The Write Thing

What Success Means with Kristen L. Berry

In this episode, I chat with Kristen L. Berry who shares her lifelong journey to becoming a published author, detailing her experiences in finding an agent. We also dig into the inspiration behind her debut novel We Don’t Talk About Carol and the challenges she faced during the writing and revision process. She emphasizes the importance of community support, feedback, and maintaining perspective on book sales and success. Kristen also provides valuable insights into organizing a successful book launch and the significance of building relationships within the literary community. Bookmarks: 00:00 Kristen's Journey to Writing 05:33 Finding an Agent: The Query Process 14:39 We Don't Talk About Carol: The Inspiration Behind the Novel 20:20 The Power of Family Secrets in Storytelling 25:22 The Power of Visuals in Book Covers 27:48 Navigating the Challenges of Writing 31:55 The Reality of Book Sales 37:46 Successful Book Launch Strategies 43:56 Rapid Fire Insights and Advice Stay Connected With Me: -Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonarehart -The Write Thing: https://jasonarehart.substack.com -Instagram: @jason.arehart -Website: www.jasonarehart.com -Email: thewritethingpod@gmail.com Kristen L. Berry: -Website: https://www.kristenlberry.com -Substack: https://kristenlberry.substack.com CREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

Start Writing Now with Jessica Payne

In this episode, I chat with thriller author Jessica Payne about her journey to becoming a writer, the challenges of querying agents, and the evolution of her writing process. She discusses the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection, the transformative power of jealousy, and the realities of traditional publishing. Jessica also offers valuable tips for aspiring writers and reflects on the significance of revisions in the writing process. With insights into her upcoming book and her experiences as a mother and writer, this conversation is both inspiring and informative for anyone interested in the writing journey.Bookmarks:00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58] Introduction to Jessica Payne01:18 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=78s] Jessica's Journey to Writing03:07 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=187s] The Path to Finding an Agent06:23 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=383s] The Querying Process and Rejections13:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=795s] Tips for Querying and Finding an Agent17:16 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=1036s] Evolution of Writing Process21:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=1315s] The Challenge of Starting Over25:34 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=1534s] Trusting the Writing Process25:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=1550s] The Pressure of Progression in Writing26:51 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=1611s] The Magic of Revisions28:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=1717s] Transforming Jealousy into Motivation32:31 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=1951s] Navigating Traditional Publishing35:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=2149s] The Long Game of Writing37:16 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=2236s] The Importance of Self-Care in Writing37:51 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EANKcFWkE58&t=2271s] Fast Round: Insights and InspirationsStay Connected With Me:-Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonarehart [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFFiY3BueVhrZVdhQi14dkk1U0twbU1ZMUNqd3xBQ3Jtc0tsWnVPaDBmRHUyZWJqREp0ZlJORWVHSkhhR3BySHNMaHBxWW9oeHNLbTYzZEV1Z004STR4SkFpY1hxd21oMlpWOXJESnY5U2E1R2FsS1lwWW1jS0lRTHhVSW1HLTVycjVkUVNDYnk2NG1OeVRpLXRUUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40jasonarehart&v=EANKcFWkE58]-The Write Thing: https://jasonarehart.substack.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmpvNHJnZmdUSkt5LWtoaFlTYzJNRmhTTnNBQXxBQ3Jtc0tsaWo0aXU0ZHk5NVpUMjRwQmdzZ3NyYV8wVkRSZmVrekZpRmFTSTcwY0pSLVJoTkhwRDdIOU5TWVdsMmJCX1ZteEVhTFRTelRJSDdBUTMwMDd6REk1VjE1Q1lZeHN3eVZsb0tid1M1UmxzV2dnZkZ5UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjasonarehart.substack.com%2F&v=EANKcFWkE58]-Instagram: @jason.arehart -Website: www.jasonarehart.com-Email: thewritethingpod@gmail.comJessica Payne: -Website: https://www.jessicapayne.net [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHI2eUh4TlR3TjZUTzRnR1d5TnJkVlI1bkh2QXxBQ3Jtc0ttTm1SMEE0RVJqcHVBZUFqM2dxXzFXSno4TnVPRXczVnR5b3NkWjU3S0pzZkhNLXRyc1B5cl96d2RYc09yb0NHV1VGVk9VZjZWSldkbWM1Sm5jWnk0bjNteEdHcko1UzlsVkhpeHFLdjlXNkExR3kxVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jessicapayne.net%2F&v=EANKcFWkE58]-Substack: https://jessicapayne.substack.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkcxWlZBYmpRNm83LWRjUl9BLUMyNFhYN2xZQXxBQ3Jtc0trdmJld0hRb3hJOWFjTkUzQW5qNUZ6WmtZN08xdmdyUjhtQV8zUXcwa3hpS09BbXE1VEUzOXAxSlRpZXF1WFdsOWRGbDBoZi14Y2liZ2xFTWdCY1Mtd0lpRUQxQk5xeEZTNXhnU2x1am1BY1BIWXpoSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjessicapayne.substack.com%2F&v=EANKcFWkE58]CREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

Embracing The Long Game with Catalina Margulis

In this episode, I chat with Catalina Margulis about her multifaceted journey as a writer, from her early love for reading to her experiences in journalism and the creation of her debut novel, Again, Only More Like You. She discusses the inspiration behind her podcast, “Passion Project,” and how it evolved into a platform for sharing stories of successful individuals. Cat reflects on the challenges of the publishing process, the lessons learned from rejection, and the importance of building a supportive writing community. She emphasizes the significance of a long-term promotional strategy post-publication and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors.Bookmarks:00:00 Catalina Margulis: A Writer's Journey05:11 The Passion Project Podcast: Inspiration and Growth11:52 The Journey to Publishing: From Screenplay to Novel18:09 The Silver Lining: Embracing the Unexpected Path21:56 Building a Writing Community28:42 Navigating the Publishing Landscape35:17 Post-Publication Reflections36:27 Fast-Round and InsightsStay Connected With Me:-Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonarehart-The Write Thing: https://jasonarehart.substack.com-Instagram: @jason.arehart -Website: www.jasonarehart.com-Email: thewritethingpod@gmail.comCatalina Margulis: -Website: https://www.catmargulis.com/.com-Substack: https://catmargulis.substack.comCREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

Why You Need A Platform with Jessica Sorentino

In this episode, I chat with Jessica Sorentino about her journey in the publishing industry, discussing her transition from working at major publishing houses to becoming a branding strategist for authors. She discusses the importance of storytelling in branding and marketing, differentiating between marketing and publicity, and the author's role in building their own community. Jessica also explores the metaphor of an author brand as a library, highlighting the need for intentionality in how authors present themselves and engage with their audience. Shem makes a strong case for building a strong platform as early as possible.Bookmarks:00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho] Introduction to Jessica Sorrentino00:59 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=59s] Jessica's Journey in Publishing03:48 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=228s] The Importance of Networking and Branding05:53 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=353s] The Rebranding Experience11:06 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=666s] Understanding Marketing vs. Publicity17:48 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=1068s] The Author's Role in Marketing20:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=1220s] The Positive Side of Author Engagement23:06 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=1386s] The Thread of Storytelling in Branding24:48 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=1488s] The Art of Storytelling27:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=1633s] Author Branding as a Library35:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=2114s] The Interplay of Branding and Marketing35:43 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=2143s] Fast Round Insights40:11 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4acNEPDho&t=2411s] Life-Changing Books and Intentional LivingStay Connected With Me:-Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonarehart [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDRJQVVjcUxTenZ6LWRMWmY1b0gwVkRWbEhWQXxBQ3Jtc0treGFvRVRwSjAtd0w1aG1GS05JRXlieG5sY242bXVHNnBnTDJ1a0xvVDh2LW5rV01kdkxSaXZ1QmtLbzZkZkNmT3hyVjJfUFFTcnRfUnJUajgxeU42VDhDb2RYRUsxTWRMeGpGQlNzeW1VWGtiVGVPTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40jasonarehart&v=MY4acNEPDho]-The Write Thing: https://jasonarehart.substack.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0RBd1lPc3FsaXI5TlQ0R21iak1YTUgwQlJmZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsTVhhVWdDVmFKOWlZQ1pLeGRWcV9CSUNjU2pucDJBbWlBN0hrU3h2dER0M0E3V0JhblVnOTFKdU54U2EyZGdIYWFFY1E1MUExMVpJdE1Wb0ZCRWxMSFhLQ29UNUxlVFBSQ0ZuQjhYNWd1UGJVSHE3QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjasonarehart.substack.com%2F&v=MY4acNEPDho]-Instagram: @jason.arehart -Website: www.jasonarehart.com-Email: thewritethingpod@gmail.comJessica Sorentino: -Website: https://www.jessicasorentino.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGNKVnVlWU5pYm5kd0ZpaDNqZ1EwMEhobl85Z3xBQ3Jtc0trQXVqUzN6c1QwSDJNeVI2RGFoNkJqSG1iTjIzNGVVNU9xU21PVXh3VEI4U3VVM05BalNGMVFzeGZPZkdXRVFUcGdOMFNGdzJIVVFTeGRlMGNrRHZpNjNGWk04dTBwN0hEZFh0U045aHRDd3FYTHdaVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jessicasorentino.com%2F&v=MY4acNEPDho]-Substack: https://jessicasorentino.substack.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEFPVlZIa1F0cFVzbEQ1Q1A1aXRRbGJLa0RVZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuWk82OFV6M2dyTzlLaTF5aG1GUy04Y0lIYUI5ampUcElpY05MR2VybkVSMHZFR2FreEdsUU96MnVla3ljRXFEajI0QktaUFI0Q0h1VFhaNHFxeThxRDBPRWg3MDJqZzk0d1NiUEllWTlacUVKS2I3TQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjessicasorentino.substack.com%2F&v=MY4acNEPDho]CREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

The Need for Vulnerability in Writing with Jessie Rosen

In this episode, I chat with Jessie Rosen about her journey from a young girl writing stories to becoming a successful author with multiple bestsellers. She discusses the transition from Hollywood to literature, the importance of collaboration, and the impact of audience on her writing. Jessie reflects on her personal experiences, including the influence of family and the significance of vulnerability in storytelling. She also delves into the themes of her latest novel, All the Signs, which explores astrology and personal growth. Based on her experience writing across multiple platforms, Jessie makes a strong case for the importance of sharing your work and finding your unique voice. Bookmarks: 00:00 The Journey of a Writer 03:02 Transitioning from Hollywood to Literature 06:04 The Art of Collaboration in Writing 09:01 Finding Your Unique Voice 12:01 The Technical Side of Storytelling 15:00 Rediscovering Purpose in Writing 22:17 Navigating the Balance of Passion and Commercial Success 25:44 The Freedom of Substack and Creative Expression 26:57 The Impact of Family and Personal Stories 31:28 The Role of Delusion in Creative Pursuits 35:31 Exploring Destiny and Identity in 'All the Signs' 40:16 Fast Round: Insights and Inspirations Stay Connected With Me: -Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonarehart [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0xTbzNXSXZpeUM0N3ZDaXA3cjl1UFI5aXh3UXxBQ3Jtc0tuSUZpdTFXOUdRRnRsTjc3UlZhZUU1OHl2eGtkby02X3BZM1hqaEFQT0xubzZqN2hYNHhlaGN6TDd5aTNhN0R0UUpyNVRHbkYyZE50Z0RFSHBMekQzVFJaOHZ4dmtsZTl3RUFBT1psN0dqa1pCTm55TQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40jasonarehart&v=vdfJtyUb2PI] -The Write Thing: https://jasonarehart.substack.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDJoZkJIYWVmYTJXb2NzVURzb0RLMDZzbHBLUXxBQ3Jtc0trRWo5THFwQUFoQ1pITEhPVEpicWlUdFgtYlZXRkpWREstekZ5VkM3M0pib2Rsa1dMVXU2SlhCUUtiRVJJV2NxUWNjMmRkQVkwQlNYX1dMSjI1aFB1STJHUFlyNXc1TWFEVEVmLXdMczJtYXF3ekp3MA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjasonarehart.substack.com%2F&v=vdfJtyUb2PI] -Instagram: @jason.arehart  -Website: www.jasonarehart.com -Email: thewritethingpod@gmail.com Jessie Rosen:  -Website: https://www.jessierosen.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2lZMkkxUl9QdDBuM1hvNjcwU3c4ZlhDZUhxUXxBQ3Jtc0tuT1lUZDVNWHNGdU0zbTlGSmo4dEc1WThpUWVEWldvM1NUSlVNeTAzbnZQVlplQ1JfeUlNdEZ1dExoZGs2QWRVZTc5RFpRNkFXS1g1MGw2eWE0NEVpeEZIaWxVTVJGSG51QnlTb3oybWdSNkFJSWFQYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jennasatterthwaite.com%2F&v=vdfJtyUb2PI] -Substack: https://jessierosen.substack.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1FsY01lMmJoWlJPZGNsMEhQRnZNRVJBb09Kd3xBQ3Jtc0tudjlrSTBtdnk4MWlGelp1bE02VHBxMlRrOTB4cmpYZVJyOTBNMGZIbkoxLWY2b2RVaXlWcFVqR3hEYTJwdTI0aE94bWd0bmVZUlFiSXhJRUxWR1FNN0lKbFJKQUpCbU9YR2lQV3VhNzZaaFNFS3ZEWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjennasatterthwaite.substack.com%2F&v=vdfJtyUb2PI] CREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart