Way-Word Writers Podcast

<p>In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Melissa Helton, a literary arts director and published author. Melissa shares her writing journey, discusses her approach to essay writing, and offers insights into maintaining authenticity while working with editors. The conversation covers the nuances of writing publishable essays, blending personal experiences with universal themes, and navigating the ethical considerations of sharing personal stories. Melissa also provides practical advice for writers on staying motivated and organized. This informative and heartfelt discussion is sure to inspire both emerging and established writers.</p><p>For a more in depth look at essay writing, the purpose and how-to, see <a target="_blank" href="https://waywordwriters.substack.com/p/2e9aa9e1-80c0-407a-9151-b82e05f34e59?postPreview=free&#38;updated=2025-12-13T15%3A22%3A21.433Z&#38;audience=only_paid&#38;free_preview=true&#38;freemail=true">EPISODE 100 DEEP DIVE: The Art of the Essay: Why We Write, How It Works, and What Makes It Matter.</a>00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers00:32 Guest Introduction: Melissa Hilton01:58 Melissa Helton’s Writing Journey03:54 The Emotional Impact of Editing07:06 Defining a Publishable Essay11:05 Finding the Hook and Structure in Essays14:30 Balancing Personal and Universal Themes23:08 Maintaining Authenticity with Editors24:07 Navigating Editorial Feedback26:12 Balancing Artistic Integrity and Publication26:42 Alternative Publishing Methods28:58 The Revision Process31:03 Organizing Creative Ideas33:03 Understanding Editorial Rejections36:56 Staying Motivated and Creative41:08 Ethical Considerations in Personal Essays43:14 Lightning Round: Quick Insights44:15 Conclusion and Farewell</p><p><p>This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support Way-Word Writers, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>You can find more about this topic and the risks and rewards of genre hopping in our article <a target="_blank" href="https://waywordwriters.substack.com/p/1e659181-22c4-48e3-a12e-3e2f689d2ddc?postPreview=free&#38;updated=2025-12-06T22%3A10%3A29.494Z&#38;audience=only_paid&#38;free_preview=true&#38;freemail=true">EPISODE 99 DEEP DIVE: Genre Hopping Risks and Gains</a></p><p>In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by special guest Eric Smith, an award-winning literary agent and young adult author. The discussion delves into the concept of genre-hopping and age category shifting among authors. Eric Smith emphasizes that an author’s unique voice can transcend genres and categories, encouraging writers to explore different writing styles. The episode also covers important aspects like the risks and rewards of genre-hopping, the importance of passion in writing, and how to prepare for transitioning into new literary spaces. Special highlights include Eric’s personal experiences with genre transitions and comprehensive advice for authors considering a shift in their writing career.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers00:30 Introducing Eric Smith02:02 Genre Hopping and Career Impact04:05 Why Writers Switch Genres06:38 Challenges and Misconceptions11:40 Voice and Genre Crossover17:29 Navigating Genre Jumping as an Author17:49 Reassurance for Authors Exploring New Genres18:20 Risks and Rewards of Genre Hopping19:31 Publisher Expectations and Author Branding21:35 The Role of Pen Names in Genre Hopping25:13 Lessons Learned from Genre Hopping28:18 Advice for Aspiring Genre Hoppers31:50 Eric Smith’s Contact Information and Closing Remarks</p><p>Find Eric at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ericsmithrocks.com/">EricSmithRocks.com</a> or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.neighborhoodliterary.com/">NeighborhoodLiterary.com</a>.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the critical steps and considerations for authors who receive a book offer. They emphasize the importance of celebrating the offer, taking time to review the contract, and asking the right questions. The hosts share personal experiences with book contracts and highlight key issues such as negotiation timelines, advances, subsidiary rights, and the impact of AI on publishing. They provide actionable advice for both agented and un-agented authors, stressing the necessity of seeking legal assistance when reviewing contracts to ensure a fair and beneficial agreement.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers00:45 Celebrating Your Book Offer01:26 Questions to Ask When You Get an Offer02:45 Negotiating Your Contract09:22 Understanding Advances14:28 Royalty Rates and Payments19:35 Rights and Contract Clauses22:09 Understanding Subsidiary Rights23:26 Negotiating Contract Terms27:15 Marketing and Production Considerations30:04 Cover Design and Illustrations34:24 AI Clauses and Legal Considerations36:48 Final Thoughts and Advice</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://waywordwriters.substack.com/p/6ce035a6-0804-4f40-a904-9c8a1e7ded3d?postPreview=free&#38;updated=2025-12-02T01%3A28%3A03.693Z&#38;audience=only_paid&#38;free_preview=true&#38;freemail=true">To see the DEEP DIVE article on this episode, go here!</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by Jenna Satterthwaite, a literary agent and author. The discussion revolves around Jenna’s journey in publishing, her experiences writing in multiple genres, and her insights on market trends. Jenna shares practical tips for aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of understanding genre expectations and staying true to one’s voice. Key topics include balancing thriller and romance elements, the impact of market trends, and the creative process behind developing compelling stories.00:00 Introduction to Way-word Writers00:32 Meet Jenna Satterthwaite01:52 Jenna’s Writing Journey03:56 Balancing Genres: Thrillers and Romance04:55 The Creative Process and Market Constraints08:03 Themes and Common Threads in Jenna’s Work11:25 Challenges of Writing Romance and Thrillers22:59 Commercial vs. Literary Fiction26:01 Understanding Literary Prose and Market Trends26:39 Staying Aware of Market Trends Without Losing Your Voice27:48 The Secret Money Code in Publishing28:49 Gathering Information Without Breaking the Bank30:46 Navigating Genre Trends and Market Challenges35:37 The Creative Process: From Concept to Execution45:00 Balancing Multiple Genres and Reader Expectations49:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p><p>For more info on Jenna Satterthwaite, you can find out more about her on her website at <a target="_blank" href="https://jennasatterthwaite.com/">JennaSatterthwaite.com.</a></p><p>To read the deep dive article that corresponds with this week’s podcast, find it here:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://waywordwriters.substack.com/p/51322cce-350a-4c38-9a7b-be029c7b7b67?postPreview=free&#38;updated=2025-11-21T23%3A39%3A26.282Z&#38;audience=only_paid&#38;free_preview=true&#38;freemail=true">EPISODE 97 DEEP DIVE: The Architecture of Genre-Blending</a></p><p>For a coordinating worksheet, go here: </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://waywordwriters.substack.com/p/805b7a70-16d2-47bd-a424-c626112ff2b8?postPreview=free&#38;updated=2025-11-21T23%3A38%3A36.275Z&#38;audience=only_paid&#38;free_preview=true&#38;freemail=true">Genre Blending Worksheet</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>In this episode of Way-Word Writers, Heather Cashman, Stephanie B​e​arce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer sit down with acclaimed author and editor Debra Halverson to discuss the nuances of revising a manuscript from the first draft to the final product. They explore the often overlooked layers of revision, the default settings writers fall into, and how to inject new life into characters and settings. Halverson shares practical tips on maintaining the heart of the story, dealing with conflicting feedback, and adapting to the ever-changing market trends. The conversation offers valuable insights and actionable advice for both novice and seasoned writers.00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers00:34 Meet Debra Halverson02:01 The Hidden Layers of Revision05:15 Transformative Revision Techniques12:46 Common Writing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them20:12 Maintaining the Heart of Your Story22:00 Humanizing Historical Characters24:24 Balancing Emotional Distance in Revisions27:28 Navigating Feedback and Critique32:34 Adapting to Market Trends40:04 Overcoming Overwhelm in Revisions41:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.deborahhalverson.com/">F​ind out more about Deborah Halverson HERE!</a></p><p>To read a deeper dive article about editing, go to the EPISODE 96 DEEP DIVE: Beyond Surface Revision: The Architecture of Transformative Editing.</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe</a>