Julia Kent on the Emotional Needs of Readers, Writing Ahead, and Opportunities in Audio

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, 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 wrongGenre expectationsSpinoffs and why a spinoff may not draw in new readersHow Julia broke genre rules and why it worked in her Random seriesWhat items/tasks Julia has delegated and what tasks she’s cut back onWriting 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 stagesHow readers’ tastes change as their lives change and how those changes aren’t a reflection on our writingThe challenges Julia has encountered with translationsGenres discussed include romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and shifter romance.Links: Julia Kent 📥 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