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

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 Introduction to Jessica Sorrentino00:59 Jessica's Journey in Publishing03:48 The Importance of Networking and Branding05:53 The Rebranding Experience11:06 Understanding Marketing vs. Publicity17:48 The Author's Role in Marketing20:20 The Positive Side of Author Engagement23:06 The Thread of Storytelling in Branding24:48 The Art of Storytelling27:13 Author Branding as a Library35:14 The Interplay of Branding and Marketing35:43 Fast Round Insights40:11 Life-Changing Books and Intentional LivingStay 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.comJessica Sorentino: -Website: https://www.jessicasorentino.com-Substack: https://jessicasorentino.substack.comCREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

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

-The Write Thing: https://jasonarehart.substack.com

-Instagram: @jason.arehart

-Website: www.jasonarehart.com

-Email: thewritethingpod@gmail.com

Jessie Rosen:

-Website: https://www.jessierosen.com

-Substack: https://jessierosen.substack.com

CREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

In this episode, I chat with Caitlin Weaver about her journey from freelance writer to novelist. She shares her journey from a passionate reader to a bestselling author, highlighting how motherhood inspired her writing. She discusses her rapid success in publishing four books in two years, the dynamics of working with a small press, and the importance of creative control in the publishing process. Caitlin also talks about the inspiration behind her latest book, Who We Used to Be, which explores complex themes of female friendship and family dynamics.Bookmarks:

00:00 - Caitlin Weaver: A Journey into Writing05:14 - The Rapid Rise: Four Books in Two Years12:14 - Crafting a Writing Process: Efficiency and Community19:07 - Navigating the Publishing World: Small Press vs. Big Five34:25 - Who We Used to Be: Themes and InspirationsStay 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.comCaitlin Weaver: -Website: https://www.caitlinweaver.com-Substack: https://caitlinweaver.substack.comCREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

In this episode, I chat with Jenna Satterthwaite about her journey as an author and literary agent. She touches on the emotional aspects of writing, the challenges of the publishing industry, and the importance of persistence in the face of rejection. She also opens up about her personal experiences with grief that led her to writing, and she shines a light on the real struggles along the road to publication, which is paved with rejection. Lastly, she gets into her decision to become an agent, which is its own unique story. Through her agent lens, Jenna offers valuable insights into the subjective nature of publishing and reminds us just how important it is to find our reasons to write.

Bookmarks:

00:00 - The Journey Begins: Jenna's Writing Path

06:00 - The Long Road to Publication

12:00 - Finding Purpose in Grief: Becoming an Agent

17:57 - Navigating the Agenting World

23:58 - The Emotional Landscape of Rejections

24:28 - The Importance of Patience in Publishing Offers

26:28 - Community Support Among Agents

29:06 - Insights from Both Sides of the Publishing Industry

29:52 - The Subjectivity of Taste in Manuscript Rejections

33:56 - The Unpredictability of Book Advances

35:57 - Balancing Confidence and Reality in Publishing

40:00 - Finding Your Internal Motivation to Write

41:57 - Influential Books and Their Impact on Writers

43:56 - Upcoming Projects and Exciting Releases

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

Jenna Satterthwaite:

-Website: https://www.jennasatterthwaite.com

-Substack: https://jennasatterthwaite.substack.com

CREDITS:

The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

In the episode, I chat with J.T. Ellison about her journey to becoming a New York Times best selling novelist, discussing the challenges and successes she faced along the way. From her early experiences with rejection to her strategies for maintaining a consistent writing schedule, JT offers valuable insights into the writing process. She also delves into the inspiration behind her latest book, Last Seen, and reflects on the importance of respecting one’s time as a writer.

Bookmarks:

00:00 Introduction to JT Ellison

01:49 JT Ellison's Journey to Writing

06:37 Overcoming Rejection and Building Resilience

08:48 The Secret to Prolific Writing

14:12 Achieving Bestseller Status

20:29 The Balance of Writing and Success

22:56 Approach to Revision and Writing Process

24:24 The Manuscript Development Process

27:06 Evolving as a Writer

31:01 The Birth of Last Seen

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

J.T. Ellison:

-Website: https://www.jtellison.com

-Substack: https://jtellison.substack.com

CREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

In this episode, Joy Baglio shares her journey as a writer, discussing her early passion for storytelling, the significance of short fiction, and the craft behind writing compelling narratives. She emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship in her development, explores the themes and structures of her stories, and offers valuable insights for aspiring writers. Joy also reflects on the role of fun in the writing process and the power of short fiction in establishing a literary career.

Bookmarks:

00:00 Journey to Becoming a Writer

02:57 The Allure of Short Fiction

05:53 Crafting the Perfect Short Story

08:53 Exploring Themes in Writing

11:42 The Role of Fairy Tales in Modern Stories

14:56 Finding Voice and Style in Writing

17:49 The Power of Short Fiction

21:08 Advice for Aspiring Writers

23:56 Fast Round: Quickfire Questions

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

JOY BAGLIO:

-Website: https://www.joybaglio.com

-Substack: https://joybaglio.substack.com

CREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

In this episode, Kristin Koval shares her inspiring journey from being a lawyer to becoming a published author with her debut novel, Penitence. She discusses the challenges she faced in her writing process, the importance of finding a good title, and her experiences in finding an agent.

Bookmarks

00:00 From Lawyer to Author: Kristin's Journey

10:00 The Path to Publication: Finding an Agent

17:27 Exploring Forgiveness: The Inspiration Behind 'Penitence'

22:08 Crafting 'Penitence': Challenges and Breakthroughs

28:50 Writing Process: Dual Timelines and Character Perspectives

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

KRISTIN KOVAL

Website: https://www.kristinkoval.com

Substack: https://kristinkoval.substack.com

CREDITS

The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart