Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson

This week I am answering a listener question from Lisa who wants to know how to know when your novel is finished. It's a great question and I'm sharing three scenarios on when you know and what you should do from there.

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast and share to your lovely writer friends. 

You can also find about the services I mention in the intro via this link https://www.jfgibson.com.au/store 

And if you have a questions you’d like a...

If you're a new author seeking a traditional publishing deal it's important to learn about the industry you're wanting to be a part of. Today I'm sharing three tips on how to manage your expectations as a new author specifically if you're trad publishing. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a questions you’d like answered or a topic you’d like covered on the podcast, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, o...

This week I'm sharing three tips to help you move through the murky waters of the messy middle of your novel. We'll all need to do it at some point so these 3 tips can help you through. 

Apologies for the ending of this week's epiosde, I have had dramas with my podcasting software which were frustrating. The main part of the episode is fine so I decided to publish with the outro levels not 100% rather than skip this week. Thanks for listening. 

Don't forget to like, share, subscribe and do all the things.

This week Jodi shares three things she'd do differently if she were starting out as an author right now compared to when she first published her debut novel in 2019. It's only six years, but so much has changed in the publishing landscape over that time plus experience builds wisdom. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a questions you’d like answered or a topic you’d like covered on the podcast, please email through my contact form on my website https://w...

In this week's episode Jodi answers a question from a reader who asks what's the difference between pitching and querying, and also, how are the synopsis and the blurb different.

These are great questions for those perhaps new to writing and publishing and who are just starting out learning about the ins and outs of the author game. 

Also on this week's episode Jodi talks about creative burnout and how as creatives we need to be gentle with ourselves. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t...

We've all seen those mesmerizing dominoes falling and creating a pretty pattern as they fall. But what has that got to do with storytelling? It's all about cause and effect. And that's what I'm chatting about this week. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a questions you’d like answered or a topic you’d like covered on the podcast, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on my Substack https://b...

This week is a bit more of a personal one in that I'm sharing the reasons behind my saying 'see ya later!' to Instagram. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a question you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on my Substack https://bookishwithjodigibson.substack.com/ for lots more on writing, publishing, books and more.

You can also support the podcast by buying me a co...

We've all heard the many and varied Writing Rules floating around. When it comes to rules, I like to see them more as guidelines, but these are some that I feel you can break and maybe even should break. I'm sharing six of them in today's episode. Let me know what you think!

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a question you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or subscr...

Today's episode is a little different in that I'm tackling four questions from four different listeners. 

I hope you enjoy the episode and remember if you have a question don't hesitate to reach out via my website www.jfgibson.com.au or on Substack www.writesquadcommunity.substack.com 

Don’t forget to like and...

Does social media sell books? It's complicated. In this episode I'm sharing my thoughts and experiences on this very topic. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on Instagram where you’ll find me @jfgibsonwriter subscribe to my Substack https://writesquadcommunity.substack.com/ for lots more on writing, publishing, books and more.

You can also support t...

This week I'm wrapping up the genre essentials series with some essential information and takeaways on writing commercial genre fiction. If you haven't listened to the genre specific episodes, head back and take a listen, then pop back here for the wrap up. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on Instagram where you’ll find me @j...

Yet another episode in the Genre Essentials series, and the last Genre Specific episode, this time we're chatting about Sci-Fi and Fantasy. And before you yell at me, yes I know they are two different genres! But bear with me, while I explain why I have lumped them together for the purposes of this episode. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au...

Are you writing or wanting to write a thriller novel? A story that creates dread, foreboding and danger for your main character? A story that will keep your reader up late at night unable to stop reading and unable to turn off the light when they do? Then you need to listen to this episode where I share my do and don't guidelines for writing a great thriller novel. Thriller readers want a certain something out of a thriller novel, so you better make sure you deliver. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the...

Taking a mini break from our genre essentials series this week to chat about characters. 

How do you get to know your characters? I'm sharing 5 tips on some fun ways to help your characters reveal themselves to you before you start writing, or even during the writing process. 

I hope you enjoy this one. And don't forget if you have a question you'd like answered just reach out. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burnin...

Continuing on with our Genre Essentials Series this week we're tackling Women's Fiction and the question - is it a genre? And also, what's with the name "women's" fiction. That and whole bunch more of do's and don'ts for writing a compelling women's fiction novel. I had a lot of fun with this one, and I hope you enjoy!

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my w...

This week we're chatting about writing horror fiction. A hugely popular genre with readers who expect a lot from their stories. This is another episode in the genre essentials series where we explores the do's and don'ts as guidelines to writing specific genres.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on Instagram where you’ll find me...

Part 2 of our Genre Essentials series and we're tackling Crime Fiction. Jodi takes you through a number of guidelines when writing in the crime genre to ensure you deliver a story that will meet reader expectations and beyond. 

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Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on Instagram where you’ll find me @jfgibsonw...

This week sees the start of a new short series on the pod all about writing specific genres. Quick do's and don'ts so that you meet expectations and leave readers feeling satisfied. First up, the romance genre. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on Instagram where you’ll find me @jfgibsonwriter or subscribe to my Substac...

Welcome to season 3 of the podcast. I'm kicking off 2025 with a chat about goals and mindset and why you only need to set one goal. Even if you've set your goals for the year I think this episode will be valuable and great motivation. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on Instagram where you...

In the final episode for 2024 and season 2, Jodi reflects on the year that was both personally in her own writing life and also for the Ask The Author podcast. What were the top 10 most listened to episodes for the year? And what's in store for the podcast in 2025? You'll have to listen in to find out. 

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A genuine thank you to all who have listened, submitted questions or suggestions for the podcast, and also shared and left reviews. Your contribution is what makes the podcast worthwhile and what it is. 

Th...

How do you celebrate your writing wins? Wins in the writing and publishing world can be few and far between which is why it's important to celebrate not only the big ones but the little ones. In this episode I'm sharing one way in particular that I celebrate my wins that gives me a huge boost and reminds me I am making progress. Listen up and then give it a go for yourself!

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you...

A really quick episode for you this week with a very important reminder for all writers at this time of year. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on Instagram where you’ll find me @jfgibsonwriter subscribe to my Substack https://writesquadcommunity.substack.com/ for lots more on writing, publishing, books and more.

You might want to take notes when you listen to this episode. It’s all about what steps you can take to help increase the discoverability and visibility of your book. Marketing is the number one challenge for all authors, trad or indie, these days. And even if you don’t have your book out there, you’ll need to be thinking about these things already. So strap in, it’s a little longer ep than usual but it’s full of some great tips on things you can do to help get your book out there and into readers ha...

It’s guest author time again and this week I’m chatting to Melbourne based author Kelly Sgroi. Kelly is an agented author currently out on submission for her first novel and Kelly is sharing an honest and authentic account of her experience since seeking publication. This is a must-listen to episode for every author out there.

You can find out more about Kelly at her website https://www.kellysgroi.com/ or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kellysgroi.author/ 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an...

Does writing a book get easier the more books you write? It’s such a great question and this week not only do I share my experience in relation to this topic, but I’m also going to share other author’s opinions on the matter. The answers might not be what you expect.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jf...

This week’s episode is for all those writers preparing to undertake NaNoWriMo next month. I have 3 more nano tips for you all. Back in episode 25 I shared my first three tips, so go back and listen to that one first, then continue on with this week’s episode. And if you don’t know what NaNoWriMo is, it’s a worldwide writing challenge where the aim is to write 50,000 words during the month of November. Want to know more? Listen up!

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an epi...

Short stories are hot right now. And there are so many opportunities for short stories with competitions and anthologies. So if you've ever wanted to dabble in the short story then listen up because in this week's epiosde I'm sharing 5 tips for writing short stories. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on Instagram...

This week is a short and sweet episode as I share about my story contribution to the 12 Tropes of Christmas romcom anthology that was recently released. If you love romance, if you love Christmas, and if you love swoonworthy and fun stories you will love this collection of short stories. 

The anthology is only available for a short time so please search on Amazon for 12 Tropes of Christmas if you are interested to grab yourself a copy at only 99 cents! 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss...

Big topic this week! When is it okay to use AI as an author? I have steered away from answering questions about AI because it is such a huge topic and a contentious one at that. But this week I'm taking it on. At least with my opinion on the options for authors when it comes to AI, and how authors can make up their own minds on how they use (or don't use) AI. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

And...

Anthologies are huge right now and today I'm chatting with three authors who have come together as a group of 12 (including myself!) to be part of an upcoming Christmas rom-com anthology releasing on October 1st. 

Anne Freeman, Heidi Catherine, and Sharyn Swanepoel are my guests today as we chat about what drew them to take part in the anthology and why anthologies are great for authors for so many reasons. Anne, Heidi & Sharyn also share a brief run down of their story and trope in the upcoming 12 Tropes of Christmas anthology. 

To find out more or...

This week I'm chatting with one of Australia's favourite rural romance authors in Maya Linnell. I fire three questions at her about why she loves writing rural romance, her writing process, and her advice for social media and emerging authors. It's a great chat and as always Maya is so genuine and generous with her advice. This is a must-listen for all emerging authors.

To find out more about Maya you can find her on Instagram or Facebook @maya.linnell.writes or at her website https://www.mayalinnell.com/ And you'll find all six of her novels...

This week sees the very first Between The Pages episode!

A little different to the regular Ask The Author episodes, Between The Pages is an indepth interview with an author, where we take a deep dive into author life, writing, and publish. We will cover many and varied topics and hopefully, there will be many takeaways for listeners. I love chatting with other authors about their path to publication, their processes and their take and experience within the industry, so I hope you enjoy listening. 

My very first Between The Pages guest is author DG R...

It's guest author time! This month I welcome award winning author Anne Freeman to the podcast.

Anne's debut novel RETURNING TO ADELAIDE was released by Hawkeye Publishing in March 2022. It was a finalist in the 2021 Romance Writers of Australia Valerie Parv Award and was longlisted in the 2021 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize. Her second novel, ME THAT YOU SEE, was shortlisted in the 2022 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize and longlisted in the 2023 Grindstone Literary International Novel Prize. It is out now with Hawkeye Publishing.

Today I ask Anne three juicy questions and she drops a...

This week we're talking all about characters and different ways you as the author can get to know your character before and during the writing of your novel. From character interviews and questionnaires to thinking about your character's backstory and motivations, Jodi shares some fun ways to get to know your characters. You'll want to take notes for this one!

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Detailed show notes can be found at www.jfgibson.com.au

And if you have a...

If you're new to writing you may have heard the terms plotter and pantser thrown about. It's a common questions asked of authors during interviews too. Are you a plotter or a pantser? 

This week Jodi explains the terminology to help you understand which you might be, how each one works, and how many also evolve over the space of different manuscripts. And how, you could well just be somewhere in the middle. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Detai...

This week I'm chatting to bestselling Australian author Sandie Docker who writes women's fiction novels all about love, loss, family and small country towns. Sandie's latest novel is The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir (and is possibly her best yet!). It's always fun chatting to Sandie and today she's answering three questions which I'm sure everyone will get value from. 

You can find out more about Sandie and her books at https://www.sandiedocker.com/ or follow her on Instagram where her handle is @sandiedocker 

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Are you ready to query agents and/or publishers? Then you'll want to know what my favourite three must-dos are. Pitching and querying is both exciting and nerve-wracking but by doing these three things you're setting yourself and your manuscript up for success. 

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Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Detailed show notes can be found at www.jfgibson.com.au

And if you have a burning questions you’d like answered, please email through my contact fo...

This week I have a terrific question that both indie authors and even trad authors will find helpful. It's all about how to get advanced reader copies of your book out to book reviewers. Where do you find book reviewers? How do you reach out to them and get them to review your book? When should you ask them? How many should you ask? All these questions will be answered in this week's episode, so I hope you enjoy!

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Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an e...

This week I have a nice quick episode for you all about why you should think of social media as your coffee shop. Stick with me here, it does make sense. You’ll have to listen in to find out why. And don’t forget to let me know your thoughts and if this resonates with you. Available now wherever you source your podcasts. Happy listening.

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Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Detailed show notes can be found at w...

This week I'm chatting to romance author and editor, Joanne Speirs. Jo's debut novel Second Chance Love in Point Perry was runner up in the prestigious Romance Writers of Australia Valerie Parv award in 2019 as well as being longlisted for the Emerald Award in 2020. Jo's second book, Light Up My Heart: A Point Perry Christmas is the follow up novella and will be published in July 2024. 

Jo is always a high-regarded editor who is booked months in advance and specialises in editing romance, although enjoys working across many genres. 

It was my pleasure this week to...