This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024.
In the first part of 2025, we are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. So far we’ve discussed getting started, what hybrid publishing really is, and more. In today’s episode we’re taking a break from that regularly scheduled programming to take part in Podcasthon. Read more on this below.
ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS:
Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com.
Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.
ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 3
For the first half of the podcast, you get the scoop on our favorite recent reads, how our writing is going—including some fun news, as well as where we have been and will be roaming. At about the 19 minute mark we shift to focus on our chosen charity for Podcasthon.
Have you heard of Podcasthon? 🎧🌍
It’s an incredible and fast-growing non-profit initiative that unites 1500+ podcasters globally. It’s all about raising awareness for various charitable causes. Today we’re featuring The World Orphan Fund — a charity founded in 2011 by the husband of podcast co-host Valerie Biel.
ABOUT THE WORLD ORPHAN FUND ~ We’re volunteers just like you!
We founded The World Orphan Fund in 2011 as an all-volunteer organization, with no overhead, staff, or administrative expenses. 100% of donations go directly to fund projects to aid orphaned children. Board members cover their own travel and administrative costs. We personally visit every children’s home we help to ensure that donations are benefiting the children. We focus on emergency and transformational funding, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and measurable results, having completed more than 200 projects in 14 countries around the world. Learn more at TheWorldOrphanFund.org.
Also, take a look at these bookish and writerly resources mentioned in that portion of the podcast.
Video link to how Mackinac Island horses return there each spring.
CONFERENCES:
Wisconsin Writers’ Association - Saturday, March 22 programming: Wispresso Cafe
Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice
Send Us Your Questions
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone!
Wishing you all a productive few weeks — we’ll be back with a new episode on April 18 covering book review strategies. We may even share a few of our most ‘memorable’ reviews with you! - Valerie & T.K.
Share this post