Part Time Author Podcast

This week, Genny and Aaron talk with Jessica Kristie, publisher at Winter Goose Publishing, and award-winning author and poet. Jessica gives us a publisher's perspective on things like submitting your manuscript and marketing your books. She also talks about their new imprint, Hallway Publishing and details around the Hallway Project, as well as shares what makes good writing and gets a publisher's eye. Don't miss this episode, packed with tips and insights!  

With this very special episode of the The Part-Time Author podcast, Genny Heikka and Aaron Robbins dive into a new series for writers on building a web presence. The first episode in this multi-part series is about why an author would or would not need a website to help promote their writing or brand. Genny and Aaron also cover topics related to content management systems, registering a domain, picking a good name for your URL, and what the point of your online presence really is. If you are a writer without a website, or a writer with a website that has an unclear purpose, tune into this episode of the Part-Time Author podcast and get some practical information on how to make a good impression online. Mentioned in this episode: BustAName (not a sponsored mention at all; just a great resource!), and Erin Dealey, Children's Book Author.

On episode 15 of the Part-Time Author podcast, we recap our interview with Magazine Publisher Lisa Thibodeau and talk about taking small steps towards your writing dream. We also discuss the merits of getting feedback on your writing and taking critique and recommendations and edits from others.  After submitting his first written reviews to the San Francisco Book Review, Aaron talks with Genny about what it was like to get edits from her on his writing, and how the editing and critiquing process helped his own work. This episode wraps up with a preview of the new Part-Time Author marketing series to come about developing a better web presence as a writer or author.

On this this very special episode of the Part-Time Author Podcast, hosts Genny and Aaron talk with magazine publisher,  Lisa Thibodeau. Lisa tells us about her journey as a writer, how she became an editor, and what led her to take a big risk on fulfilling a childhood dream of starting her own magazine.  This episode is full of inspiration and tips! Genny and Aaron also talk with Lisa about how to pursue writing for a magazine, what Lisa looks for in article submissions, and what a snap-smile is.  If you are interested in writing for magazines, you wont want to miss this episode! You can follow Childhood Magazine on twitter at @ChildhMag.

On lucky episode 13 of the Part-Time Author Podcast, Aaron kicks off the show with a story about selling art and concludes his story with a phrase we should all strive to hear and say. Genny and Aaron then discuss the release of Genny's new children's board book, Good Night,  and talk about the process of working with an oversees publisher. Aaron then brings up questions about ghost writing opportunities and when an author should use a pen name (and how that works with the current state of social media). The episode wraps up with Genny and Aaron tackling a listener question related to selling a script to an animation studio, and talking about the question: How long does it take to get published?

In this episode, hosts Genny and Aaron sit down (virtually) with Children's Book Author Sue Fliess.  Sue talks about living on the east coast and what it was like to be a book publicist, one of her former jobs.  Our conversation follows Sue's exciting writing journey as she discusses what it's like to have good years and not-so-good years as an author.  She shares interesting stories, gives great tips for writers, and talks about how some of her more recent books became published. Packed with advice related to book publicity, marketing yourself as an author, and having perseverance and determination, episode 12 of the Part Time Author Podcast is a must-listen! Mentioned in this episode: SCBWI, Tim Myers, Elizabeth Koehler Pentacoff, Lin Oliver.

This is a special episode of the Part-Time Author Podcast featuring original stories from hosts Genny and Aaron. We launched the first ever Part-Time Author writing challenge last month and this episode marks the end of the first challenge. If you missed out on the fun, don't worry. A new challenge will be starting in September. The goal of these challenges is to provide a safe, fun and community-based outlet for those who want to work on becoming a better writer and storyteller. Writers will have a month to complete a 329-word-or-less story working off the writing theme provided by Part-Time Author Podcast hosts. This month's theme was, "A Squirrel Takes Flight".

On Episode 11, Genny and Aaron talk about what they've learned from the first 10 episodes of recording the Part-Time Author Podcast.  Genny takes Aaron through the various types of children's books (YA, middle grade, picture book, etc.) and explains what they are and generally what a manuscript for each genre would look like.  Also on this episode, Genny discusses some quick submission tips and work-for-hire possibilities in the various genres. Episode 11 wraps up with a quick look at the power of books and how the children's' book "Hooples on the Highway" kept one our our co-hosts interested in reading. Mentioned in this episode: Suzanne Morgan Williams, Childhood Magazine, Tim Myers, SCBWI, Hallway Publishing, and Sue Fliess.

In this historic 10th episode of the Part-Time Author podcast, Genny and Aaron discuss the difference between ideas and stories, and talk about the specifics of query letters and cover letters. Aaron also talks briefly about his family's journey with their son Isaac, while Genny offers some behind-the-scenes thoughts on the magazine article she wrote about the story. Aaron gives an update on his 48-month plan, talks about pirates and ice cream, and he asks Genny why mass submitting a manuscript is a bad thing. Rounding out the episode are Genny's thoughts on publishing parts of your manuscript digitally while attempting to get a traditional book deal. Mentioned in this episode: Ears for Isaac, Literary Agent Chip MacGregor's blog, Sacramento Parent Magazine, Dandi Daley Mackall, Suzanne Morgan Williams, and Tim Myers. 

The highly anticipated ninth episode of the Part-Time Author Podcast is here!  In this episode, accomplished Author Tim Myers talks with us about the realities of being a part-time author. In his characteristic upbeat and honest approach, he tells us about his own writing journey, how he found success as an author, and he shares some thoughts on parenting (he has a recent book out for dads). Tim also talks about eBooks, marketing your books, encouraging young writers, and how to keep pursuing your writing goals even when faced with repeated rejections.  Episode 09 is chock full of encouraging nuggets, industry information, and practical advice for anyone looking for an honest and inspiring peek at being a part-time author. Check out Tim's books on Amazon.com and pick up his newest children's book, Down at the Dino Wash Deluxe. Mentioned in this episode: Mo Willems, SCBWI, Patricia Newman, Erin Dealey.  

Quick reminder: our first writing challenge is underway! You can participate in the fun here: A Squirrel Takes Flight In episode 8 of the Part-Time Author Podcast, Genny and Aaron talk about working with an editor and what to expect when it's time to revise a manuscript. Genny sets Aaron straight on the difference between proofreading and editing, and how each is handled at a publishing house. As Aaron talks about wanting to write more, both hosts discuss their experiences blogging. Genny talks about writing for a blog network, while Aaron tries to equate writing to a Sunday drive. As Aaron and Genny work towards the main topic of the show, they stop off for a minute discussing what all art has in common, the Part Time Author Writing Challenge, and the grammatical rules around using the word "that". Finally, Genny talks about how the simple act of saying yes can have a big impact on your writing career. Mentioned in this episode: Author Dan Yaccarino, SCBWI, Hallway Publishing.

Episode 7 of the Part-Time Author Podcast arrives just in time for the weekend.  In this episode, Genny Heikka and Aaron Robbins discuss why they find it hard to write or create when they are on vacation. Aaron discusses how and why he came up with a 48th month plan. A bulk of the episode is spent discussing writing book reviews, reviewing the work of others, and why work-for-hire writing can be fun. Episode 7 wraps up with conversation about writing contests, how they can help you achieve your writing goals, and what to look for in a reputable contest. In this episode, Genny and Aaron also announce the first Part-Time Author Podcast Writing Contest.  This month's contest entries should be 329 words or less and play off the phrase/idea, "A squirrel takes flight."  This month's award is a fountain pen trophy designed, sculpted, cast and painted by Part-Time Author Co-Host Aaron Robbins. Mentioned in this episode: Author Kathleen Duey, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the San Francisco Book Review, Smartwriters.com writing contest, and the Sacramento Public Library.

In this episode, Aaron talks about his recent trip to Pixar Animation Studios and what he learned about his own writing from a brief observation of Pixar's way of doing things.  Genny and Aaron talk about taking yourself seriously as a writer and what it does and doesn't mean to believe in yourself. Following the animation theme for episode 6, Aaron asks about the writing process while relating two different writing approaches to the animation concepts of Pose to Pose and Straight Ahead. Genny shares information on book proposals and the journey to publication for her book Finding Mommy Bliss. The episode concludes with an interesting conversation about multiple book submissions, tracking your relationships with publishers and how to interpret an editor's response. Mentioned in this episode: Patricia Newman, Erin Dealey, Cheryl Klein, the new Snippet App publishing platform, Hallway Publishing, and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

On episode 5 of the Part-Time Author Podcast, Genny Heikka and crew are joined by Particia Newman. Patricia is author of Jingle The Brass, Nugget on the Flight Deck and many other children's books.  Patricia has a heart for helping new authors, a passion she pursues through her work with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.  On this episode, Patricia talks about how becoming a published author is one of the toughest things you'll ever do, and she gives practical and encouraging advice on how to stay encouraged and productive.  Learn about her personal story, the different ways you could pursue a writing career,  and how and why to get involved with writing conferences and organizations. Mentioned in this episode: Bruce Coville, Karen Cushman, Patricia MacLachlan, The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Writer's Digest, Children's Book Insider.   

On episode 4 of the Part-Time Author Podcast, Genny and Aaron talk about the similarities and differences between editors and agents.   Genny reads several of her own rejection letters while talking about the different types of rejections that exist and how to understand, react and use them to your advantage.  The Part-Time Author crew also discuss where to write, what their own writing spaces look like and some ways to distinguish or separate your writing time from your time with your family. Right before the power unexpectedly goes out, Genny and Aaron wrap up episode 4 by talking about a writing challenge for Part-Time Author listeners. Mentioned in this episode: our amazing host, Origin Coffee Shop.