing. Janeen also highlights the value of beta readers in the editing process and the impact of reader expectations on theme and message communication.
In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito shares her personal journey through the challenges of writing, emphasizing the importance of humility, faith, and patience. She discusses the struggles of completing her latest book, the lessons learned in waiting for inspiration, and the significance of trusting God throughout the creative process. Janeen encourages writers to embrace both the joys and difficulties of storytelling, reminding them that their worth is not tied to their work but to their faith.
In this episode, Janeen Ippolito discusses the intricate relationship between world building and genre in science fiction and fantasy writing. She emphasizes the importance of understanding genre definitions, cultural influences, and reader expectations. The conversation provides practical tips for authors on how to navigate the complexities of genre research and effectively connect with their target audience.• World building is essential for defining genre in speculative fiction.• Genres are influenced by cultural factors, including economic needs and reader expectations.• Readers of sci-fi and fantasy particularly seek immersive world building.• Understanding genre requires reading widely within the genre and its subgenres.• Successful authors can provide insights into genre-specific tropes and expectations.• Engaging with reader communities can reveal what audiences expect from a genre.• Trial and error is a natural part of the genre research process.• Authors can influence genre evolution through innovative storytelling.• Crossover effects from other media can shape genre trends.• The choice of genre and its elements ultimately lies with the author.
In this episode of the Author Culture Podcast, Janeen Ippolito explores the balance between writing faster and writing better. She discusses the importance of understanding one's writing process, the trade-offs involved in increasing word count, and practical tips for enhancing writing speed without sacrificing quality. Plus, why your word count speed might just come down to font choice.Writing faster doesn't always mean writing better.It's essential to assess if increasing word count really matters to you.Quality can suffer when focusing solely on speed.Understanding your genre can help set realistic writing goals.Creating a writing process that works for you is crucial.Using community-based incentives can boost your writing productivity.Font choice can influence your writing speed.
In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito explores the pivotal questions authors face regarding the significance of their work. She emphasizes the importance of asking not just why their writing matters, but whether it matters at all. Through personal anecdotes and insights, she encourages authors to confront uncomfortable truths about their motivations and the changing landscape of the publishing industry. The discussion highlights the necessity of self-discovery, adaptability, and finding deeper reasons for pursuing a writing career beyond financial gain.Every author questions if their work matters at some point.Asking 'does it matter?' is crucial for author longevity.Change is hard, but necessary for growth in the author journey.The publishing industry is chaotic and requires adaptability.You are allowed to shift your focus and priorities as an author.Self-discovery is key to understanding your motivations.It's okay to let go of projects that no longer resonate with you.
Want exclusive, secret sauce questions for identifying your ideal readers? What about incorporating theme into your story? How about bumping up your series read-through? Janeen Ippolito tackles all of this and more in this info-packed episode of the Author Elevate Podcast, where she answers a pile of your questions. Plus, she dares to make some predictions for 2024 (and then of course, invites you to use according to your unique goals). Sit down and get ready to take notes in this value-packed final episode of 2023!
Want exclusive, secret sauce questions for identifying your ideal readers? What about incorporating theme into your story? How about bumping up your series read-through? Janeen Ippolito tackles all of this and more in this info-packed episode of the Author Elevate Podcast, where she answers a pile of your questions. Plus, she dares to make some predictions for 2024 (and then of course, invites you to use according to your unique goals). Sit down and get ready to take notes in this value-packed final episode of 2023!
Talk about your book all the time. No, in fact, never talk about your book, because that's salesy. No, wait - “write to market” so you don't waste your time. Sound familiar? Janeen Ippolito tackles 5 Common Book Marketing Myths in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Includes what marketing really is, why asking is a powerful tool, and the importance of mastering your motivation. Plus, the difference between “sales” and “salesy”. Tune in for this myth-busting episode!
Talk about your book all the time. No, in fact, never talk about your book, because that's salesy. No, wait - “write to market” so you don't waste your time. Sound familiar? Janeen Ippolito tackles 5 Common Book Marketing Myths in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Includes what marketing really is, why asking is a powerful tool, and the importance of mastering your motivation. Plus, the difference between “sales” and “salesy”. Tune in for this myth-busting episode!
Calling all authors of middle grade fiction! Or potential authors. Or people who read middle grade fiction–or have kids who read it. Check out this episode with Janeen Ippolito and award winning middle grade author JJ Johnson. Includes how JJ started writing about plastic dinos and living snot, some pitfalls to avoid when writing for middle grade, and how he grew his platform and sales during the pandemic. Plus, what makes JJ a marketing rebel, and how he gets away with it.
Calling all authors of middle grade fiction! Or potential authors. Or people who read middle grade fiction–or have kids who read it. Check out this episode with Janeen Ippolito and award winning middle grade author JJ Johnson. Includes how JJ started writing about plastic dinos and living snot, some pitfalls to avoid when writing for middle grade, and how he grew his platform and sales during the pandemic. Plus, what makes JJ a marketing rebel, and how he gets away with it.
What happens when you get personal with your writing–but then also want to sell it? Is it possible to write through your joy or grief, and make it marketable? Join host Janeen Ippolito and guest author and writing coach Sharon Hughson as they discuss personal inspiration and vulnerability in storytelling. Includes how to navigate using experiences you walked through with others, how to deal with negative reviews of vulnerable stories, and how to separate your internal processing from the message you want to communicate to readers. Plus, Sharon gives a very equine answer to the episode's 1 Random Question.
What happens when you get personal with your writing–but then also want to sell it? Is it possible to write through your joy or grief, and make it marketable? Join host Janeen Ippolito and guest author and writing coach Sharon Hughson as they discuss personal inspiration and vulnerability in storytelling. Includes how to navigate using experiences you walked through with others, how to deal with negative reviews of vulnerable stories, and how to separate your internal processing from the message you want to communicate to readers. Plus, Sharon gives a very equine answer to the episode's 1 Random Question.
Overwhelmed with author life? Not sure how to keep going? Janeen Ippolito shares some of our secret sauce tips for a sustainable author career in this episode of the Author Elevate podcast. Includes one essential investment to make, one skill experienced authors have mastered, and why we at Author Elevate keep harping on goals (hint: they really do matter). Plus, we discuss how to prep (and when to avoid) Black Friday promotions for your book.
Overwhelmed with author life? Not sure how to keep going? Janeen Ippolito shares some of our secret sauce tips for a sustainable author career in this episode of the Author Elevate podcast. Includes one essential investment to make, one skill experienced authors have mastered, and why we at Author Elevate keep harping on goals (hint: they really do matter). Plus, we discuss how to prep (and when to avoid) Black Friday promotions for your book.
Want to attract raving fans to your story? What about positive reviews and excited endorsements? We've got you covered in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Janeen Ippolito dives into what story elements readers rave about, why your book ending is crucial, and why sometimes it has nothing to do with your writing. Plus, in Our Take we discuss NaNoWriMo - good reasons to do it, and good reasons to skip!
Want to attract raving fans to your story? What about positive reviews and excited endorsements? We've got you covered in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Janeen Ippolito dives into what story elements readers rave about, why your book ending is crucial, and why sometimes it has nothing to do with your writing. Plus, in Our Take we discuss NaNoWriMo - good reasons to do it, and good reasons to skip!
Is social media actually worth your time? Does it work for your genre–even if you're not giving away candles? Janeen Ippolito and special guest cohost Amy C. Williams tackle healthy, practical approaches to social media for fiction authors in this episode of the Author Elevate podcast. Includes how to choose a channel, when to ditch social media completely, and other methods for community building. Plus, why having multiple online communication channels is essential for author life.
Is social media actually worth your time? Does it work for your genre–even if you're not giving away candles? Janeen Ippolito and special guest cohost Amy C. Williams tackle healthy, practical approaches to social media for fiction authors in this episode of the Author Elevate podcast. Includes how to choose a channel, when to ditch social media completely, and other methods for community building. Plus, why having multiple online communication channels is essential for author life.
Learning more skills is one of the best ways to level up in your author life and book business. But how do you know which course, book, or program is worth your time? Janeen Ippolito dives into key questions to ask in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Includes how to vet the instructor, how to check the course content will work for you, and how to evaluate if this book, course, or program is right for your budget. Plus, in the weekly Our Take we tackle promoting your book after a rebrand (and when you shouldn't bother).
Learning more skills is one of the best ways to level up in your author life and book business. But how do you know which course, book, or program is worth your time? Janeen Ippolito dives into key questions to ask in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Includes how to vet the instructor, how to check the course content will work for you, and how to evaluate if this book, course, or program is right for your budget. Plus, in the weekly Our Take we tackle promoting your book after a rebrand (and when you shouldn't bother).
Need a side hustle while you're waiting for your books to take off? Enjoy helping authors and doing routine, detail oriented tasks? Then becoming an author assistant might be the right move for you! But before you jump in, Janeen Ippolito discusses the pros and cons of author assistant work in this episode of Author Elevate. Includes key questions to ask yourself before deciding to become an assistant, the differences between author assistance work and other kinds of author services, and how to connect with your ideal clients. Plus, in this week's Our Take we discuss the Messy Middles of stories and how to make sure your story keeps readers riveted all the way to the end!
Need a side hustle while you're waiting for your books to take off? Enjoy helping authors and doing routine, detail oriented tasks? Then becoming an author assistant might be the right move for you! But before you jump in, Janeen Ippolito discusses the pros and cons of author assistant work in this episode of Author Elevate. Includes key questions to ask yourself before deciding to become an assistant, the differences between author assistance work and other kinds of author services, and how to connect with your ideal clients. Plus, in this week's Our Take we discuss the Messy Middles of stories and how to make sure your story keeps readers riveted all the way to the end!
It's time to write that draft–but you can't get your brain out of editor mode! Yikes! Check out this episode of the Author Elevate podcast, where Janeen Ippolito dives into six tips about how to get into your first draft brain, and get those awesome words on the page Plus, this episode's weekly take is all about why you have to persevere in writing (because the world really is out to get you but also…not…).
It's time to write that draft–but you can't get your brain out of editor mode! Yikes! Check out this episode of the Author Elevate podcast, where Janeen Ippolito dives into six tips about how to get into your first draft brain, and get those awesome words on the page Plus, this episode's weekly take is all about why you have to persevere in writing (because the world really is out to get you but also…not…).
Next month is Nanowrimo! For those looking to participate, whether it is your first time or your tenth time, you want to effectively use that month to write the words to meet your goals But, how do you mentally prepare? What are some resources you can use to help get ready? And what about after Nanowrimo -- can you keep up the word count you started during that time? Will it be sustainable? Join me as I chat with writer, publisher, and writing coach Janeen Ippolito as we talk about how to increase your word count without burnout -- whether you're doing Nanowrimo or not. Listen in at 646-668-8485. Download Stitcher on your mobile device. Follow us on iTunes, Edifi, and iHeartreadio. Add PJC Media to your Spotify library, or click on the link here: http://tobtr.com/12013913.
To Write and Have Written: A Writer's Guide To The Business Side
Writing prompts can spark your creativity, and they can also be used for marketing and reader engagement! Join author, editor, and publisher Janeen Ippolito to talk about quirky writing prompts.
So I accidentally killed a shifter. On purpose. With genie powers I shouldn’t be able to use, thanks to my curse-mark. In my defense, the grizzly was threatening civilians and might have been a vampire as well. Pittsburgh is safer without him. Only the Fae court doesn’t believe my story, and the shifters are out for blood. Now I’ve lost my job as a romantic investigator, and I’m on death row. My only hope is an oddly outgoing vegetarian vampire lawyer who seems strangely familiar. Too familiar. Almost like we’ve met before, and this whole thing was a set-up to take us both down. Wishing won’t get us out of this mess. But my forbidden wish magic just might. Join me and Janeen Ippolito for her best-selling urban fantasy book! Call in at 646-668-8485 and press 1 to be live on air. Or, download Stitcher on your mobile device. Follow us on iTunes. Or, click on the link here: http://tobtr.com/s/11414437.
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H. L. Burke as they talk favorite story tropes and ideas to refresh familiar fairy tales. Plus, why magical objects are always cool, and the importance of sidekicks as heroes.
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H. L. Burke in an exploration of writing myth and fairy tale retellings! Learn how to stand out in the retelling genre and ways to tap into universal themes. Plus, why Disney isn't the answer--and could get you into trouble.
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke as they explore awesome Easter eggs in your storytelling! Learn clever ways to use outside humor, the marketing benefits of in-jokes, and when an outside reference can break the mood. Plus, an ultimate meta way to cross-reference your stories!
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke as they tackle fight scenes and warfare in fiction! Includes important tips for writing fight scenes and how to use action for solid characterization. Plus, why plausibility can be more important than realism.
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke in the month of "Happily-Ever-After--or Not" as they delve into what makes a good death. Includes death in wartime settings, how death can motivate characters, and how to show grieving in stories. Plus, a few great reasons why you should never, ever kill off a character.
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H. L. Burke as they share some of their top theme reads from 2018! Includes The Cute Animal category and the influence of book club reads. Plus, short stories: the not-so-secret way to win your Goodreads challenge.
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke as they tackle how to use holidays! Includes tips on holidays in your world building, ideas for using existing holidays in Earth settings, and book marketing for holidays. Plus, a Harry Potter confession and an unexpected Hunger Games search.
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H. L. Burke for a thrill-filled booksplosion! Includes deadly blood weapons, creepy warehouses, and fierce wolves who run bookstores. Plus, icky words and googly eyes as essential book decoration.
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H. L. Burke as they answer listener questions in this wacky variety episode! Learn how to make your book cover design easier, what marketing advice is good (but difficult) to follow, and why otters should be in more books. Plus, a genre trend that the hosts are anticipating!
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke as they dive into ways to make your next book launch successful! Learn about simplifying book branding, premarketing ideas, and when to release. Plus, why food is the best analogy for marketing!
Your friendly hosts Janeen Ippolito and H. L. Burke teamed up in person at the Realm Makers writers conference in St. Louis, Missouri--and return with snark, adventures, and tidbits about having a great writers conference. Plus, what pineapples have to do with good marketing!
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke in this exploration of how to use your story itself in book marketing! Learn when to use (and when to break) genre tropes, how themes can help you find your author networking tribe, and why your book blurb should include "spoilers" - aka, key words and plot points that will catch reader attention. This episode is valiantly brought to you by Steve the Snail!
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke as they interview fantasy author Lea Doue! Learn about her family-filled series featuring the 12 Dancing Princesses (and inspired by many other fairy tales), how she got started on such an ambitious endeavor (12+ books!), and what a butterwing is (hint: it might be a dragon).
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke on this fun-filled voyage through amazing books featuring family! We're talking opposing siblings, marvelous moms, and other fantastic family members who assist (or greatly hinder) the protagonists. Plus, snakes jumping off cliffs.
Join hosts H.L. Burke and Janeen Ippolito in a family-focused writing craft episode! Learn why orphans are so popular in fiction, when you should (and shouldn't) use an evil twin, and what's up with those crazy aunts (or uncles, or grandparents) always stashing special objects in the attic. Plus, where are cousins in stories?
Your friendly hosts Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke answer more of your questions about writing humor in this fun-filled and tangent-filled episode of Indie Book Magic! Includes reasons you should use humor in dark moments, four examples of when humor doesn't work, why licking windows is either funny or creepy, and many, many Psych references.
Join hosts Janeen Ippolito and H. L. Burke as they answer listener either/or questions like: unicorn or pegasus (Alicorns), ice or hot coffee (COFFEE!), and other geeky and writerly inquiries. PLUS learn our theme for April!
Learn about the crazy amounts of bookish work and activities your friendly hosts Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke have on their plates pretty much all the time! Includes sneak peeks of exciting book and anthology releases, updates on Heidi's cat-life (and Matt-life), behind-the-scenes on Janeen's room of swords, and why series can be one of the scariest things to write.
Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke tackle common tropes in destiny, luck, fate, and their usages in storytelling in this epic writing craft episode. Learn when prophecies do (and don't) work, how deus ex machina can be your friend, and the one aspect of plotting that almost always allows for random happenstances.
Join your friendly hosts Janeen Ippolito and H. L. Burke in this winsome, fortune-filled variety episode focused on luck and superstition! Highlights include Norwegian butter cats, a volcano omen from New Zealand, and what bird poop and good luck have in common.
Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke feature snarky fairy tale author Kyle Robert Shultz on this special interview episode of Indie Book Magic! Learn what inspires Kyle's Afterverse, why he writes romantic subplots in his stories, what makes a shippable couple, AND his answer to the all-important Random Question (yes, it involves cat-dragons).
Janeen Ippolito and H. L. Burke tackle how to handle romantic tropes in honor of February, the month of love. Features a surprise porg interruption, much snark, what's wrong (and what can go right) with insta-love, why true love's kiss is sweet (or potentially gross), and how romantic subplots can work in stories and add to the main plot.
Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke tackle a host of questions from listeners, covering story themes, favorite non-writing geek hobbies, email newsletters, and the atypical piece of writing advice you need. Plus, these masters of the Random Question ask each other a spontaneous query to hilarious ends!
Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke welcome rabid bookish fangirl and blog tour operator Laura A. Grace (Laura Pol) to the show. Here what she has to say about getting into book blogging, what authors can do to make their blog tours successful, and the Random Question we throw at her!
The inaugural episode of Indie Book Magic has experienced authorpreneurs Janeen Ippolito and H. L. Burke discussing goal-setting. Includes when you should just chase plot bunnies, why making time for outside life is important, and why writers cannot live on printer ink. Tune in and get some snarky, inspiring inspiration for your own goals! Plus, porgs and cat-dragons.
Join authorpreneurs Janeen Ippolito and H.L. Burke on an adventure of weird and wacky world building! Celebrate with us the oddities we find in geek fiction and the real-life inspiration you can draw from. Includes a challenge to incorporate a weird element in your own story!
We were delighted to have on the show with us horror authors Janeen Ippolito and Julia Busko this week, authors of Blood Mercy. In this episode... Characters and their quirks and how they may or may not resemble actual people. Favorite vampires! Being horror junkies Favorite scenes Dream actor casting! Questing! Doctor Who and our favorite doctors Gaming! Upcoming release (October 2017) Blood Mercy: The Darkest Stain Links! Janeen Ippolito Julia Busko Blood Mercy The Dresden Files Mike Duran Christian Horror Uncommon Universes Press
Interview with author Janeen Ippolito and illustrator Julia Busko of Blood Mercy: Thicker Than Water
What would you do if the one you loved was turned into a monster? Melrose Durante brings order. As founder of the Houses of the Dead, he tirelessly opposes the vampires, and provides refuge for the Blood Kind, those like himself who fight against the blood curse that leads to vampirism. His medical breakthroughs have brought many back from the vampire path. After thousands of years, the Blood Kind finally has the upper hand. Until a vampire attacks Melrose's family, then begs for asylum. To his friends she's Lucy, a disturbed young woman prone to incoherent rants, warning of an imminent attack by vampire leader, Conan. But to Melrose she's something more. His lost wife, Jane. One thing is clear – time is running out. In five days Conan will attack Quebec City, killing or enslaving all in his way. If Melrose cannot unlock his wife's tormented mind, even his immortal wisdom may not be enough to save Quebec City, the Blood Kind, and the Houses of the Dead. Join author Janeen Ippolito and I as we dicuss her first fiction book! Call in at 646-668-8485, press 1 to be live on air. Or, you can download Stitcher on your mobile device. Or, click on the link here.
There's a reason why the speculative fiction genre has so much appeal -- it gives writers the opportunity to build worlds. Building worlds is probably one of the most addictive aspects of writing speculative fiction. The world can be similar to our own with nuanced changes, or completely dissimilar. However, world-building can be quite tedious so how can a writer effectively create a world the reader can lose themselves in? Join me for an in-depth discussion on how to world-build from the inside out with Janeen Ippolito, author of Worldbuilding from the Inside Out as well as a reader, teacher, and editor. This is an invaluable tool for both newbie authors and seasoned authors. You can call in at 646-668-8485, press 1 to be live on air. Or, you can download Stitcher on your mobile device. Or, click on the link here: http://tobtr.com/8890339. Tune in!