Finding Success in Small Genres with Elana Johnson

Episode 015 / Elana Johnson writes Christian cowboy romance as well as clean and wholesome romance. She joins the WIKT podcast and details how she found success in smaller genres. A pen name, writing fast, and understanding read-through all played key roles in helping her achieve and exceed her goals.In the intro, Jami and Sara discuss how they’re experimenting with serials. Sara sent the first six chapters of her new release to her list "serial reads" style to generate interest in her new book, and Jami is sharing a short story with her list. They’ve both had a great response from readers. Jami talks about her struggle to finish her recent book, and Sara mentions their interview with Kait Nolan about writing during stressful times, which is worth a listen, if you’re struggling with burnout or just having a difficult time getting words on the page.You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:How Elana got her start in traditional publishing and her transition to indie publishingHow Elana uses her writing as “therapy” to get rid of negative situations in her real lifeElana’s disappointment with her first attempt at indie publishing and how she turned things around with a pen name and writing fastThe importance of understanding the concept of read-throughProductivity tips for being prolific, including writing in short snippets of timeGiving yourself permission to do what works for youElana’s daily work schedule and how she juggles writing on two different books Elana’s layering technique she uses for outlining, researching, and writingWhy sometimes getting started is the biggest hurdle to getting words on the pageElana’s Venn diagram for defining categories (math is involved, but don’t be scared!) and how to use it to find readersHow to be successful in smaller genre categoriesGiving readers what they want and listening to readers to discover what that isChanges she’s seen in her genresGenres discussed include contemporary romance, Christian cowboy romance, clean and wholesome, cozy mystery, and western. Links: Elana’s websites:http://elanajohnson.comhttp://lizisaacson.com📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast