The Write Thing

Jason Arehart

A podcast for writers. We explore the ins and outs of the writer's journey and uncover the stories behind the stories that drive us to create and inspire us to share our work with the world.

Episodes

  1. Start Writing Now with Jessica Payne

    Feb 3

    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 Introduction to Jessica Payne01:18 Jessica's Journey to Writing03:07 The Path to Finding an Agent06:23 The Querying Process and Rejections13:15 Tips for Querying and Finding an Agent17:16 Evolution of Writing Process21:55 The Challenge of Starting Over25:34 Trusting the Writing Process25:50 The Pressure of Progression in Writing26:51 The Magic of Revisions28:37 Transforming Jealousy into Motivation32:31 Navigating Traditional Publishing35:49 The Long Game of Writing37:16 The Importance of Self-Care in Writing37:51 Fast Round: Insights 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.comJessica Payne: -Website: https://www.jessicapayne.net-Substack: https://jessicapayne.substack.comCREDITS: The Write Thing is produced and edited by Jason Arehart

    47 min
  2. Why You Need A Platform with Jessica Sorentino

    Jan 6

    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 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

    48 min
  3. The Need for Vulnerability in Writing with Jessie Rosen

    12/09/2025

    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 -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

    48 min
  4. Find Your Reason To Write with Jenna Satterthwaite

    11/18/2025

    Find Your Reason To Write with Jenna Satterthwaite

    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

    48 min

About

A podcast for writers. We explore the ins and outs of the writer's journey and uncover the stories behind the stories that drive us to create and inspire us to share our work with the world.