Harvesting lessons from the Wisconsin Writers Association 2026 Conference continues.
Day 2 kicked off with a keynote from romance author Amy Reichert. She reflected that she didn’t start writing books until she was 30 or publish until 40. “It’s never too late!” Amy encouraged the room. My writer & editor parts felt grateful for this admonition that wherever you are, you can start your journey to resonating.
Amy observed that writing is 90% mental. Voices in our heads interfere--like self-doubt, criticism, and obligations (such as marketing, family). She encouraged time-blocking to keep them where they need to be. She also reassured us that it’s okay when other things interrupt writing. After all, if you’re not living, what is there to write about?
Next I attended a strategic marketing session from Alicia Boemi, author and owner of a social media marketing agency. This dynamic seminar provided great tips and exercises for authors (even editors) who want to be smart about online activity. I was surprised to learn that follower count matters less than reach/engagement. Another great insight from Alicia: your content aligns into 3 pillars of education, entertainment/connection, and promotion. My biggest takeaway? Limit my content to 3 topics that define me (5 at most). This chronic rambler wants to take that to heart in future newsletters.
After lunch came a fascinating roundtable of self-published authors on the ins and outs of going solo. Out of the gate, the five panelists provided an insightful alternative perspective to the agents and editors talk. For example, traditional querying may lead to anxiety, fatigue, and frustration. Self-publishing can represent autonomy, dignity, and achievement. However, it’s not all a bed of roses! It requires an author to self-educate about—and self-manage—every aspect of the publishing process from marketing to cover design to platforms like KDP. If you already have expertise in one or more areas, great! If not, start studying. Alternatively, you might hire experts for some parts of the journey.
Top takeaways:
- Don’t try to tackle every part of marketing—you’ll end up doing a mediocre job across the board. Instead devote attention to 2 or 3 aspects that most appeal or that you’re strong in. Thanks to James L. Peters for this insider tip on working smart.
- For Rebecca Zornow, one of the best parts of indie publishing is the satisfaction of incremental learning and achievement. I resonate with this attitude and want to continue promoting it in my own writing and editing. We deserve to celebrate little victories!
- Per Kenneth B. Humphrey, buy your own ISBNs. There was universal agreement on this and warnings against ISBNs of convenience. I’ve heard this before; it’s a sobering reminder of all the little details to the process. A writer needs to be really heads-up if they choose to self-publish.
One more recap to come.
Ultreia et suseia!
