Episode 018 / Romantic comedy author Julia Kent joined us this week to discuss the value of meeting the emotional needs of readers, plus nuts-and-bolts details on writing ahead, audiobooks, and translations.

Sara’s doing the essential (yet boring) task of updating back matter and book descriptions to prep for an upcoming sale. She’s also found a new mystery TV show, The Mallorca Files, which has a Castle and Beckett-type male/female detective pairing mixed with the tropical vibe of Death in Paradise or Burn Notice. 

Jami sent her book to the editor and has a release date. She also cut four chapters (!) for pacing. She’s in “launch-mode” as she gets ready for the release. You can get Jami’s launch plan here.

Jami and Sara recorded a video workshop of what they wish they’d known for the stay-home-story-summit.teachery.co/registration"> Stay Home Story Summit, which is free and there’s no up-sale. Just great info on craft and promotion. Videos start May 18. Registration closes May 25, 2020.

You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.

In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:

• The importance of understanding the emotional reasons people read a certain genre (i.e. reader needs)
• The assumptions Julia made when she started writing and why they were wrong
• Genre expectations
• Spinoffs and why a spinoff may not draw in new readers
• How Julia broke genre rules and why it worked in her Random series
• What items/tasks Julia has delegated and what tasks she’s cut back on
• Writing in multiple genres, co-writing, and writing ahead
•  Audiobooks and how Julia works with a production company to reduce the workload plus details on how she distributes her audio in stages
• How readers’ tastes change as their lives change and how those changes aren’t a reflection on our writing
• The challenges Julia has encountered with translations

Genres discussed include romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and shifter romance.

Links: 

Julia Kent