The Write Atmosphere: A Podcast for Writers

On this episode we'll be talking with our guest Marcus Batterbury on Writing the Truth: Craft, Courage, and the Memoir Journey. We explore the path of a memoirist, from the inspiration behind his story to the lessons learned along the way. Our guest shares insights on the challenges and breakthroughs of being an author, reflections on the writing and editing process, and how to craft stories that truly resonate with readers. We also touch on key moments that shaped their narrative voice and offer practical advice for writers navigating both traditional and independent publishing. Learn more abouut Marcus and his memoir With You in the Moment at https://marcusbatterbury.com

What really happens after you finish your manuscript? This episode covers working with an editor, navigating the marketing cycle, and learning to trust your publishing team to bring your book to life.

In this episode, learn how to create a standout book cover. Covering design basics, common mistakes to avoid, and simple strategies to help your book actually sell. Want to work with Laura Duffy? Find out more about Laura and her work at lauraduffydesign.com

In this episode, we explore the power of confessional writing and how deeply personal experiences can be transformed into compelling stories that resonate with readers. We discuss the craft of turning vulnerability, memory, and lived experience into narratives that feel both intimate and universal.We also look at breaking the norms of indie publishing—especially as a non-genre or literary author. From building credibility while self-publishing to positioning your work to be taken seriously in the industry, this conversation offers insight for writers determined to share honest stories and succeed on their own terms. Visit Eva at Eva-Asprakis.com and learn more about us at AtmospherePress.com.

In this episode, we talk with a work-from-home mom and writer who has spent more than twenty years building a writing life while balancing family, freelance work, and the everyday demands of home. She shares honest insights into what it really takes to keep writing when time is limited and responsibilities are many.We discuss practical strategies for finding time to write, prioritizing creative projects, building a freelance career, staying motivated through busy seasons, and handling rejection along the way. This conversation offers encouragement and real-world advice for writers trying to make their creative goals work alongside the realities of daily life. Visit Taffeta at https://bio.site/taffetachime and learn more about us at AtmospherePress.com.

In this episode, we talk with a former LAPD lieutenant whose unexpected second act as an Uber driver led to more than 10,000 rides—and ultimately to the memoir Chasing the Surge: Ten Thousand Rides into the American Night. What began as a post-career pivot became a powerful lens into the lives, struggles, and surprising moments shared by strangers in the back seat.We explore how real-life encounters can become compelling storytelling, and how reinvention later in life can open the door to creative work. For writers interested in memoir and narrative nonfiction, this conversation offers insight into transforming everyday experiences into meaningful, authentic stories. Visit Raymond at http://www.hitechcj.com and learn more about us at AtmospherePress.com.

In this episode, we talk with author James Blakey about two important parts of building a writing career: selling books in person and publishing short stories. James shares practical advice on finding the best venues for authors, such as conventions, libraries, book festivals, and craft markets, along with tips for setting up an engaging table, interacting with readers, and perfecting your pitch. We also dive into the world of short story publishing. Drawing on his experience selling 50+ stories and editing regional anthologies, James explains how short story submissions differ from querying a novel, key industry terminology, how to find the right markets, and what writers should know about rights and contracts. Learn more at jamesblakeywrites.com and AtmospherePress.com.

In today’s world, readers are understandably turning more and more to ecofiction. For authors, the question of how to write good nature-centered fiction is an important one to ponder, so they can help their readers care about the natural world. Book coach Erin Radniecki explains what makes good ecofiction and what pitfalls to look out for in your own writing.

There's no one right path to writing poetry; each poet will find what works for them. But if you're struggling with the craft, attending events with other writers or opening your thoughts up to the simplest gratitudes could be just what you need to invigorate your practice. Poet and writing tutor Susan Taylor shares her advice on just how to approach this.

Build a brand, cultivate your audience, always have the next book poised to release: that's all, rather broad advice for authors who want to learn how to write full-time. You hear these things all the time for a reason, though; it's just a matter of figuring out how to do it all. Author and book coach Lisa Daily has collected techniques from various 7-figure authors, and is here to lay out what you need to do to take your author career to the next level--or the next tax bracket. 

Beta reader feedback can be such an important tool to writers as they polish their manuscripts, and it can also be an overwhelming challenge to incorporate. From soliciting readers to receiving feedback, from internalizing conflicting perspectives to inputting the changes you decide to keep, it's a lengthy but invaluable process. Historical fiction author Beth Ford knows her way around the beta reader block, and she's here to lay out tips on how to approach the process.

To get an MFA or not to get an MFA is a question that many serious writers ponder at some point in their writing careers, and there is, of course, no “right” answer; it depends on each individual writer. However, in a time when it seems like an MFA is a necessary step in a writer's career, some voices are cropping up to point out that often the opposite can be true. Acclaimed author and MFA professor Randall Silvis lays out all the things writers need to consider before they choose to pursue an MFA, and his input could make all the difference.

With each new personality test comes a fresh perspective on developing and writing compelling characters for your stories, and the Myers-Briggs Index is no exception. With four axes of personality descriptions combined into 16 distinct personality types, the Myers-Briggs Index can also be used to write character development. A.W. Baldwin, multi-award-winning author, talks through how to shape and sharpen your characters using the Myers-Briggs Index.

Celebrities and social media influencers are the biggest phenomenon in influencing buying practices we've seen yet, and even just one influencer shouting out your book can completely change its sales trajectory for the better. Getting your book in front of celebrities and influencers is an interesting--not impossible--task. Emily Florence, a former entertainment publicist for shows like American Idol and Gilmore Girls as well as a writer for outlets like Forbes and The Huffington Post, is here to give her advice on how you can get your book into the hands of big names.

As an author of ten novels, AJ Eversley is no stranger to the manuscript drafting and editing process. She's seen her fair share of filler words, excessive info-dumping, and flat characters. But that also means she has developed techniques to spot these flaws in her first draft and correct them for an iron-strong final draft. She shares some of her tried-and-true strategies with us in this episode.

Publishing a book doesn't tend to pay the bills, so authors are turning more and more to crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter to support themselves and their work. It's not as simple as throwing a campaign up on the site and letting it run itself, though. Luckily, award-winning author and accomplished Kickstarter runner David Hankins has loads of advice on how to maximize your own campaign, so you can jump into the process prepared.

Some writing tips are specific to genre, but there are at least a few critical tools that writers need to know no matter what kind of prose they're writing. Understanding perspective, utilizing storytelling, and crafting sentence structure and rhythm will all level up your writing. Developmental and copy editor Katie Chambers gives us how-to advice to help you address these elements of your manuscript and take your draft from an 8 to a 10.

Whether you pursue traditional or hybrid publishing is an important decision for authors to make, but on top of that it's also worth considering whether to work with a literary agent. Literary agents give authors crucial connections to publishers and are full of key guidance to help you realize your publishing dreams. Agent and editor Amy White explains the role of literary agents, as well as why and how authors should enter into this relationship to advance their goals.

The editing process is a crucial step toward publication for authors to take, but it can also be an overwhelming one. There's new jargon to learn, new relationships to build, and new expectations to set. Editor and writing consultant Mary Vensel White has tons of advice for writers to know before they enter into a contract with an editor, so tune in and take notes, because you'll want to have a solid understanding of the editing process to take your book to the next level.

No matter what genre you're writing in or what age group you're writing for, book series are quite the beast to tackle. E. L. Tenenbaum is a writer of multiple series, so she has the much-needed experience to lay out tips on how you can write your own series. From identifying the unique challenges of your project to keeping yourself organized to triple-checking your work, these tips will help you stay on track.

As the podcast market grows, every author is turning to podcasts to promote their books. But with a non-zero learning curve and a novel's worth of podcast types, niches, and angles, it's hard to know where to start. Y. M. Nelson comes at this topic from both sides of the mic as an author and podcaster. She gives us advice on how authors can find podcasts, put together a solid pitch, make your appearance, and market published episodes so that you can become a sought-after podcast guest in your own right.

We all remember the books that shaped our childhoods, and for many authors, it's a dream to create those childhood-shaping books for future generations. The real challenge these days is actually getting your book into the hands of readers, no matter their age. Peter Felton, a teacher and critically acclaimed writer of chapter books, is here to give his advice on how to reach young readers and deliver exciting and rewarding author visits in schools.

Kids have big emotions, but so do adults, and that's where children's literature can come in to help kids process their emotions -- and help their parents facilitate that processing. As a children's book author, writing stories to start these conversations is a big responsibility to carry! Michelle De La Mora is one such author who used her own experiences with her grandson to not only write a gorgeous story about separation and love, but also to create companion materials adults can use to connect with the kids in their lives.

Jo Sparkes writes in a variety of genres, including children's media, fantasy, YA fiction, and screenwriting, so she's perfected the use of a 360 view to create and write characters so authentic they make readers believe they exist in real life. You can create such dynamic characters yourself using her techniques. Tune in to learn what questions Jo asks her characters, what situations she puts them in, and why it's so important to use this approach if you want to write better characters.

Music and poetry have long since gone hand in hand, so it's no wonder that an exciting artistic opportunity for composers and poets is to collaborate on new creations. Award-winning poet Athena Kildegaard is here to tell her story of working with musicians and has advice on how other poets can pursue similar endeavors.

For those of us with access to more than one language in which to write, jumping between languages can help us express ourselves more authentically and connect us with our communities. It can also give us the tools to communicate ideas that may be limited in one language but enhanced in another. Charnjit Gill, award-winning poet and playwright, weaves between English and Punjabi in her work, so she's the perfect artist to describe the challenges and joys of multilingual storytelling.

Writers struggling to find the time and motivation to finish their manuscript and take that next step toward publication is a tale as old as time. Danielle Blum, author and entrepreneur, has perfected the art of organization with her three-tier planner setup. She shares her insights and discoveries with us to help you manage your own creative chaos and reach your goals.

An MFA in Creative Writing can open creative and professional doors for writers, from giving you a consistent like-minded community to connecting you with agents. It can also be a significant expense that requires considerable lifestyle changes. Rhonda Zimlich, the Director of the MFA in Creative Writing Program at American University, explains the benefits of getting an MFA and what to consider before you apply.

Whether you're writing fiction, memoir, or even poetry, there's a balance to be struck between telling the truth and telling an interesting story. How do you preserve narrative interest and personal truths? Short fiction writer Rhea Thomas shares insights and examples to help you infuse your writing with creative authenticity.

Writing outside of your usual genre, working for big-name clients, exploring your creativity -- these are all things you could have access to as a ghostwriter. If you want to get paid to do all this and produce manuscripts, ghostwriting could be the way to advance your career. Alison McBain, award-winning novelist and ghostwriter for both celebrity and New York Times-bestselling authors, is here to talk us through how to get started.

Literary and speculative poetry have their similarities, but speculative poetry is new on the scene when it comes to award recognition, literary journal space, and reader popularity. How do you get recognized as a writer of speculative poetry in this evolving sector of the publishing industry? Wendy Van Camp, Poet Laureate Emerita and co-chair of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, gives us a comprehensive overview of speculative poetry -- including how you can get paid to publish your work.

You’ve written a book, you’ve gone through all this work to get it published, and you arrive at release day to realize: you had no idea how much work it takes to publicize your book. Nicki van Ingen Schenau, a published author and accomplished entrepreneur, is here to help. She advises us on how to put on the entrepreneur hat to sell your book, from overhauling your approach to maximizing your social media content.

From editorial reviews to consumer reviews and everything in between, book reviews are a crucial marketing and workshopping tool for any author. If you want to know why and how to put them to work for your book, tune in to hear advice from an expert in the field: Joe Walters. As the founder of Independent Book Review and author of The Truth About Book Reviews: An Insider's Guide to Getting and Using Reviews to Grow Your Readership, Joe has all the chops to walk us through important definitions, common misconceptions, and what to prioritize in your book reviews.

Teri M. Brown's books are all highly decorated with award wins. How does she know which awards to submit her book to, and what pros and cons does she weigh when she makes these decisions? In this episode, Teri lays out all the important information and advice to get you set up for success as you dive into your own book award submissions.

Writing residencies are the publishing industry's version of a getaway vacation. They give you the chance to push yourself creatively and focus on your writing with none of the distractions of everyday life. Sounds like a writer's dream, right? Allyson S. Barkley, author of the Kirkus-starred Until the Stars Are Dead fantasy series, talks about the invaluable experiences she gained from attending writing residencies.

Whether your book is traditionally or self-published, whether you want to appear at in-person events or stick to virtual opportunities, whether you want to work with a PR firm or do everything yourself: you can craft a publicity campaign that will be perfect for both your book and your goals. Marika Flatt, owner of PR by the Book, gives us an overview of what to expect and how to create your book's ideal publicity campaign.

When it comes to engaging directly with your readers and networking with other writers, there's no better way to put yourself out there than to jump into book events. But how can you run events in a way that feels natural and even fun, especially if you're one of the many writers who consider themselves to be introverted? From readings to signings to panel features, memoirist Danielle Ariano is no stranger to the book event circuit, nor the hurdles that come with, so her advice will help you figure out where to start.

Whether you have an established audience or you're building one from scratch, producing consistent and exclusive content for potential readers is the key to utilizing email marketing to your advantage. If you're not sure where to start, Kali Stevens is here to help. As Atmosphere Press's marketing manager, Kali has tried-and-true ideas and guidance to get the creative juices flowing.

As writers, we all know how important it is to set ourselves apart from the crowd in order to get our books into the hands of readers. But how do we design a brand that readers will like and -- perhaps more importantly -- remember? British-born author, speaker, and blogger Gabi Coatsworth uses her experience designing her own author brand to make an overwhelming task approachable.

The world of book awards is vast and labyrinthine. And like a labyrinth, some paths will lead you to success -- while others should be treated with caution. Jendi Reiter, award-winning author and judge of the Winning Writers North Street Book Prize, discusses what they've learned about writing from their work as a judge, as well as what authors should look out for in an award worth submitting to.

You've written your manuscript, you've come out on the other side of its publication date, and now you need to sell your book. As saturated as the publishing industry is, you need a way to stand out quickly. Writer, editor, and reviewer Ekta R. Garg walks us through how to craft an elevator pitch that will get your book into the hands of readers with just 15 seconds of to-the-point language.

As with any art form, holding yourself accountable to your writing goals is half the battle when it comes to finishing your manuscript. But with everything from busy schedules to impostor syndrome, so many factors work against aspiring authors. Amy Kelly, writer and CEO of Lone Star Literary Life, talks through some of the common mental obstacles you might be facing and how to shift your mindset to overcome those obstacles.

Social media: It's ever-changing, and it's an intimidating landscape whether you're a first-time user or you've been on a platform for years. Social media guru Karli Fitzgerald explains how to conceptualize social media so that you can take control of your platform and build meaningful relationships with readers. She also talks about a new consultation service available from Atmosphere Press. Learn more here: https://atmospherepress.com/books/social-media-consultations/

The publishing industry is a minefield for debut and seasoned authors alike. To help us navigate it, writer and editor Trista Edwards talks us through some common misconceptions about hybrid publishing. Trista has experience on either side of both publishing and academia. She draws from this wealth of knowledge to explain what you should know before you pick the publishing model best for you.

Join us as poet Claire Denson gives a slew of tips and tricks for getting your work published in literary journals. Claire has poetry published in or forthcoming from The Iowa Review, The Cincinnati Review, The Missouri Review, The Massachusetts Review, and elsewhere. From picking a journal that's the right fit for you to crafting a cover letter that will best showcase your work to the editors, Claire gives tons of tips and tricks to help you get your work into the literary world.

On this episode, we'll learn how to put together a meaningful and insightful author interview with our guest, Cameron Finch. Cam has worked with the editorial teams of many literary presses and has interviewed authors for The Adroit Journal, Michigan Quarterly Review, The Rumpus, and elsewhere. From reading the source material to digging deep to craft the perfect questions, Cam walks us through the process of putting together a compelling interview experience for the interviewer, interviewee, and audience alike.

On this episode, we'll be learning what makes the perfect book manuscript with our guest, Dr. Kyle McCord. Kyle is the author of seven books, has work featured or forthcoming in Boston Review, The Harvard Review, The Kenyon Review, and elsewhere, and -- perhaps most importantly for us -- he served as associate poetry editor of The Nation and currently serves as Executive Editor of Gold Wake Press and Acquisitions Director for Atmosphere Press. From packaging and presenting your manuscript with the quintessential cover letter to making sure the manuscript itself is the best it can possibly be (because, really, it's results we're looking for!), Kyle delivers a ton of practical advice in under ten minutes.