Authors set out to write a book. They often don’t realize the bookkeeping and budgeting aspect of becoming a published author. In this episode, we’ll talk about establishing a budget, what to regard as high priority vs. low priority and how the publishing path you choose should figure into your budget.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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Join us as we chat with award-winning author Maggie Smith, known for her books "Truth and Other Lies" and "Blind Spot." Drawing on her psychology and business background, Maggie crafts stories of resilient women facing extraordinary challenges. She also hosts the "Hear Us Roar" podcast and manages The Write City Magazine. Tune in for insights into her writing and inspirations.

SHOW NOTES:

Bio:

Influenced by her former careers as a psychologist and a business owner, author Maggie Smith pens compelling stories of ordinary women who face extraordinary challenges with grit, brainpower, and strong doses of empathy and humor. She hosts the podcast Hear Us Roar and is managing editor of The Write City Magazine. She is the award-winning author of Truth and Other Lies and Blind Spot.

Book synopsis

How was your experience different/better launching book two vs. book one?

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this book, in the context of your journey as a writer of women's fiction?

Can you give us a glimpse into your writing process? Research process?

Affiliation with the WFWA

Hear Us Roar podcast

The Write City Magazine

SOURCES & LINKS:

Website: www.maggiesmithwriter.com

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

In 2022, Publisher’s Marketplace announced its decision to retire the term “Women’s Fiction” as a genre because they “aim not to presume or define a book’s audience, or categorize books, by gender.” In this episode, we’ll take a look at the effects of their decision, its implications and the status of “Women’s Fiction” as a genre today.

SHOW NOTES:

Women’s Fiction Writers Association definition of Women’s Fiction: “layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey.”

How we define Women’s Fiction as writers

Criticism of “Women’s Fiction”:

“Arbitrary” “Sexist” “Limited” “Perpetuates stereotypes” “Too Broad”

Gender stereotyping

Marginalizing women

The problem with retiring “Women’s Fiction”

Genre Characteristics:

Audience

Issues

Authors

Exceptions:

Men writing women’s fiction

Women writing women’s fiction with male protagonists

Genre Label Confusion/Misconceptions:

Writing Style: Commercial, upmarket, literary

Commercial: plot-driven, fast paced, trope-based

Literary: slowed-pace, character-driven, elevated prose, depth of characterization, layered themes and motifs

Upmarket: contains elements of both

Timeframe: Historical, Contemporary, or a blend

Target Audience: children, YA, adult..

Type: paranormal, dystopian, western, romance…

Where does Women’s Fiction fit?

SOURCES & LINKS:

Women’s Fiction Writers Association

Publishers Marketplace

“Embracing the Women’s Fiction Genre Label” By Orly Konig, the founding president of WFWA

“Genre and Gender: Grappling With the Awkward Question of ‘Women’s’ Fiction,” Writer Unboxed, by Barbara Linn Probst

“What Do We Really Mean By ‘Women’s Fiction’?” Lit Hub, by Rachel Howard

“Genre Guide: Women’s Fiction, Upmarket, Romance, Literary…?” by Lidija Hilje

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you