In this episode, dark fantasy romance authors Stella and Vincent Lunaire share their journey and their unique collaborative writing process.

Stella and Vincent’s first novel—Sonata—is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Sonata-Songs-Eiredel-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0F6VY73FX.

Keywords

dark fantasy romance, writing collaboration, self-publishing, book series, editing process, genre classification, marketing strategies, author journey, creative process, reader engagement

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:28 Backgrounds

04:58 The Writing Partnership

07:21 Lessons Learned

09:51 Dark Fantasy Romance

14:40 Future Projects

23:36 The Writing Process

27:19 Editing

38:53 Self-Publishing and Marketing

41:06 ARC Readers and Feedback

47:01 Inspirations and Influences

53:22 Pride

57:20 Writing Advice

Recommendations

20 Books To 50K Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/20Booksto50k/

The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

Prose Without Thorns: https://www.tiktok.com/@prosewithoutthorns

Guest Links

Instagram/Threads:@authorstellalunaire

Website and other links: https://www.thelunaireauthors.com/links

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

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

Recorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalba

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

In this episode, audiobook narrator Samantha Norbury shares her journey from actor to voice artist, the intricacies of audiobook production, and tips for authors on casting and producing their own audiobooks. Discover how to navigate the world of audiobook narration, from auditions to final production, and learn why this medium is a powerful tool for authors!Keywordsaudiobook narration, audiobook production, voice acting, author tips, casting narrators, audiobook costs, duet narration, solo narration, audiobook marketing, Samantha NorburyChapters00:00 Intro01:09 Samantha's Journey04:12 The Process of Recording Audiobooks10:41 Casting and Auditioning Narrators18:56 Evaluating Narrator Auditions23:44 The Preparation Process for Recording27:05 The Recording and Production Process33:10 Different Modes of Audiobook Narration40:25 Cost Considerations56:59 Future Aspirations58:53 AdviceRecommendationsVoices To Know—list of vetted narrators: https://voicestoknow.com/ Megan Carver’s Kickstarter worksho: https://www.instagram.com/thornsnroses.co/?hl=en Guest LinksInstagram/Threads:@samantha.norbury_narratorTikTok: samanthanorbury_narratorWebsite: https://www.samanthanorburyvo.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SamanthaNorburyNarrator/videos HostInstagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooksEmail: k.k.alba.books@gmail.comRecorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalbaMusic by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

Get Riley’s new book—The Serpent Prince of Hades—the 2nd book in the Veil of Elpis series here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0G2WRTRW8 In this episode I speak with fantasy author Riley S Knight, exploring her unique journey into the world of fantasy writing. From her initial inspiration through D&D campaigns to the intricate process of world-building, writing, and editing, Riley shares her experiences and insights. We delve into the importance of marketing, networking, and social media presence for authors, as well as tropes, reader connection and intentional practice.Keywordsfantasy writing, world building, author journey, editing process, marketing strategies, social media, author voice, reader connection, fantasy romance, writing adviceChapters00:00 Intro01:22 Writing Journey06:06 The First Draft07:51 Sage of Hope and Ruin12:49 Editing17:27 Proofreading and Formatting21:07 Indie Publishing25:07 Hiring a PA27:41 Conventions and Events29:40 Marketing33:08 Character Art39:30 Plotter42:08 Author Inspirations and Influences43:44 Pride45:41 Inspiration from Greek Mythology46:39 AdviceRecommendationsThe Emotion Thesaurus database: https://onestopforwriters.com/emotions Guest LinksInstagram/Threads:@rileysknight TikTok: @riley.s.knightWebsite: https://www.rileysknight.com/Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Riley-S-Knight/author/B0DWPRD1TBHostInstagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooksEmail: k.k.alba.books@gmail.comRecorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalbaMusic by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

In this episode, we have Tanya Joy Morgan @panopticfoundations – a fantasy author and founder of Panoptic Foundations. We discuss Tanya's writing journey and her publishing plans. Tanya shares her insights on marketing strategies for fiction authors, emphasizing the need for a sustainable approach to building a readership. The conversation also covers the significance of social media engagement and the value of community in the author space.Tanya Joy Morgan is a digital strategist and educator who teaches fiction authors how to build an online presence rooted in storytelling instead of stress. She’s the founder of Panoptic Foundations, where she simplifies tech, strategy, and sustainable visibility so authors can grow their readership without burning out.KeywordsTanya Joy Morgan, fantasy author, marketing strategies, writing process, digital strategy, author community, social media marketing, pacing in writing, character development, sustainable marketingChapters00:00 Intro01:28 Tanya's Writing Journey04:09 Exploring Fantasy Genre14:33 Writing Process18:30 Self-Learning and Writing Education21:41 Entrepreneurial Journey24:01 The Intersection of Writing and Marketing25:14 Fiction Marketing Strategies28:13 The Unique Challenges of Fiction Marketing30:41 The Importance of Building Connections33:16 Social Media Marketing for Authors37:24 Engagement on Social Media49:58 Sustainable Marketing Strategies52:38 Identifying Your Ideal Audience59:42 Writing AdviceRecommendationsK. M. Weiland’s writing courses and books: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/Jed Herne: https://www.youtube.com/@Jed_HerneBuffer scheduling platform: https://buffer.com/Hootsuite scheduling platform: https://www.hootsuite.com/All Write Well channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AllWriteWellGuest LinksInstagram/Threads:@panopticfoundationsWebsite: https://panopticfoundations.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@panopticfoundations HostInstagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooksEmail: k.k.alba.books@gmail.comRecorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalbaMusic by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

In this episode, I chat with Sara Sampson and Madlené Nel from the Tea and Tales Podcast! I’ve been listening to these ladies during my working hours and trust me—they are so much fun! They talk about writing craft, interview authors and agents, and provide valuable advice for beginner writers, especially those who are going through the traditional publishing journey.This time I get to ask the questions and learn everything about their stories, writing process, their similarities and differences and their biggest pet peeves!Hope you enjoy our chat—I had a blast!Keywordswriting, authors, podcast, publishing, beta reading, creativity, storytelling, journey, romance, fantasyChapters00:00 Introduction00:56 Sara's Story03:43 Madeleine's Story07:53 Publishing Aspirations11:52 Plotters vs. Pantsers23:31 Exploring Series 46:27 Author Heroes50:18 Writing AdviceGuest LinksInstagram:@teaandtalespodcast TikTok: podcastteatalesWebsite: https://teaandtaleswriters.wixsite.com/teaandtalespodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeaandTalespodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64b73534qT6wBP0PThxGdY?si=102b6d6b0b744c84 HostInstagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooksEmail: k.k.alba.books@gmail.comRecorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalbaMusic by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

Get Anastasija's latest release, Devious Love: a Stepbrother Romance here: https://a.co/d/cL1FaaP

And if you're in the mood for a spicy Christmas time, check out A Very Merry Match Point: A Why Choose Holiday Romance here: https://a.co/d/d8IGOuv

In this episode, I interview Anastasija White, a European indie author known for her sports romance novels. We discuss her writing process, marketing strategies, character development, and the balance between writing and personal life, as well as the value of feedback from beta readers and editors.

Keywords

Anastasija White, sports romance, writing process, editing, publishing, character development, reader engagement, marketing strategies, indie author, book recommendations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:31 The Journey

05:13 From Fanfiction to Published Author

07:56 Reader Expectations

10:22 Researching Sports for Authenticity

12:56 Writing Process

15:29 Editing

18:10 Publishing

20:40 Character Development

23:30 Writing Style

25:50 Future Projects

31:50 Publishing Challenges

33:05 Marketing

39:49 Balancing Writing with a Full-Time Job

41:52 Feedback

58:33 Advice for Aspiring Writers

01:00:17 Influential Authors and Inspirations

Recommendations

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Guest Links

Instagram: @anastasija.white.author

TikTok: author.anastasija.white / anastasija.white

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anastasija-White/author/B0BWVDGZS7

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

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

Recorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalba

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

In this episode, a romance author Jess K. Hardy shares her journey of writing and publishing. Jess discusses her experiences with different genres, the challenges of working with small presses, and the importance of staying creative despite the demands of publishing. She emphasizes the significance of older characters in romance literature and shares her research process for writing about sensitive topics like addiction and recovery. We also dive into Jess's writing process, the emotional depth of her stories, and her future plans.

Keywords

writing, publishing, romance, sci-fi, addiction, older characters, querying, small press, author journey, creative process

Recommendations

Fiction:

August Lane by Regina Black

Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne

Craft:

Fated Mates podcast

Guest Links

Instagram: @jesskhardy_author

Website: https://jesskhardy.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08D41791W

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

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

Recorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalba

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388

In this episode, K.H. Anastasia returns to discuss her journey as an author, reflecting on personal growth, health, and the creative process. She shares insights into the challenges she faced and the triumphs she achieved after a severe burnout.

We also go on a lot of tangets here. If you love book-to-movie adaptations, we discuss our likes and dislikes and gush over our favorite books.

Good news - Kiira beat her blues and is releasing books left and right! Her latest full-length release—a surprise pregnancy hockey romance titled The Unexpected Lineup—is out now! Get it here: https://a.co/d/gBnto6d.

Keywords

writing, personal growth, health, creative process, romance, publishing, character development, reader connection, titles, lessons learned

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back

02:27 Writing and Mental Health

07:39 New Projects

10:09 The Unexpected Lineup

14:52 Writing Challenges and Overcoming Burnout

17:22 The Evolution of Writing

26:59 Marketing

29:24 Adapting Books into Movies

39:15 Lessons Learned

41:57 Book Titles and Copyrights

46:58 Character Names

52:20 Proud Moments

Recommendations

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle: an unconventional romance

Guest Links

Instagram/TikTok: @khanastasiawrites

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09MLYQHMJ

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

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

Recorded with Riverside.fm: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=kkalba

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=203388