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.

In this episode, author R. A. Howitt shares his journey from aspiring writer to successful author and podcast host. We discuss the challenges of writing, the importance of community in the literary world, and his innovative projects aimed at supporting new authors. Richard emphasizes the significance of character development in storytelling and his unique approach to self-publishing, focusing on creating a niche market for his work. He introduces his book, Daniel King: ASD (Alien Specialist With Dad), which explores themes of neurodiversity and adventure, showcasing the strengths of its main character.

Keywords

writing, podcast, community, middle grade, self-publishing, Richard Howitt, authors, creativity, storytelling, mental health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

07:05 Creation of New2TheScene

11:44 Writing Routine

17:35 Innovative Writing Projects

21:09 Books and Genre

26:24 Conventions of Middle Grade Genre

27:57 Plotting

33:53 Personal Favorites

39:41 Editing

47:36 Daniel King: ASD (Alien Specialist With Dad)

59:03 Self-Publishing Strategy and Community Engagement

Recommendations

Save The Cat! Writes A Novel by Jessica Brody

Editing and Proofreading Services: clevercrow.co.uk

Cover Design and Illustration: carlknapper.com

Guest Links

Instagram: @new2thescene.official

New2TheScene shop and community: https://www.new2thescene.co.uk/

Author Website: https://www.rahowitt.com/

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

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

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.

In this episode, debut author Stefanie Medrek shares her journey into writing, the influence of her writer father, and her experiences with mentorship and self-publishing. She discusses her genre selection, the drafting process, and the importance of editing and professional help. Stefanie also reflects on her launch experience, marketing strategies, and the balance between writing and family life. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of community support as the number one writer tool.

Keywords

writing, self-publishing, mentorship, editing, community, imposter syndrome, author journey, marketing strategies, genre selection, drafting process

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:49 The Journey of Writing and Family Influence

05:41 Choosing a Genre and Publishing Route

07:55 Drafting Process

11:02 Editing

13:32 Debut Novel Launch Strategy

16:40 Balancing Writing with Family Life

17:49 Debut Launch

21:08 Routine

22:35 Community

26:19 Promotion Strategies

27:40 Building an Author Brand

28:58 Finding Your Author Voice

31:41 Imposter Syndrome

35:09 Reviews and Feedback

37:26 Writing Advice

39:20 Reflections

42:33 Future Projects and Author Heroes

45:36 Resources on Writing

47:22 Connecting with Readers

Recommendations

Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast by Savannah Gilbo

Story Grid book and podcast

Notes to Novel course by Savannah Gilbo: https://www.savannahgilbo.com/store

Guest Links

Instagram / TikTok: @medrekwrites

Website: https://medrekwrites.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DF92RFQZ

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

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

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.

Summary

In this episode, bestselling historical romance author Eliana Piers shares her journey to becoming a prolific writer with over 21 published books. She discusses her writing process, the leap into self-publishing and her branding strategy. Eliana reflects on her achievements, including winning awards and reaching bestseller status, while also addressing the challenges. She emphasizes the significance of marketing and building a community. Eliana offers valuable advice for new authors, highlighting the importance of staying true to one's voice and how it ties into effective branding.

Keywords

historical romance, writing process, self-publishing, author journey, beta readers, marketing strategies, author voice, book awards, imposter syndrome, writing advice

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:36 The Spark of Writing: Bridgerton's Influence

05:29 The Journey to Self-Publishing

08:19 The Growth of an Author: 21 Books in 2 Years

11:21 Winning Awards and Bestselling Status

13:55 The Writing Process

21:56 The Importance of Beta Readers

24:24 Writing Routine

26:36 Collaborations and Anthologies

29:29 Author Voice

32:01 Writing Skills

37:17 Author Brand

43:29 Handling Reviews and Imposter Syndrome

47:50 Marketing Strategies for Authors

53:50 Writing Advice

Recommendations

Romancing The Beat by Gwen Hayess

The Writing Gals Facebok Group

Kindlepreneur - Book Marketing for Self-Publishing Authors: https://kindlepreneur.com/

Craft books on romance tropes by Cindy Dees

Guest Links

Facebook Reader Group — Eliana's Beau Monde Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elianasbeaumondereadergroup/

Join Eliana’s Newsletter: https://www.bit.ly/SweetenTheRogue

Instagram: @elianapiersauthor

TikTok: @elianapiers

Website: https://elianapiers.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C6GF28N1

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

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

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.

In this episode, author Lindsay Lovise shares her journey as a writer, discussing her background, the challenges she faced, and her unique writing process. She emphasizes the importance of community, reading widely, and the balance between writing and personal life. Lindsay also delves into the intricacies of the publishing world, her experiences with imposter syndrome, and the significance of finding one's author voice. Throughout the discussion, she offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring writers. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical tips!

Keywords

Lindsay Lovise, writing journey, author voice, publishing, romance novels, writing process, overcoming writer's block, marketing strategies, writing advice, author interviews

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:53 Writing Journey

05:10 The Craft of Writing

09:56 Genres and Inspirations

16:33 Writing Process and Routine

21:10 Overcoming Challenges in Writing

25:19 Navigating the Publishing Landscape

28:31 Understanding Author Voice

31:30 Identifying Weaknesses in Writing

33:13 Writing Advice

35:25 Building a Writing Community

36:33 The Persistence of a Writer

38:23 Crafting Emotional Connections in Romance

42:11 The Role of Conflict in Romance

45:21 Promoting New Releases and Author Engagement

Recommendations

On Writing by Stephen King

Save The Cat! Writes A Novel by Jessica Brody

Romancing The Beat by Gwen Hayes

Guest Links

Instagram: @lindsaylovise

Website: https://lindsaylovise.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C6Z4LCM8

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

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

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.

Summary

In this episode, I interview Alivia Fleur, an Australian author known for her historical romance novels. Alivia shares her journey into writing, her experiences with self-publishing, and the importance of community and support among writers. She discusses her writing process, the challenges of balancing health with her creative work, and her unique approach to storytelling that includes unconventional (but still happy) endings!

Keywords

writing, publishing, historical romance, indie authors, writing process, editing, community, health, storytelling, character development

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

02:32 Writing Journey

10:32 Finding Readers and Community

13:31 Awards and Recognition in Writing

15:54 Exploring Unconventional Happy Endings

18:52 The Impact of Reader Feedback

21:29 Navigating the Romance Genre

26:39 Non-Traditional Happily Ever Afters

36:34 The Discovery Writing Process

41:35 Line Level Writing

46:17 Editing and Feedback Mechanisms

49:34 Balancing Health and Writing

01:01:14 Writing Influences and Heroes

01:05:04 Exploring Literary Techniques

01:09:24 Navigating the Publishing Landscape

01:14:04 Writing Advice

01:18:22 Craft Recommendations

01:23:21 Supporting Indie Authors

Recommendations

Writers Beware: https://writerbeware.blog/

Writers Beware Facebook Group

Alliance of Independent Authors: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/

Kate Forsyth’s writing courses: https://kateforsyth.com.au/event/upcoming-talks-workshop/

Creating Character Arcs by K.M. Weiland

K.M. Weiland’s podcast

The Invisible College podcast

Guest Links

Instagram: @aliviafleur_writes

Website and store: https://aliviafleurbooks.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09RXTFXDK

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

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

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.