Podcast
Way-Word Writers Podcast
Hosted by Conquer Your Path · EN
A publishing podcast for every writer, illuminating the publishing industry with episodes focused on craft, marketing, business, and mental health for writers of all experience levels.
waywordwriters.substack.com
waywordwriters.substack.com
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EPISODE 110: Inside Today’s Cookbook Market with Agent Sally Ekus
4w ago00:36:42Tap to summarizeWay-Word Writers cohosts (Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer) welcome senior literary agent Sally Ekus of the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency’s Ekus Group to discuss the current cookbook market and how cookbooks remain viable alongside online recipes. Ekus explains how food culture has expanded opportunities for niche, concept- and technique-driven cookbooks, and why success still depends on exceptional, tested, clearly written recipes plus voice, concept, and platform. She addresses myths such as “everyone loves my family recipes” and “it will be easy,” emphasizes choosing the right medium, and suggests beginners study bookstore shelves, acknowledgments, and agents’ query preferences. Ekus outlines a portfolio approach to platform building and shares resources from her free Substack, including proposal guidelines and where-to-begin posts, plus advice on “coffee table cookbook” positioning.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word00:32 Why Cookbooks Now01:08 Meet Agent Sally Ekus03:07 Cookbook Market Snapshot05:07 Online Recipes vs Books06:22 Why We Buy Cookbooks07:15 Only Three Recipes09:28 What Makes Success11:11 Cookbook Myths Busted12:56 Should You Write One14:16 Getting Started Research15:29 Self Publishing Options16:27 Platform and Pitch Strategy19:11 Publishing Is A Long Game19:28 Fiction Platforms And Publisher Risk20:17 AI Disruption And Human Trust21:32 Why She Built The Newsletter23:02 Hyper Mentorship And Skill Sessions26:12 Cookbook Structure As Story Craft27:49 Proposal Guidelines And Where To Begin29:38 Coffee Table Cookbook Myth31:39 Books That Changed Her Cooking34:12 Lightning Round And FarewellFind Sally at JVNLA HERE and on Substack at Not So Secret Agent! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com
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EPISODE 109: Grammar as a Craft Choice with Patty McGee
Apr 700:38:07Tap to summarizeHosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome nationally recognized grammar expert Patty McGee, author of “Feedback That Moves Writers Forward” and “Not Your Granny’s Grammar,” to discuss grammar as a tool for clarity, intention, and voice rather than rigid rules. McGee explains why grammar feels scary due to shame-based schooling and “grammar police” culture, and emphasizes learning key sentence structures (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex) to shape rhythm and meaning. She advises that grammar focus during drafting depends on a writer’s fluency, highlights comma splices as a common issue, downplays strict comma-before-conjunction rules, and encourages intentional rule-breaking—especially in dialogue—based on audience and purpose. The group discusses distractions like repetitive punctuation errors, AI’s conflicting guidance, knowing oneself before critique, and trusting candid readers and copy editors, then closes with a lightning round on Oxford commas, fragments, adverbs, and starting sentences with conjunctions.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word00:32 Meet Patty McGee01:38 Why Grammar Feels Scary03:58 Rules vs Voice06:22 Four Sentence Types08:30 Drafting or Revising09:48 Comma Splices and Commas15:00 Grammar as Paintbrush16:38 Authors vs Copy Editors18:41 Grammar Distractions in Queries21:50 Where Rules Came From23:52 AI Grammar Anxiety25:00 Know the Basics26:00 Writing Voice Choices26:57 Audience and Genre Rules29:01 When to Let Go31:04 Lightning Round Grammar36:08 Professional vs Personal36:55 Where to Find Patty37:22 Final Thanks and OutroGo to Patty McGee’s website here! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com
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EPISODE 108: The Art of Line Editing: Elevating Character and Plot with Author Jennifer Gennari
Mar 2400:31:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome author Jennifer Gennari to discuss the intricacies of line editing and its importance in the writing process. Jennifer talks about her journey as a writer and editor, shares her approach to character-driven dialogue, and offers practical advice for strengthening sentences. The conversation also delves into common issues faced by writers and teaching strategies to improve one’s manuscript. Guest recommendations for craft books and personal anecdotes round out this educational and inspirational episode.If you’d like to read Heather’s deep dive article on this episode, you can find it here:EPISODE 104 DEEP DIVE: The Art of Line Editing, A Guide to Polishing Your Prose00:00 Introduction to Wayward Writers00:32 Meet Jennifer Gennari01:33 Jennifer’s Writing Journey02:48 Books Jennifer Recommends04:23 The Importance of Line Editing06:27 Line Editing Techniques08:18 Character Development Through Line Editing12:35 Character-Driven Analogies17:17 Avoiding Over-Polishing in Writing18:06 The Power of Reading Aloud19:31 Using Beta Readers Effectively21:20 Common Issues in Student Manuscripts23:04 Recognizing Generic Sentences25:11 Polishing Dialogue for Emotional Resonance27:23 Advice for Middle Grade Authors28:54 Recommended Craft Books30:20 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFind Out MORE:Jennifer Gennari’s Website and Links to Muffled and Stifled.The Art of Description: World Into Word by Mark DotyThe Last Mapmaker by Christina SoontornvatKekla Magoon, AuthorRefuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts by Matt BellSelf-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne & Dave King This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com
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EPISODE 107: Summit Club Workshops--Coming to Way-Word Writers
Mar 1000:20:04Tap to summarizeHeather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer introduce Way-Word Writers’ new Substack offerings to support writers across genres and career stages with actionable resources. They describe two paid tiers: the $50/year Trailblazer Tier featuring craft, marketing, and business worksheets, and the $150/year Summit Club providing deep-dive, on-demand workshops that can be paused and revisited, building an ongoing library. They highlight current workshops including a promotional planning overview focused on building a street team and launch timeline, Heather’s “From First Draft to Final Synopsis” revision and synopsis method using highlighting and outlines, and upcoming sessions such as Nicki’s time management and goal-setting class and Stephanie’s character-building workshop using the Enneagram. They encourage community interaction via comments, email requests, and continued connection through their website and social platforms.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word00:36 Why We Chose Substack01:26 Trailblazer Tier Worksheets02:20 Summit Club Deep Dives03:25 Learn Anytime Benefits05:40 Class Street Team Promo07:29 Class Revision Synopsis10:07 Monthly Workshop Schedule11:27 Class Time Management14:34 Class Enneagram Characters17:55 Actionable Workshop Promise18:42 Request Topics Connect19:50 Final Sign Off This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com
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Tackling Time Management & Writing Goals
Mar 900:33:14Tap to summarizeFeel like you don’t have enough hours in the day? Writing goals not being met like you hoped? Nicki Jacobsmeyer, author and business professional, explores different time management strategies and goal setting that work for your life and make you more intentional. Determine where you’re currently spending time, what pesky distractions get in your way, and how to tackle the ticking clock by prioritizing writing and what’s most important to you.Summit Club Workshop includes:* Time Audit template * Time Examiner template* Goals-Chunks-Segments Planning Strategies template This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com
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EPISODE 106: Kickstarter Campaigns & Author Partnering with Christina Boufis and Victoria Olsen
Feb 2400:39:13Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer talk with longtime collaborators Christina Boufis (fiction/nonfiction author and author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Nonfiction) and Victoria Olson (author of biography, fiction, and nonfiction; former university writing instructor) about how their co-writing partnership works and what it was like to use Kickstarter in their publishing journey.They outline major hurdles and what they would do differently, share outcomes, and note Kickstarter is better suited to genre, niche, and quirky projects than many memoirs or standard domestic thrillers. The episode closes with where to find them (somdarkforest.com, christinaboufis.com, Penny Dreadful Media on TikTok) and what’s next: completing the sequel by spring and planning additional collaborative books (including titles Dark Circles and Dark Science) alongside their solo projects.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers (Meet the Hosts & Mission)00:36 Today’s Guests: Long-Term Co-Authors + Kickstarter Publishing02:03 How Their Writing Partnership Began (Dickens Camp to First Project)03:27 Drafting Together in One Google Doc (Discovery Writing + NaNoWriMo Sprint)05:20 Editing, Roles, and the ‘Jazz Improv’ Collaboration Style06:50 Pros, Cons, and Keeping a Unified Voice as Co-Authors10:30 Staying Motivated Through Life & Rejection (Why Partnership Helps)12:01 Why They Chose Kickstarter (After a Small-Press Offer)15:16 Kickstarter Reality Check: Visual Assets, Video, Swag, and New Skills18:17 Running the Campaign: Backer Swaps, Reward Tiers, Stretch Goals & Fulfillment19:21 Backer Demands & Going Physical: Paperback, Hardcover, Collector Mindset21:14 When It Stops Feeling Overwhelming: Mastermind Support & Campaign Vetting22:44 Kickstarter’s Built-In Community Engine: Updates, Requests & Reader Connection24:12 Results & Aftermath: Low Goal Strategy, 400% Funded, Early Reviewers25:23 Social Media Spillover: Promoting Beyond Kickstarter + Why TikTok27:09 Kickstarter First Steps: Finish the Book, Find Community, Study Other Campaigns29:49 Design, Video & Reward Strategy: Outsourcing, Swag, Special Editions, Signed eBooks32:16 Would They Do It Again? Time, Energy, and the Real Learning Curve33:42 Is Kickstarter a Fit? Genre vs Memoir, Niche/Quirky Books & Physicality36:15 What’s Next + Where to Find Them: Sequels, Solo Projects, Websites & FarewellFind more about Christina Boufis at christinaboufis.com!Find more about Victoria Olsen at victoriaolsen.com!Some Dark Force, a Victorian thriller, by Christina Boufis and Victoria Olsen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com
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EPISODE 105: Layered Themes & Hooks in Picture Books with Chloe Ito Ward
Feb 1000:38:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer interview Chloe Ito Ward, a Japanese American children’s author with a background in education. They discuss Chloe’s new and upcoming books, the thematic elements in her writing, and the inspiration and process behind her stories. Chloe shares how her personal and professional experiences influence her work and provides insights into the challenges of writing for a young audience. The conversation also touches on the importance of diversity, cultural representation, and authenticity in children’s literature.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers00:31 Introducing Chloe Ito Ward00:45 Chloe’s Teaching Background and Inspiration02:06 All the Ways We Learn08:49 Made For More: The Story Behind the Book11:39 Writing for Young Readers16:40 Author’s Note and Reader Engagement19:52 Reflecting on Parental Influence20:07 Introducing Chopsticks Are.... 20:37 Cultural Touchpoints in Chopsticks Are.... 21:05 Expanding the Scope of Chopsticks Are....23:51 Research and Writing Process25:11 Conversations Around Chopsticks28:04 Balancing Authenticity and Accessibility29:33 Creative Writing Process31:09 Themes and Identity in Writing34:10 Avoiding Didacticism in Picture Books36:45 Lightning Round Q&A37:55 Conclusion and FarewellFind out more about Chloe Ito Ward on her website here!On Tuesday February 17, see our companion deep dive article about adding hooks and layers to your book to increase depth, universal resonance, and commercial viability:EPISODE 105 DEEP DIVE: Layering Hooks and Themes Into Your Manuscript This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com
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SPECIAL EPISODE: Navigating the Creative Journey: Way-Word Writers' 2026 Goals and Changes
Jan 3000:29:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Way-Word Writers Podcast, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer share updates on their current writing projects and discuss the exciting changes in their creative journeys as they step into 2026. They open up about their writing seasons, upcoming goals, and how they are planning to sustain their creative passion while balancing various aspects of their lives. The episode also introduces changes in the podcast's release schedule and the addition of new, in-depth content on their Substack to better support their writing community.PLEASE NOTE: Our schedule will change to a podcast every other Tuesday and a DEEP DIVE companion article on the Tuesdays in between.Workshops for our Substack Summit Club level will be released periodically, at least every other month.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers00:31 Introduction to the Podcast01:34 Hosts Share Their Current Writing Projects02:53 Stephanie's Exciting New Ventures04:45 Nicki's Writing Journey and Goals12:42 Heather's Writing and Life in Costa Rica17:48 Balancing Writing and Promotion19:43 Changes to the Podcast Schedule25:45 Workshops and Community Engagement28:11 Final Thoughts and Farewell This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com
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EPISODE 104: Writing Later-In-Life Romances with Author Julie Berman
Jan 2700:34:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome author Julie Berman to discuss her journey of writing later-in-life romances. They delve into Julie's transition from speech-language pathology to author, her latest book 'Elsie's New Season,' and the importance of portraying love and life experiences of older adults authentically. Julie shares insights into the challenges and joys of writing for this demographic, the stereotypes she aims to debunk, and how her personal experiences have influenced her work. The hosts also explore broader themes of resilience, grief, and love, offering valuable advice for both writers and readers.Check out our EPISODE 104 DEEP DIVE: Writing Beyond Midlife: Crafting Compelling Stories with Older Protagonists00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers00:32 Meet Julie Berman02:31 Julie’s Writing Journey03:43 Elsie’s New Season: A Later in Life Romance05:30 Themes in Julie’s Writing08:07 Balancing Realism and Romance13:09 Genre Blending and Audience15:46 Character Backgrounds and Relationships17:54 Personal Touches in Grief19:10 Challenging Age Stereotypes20:37 Embracing Character Quirks22:38 The Evolution of Romance Genres24:01 Advice for Aspiring Writers25:09 The Importance of Beta Readers27:20 Navigating Indie Publishing29:35 Marketing and Promotion Strategies32:08 Heartwarming Lessons from Writing33:42 Conclusion and Future ProjectsElsie’s New Season: A Later In Life Romance by Julie Berman This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com
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EPISODE 103: Creativity & Caregiving: Nurturing Your Passion While Supporting Loved Ones
Jan 2000:45:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the unique challenges of balancing writing with caregiving responsibilities. Each shares personal experiences as caregivers and writers, offering valuable insights and practical advice on managing stress, setting boundaries, and finding creative solutions to maintain their passion for writing. They emphasize the importance of self-care, realistic goal-setting, and the value of community support during difficult times.This week our EPISODE 103 DEEP DIVE: Writing While Caregiving (Or Being Super Busy!) has some great tips and ways to keep your relationship with writing and creating healthy.00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers00:43 The Challenges of Writing as a Caregiver01:16 Different Types of Caregiving01:52 Personal Caregiving Experiences06:04 Balancing Writing and Caregiving06:49 Strategies for Managing Time09:35 The Importance of Community Support11:12 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care18:34 Creative Solutions for Writing Time21:01 Dealing with Creative Burnout23:05 The Writing Process: Observations and Experiences23:33 Creative Solutions for Writing on the Go24:14 The Importance of Reading and Consuming Stories25:47 Incorporating Life Experiences into Writing27:26 Balancing Family, Resilience, and Writing31:46 Finding Creativity Amidst Caregiving35:13 Managing Guilt and Asking for Help42:17 Defining Success During Caregiving44:38 Final Thoughts and Advice for Caregivers and Writers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com
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