The WisMissus Podcast: Reading, Writing, & Roaming around Wisconsin, the Midwest, & Beyond

This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024.In 2025, we focused on the process of indie/self publishing from getting started, to how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (We took a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing and discussed ways to repurpose content you’ve already created to increase revenue.)Now, in 2026 we’re starting off with how to get started on TikTok. T.K.’s been on this platform for a while, but Valerie’s been avoiding it. So come along for the ride as Valerie finally dives into TikTok with T.K.’s help in Season 3: Episode 1 & Episode 2. In Episode 3, our main topic was utilizing literary tropes in your work. Episode 4 covers how to build your fan base with an email subscriber list and a newsletter. And Episode 5 was all about audiobook production. PHEW!! Does it seem fitting that in Episode 6 we’re talking about work-life balance and how to reclaim control over your schedule? Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS:Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com.Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.ABOUT SEASON THREE: EPISODE 6In this episode, we talk about crazy schedules, trying to do too much, and how to regain control over your schedule and make space for your creativity—whether that’s writing or other pursuits. Here are links to the things we mention in this podcast. BOOKS MENTIONED:* The Final Target by Nora Roberts* The Whipped & Sipped Cozy Culinary Mysteries by G.P. Gottlieb* Classic Mythology of the Constellations by Annette Gieseckeand places TK mentions:* Blue House Books Kenosha* Storyfarm Lake Geneva* Lakeside Books Lake GenevaLinks to assist with work/life balance (today’s topic):* Learn to be happy.* How to Balance Your Writing Life, a guide to the perplexed.* Glimmer Train Guide to Perplexed* Scrivener software Other random thing that we mentioned: The Barbie Movie Monologue (We think there needs to be a how to be a writer / author monologue along these lines.)And ongoing help on TikTok:* TikTok for Authors: The Ultimate Guide - from Kindlepreneur* TikTok trends for authors from the Urban Writers blog* How to Promote Your Book on TikTok from the BookBub Partners Blog* TK Sheffield_Books on TikTok* Jackson’s Tips on TikTok* ValerieBiel_Books (Val’s new account)* And don’t forget — drop us your TikTok handle in the comments!TIMING NOTES:We discuss what we’re reading and writing and where we’re roaming first. The work/life balance topic starts at about 18:00.OTHER RESOURCES:Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent PublishingOur most popular podcast of 2025: Hybrid Publishing: What Exactly Is It?Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing adviceSend Us Your Questions in the Comments!Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! And don’t forget to drop your TikTok handle in the comments so we can find you over there. Happy Summer! See you in September! - Valerie & T.K. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024.In 2025, we focused on the process of indie/self publishing from getting started, to how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (We took a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing and discussed ways to repurpose content you’ve already created to increase revenue.)Now, in 2026 we’re starting off with how to get started on TikTok. T.K.’s been on this platform for a while, but Valerie’s been avoiding it. So come along for the ride as Valerie finally dives into TikTok with T.K.’s help in Season 3: Episode 1 & Episode 2. In Episode 3, our main topic was utilizing literary tropes in your work. Episode 4 covers how to build your fan base with an email subscriber list and a newsletter. And in this episode we’re diving into audiobook production. Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS:Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com.Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.ABOUT SEASON THREE: EPISODE 5In this episode, we explore the how we’ve created audiobooks and the other methods available to us now, including voice replication using your own voice. Interesting topic!Here are links to the things we mention in this podcast. BOOKS MENTIONED:* Runebreaker by Mila Finch* Deepest Secrets by Tracey S. Phillips (will be released in June)* The Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Series by Sheila LoweAudiobook production links:* How to claim your titles on ACX* Eleven Labs* INAudio (formerly Findaway Voices.)* The Best Audiobook Production Services in 2026 - Reedsy Article* Hindenburg Pro - Audio editing software* Audible’s New Royalty Model - Publishers Weekly ArticleAnd ongoing help on TikTok:* TikTok for Authors: The Ultimate Guide - from Kindlepreneur* TikTok trends for authors from the Urban Writers blog* How to Promote Your Book on TikTok from the BookBub Partners Blog* TK Sheffield_Books on TikTok* Jackson’s Tips on TikTok* ValerieBiel_Books (Val’s new account)* And don’t forget — drop us your TikTok handle in the comments!TIMING NOTES:We discuss what we’re reading and writing and where we’re roaming first. The audiobook topic starts at 19:20.OTHER RESOURCES:Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent PublishingOur most popular podcast of 2025: Hybrid Publishing: What Exactly Is It?Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing adviceSend Us Your Questions in the Comments!Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! And don’t forget to drop your TikTok handle in the comments so we can find you over there. See you in June! - Valerie & T.K. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com