Way-Word Writers Podcast

Conquer Your Path
  • 4.8 (17)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 1D AGO

    EPISODE 105: Layered Themes & Hooks in Picture Books with Chloe Ito Ward

    In 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 Writers 00:31 Introducing Chloe Ito Ward 00:45 Chloe’s Teaching Background and Inspiration 02:06 All the Ways We Learn 08:49 Made For More: The Story Behind the Book 11:39 Writing for Young Readers 16:40 Author’s Note and Reader Engagement 19:52 Reflecting on Parental Influence 20:07 Introducing Chopsticks Are.... 20:37 Cultural Touchpoints in Chopsticks Are.... 21:05 Expanding the Scope of Chopsticks Are.... 23:51 Research and Writing Process 25:11 Conversations Around Chopsticks 28:04 Balancing Authenticity and Accessibility 29:33 Creative Writing Process 31:09 Themes and Identity in Writing 34:10 Avoiding Didacticism in Picture Books 36:45 Lightning Round Q&A 37:55 Conclusion and Farewell Find 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'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    39 min

  2. JAN 30

    SPECIAL EPISODE: ​Navigating the Creative Journey: Way-Word Writers' 2026 Goals and Changes

    ​In 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 Writers 00:31 Introduction to the Podcast 01:34 Hosts Share Their Current Writing Projects 02:53 Stephanie's Exciting New Ventures 04:45 Nicki's Writing Journey and Goals 12:42 Heather's Writing and Life in Costa Rica 17:48 Balancing Writing and Promotion 19:43 Changes to the Podcast Schedule 25:45 Workshops and Community Engagement 28:11 Final Thoughts and Farewell This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    29 min

  3. JAN 27

    EPISODE 104: Writing Later-In-Life Romances with Author Julie Berman

    In 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 Protagonists 00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers 00:32 Meet Julie Berman 02:31 Julie’s Writing Journey 03:43 Elsie’s New Season: A Later in Life Romance 05:30 Themes in Julie’s Writing 08:07 Balancing Realism and Romance 13:09 Genre Blending and Audience 15:46 Character Backgrounds and Relationships 17:54 Personal Touches in Grief 19:10 Challenging Age Stereotypes 20:37 Embracing Character Quirks 22:38 The Evolution of Romance Genres 24:01 Advice for Aspiring Writers 25:09 The Importance of Beta Readers 27:20 Navigating Indie Publishing 29:35 Marketing and Promotion Strategies 32:08 Heartwarming Lessons from Writing 33:42 Conclusion and Future Projects ​Elsie’s New Season: A Later In Life Romance by Julie Berman This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min

  4. JAN 20

    EPISODE 103: Creativity & Caregiving: Nurturing Your Passion While Supporting Loved Ones

    In 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 Writers 00:43 The Challenges of Writing as a Caregiver 01:16 Different Types of Caregiving 01:52 Personal Caregiving Experiences 06:04 Balancing Writing and Caregiving 06:49 Strategies for Managing Time 09:35 The Importance of Community Support 11:12 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care 18:34 Creative Solutions for Writing Time 21:01 Dealing with Creative Burnout 23:05 The Writing Process: Observations and Experiences 23:33 Creative Solutions for Writing on the Go 24:14 The Importance of Reading and Consuming Stories 25:47 Incorporating Life Experiences into Writing 27:26 Balancing Family, Resilience, and Writing 31:46 Finding Creativity Amidst Caregiving 35:13 Managing Guilt and Asking for Help 42:17 Defining Success During Caregiving 44:38 Final Thoughts and Advice for Caregivers and Writers This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    46 min
  5. EPISODE 102: ​Creating Community Through Writing Contests with Kaitlyn Sanchez

    JAN 13

    EPISODE 102: ​Creating Community Through Writing Contests with Kaitlyn Sanchez

    In this episode of ​Way​-​W​ord Writers, Kaitlyn Sanchez, an agent at Bradford Literary, joins to discuss her journey with writing contests, community building, her roles as an editorial agent, and the impact of her contests on writers’ careers. And if you’d like a bit more of Heather’s thoughts on this topic… EPISODE 102 DEEP DIVE: The Hidden Architecture of a Thriving Writing Community00:00 Introduction to ​Way​-​W​ord Writers 00:02 Meet Kaitlyn Sanchez: Agent and Contest Creator01:24 The Birth of Writing Contests03:54 Community and Collaboration in Contests10:08 Behind the Scenes of Contest Management16:58 The Impact of Contests on Writers20:09 Advice for Contest Participants26:30 Future of Writing Contests29:27 Conclusion and Farewell F​ind out more about Kaitlyn Sanchez, her contests, writing, agenting, and more on her website! Thank you for listening! To get access to our worksheets and deep dive articles, add your email below! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    30 min
  6. EPISODE 101: Mastering Submission Strategies with Harold Underdown

    JAN 6

    EPISODE 101: Mastering Submission Strategies with Harold Underdown

    In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer sit down with Harold Underdown, a seasoned editor and consultant, to discuss effective submission strategies for writers. Harold shares insights on common submission missteps, how to test editor and agent fit, and crafting the perfect query letter. He also delves into the impact of digital workflows and AI on the publishing industry, and offers useful revision tools for authors. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the balance between trade and educational markets for nonfiction works, and practical tips for finding comparable titles. EPISODE 101 DEEP DIVE: Where Heather Talks About Publishing Trends and Assessing Manuscripts For Submission00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers00:34 Guest Introduction: Harold Underdown02:11 Common Submission Missteps05:22 Testing Editor and Agent Fit07:43 Submission Checklist Essentials11:03 Handling Soft Passes and Rejections15:28 Using Industry Intel Smartly18:33 Big Changes in Publishing23:32 The Impact of AI on Publishing Staff25:09 Editorial Assistants and Efficiency26:14 Challenges for Authors with Orphaned Books28:00 Revision Tools for Authors31:45 Positioning Nonfiction for Multiple Markets34:40 The Role of Comparable Titles in Queries39:17 Submission Strategies Across Genres41:22 Lightning Round: Trends, Myths, and Resources45:57 Conclusion and Farewell The Purple Crayon Children’s Book Agents and Artist’s Representatives: a Guide This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    47 min
  7. Reflecting on 2025 and Embracing the Future

    12/23/2025

    Reflecting on 2025 and Embracing the Future

    In this episode of Wayward Writers Podcast, Stephanie Bearce and co-hosts Nicki and Heather reflect on the milestones and personal victories of 2025. They discuss their memorable 100th episode, successful retreats, heartwarming interactions with podcast guests, and individual creative achievements. They also offer insights into their plans for 2026, including exciting new projects, personal growth in writing, and upcoming events for the Wayward Writers community. The hosts express gratitude for their journey and the supportive community that surrounds them, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own year and look forward to new opportunities.00:00 Welcome to the Grand Finale of 202500:33 Celebrating Milestones and Retreats04:01 Personal Victories and Achievements07:38 Reflecting on the Year and Looking Ahead12:48 Finding Joy and Passion in Writing15:14 Current Projects and Future Plans15:37 Exploring the Joy of Writing Essays16:37 Deep Dives and Craft-Based Advice17:22 Exciting Plans for 202617:45 Nicki's Debut Thriller Novel19:30 Navigating the Publishing Jungle21:37 Agent Ascente and Opportunities23:46 Upcoming Retreats and Community Building26:06 Gratitude and Reflections28:30 Looking Forward to 2026 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    29 min
  8. EPISODE 100: ​Exploring the Art of Essay Writing with Author and Editor Melissa Helton

    12/16/2025

    EPISODE 100: ​Exploring the Art of Essay Writing with Author and Editor Melissa Helton

    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. For a more in depth look at essay writing, the purpose and how-to, see EPISODE 100 DEEP DIVE: The Art of the Essay: Why We Write, How It Works, and What Makes It Matter.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 This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support Way-Word Writers, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    45 min
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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Conquer Your Path
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Way-Word Writers
  • Show Website
    Way-Word Writers Podcast

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