#amwriting With Jess & Kj

...in which Jess and KJ share some ideas for getting down to work when everyone else is taking days off. KJ suggests setting a definite (if abbreviated schedule) and keep a low profile, while Jess reserves certain tasks for snow days. Plus book recs for your holiday shopping list.

...in which Jess and KJ offer some gift ideas for the writer in your life, or to suggest as gifts for yourself. Jess confesses a need for hard deadlines, and KJ implores you to make time to write despite the flurry of the season.

...in which Jess and KJ explain how writing what you know makes for engaging prose. KJ reviews her holiday writing goals, while Jess gives herself a pep talk, “stop thinking about it and do it!”

...in which Jess and KJ discuss strategies about talking (or dodging talk) about your work. KJ tells of her trials when breaking into the biz, and Jess grapples with that demoralizing “what’s next?” question that comes after your first book.

...in which Jess and KJ put on brave faces and and take on the sunk costs fallacy as they hash out ways to identify when it’s actually best to walk away from a project. The benefits of re-reading and a look at how KJ’s getting on with MailChimp.

...in which Jess and KJ have recommendations on how to write and pitch your op-ed or essay piece. KJ has another chapter from her email list saga, and of course their weekly reading recs.

...in which Jess and KJ answer a listener email about their friendship, their professional relationship, and about making and keeping writer friends.

...in which Jess and KJ offer up some tips on how to stay on one task. Jess updates us on her “2,000 words a day” project, and KJ on her audience building.

...in which Jess and KJ consider whether and how to respond to readers, both in life and online, who have "comments." KJ breaks down the types of readers who respond, and Jess has a story about developing a thicker skin.

...in which Jess and KJ pick the brains of Agent Jenny Bent, of The Bent Agency, about finding the right agent and getting her attention. They also discuss what you need before you start sending out queries.

...in which Jess and KJ discuss various strategies for picking up the thread of of the previous day’s writing, and KJ has some tips on building your audience with carrots.

...in which Jess and KJ offer tips for the “officially” challenged for organizing writing projects, KJ’s updates us on her adventures in audience building, and Jess sets a goal of 2,000 words a day.

...in which Jess and KJ answer a listener’s question about “Capturing the Wild Idea,” and KJ explains the finer points of “permission marketing.”

...in which Jess and KJ talk blogging, KJ tries bullet journaling and Jess needs help keeping her butt in the chair on the road (even her Mom is helping).

...in which Jess and KJ have a few tips for finding the right agent and crafting your query; also KJ goes off the grid to get some work done and Jess recommends sleep.

...in which Jess and KJ allow themselves to work messy. KJ picks up the pieces of a frustrating week, and Jess rushes to meet a 36-hour deadline.

***This is an updated episode. Sorry about the mis-fire, folks!*** ...in which Jess and KJ consider how to keep your muscles from waning as you wax poetic with pen and paper. KJ recommends getting messy with your creativity and Jess speaks to a physical trainer about staying limber in the chair.

...in which Jess and KJ get ready to go back to school. Jess works on her dialogue with Aaron Sorkin and KJ recommends using the weekend to easy the little tensions of the week.

...in which Jess and KJ discuss identifying, building and engaging an audience that enjoys your work.

...in which romance novelist Sarina Bowen returns to speak with Jess and KJ about writing with a partner from establishing a workflow, to hashing out an agreement.