...in which Jess and KJ consider when you can or when you should use a nom de plume or no nom at all. They also debate the pros and cons of anonymizing your sources. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ compare notes about time management tools and share parts of the job they’re tiring of; Jess rethinks speaking agents and KJ contemplates strategies for writing away from home. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ recommend many and sundry books to get you or the aspiring writer in your life excited about writing, some inspiring, some practical. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ confess to not playing hooky as much as it might sound. KJ updates us on her Burn Chart and her looming May 1st deadline, and Jess shares some tools for working with editors. Also the dangers of cooking with wine, and where do dogs come from? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ have more tips on fostering a speaking career. Jess explains the true purpose of the green M&M contract rider, and shares many other things she’s learned on the Speaking Circuit...the hard way. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ grapple with the challenge of not getting things done, and that’s OK! KJ’s on a media diet as her manuscript deadline looms, and Jess is repurposing work and taking naps. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

..in which Jess and KJ talk with Meghan Walbert about Foster Parent Diary, her column about foster parenting from the New York Times. They discuss the many perils that come with writing about real people, especially your family, like how to share without over-sharing, how to write about your kids and the need for editors who have your back. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ emphasize the importance of good research. They explains the many facets of conducting primary research, from hiring a pollster to interviewing a source; otherwise read everything you can and keep your research straight (see episode 7)! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ talk through turning a writing career into a speaking career. Jess has tips on how much to charge, how and who to pitch and other ways to jump-start your speaking career. And KJ updates us on her book progress, including that famous burn chart. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ welcome Sarina Bowen back to the show to discuss piracy, and what writers can do about it. Sarina makes fighting back easy, offers up some helpful courses of action, and Jess and KJ talk about their reading this week.. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ talk about that ephemeral thing, the craft of writing with authority. Tips on keeping out the wishy-washy and examples of good voices. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess is grappling with painters in the house, and getting out to get it done. Meanwhile KJ updates us on her burn chart and extols the virtues of a treadmill desk. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ discuss tax strategies to help you put 2016 to bed and make the whole process go easier next year. Jess shares tips from a tax accountant about how to keep your financial house in order throughout the year. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

..in which Jess and KJ get frank with the financial side of writing; When do you give up your day job? How much can you/should you get paid? Plus, updates on community building efforts and KJ walks us through her burn chart. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ wrap up their discussion on organizational tools. KJ advocates building your schedule in blocks, and Jess shares the joy of spreadsheets. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ begin a deep dive into keeping your many projects organized. It all starts with comprehensive back-up SOPs, but they also have suggestions on keeping track of everything from emails to to paper files to social media. Plus, the trouble with raising goats. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ use the guidelines they set out last episode to create their own goals for 2017. KJ sets her word of the year and Jess has a book pick for finding new strategies. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ take aim at setting goals. What should you think about as you set those goals and what strategies can you use to achieve them. KJ also suggests assigning a personal Word of the the Year. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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!” This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ answer a listener email about their friendship, their professional relationship, and about making and keeping writer friends. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ answer a listener’s question about “Capturing the Wild Idea,” and KJ explains the finer points of “permission marketing.” This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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). This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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 a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

***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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ discuss identifying, building and engaging an audience that enjoys your work. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...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. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ speak with romance novelist Sarina Bowen about self publishing, everything from choosing a pseudonym to marketing the finished product. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ examine the spectrum of mistakes that writers can make, and they argue the merits of listening to an audiobook versus reading the book. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which KJ works on her Moth story and her book, Jess starts a project with her son, and your assignment - take something apart. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which KJ abandons her To-Do List, Jess commits to writing 1,000 words a day on her vacation; and the virtues of busying the body to free the mind. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess grapples with a perennial issue, KJ warns about using friends as writing fodder, and is it always a bad idea to procrastinate? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess's heart acts up and KJ worries about the atrophy of certain writing muscles, and inspiration striking at the wrong time. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which KJ and Jess talk about how they organize their research and wax nostalgic about their first successful pitches. #amwriting #ampitching #amprocrastinating This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess reminds us that word counts are not suggestions and KJ warns of the perils of the Butterfly Effect. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

...in which Jess and KJ go into the closet (excuse the squeaky door) and discuss the values of the writers conference, and the dangers of writing in your head. #amwriting #ampitching #amprocrastinating This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

…in which KJ shares her love of sheep and Jess offers some sensible sources for inspiration. #amwriting #ampitching #amprocrastinating #aminterviewing This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe