#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
KWL Ep 135 – Wendy Reid
In this episode, Steph sits down with Senior QA Analyst Wendy Reid from Kobo to learn more about accessibility in ePubs. Wendy gives us a breakdown…
Kobo’s Emerging Writer Prize; Angie Thomas on Writing, and Wattpad’s New Publishing Division
By Joni Di Placido Calling all Canadian authors: The Kobo Emerging Writer Prize is now accepting submissions! Follow the link to see the rules and put…
KWL Ep 134 – Ben Macintyre
In this episode we bring you a Kobo in Conversation with author Ben Macintyre about his latest book, The Spy and the Traitor. Ben was interviewed…
10 Ted Talks to Inspire You to Start Your Novel
10 great TED talks to inspire you to start writing!
Writing Tips, Marketing Advice and Book News: What’s Happening This Week?
By Joni Di Placido It’s a new year and we’re bringing this feature back: a place to share the most interesting book news and author tips…
KWL Ep 133 – Let’s Talk Podcasting with Amanda Cupido
In this week’s episode, Cristina sits down with author and podcast producer Amanda Cupido to talk about her book Let’s Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing it Right.
The 2019 KWL Reading Challenge
We’ve put together a challenge for anyone looking to embark on a reading journey and explore new genres and authors in 2019!
In Praise of Public Speaking
How I went from petrified to panelist By Judy Penz Sheluk My earliest memory of public speaking goes back to the eighth grade, when I stood…
Calling All Authors: The Indie Unconference is coming to Italy!
By Elizabeth Jennings and Tiziana D’Oppido The Indie Unconference, Europe will take place in April 11–13 2019 in Matera, Italy SPECIAL GUESTS: Camille Mofidi and Sandra Lonchamp of Kobo Writing Life,…
KWL Ep 132 – The House with a Clock in its Walls
In this episode, Rene sits down with the cast and crew of the recent film The House with a Clock in its Walls
The Best of the KWL Blog 2018
Happy New Year from us all at Kobo Writing Life! As we leave 2018 behind, let’s take a moment to celebrate and revisit some of the…
Six Remedies for a Conference Hangover
By Linda Shenton Matchett Even though 2018 marks my eleventh year of attending Crimebake, a mystery writing conference held each November in the Boston, Massachusetts area,…
KWL Ep 130––Signe Pike
In this episode, Steph and Laura chat to author Signe Pike about her novel The Lost Queen. Signe talks to us about her time as an…
KWL Ep 129––Bishop Blue
In this episode of the KWL Podcast, Steph and first-time co-host Mickie interview Bishop Blue, a musical duo that is pioneering the concept of “novel songwriting.”
What We Read in 2018: Recommendations from the Book Lovers at Kobo
The Entire Kobo Staff 2018 has been a fantastic year for books and publishing. At the beginning of the year, we posted a KWL Reading Challenge…
KWL Cover Contest 2018: The Finalists!
It’s time for the finalists! The top three covers in every category have been placed into one final poll and we are asking YOU to vote for your overall favourite.
KWL Ep 128––Dr Lee Airton and Gender: Your Guide
In this week’s episode, Rene sits down with Professor Dr. Lee Airton to talk about Airton’s new book, Gender: Your Guide: A Gender-Friendly Primer on What…
Update: New Categories for your Book
You’ll now have the option to browse through over 2,000 categories to find the ones that best suit your book and help tell your story.
The KWL Cover Contest 2018: Week 4––NON-FICTION
The final category is NON-FICTION! Please scroll thorugh, vote for your favourite, and share on social media! Good luck, non-fiction writers!
Global Reach: Indie Publishing in the UK
Our EU Manager, Camille Mofidi, sits down to chat with UK Content Lead, Nick Coveney about the state of indie publishing in Great Britain. Welcome, Nick!…
KWL Ep 127––Adam Croft
KWL EP 127 – Adam Croft In this episode, Chrissy interviews international best-selling author Adam Croft. Adam talks to us about rethinking his writing career…
Setting Up a Multi-Author Bookstore Event
When my debut mystery novel, The Hanged Man’s Noose, was published in 2015, one of the first things I did was set up a bookstore event at my local Chapters. Visions of eager customers lining up outside the door danced through my head.
The reality was considerably different.
The KWL Cover Contest 2018: Week 3––MYSTERY/THRILLER
Week three, and our final fiction cover poll; with ten more beautiful book covers!
10 Steps to a Bestselling Novel
By Sierra Delarosa Are you aiming for your next book to become a bestseller? Why do some books become more popular than others? While there’s no surefire…
KWL Ep 126––Sarah Winman
KWL EP 126 – Sarah Winman In this episode, author Sarah Winman drops by Kobo’s headquarters in Toronto to talk to Chrissy about her latest release,…
Bookish Gifts for the Bibliophile in Your Life
Melissa Chan is a local Toronto designer and founder of Literary Book Gifts, a gift shop for book lovers. She’s kindly offering an exclusive discount for KWL authors on her site––read on for the discount code!
KWL Author Takeover #5: Chrishaun Keller-Hanna
The Kobo Writing Life team is excited to announce our latest Facebook takeover on November 29th 2018. From 1:00 PM-2:00 PM EST, our takeover host, Chrishaun Keller-Hanna will…
The KWL Cover Contest 2018: Week 2––SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY
By Joni Di Placido Week 2 of our 2018 cover contest, and it’s time to look at Fantasy and Science Fiction titles! Scroll through the covers,…