KWL – Ep 178 – The Pirate Author Code with David Mark Brown
David Mark Brown speaks to Kobo Writing Life about Fiction Vortex and StoryVerse™, which allows authors to collaborate and make narrative content in shared worlds. Listen…
KWL – Ep 177 – Writing Crime Fiction with Robert Craven
Crime fiction writer Robert Craven chats to us about how he writes strong female characters, his formula for writing and pitching a book, and provides insight into the conference scene in the UK and Ireland
The Best Indie Cover Contest Final Poll!
Thank you to everyone who submitted and voted! We are delighted to present the 10 finalists below in our best overall cover poll.
KWL Ep. 176 Exploring Steampunk with Victoria L. Szulc
Multi-media artist and author Victoria L. Szulc chats to us about using steampunk as a creative theme and how she is able to create her own…
Rakuten News Update
We have some news to share with you before we wrap up business for 2019. As you are aware, in early 2015 our parent company Rakuten…
KWL Ep 175 The Queen of YA: Holly Black
With 30 books published for children and teens, New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, discusses the evolution of the young adult genre from when she…
The Best Indie Book Cover of 2019!
It’s here! Huge thanks to everyone who entered the contest. It was tough to narrow it down, but we have selected ten finalists in each category!…
KWL Ep 174 Original Content with Audiobook Expert Michelle Kaatz
In this episode, we pulled Kobo’s very own Michelle Kaatz from her desk to tell you all about Kobo Originals and give her sizzling hot takes…
KWL – Ep 173 – Launching a Stand-Out Series Wide with Michael Anderle
Michael Anderle, best-selling indie author, gives us the scoop on the launch of his first “wide” series, Opus X. He tells us his author origin story, and…
KWL Ep 172 – Storytelling for Change with Juan Pablo Villalobos
This week on the podcast, award-winning Mexican author and academic Juan Pablo Villalobos spoke to us about his latest title, The Other Side. This project explores…
KWL Ep 171 – Making Your Backlist Work for You with Zoe York
Zoe York talks to us about how she began her career writing “the stories of her heart”, and then went on to turn those stories into…
Ten Emergency Medicine Myths From Reddit, Vetted by an ER Doctor
By Melissa Yi Hi, I’m Dr. Melissa Yi, emergency physician and the author of GRAVEYARD SHIFT, which debuted November 1st. Have you ever wondered if the…
KWL Ep#168 – The Author and Narrator Relationship with Rachel Grant and Greg Tremblay
Author Rachel Grant and her narrator Greg Tremblay shed some light on the process of creating an audiobook. Rachel discusses the working relationship she has with Greg and how his narration has influenced her future work. Greg shares his experience as a narrator, and the process for creating audiobooks. Start self-publishing today with KWL.
#165 Storytelling with Waubgeshig Rice
Waubgeshig Rice, an author and journalist originally from Wasauksing First Nation, talks about his latest novel, Moon of the Crusted Snow, a take on a post-apocalypse story told from an indigenous perspective. He also describes his path to writing and offers advice for young aspiring writers.
#164 – Learning the Habits of your Readers with Emma Chase
Emma Chase, NYT bestselling author, discusses the importance of learning the habits of your readers and setting reader expectations before the release of a new book. She discusses how she built up her newsletter audience and gives us hints about what to expect next from her Royally series.
KWL Ep. 162 Behind the Book with Ghost Writer Joshua Lisec
Joshua Lisec take us behind the scenes on what it is like being a celebrity ghostwriter. He discusses how he became a ghostwriter, what the ghostwriting…
How Not To Get Lost in Translation
Dutch author Jeroen van Mastbergen enlisted the help of translator Goltan Varashk to translate his Young Adult title in English. Here they tell us about the process of working together––and the challenges of translating jokes!
Planning: How to Keep Your Sanity as an Indie Author
If you’re one of those writers who buys a planner six months early, I’m betting you’re psyched to see the title of this article! If not, I hope to lure your over to the dark side with some guidelines to help keep you on track as an author and savvy entrepreneur.
Podcast Ep 157 – Creating Your Own Audiobook with Sarah Williams
This episode starts a little differently, with an excerpt from Sarah’s audiobook, The Brothers of Brigadier Station, narrated by Myles Pollard. If you’d like to read…
Why Book Blurbs are Crucial to the Success of your Novel
A look into why the book descriptions of bestselling novels work so well and how to craft a captivating blurb.
My Writing Life: EWP Romance Winner, Julie Evelyn Joyce
Steeped in Love, a self-published book by Julie Evelyn Joyce won this year’s Emerging Writer Prize for Romance. Get to know Julie, her writing style, and what inspired her winning book.
The Essential Storytelling Ingredient That Makes Your Story More Addictive
Simply put, stakes are the negative consequences of failure. If your protagonist fails, bad things will happen. Unlike an intriguing hook or compelling protagonist, stakes put readers under tension.
Getting Your Story Heard
Audio has been worth all the hard work. The audiobook is currently a bestseller in the US and Australia, and Myles has agreed to record the next two books in the Brigadier Station serieslater in the year. We have also been invited to teach workshops together and attend book signings. One audiobook has raised my profile and dramatically increased my book sales.
KWL EP 153 – The Michael Tamblyn Interview: Why Our CEO Loves Indie Authors
Michael Tamblyn, the CEO of Kobo, provides the most compelling argument to date about why indie authors need to go wide. Spoiler: You don’t want one algorithm to run your life. Michael discusses the origin story of Kobo and Kobo Writing Life and his own unique career path that led him to where he is today. He also talks about how indie authors have been excellent at exploiting opportunities as the eBook market shifts. Join the platform that’s fast, free, easy. http://www.kobo.com/writinglife
How Adam Croft Supercharged his Writing Career
Hooks and blurbs can literally make or break careers so I can’t overstate the importance of getting them right.
#152 – Indie Author Warrior: David Gaughran
Indie publishing activist David Gaughran discusses the benefits of BookBub in targeting specific markets such as Kobo and how much money authors should spend on advertising. David discusses the importance of creating a marketing strategy and how to revive a title with decreasing sales.
Anxiety, Be Gone! Calming Your Mind with Stories
Adam Dahari discusses the importance of books and how they can impact mental health.
Facebook Live with Ricardo from Reedsy
The Kobo Writing Life team is excited to announce our latest Facebook Live Q&A on May 30th 2019. From 12:00 PM-1:00 PM EST, our takeover host, Ricardo Fayet from Reedsy will be answering all your questions on the Kobo Writing Life Facebook page.
#150 – Fight Writer’s Block with Mythulu Creation Cards
Learn how to combat writer’s block or any type of creative block with Mythulu creation cards. Creator Laura Crenshaw talks about the creative process involved in…
“I found a career where walking the towns of Ireland and seeing the interior of a pub is in my job description.”
I treat it like a job, because it is a job. I retain control of content, cover, blurb, and marketing. I am happier for it. I bring a healthy income into our household after years outside of the workforce. I actually found a career where walking the towns of Ireland and seeing the interior of a pub is in my job description.
How Dale Mayer Writes 9000 Words Before Breakfast
Dale Mayer, USA Today bestselling author, gives advice to listeners on how to develop a long and successful career in indie publishing. She also explains how dictating her books helped her become one of KWL’s most prolific authors.
How Indie Publishing Changed Julie de Lestrange’s Life
Julie de Lestrange is a true KWL superstar in her native France. Her first independently published novel was such a success that she caught the attention…
KWL Ep 147 Penny Reid
Book Smart Romance: How Penny Reid bypassed gatekeepers to create her own niche market. Penny discusses the ways in which writing romance is revolutionary, why creators…
KWL Podcast EP 146: Carrie Ann Ryan
With 12 books releasing this year, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan, takes time out of her jam-packed schedule to talk to us about her writing technique, how the self-publishing landscape has changed since first starting out and why she wanted to branch out into a new genre. Carrie also gives listeners a sneak peek of her first YA novel, From Breath and Ruin.
KWL EP 145 Adam Cushman on Book Trailers
Have you ever wondered if a book trailer would be right for your next novel? This week on the KWL podcast, Marina and Stephanie chatted with Adam Cushman, the founder of Film 14, about the benefits of creating a cinematic book trailer.
NetGalley Promo Opportunities
Are you an indie author looking to promote your titles and grow your readership? Kobo Writing Life and NetGalley have partnered to benefit authors and publishers looking to do just that.
Why is Little Timmy’s Face on Fire?(or how to write a good book description)
One of a potential reader’s biggest “sell” points is your book description. Sadly, it’s also one of the things that I most often see get mangled by authors. But fear no more! I’m going to give you a quick rundown on the elements you need for great cover copy.
Don’t let comparison steal your joy!
Bestselling author and KWL superstar Susan Stoker still occasionally falls victim to comparing herself to other authors. Here she discusses why comparison is destructive and how to battle self-doubt as an author.
The A to Z of KWL
Not sure where to start with publishing? Tara Cremin lays out the A-Z of Kobo Writing Life!
KWL EP 142 – Meredith Wild
KWL EP 142 – Meredith Wild Superstar New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meredith Wild, talks about her unique experience as being both an…
KWL EP 141 – Stuart Bache
Book cover designer Stuart Bache joins us on the podcast this week debunking our theory that authors should not design their own covers. Stuart talks to us about his journey into cover design and how he started his business Books Covered.
Creating an effective cover, indie author bestsellers and the evolution of romance writing
What’s happened in the book world this week?
KWL EP 139 – Damon Suede
Damon Suede, a chart-topping M/M romance author, will change the way you think about craft and characters.
3 Great Reads by Indigenous Authors
Looking for inspiration for your next read? Adam Dahari describes his favourite reads by Indigenous Canadian authors!
KWL EP 138 – Brenna Aubrey
Breakout star in France, Italy and Germany, Brenna Aubrey gives listeners tips on translations. Brenna also discusses how she fell into her niche (writing “geek romance”) and why ultimately, she decided on self-publishing rather than traditional.
KWL EP 137 – Nana Malone
In this episode, Stephanie and Marina interview USA Today best-selling author Nana Malone. Nana talks to us about her writing journey and how adapting and changing…
5 Pinterest Tips for Authors
Pinterest is the single-biggest traffic driver to my website, and my click-through rate on my book-related pins is higher than anything I’ve ever seen on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Here are some of my key learnings on how authors can better use Pinterest.
Writers Talking Writing, Dan Mallory, and Cover Inspiration on Instagram
What’s new in the literary world this week?
Telling vs. Showing When Emotions Are at Work
By Angela Ackerman Show, Don’t Tell is one of those writerly phrases thrown out often enough that many writers can’t help but roll their eyes when…
Maple to Manuka: A Visit to New Zealand
KWL Author Experience Manager Tara Cremin connects with the global indie author community all the way across the world