In this episode, I interview author Kristen Bahls, who shares her journey from being a teacher to becoming a podcaster and author. Kristen shares her experiences in the cozy mystery genre, the importance of community support, and her decision to self-publish her book. She emphasizes the role of feedback from beta readers and the significance of in-person events for new authors.

A Flair For Trouble releases August 7th!

Preorder it now: https://www.amazon.com/Flair-Trouble-Teachable-Book-ebook/dp/B0FK15MQ2T/

Keywords

writing, podcasting, cozy mystery, self-publishing, author journey, beta readers, marketing, book release, cover design, teaching

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Kristen's Journey

04:29 Building Connections in the Book Community

07:25 Cozy Mystery vs. Romance

11:11 Writing Cozy Mysteries

15:54 Writing Process

20:45 The First Draft

25:42 Feedback and Beta Readers

31:51 Finding Beta Readers

36:53 Publishing Strategy

48:05 Marketing Strategy

59:18 Advice for Aspiring Authors

01:11:19 Writing for Teachers and Beyond

Recommendations

Savannah Gilbo’s articles: https://www.savannahgilbo.com/

Alexa Martin’s coaching calls.

Save The Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

Romancing The Beat by Gwen Hayes

M.K. Williams’ self-publishing guides: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14420756.M_K_Williams

Guest Links

Instagram: @kristenbahlswrites

Get A Flair For Trouble: https://www.amazon.com/Flair-Trouble-Teachable-Book-ebook/dp/B0FK15MQ2T/

Where I Left Off podcast: anywhere you find your podcasts and @whereleftoffpod on Instagram

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.

In this episode, I interview author Kayleigh Evans, who shares her journey in writing women's fiction, and her experiences with drafting, editing, and publishing her work. Kayleigh discusses the significance of networking events, her unique writing process, and the challenges of editing and proofreading. She also provides insights into her marketing strategies and the role of newsletters in connecting with readers. We delve into the themes of women's fiction, exploring emotional journeys and character development.

Keywords

writing, community, editing, publishing, women's fiction, author journey, book marketing, creative writing, self-publishing, writing process, author marketing, newsletters, social media, women's fiction, writing advice, book promotion, emotional writing, collaboration, community building, algorithms

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:32 Building Your Own Writing Community

04:09 The Writing Process

07:08 Editing and Publishing

09:31 Feedback and Proofreading

12:17 Tools and Techniques for Writing and Editing

30:01 Cover Design

33:22 Building an ARC Team

34:53 Newsletters and Marketing

48:47 Upcoming Releases

49:15 Exploring Women's Fiction and Romance

52:38 The Emotional Journey in Women's Fiction

57:16 Writing Advice

01:09:51 Recommendations

Recommendations

Kindlepreneur: ⁠https://kindlepreneur.com/⁠

Publishing Rocket: ⁠https://publisherrocket.com/⁠

Write a Book by Dan Parsons: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63349267-write-a-book⁠

Networking for Authors by Dan Parsons: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52323366-networking-for-authors⁠

The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28915986-the-emotional-craft-of-fiction⁠

Guest Links

Instagram: @kayleigh_evans_author.94

Amazon author page: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DV3VXF9P⁠

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: ⁠k.k.alba.books@gmail.com⁠

Recorded with ⁠Riverside.fm⁠.

Music by ⁠Denis Pavlov⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠.

Welcome to season 2!

In this episode, Liz Shipton returns to discuss her new book, Dot Slash Magic, set to release on August 19th 2025! The book follows a young coder who accidentally creates AI powered by sorcery. Liz shares insights into her creative process, the blending of sci-fi and fantasy, and her experiences with traditional publishing. She also offers a no-spice version of her book for readers who prefer less explicit content.

Apply for an early reader version of Dot Slash Magic on Netgalley or use this link.

Keywords

Liz Shipton, Dot Slash Magic, traditional publishing, AI in fantasy, marketing books, author journey, self-publishing, writing process, book release, reader engagement

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back!

01:36 The New Book

05:04 Traditional Publishing Experience

10:21 The Creative Process Behind the Book

15:47 AI and Magic

19:10 Romance and Spice

24:24 Marketing

31:31 Exploring Dystopian Themes

32:40 The Future of Book Series and Standalones

33:57 Traditional vs. Self-Publishing

36:33 The Importance of Feedback in Writing

41:28 Marketing Strategies for New Authors

45:03 The Role of Publishers in Author Success

48:22 What Are You Most Prooud Of?

50:53 Pre-Order and Support for Dot Slash Magic!

Guest Links

Instagram / TikTok: @lizshiptonauthor

Website: https://lizshipton.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BN4YHLXF

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.