In Which Ines Johnson Enters Her Godmother’s Pantry
In this conversation, Ines Johnson discusses her experience as a romance writer and the changes she has observed in the genre. She talks about her journey as an indie author and the challenges she faced in traditional publishing. Ines also shares her insights on the evolving preferences of readers, particularly the TikTok generation, and how she incorporates micro tropes into her books. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the market and finding the intersection between what she wants to write and what readers want. Ines also discusses her approach to planning and marketing her extensive backlist of books. In this conversation, Ines and Nancy discuss various strategies and techniques for successful book marketing and writing. They cover topics such as using affiliate links, pricing strategies for Kindle Unlimited, writing processes, and the importance of testing relationships in romance novels. Ines shares her approach to writing, including using note cards and Scrivener, and emphasizes the need for a strong structure and showing characters falling in love. They also discuss the significance of the third act break-up in romance novels and the importance of mindset and goal-setting in maintaining a positive attitude.
Takeaways
Understanding the market and finding the intersection between personal interests and reader preferences is crucial for success as a romance writer.
The TikTok generation of readers has different expectations and preferences when it comes to storytelling, with a focus on specific micro tropes.
Incorporating micro tropes into books can attract readers and create a buzz on platforms like TikTok.
A strategic approach to marketing, including targeted promotions and utilizing backlist books, can help reach new readers and maintain a steady income.
Planning and organization are key for managing a large number of books and maintaining a consistent writing schedule. Using affiliate links can be a smart strategy for book marketing
Pricing strategies for Kindle Unlimited include making the first book in a series wide or offering it for 99 cents
Having a structured writing process, such as using note cards and writing in dual perspective, can help with storytelling
Testing the relationship between characters is crucial in romance novels
The third act break-up is an important element in romance novels to test the relationship
Maintaining a positive mindset and setting clear goals are key to success in writing
Resources:
Lisa Daly: Writing Coach on YouTube
Breakdown with Ines: Romance Write Club
