Ep 64: Novel Writing with Ann Garvin

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Ann Garvin writes books for "women to do too much in a world that asks too much." Enough said; take all my money already! She published her first book in her late forties, even though one of her professors/mentors used to say to her on a regular basis, “You’re the worst writer I’ve ever met.” (He wasn’t being funny.) During this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Ann and I had so much fun discussing the novel-writing journey, from writing to publishing to marketing (and a whole lot in between!). INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS Ann's journey from being a nurse (with a PhD) to being a full-time writer and how she thinks about her future in this space.  A fascinating look into what’s moving the levers in the publishing space right now. It’s extremely eye-opening, and allows YOU, as the author, to make much more well-informed decisions when it comes to publishing and marketing. Going from 102 to 21K reviews (and whether she reads those reviews!) How her process has evolved when it comes to working with her editor to remain true to the story she wants to tell How she avoids the “lowest hanging fruit” in plot lines to keep her readers (and herself) curious and pleasantly surprised while reading Ann's take on self-publishing versus traditional publishing (and her best advice for all aspiring and second-time-around authors) Ann's thoughts on the #1 reason why people won't get published (which I couldn't agree with more!)ABOUT ANNAnn Garvin, Ph.D. is the USA Today Bestselling author of five funny and sad novels. She writes about people who do too much in a world that asks too much from them.Ann worked as an RN and after receiving her Ph.D. taught Exercise Physiology, Sport Psychology Nutrition, Stress Management, and Global Health for thirty years in the University of Wisconsin system. She currently teaches creative writing at Drexel University in their low residency Masters of Fine Arts program and has held positions at Miami University and Southern New Hampshire in their Masters of Fine Arts Creative Writing programs.Ann is the founder of the multiple award-winning Tall Poppy Writers where she is committed to helping women writers succeed. She is a sought-after speaker on writing, leadership and health and has taught extensively in NY, San Francisco, LA, Boston, and at festivals across the country and in Europe.CONNECT WITH ANNWebsite: anngarvin.comInstagram: instagram.com/anngarvin_Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/4405314.Ann_Wertz_GarvinFacebook: facebook.com/ann.w.garvinBooks:There’s No Coming Back From ThisI Thought You Said This Would WorkWHAT ANN'S READING NOW The Memory of Lavender and Sage by Aimie Runyan (Harper Muse, Feb 2024) City of Thieves by David Benioff (Penguin Books, 2009) 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINTGet back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.*episode sponsor WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMPYou've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebookSupport the show******Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Let's Connect! InstagramWebsite Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] comThe podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth