Best AmWriting With Jess Podcasts (2025)

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475: Ep 475 Publishing Nerd Corner: How Audiobooks are Made 23:04

Play Pause

1h ago23:04

23:04

Jess here. Sarina and I discuss audiobook narration this week and explain how narrators get hired, paid, and dish some inside baseball on audiobook production.By #AmWriting with Jess & KJ

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Ep 475 Publishing Nerd Corner: How Audiobooks are Made 23:04

1h ago23:04

23:04

Jess here. Sarina and I discuss audiobook narration this week and explain how narrators get hired, paid, and dish some inside baseball on audiobook production. Transcript Below! Your subscription = good podcast karma. Sign up now to support the Podcast! SPONSORSHIP MESSAGE Hey, listeners, did you know that we review first pages sent in by supporter…

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Ep 474: How to Make a Big Move When You’re Stuck in the Muddy Middle 20:49

2h ago20:49

20:49

In this Write Big Session, Jennie and KJ dive into what it really means to “write big” when you’re deep in the messy middle of a novel. KJ shares how she’s tackling her new book by working backward from the ending—mapping out the emotional and plot arcs for each character to keep herself focused and out of the coffee-chat scenes she loves to write.…

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474: How to Make a Big Move When You’re Stuck in the Muddy Middle 20:49

1h ago20:49

20:49

In this Write Big Session, Jennie and KJ dive into what it really means to “write big” when you’re deep in the messy middle of a novel. KJ shares how she’s tackling her new book by working backward from the ending—mapping out the emotional and plot arcs for each character to keep herself focused and out of the coffee-chat scenes she loves to write.…

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How Writing Big Shows Up on the Page 11:59

4d ago11:59

11:59

In this #amwriting podcast episode, Jennie Nash talks about what it means to “play big” on the page. Using Ian McEwan’s choice to write his latest novel without research as an example, she shows how true impact comes when a writer fully owns their story and brings it to life with depth and intention. She encourages listeners to think about their ow…

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473: How Writing Big Shows Up on the Page (Ep 3) 11:58

1h ago11:58

11:58

In this #amwriting podcast episode, Jennie Nash talks about what it means to “play big” on the page. Using Ian McEwan’s choice to write his latest novel without research as an example, she shows how true impact comes when a writer fully owns their story and brings it to life with depth and intention. She encourages listeners to think about their ow…

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Ep 472 Publishing Nerd Corner: Earning Out 19:17

7d ago19:17

19:17

Hey all, Jess here. Sarina and I both love these episodes where we, two certified nerds, get to hang out with likeminded individuals and dish. This week, we are going to talk about one of Jess’ most niggling worries: what does it mean to a publisher and an author to “earn out” a book advance and what does it mean to both if that never happens? Tran…

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472: Ep 472 Publishing Nerd Corner: Earning Out 19:16

14d ago19:16

19:16

Sarina and I both love these episodes where we, two certified nerds, get to hang out with likeminded individuals and dish. This week, we are going to talk about one of Jess’ most niggling worries: what does it mean to a publisher and an author to “earn out” a book advance and what does it mean to both if that never happens?…

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How to Make a Quiet Novel Roar 27:19

14d ago27:19

27:19

You kids I can’t even with Catherine Newman right now because I am a Wreck and a Sandwich myself at the moment but wow, she’s a good writer, so honest it’s like there’s no skull between her mind and the readers. We talk about what it means to use yourself and your world in your fiction and what it’s meant to Catherine to play as big as she possibly…

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471: How to Make a Quiet Novel Roar 27:19

16d ago27:19

27:19

You kids I can’t even with Catherine Newman right now because I am a Wreck and a Sandwich myself at the moment but wow, she’s a good writer, so honest it’s like there’s no skull between her mind and the readers. We talk about what it means to use yourself and your world in your fiction and what it’s meant to Catherine to play as big as she possibly…

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How Writers Play Small Without Even Realizing It (Ep 2) 7:59

19d ago7:59

7:59

In this episode, Jennie digs into the sneaky ways writers “play small”—circling endlessly around an idea, polishing the same chapters, getting lost in research, or waiting for perfect timing instead of taking real action. With stories from her years as a book coach, including one writer who finally broke free from years of fear and went on to becom…

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The Bold Shift That Changes Everything (Ep 1) 12:51

24d ago12:51

12:51

In this episode of the Write Big series, Jennie unpacks what it really means to “write big”—not chasing bestseller lists or movie deals, but making the bold internal shifts that bring your truest work to the page. Through stories of writers daring to name their ambition, rebuild drafts, honor personal truths, and even reimagine entire projects, Jen…

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The Bold Shift That Changes Everything (Ep 1) 12:50

20d ago12:50

12:50

In this episode of the Write Big series, Jennie unpacks what it really means to “write big”—not chasing bestseller lists or movie deals, but making the bold internal shifts that bring your truest work to the page. Through stories of writers daring to name their ambition, rebuild drafts, honor personal truths, and even reimagine entire projects, Jen…

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470: Write Big: Welcome to the Write Big Sessions (Ep 0) 8:27

21d ago8:27

8:27

Jennie kicks off the new Write Big series with a conversation about what it really means to stop playing small in your writing life. If you’ve ever felt the tug to bring more of yourself to the page—or wondered why your words aren’t landing the way you want—this episode will spark reflection and give you permission to choose courage, clarity, and c…

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Write Big: Welcome to the Write Big Sessions (Ep 0) 8:28

26d ago8:28

8:28

Jennie kicks off the new Write Big series with a conversation about what it really means to stop playing small in your writing life. If you’ve ever felt the tug to bring more of yourself to the page—or wondered why your words aren’t landing the way you want—this episode will spark reflection and give you permission to choose courage, clarity, and c…

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469: On Interviewing Kids 37:33

1M ago37:33

37:33

Kate Rope’s new book, Strong as a Girl is not only well-written and thoroughly researched, it includes the voices of so many girls and young women. In this week’s episode, Jess talks with Kate about how she managed to secure interviews with these girls, get permission to use their voices, and manage the paperwork around all those releases. Find Kat…

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On Interviewing Kids 37:33

28d ago37:33

37:33

Kate Rope’s new book, Strong as a Girl is not only well-written and thoroughly researched, it includes the voices of so many girls and young women. In this week’s episode, Jess talks with Kate about how she managed to secure interviews with these girls, get permission to use their voices, and manage the paperwork around all those releases. Find Kat…

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468: The Scammer's Guide to Writers 30:07

1M ago30:07

30:07

THE SCAMS. They’re getting wilder and wilder, and harder and harder to spot up front or even before you hand over the cash, if the scammer is faking a service you’d have to pay for. We’re all getting these endlessly in non-writing life too, the ticket you didn’t get, the recruiter who isn’t one… I had a friend get a VERY real one that looked like i…

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The Scammer's Guide to Writers 30:08

1M ago30:08

30:08

THE SCAMS. They’re getting wilder and wilder, and harder and harder to spot up front or even before you hand over the cash, if the scammer is faking a service you’d have to pay for. We’re all getting these endlessly in non-writing life too, the ticket you didn’t get, the recruiter who isn’t one… I had a friend get a VERY real one that looked like i…

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When You’ve Written the Right Scene in the Wrong Place 21:57

2M ago21:57

21:57

Here’s this week’s episode, which we accidentally tucked behind the paywall in the first send. Friday #AmWriting is always free—but if you’re already a paid sub, thanks! And if not… maybe now’s the time? Every draft gets messy. Characters show up too early, reveals happen too late, and suddenly nothing’s where it “should” be. In this episode, Jenni…

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467: When You’ve Written the Right Scene in the Wrong Place 21:57

2M ago21:57

21:57

Every draft gets messy. Characters show up too early, reveals happen too late, and suddenly nothing’s where it “should” be. In this episode, Jennie and KJ talk how to tackle the chaos and keep your words flowing. Episode is free for all and romping through podplayers everywhere. Transcript is below—for paid subscribers only (because they cost $$ to…

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Publishing Nerd Corner: Your Copyright and the Anthropic Settlement 18:13

2M ago18:13

18:13

Hey ho, welcome to the Publishing Nerd Corner, where we dive into the more technical aspects of authorship. Jess here. I love it when Sarina schools me on all things publishing nerdery, so we decided to make it official and create a whole new series. I have a long list of things I want her to explain for us, so stay tuned for more. In the meantime,…

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466: Publishing Nerd Corner: Your Copyright and the Anthropic Settlement 18:13

2M ago18:13

18:13

Hey ho, welcome to the Publishing Nerd Corner, where we dive into the more technical aspects of authorship. Jess here. I love it when Sarina schools me on all things publishing nerdery, so we decided to make it official and create a whole new series. I have a long list of things I want her to explain for us, so stay tuned for more. In the meantime,…

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465: Interviewing with Jeff Selingo 38:21

2M ago38:21

38:21

Jess here. My guest this week is Jeff Selingo, an author and speaker I’ve admired for a long time. His work on college, college admissions and the transition to work and life in emerging adulthood are essential reads for anyone looking to understand what want and need in higher education and life. His books, There is Life After College, Who Gets In…

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Interviewing with Jeff Selingo 38:21

2M ago38:21

38:21

Jess here. My guest this week is Jeff Selingo, an author and speaker I’ve admired for a long time. His work on college, college admissions and the transition to work and life in emerging adulthood are essential reads for anyone looking to understand what want and need in higher education and life. His books, There is Life After College, Who Gets In…

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464: The Beauty in Writing About Tragedy 1:03:19

2M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

Guests: Rossana D’Antonio – Author of 26 Seconds: Grief and Blame in the Aftermath of Losing My Brother in a Plane Crash Marty Ross-Dolen – Author of Always There, Always Gone: A Daughter’s Search for Truth Two authors, Rossana D’Antonio and Marty Ross-Dolen, each faced the unimaginable loss of loved ones in separate plane crashes decades apart. Th…

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The Beauty in Writing About Tragedy 1:03:19

2M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

Guests: * Rossana D’Antonio – Author of 26 Seconds: Grief and Blame in the Aftermath of Losing My Brother in a Plane Crash * Marty Ross-Dolen – Author of Always There, Always Gone: A Daughter’s Search for Truth Two authors, Rossana D’Antonio and Marty Ross-Dolen, each faced the unimaginable loss of loved ones in separate plane crashes decades apart…

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463: Find Your Voice, Write Your Genius 58:27

3M ago58:27

58:27

This week’s episode explores how to tap into your unique creative genius and align it with your values to become the writer you were meant to be. Jennie Nash and Dr. Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist, dive into the Wise Effort Method. Hear about Diana's journey of overcoming her book writing challenges and how Jennie guided her through unleashing…

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Find Your Voice, Write Your Genius 58:27

2M ago58:27

58:27

This week’s episode explores how to tap into your unique creative genius and align it with your values to become the writer you were meant to be. Jennie Nash and Dr. Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist, dive into the Wise Effort Method. Hear about Diana's journey of overcoming her book writing challenges and how Jennie guided her through unleashing…

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462: Writing Thrilling People & Places: Jess and Sarina talk with Tess Gerritsen 44:30

3M ago44:30

44:30

Jess here! A while back, Sarina and KJ talked about how much they enjoyed Tess Gerritsen’s novel, The Spy Coast, and Sarina reassured KJ she’d enjoy book two of the series even more. I had never read a Tess Gerritsen novel, and while I’d heard her name before and vaguely understood she wrote thrillers, I was starting from square one when I download…

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Writing Thrilling People & Places: Jess and Sarina talk with Tess Gerritsen 44:31

3M ago44:31

44:31

Jess here! A while back, Sarina and KJ talked about how much they enjoyed Tess Gerritsen’s novel, The Spy Coast, and Sarina reassured KJ she’d enjoy book two of the series even more. I had never read a Tess Gerritsen novel, and while I’d heard her name before and vaguely understood she wrote thrillers, I was starting from square one when I download…

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461: Karin Slaughter Does it Again 37:55

3M ago37:55

37:55

Hey writers! Sarina here! I have never been quiet about how much I enjoy Karin Slaughter’s work. So when the opportunity arose for me to read her brand new book, We Are All Guilty Here, and then interview her about it, I raised my hand faster than an extra in a deodorant ad. The new book is a series starter with a kickass female heroine, and I coul…

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Karin Slaughter Does it Again 37:55

3M ago37:55

37:55

Hey writers! Sarina here! I have never been quiet about how much I enjoy Karin Slaughter’s work. So when the opportunity arose for me to read her brand new book, We Are All Guilty Here, and then interview her about it, I raised my hand faster than an extra in a deodorant ad. The new book is a series starter with a kickass female heroine, and I coul…

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460: How to Deliver Both Feels and Fun 33:12

3M ago33:12

33:12

How dare you? That’s the first question KJ asked Ally Carter, whose name is “synonymous with hilarious action and heart-pounding romance” (TRUE). Is KJ outraged? Hell no. It’s a legit question. Ally’s books are so so much fun, with wild action scenes befitting a Bond movie (or a Jason Bourne, OBVIOUSLY) and plots that trot the globe while dancing b…

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How to Deliver Both Feels and Fun 33:12

3M ago33:12

33:12

How dare you? That’s the first question KJ asked Ally Carter, whose name is “synonymous with hilarious action and heart-pounding romance” (TRUE). Is KJ outraged? Hell no. It’s a legit question. Ally’s books are so so much fun, with wild action scenes befitting a Bond movie (or a Jason Bourne, OBVIOUSLY) and plots that trot the globe while dancing b…

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459: A Deep Dive Into Genre 43:17

4M ago43:17

43:17

Sarina’s second thriller is now out. It’s a twisty thriller with a single-mom protagonist and some deep, dark secrets. It’s called Dying to Meet You and it is creepy in the best possible way. In this episode, Jennie interviews Sarina about the new book, and about the difference between writing romance and writing thrillers. You may think that’s obv…

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A Deep Dive Into Genre 43:18

3M ago43:18

43:18

Sarina’s second thriller is now out. It’s a twisty thriller with a single-mom protagonist and some deep, dark secrets. It’s called Dying to Meet You and it is creepy in the best possible way. In this episode, Jennie interviews Sarina about the new book, and about the difference between writing romance and writing thrillers. You may think that’s obv…

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458: How to Take a Break 40:30

4M ago40:30

40:30

Jess, Sarina, Jennie and Jess are all here to talk about taking a break from various angles: the mechanics angle, the guilt angle, the fear angle, the identity angle and inspiration angle. Mechanics. Leave yourself notes about the project when you leave off, for example, “The next thing that needs to happen is this…” so when you come back, you know…

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How to Take a Break 40:31

4M ago40:31

40:31

Jess, Sarina, Jennie and Jess are all here to talk about taking a break from various angles: the mechanics angle, the guilt angle, the fear angle, the identity angle and inspiration angle. Mechanics. * Leave yourself notes about the project when you leave off, for example, “The next thing that needs to happen is this…” so when you come back, you kn…

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Stephanie Pao has the job we all want. She owns a romance bookstore on wheels. 33:53

4M ago33:53

33:53

When Sarina found Stephanie Pao on social media, she knew she had to interview her. Stephanie has the job we all want—she owns a bookstore on wheels. La Fleuria is L.A.’s first mobile romance bookstore, and we are here for it. Tune in to hear our interview with Stephanie. We’re discussing how she got this idea, where she turned for advice, and how …

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457: Stephanie Pao has the job we all want. She owns a romance bookstore on wheels. 33:52

4M ago33:52

33:52

When Sarina found Stephanie Pao on social media, she knew she had to interview her. Stephanie has the job we all want—she owns a bookstore on wheels. La Fleuria is L.A.’s first mobile romance bookstore, and we are here for it. Tune in to hear our interview with Stephanie. We’re discussing how she got this idea, where she turned for advice, and how …

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456: How to Capture Emotion on the Page 58:36

4M ago58:36

58:36

One of the writing skills I am asked about the most is, “How do I get emotion on the page?” People ask this no matter what genre they are writing, because no one wants to produce a manuscript that is flat and unengaging. Emotion is the key, but figuring out how to inspire your reader to feel something is a tricky thing to learn and an even trickier…

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How to Capture Emotion on the Page 58:37

4M ago58:37

58:37

One of the writing skills I am asked about the most is, “How do I get emotion on the page?” People ask this no matter what genre they are writing, because no one wants to produce a manuscript that is flat and unengaging. Emotion is the key, but figuring out how to inspire your reader to feel something is a tricky thing to learn and an even trickier…

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In Search of the Beast in the Clouds with author Nathalia Holt 32:44

4M ago32:44

32:44

I’m a big fan of Nathalia (Nat) Holt’s books, and am so excited to have the opportunity to talk to her about her new book, The Beast in the Clouds: The Roosevelt Brothers' Deadly Quest to Find the Mythical Giant Panda. I first met Nat when her book Cured: The People Who Defeated HIV came out and I attended a book event at Dartmouth Medical Center. …

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455: In Search of the Beast in the Clouds with author Nathalia Holt 32:43

5M ago32:43

32:43

I’m a big fan of Nathalia (Nat) Holt’s books, and am so excited to have the opportunity to talk to her about her new book, The Beast in the Clouds: The Roosevelt Brothers' Deadly Quest to Find the Mythical Giant Panda. I first met Nat when her book Cured: The People Who Defeated HIV came out and I attended a book event at Dartmouth Medical Center. …

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Ep 454 Mid-Year Check-In 36:33

5M ago36:33

36:33

Our goal words, as a reminderSarina: presenceJess: growthJennie: Teflon™KJ: inner compass #AmReadingJess: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidKJ: The Spy Coast by Tess GerritsenJennie: Shakespeare: The Man Who Plays the Rent by Judi DenchSarina: Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez Transcript below! EPISODE 454 - TRANSCRIPT KJ Dell'Antonia Hey, writ…

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454: Ep 454 Mid-Year Check-In 36:32

5M ago36:32

36:32

Our goal words, as a reminder Sarina: presence Jess: growth Jennie: Teflon™ KJ: inner compass #AmReading Jess: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid KJ: The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen Jennie: Shakespeare: The Man Who Plays the Rent by Judi Dench Sarina: Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby JimenezBy #AmWriting with Jess & KJ

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The Ultimate How To: Write, Pitch, Maybe Publish with Kate McKean from Agents+Books 41:27

5M ago41:27

41:27

This is the how-to book you need right now, the one with “am I ready to query” and “what does my platform need to look like” and “what if no one buys my book” and “what happens if someone buys my book”. We have a great episode, talking about creating this book, writing this book and living this book—because Kate McKean is not only a very experience…

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453: The Ultimate How To: Write, Pitch, Maybe Publish with Kate McKean from Agents+Books 41:27

5M ago41:27

41:27

This is the how-to book you need right now, the one with “am I ready to query” and “what does my platform need to look like” and “what if no one buys my book” and “what happens if someone buys my book”. We have a great episode, talking about creating this book, writing this book and living this book—because Kate McKean is not only a very experience…