Kobo Writing Life Podcast

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 creating these cards and how the first year running her business has influenced her writing. Laura also gives tips on starting your own business and where she sees Mythulu growing in the coming years. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

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 helps her to be one of KWL's most prolific authors. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

We dive deep into romantic comedies and the key components that make a great love story. Spoiler alert: it's sexual tension! Sally and Mhairi tells us about their latest releases 99 Percent Mine and Don't You Forget About Me and how they fell into writing. We also have a lightening round where they tell us their favourite rom-coms. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

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 today appear to be more accessible and why authors should always strive towards authenticity in their work. She also uses the magical power of math and science to provide detailed insight into the recent controversies of the romance community. Join the self-publishing platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

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. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

Have you ever wondered if a book trailer would be right for your next novel? Adam Cushman, the founder of Film 14 (https://film-14.com/), breaks down the benefits of having a book trailer and discusses the process of creating a cinematic book trailer from conception to final product. Adam talks about pricing and the different ways an author can utilize a book trailer in their marketing. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

Gritty crime fiction writer, Dharma Kelleher joins us to talk about her experience as a transgender author, and the recent controversy around the book deal for the fictional biography of transgender doctor, Dr. James Barry. We discuss the importance of sensitivity readers and how/when an author should employ them in their writing process. Dharma also sheds some light on marketing a title that was deemed "unmarketable." Never miss an episode: subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Stitcher. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. We put authors first. www.kobo.com/writinglife

Retired police officer Brent Pilkey joins us to talk about his time as a beat cop for one of the roughest areas of Toronto, and how this experience influenced his writing. Brent discusses the genesis of his Rage series and how he decides which areas of being an officer should be excluded from his novels. Brent also discusses his writing process and what readers can expect from him next. Never miss an episode: subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Stitcher. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. We put authors first. www.kobo.com/writinglife

Please enjoy this preview of Kobo's new podcast Kobo in Conversation! Join our chief booklover, Rakuten Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn, as he welcomes famous authors and other notable guests from around the literary world and learn about the inspirations and influences behind your favourite books. In this episode, Michael speaks with the author of Forgiveness: A Gift from My Grandparents, winner of CBC Canada Reads 2018, about empathy, loss, and how his family let light shine in after one of the darkest chapters in Canadian history.

Superstar New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meredith Wild, talks about her unique experience as being both an indie author and independent publisher. Meredith talks about the early days of starting her own boutique publisher Waterhouse Press, and why she wanted to start her own "untraditional" publishing company. Meredith also discusses battling her doubts as being a relatively new writer in the romance realm and how Waterhouse Press approached marketing in their first few years. Never miss an episode: subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Stitcher. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. We put authors first. www.kobo.com/writinglife

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. He sheds some light into his process working with authors directly and the information he needs from an author to design their cover. Stuart also tells listeners tips they can utilize when designing their own cover. Never miss an episode: subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Stitcher. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. We put authors first. www.kobo.com/writinglife

Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author and branding superstar, shares her secrets on cultivating an author brand and mastering trickier social media platforms, specifically Instagram and Pinterest. Lauren demystifies author branding and explains how authors can find their own aesthetic. She also discusses why she chose to limit her social media presence to two platforms and how she has made these platforms work for her. We also discuss the evolution of her newsletter and how it has changed throughout the years. Never miss an episode: subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Stitcher. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. We put authors first. www.kobo.com/writinglife

Damon Suede, a chart-topping M/M romance author, will change the way you think about craft and characters. Damon gives listeners tips from his books Verbalize and Your A Game, such as thinking about characters in the term of budgeting a blockbuster film and why every character should be driven by a specific word. He also talks about sex, romance, and exploring different types of relationships. Warning: this episode contains explicit content!

Breakout star in Italy, France, and Germany, Brenna Aubrey gives listeners tips on translations. She advises on how to decide if translations are right for you, how much money an author should budget for translations, picking which market to target and selecting which backlist titles to translate. Brenna also discusses how she fell into her niche (writing "geek romance") and why ultimately, she decided on self-publishing rather than traditional. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

How to be a career author: USA Today bestselling powerhouse Nana Malone shares the writing and marketing process you need to stay motivated and inspired for the next 10 years and more. Nana also talks about how the royal wedding between Meghan and Harry affected her Royals Undercover series and why she loves the romance genre. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

How a virtual assistant can transform your publishing business and create more time for what you love most: writing. Veteran VA to superstar authors and CMO of Book+Main, Melissa Saneholtz, tells listeners how she got her start as an author virtual assistant and what a VA can do for an author, and how to find one that's right for you. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

Empower more people to read your books. This behind-the-scenes at Kobo episode features Senior QA Analyst Wendy Reid, talking about the importance of EPUB accessibility, and specific features you can include in your eBooks to make them more accessible. Wendy also discusses her role in launching audiobooks for Kobo and how specifications for audiobooks do not exist (yet). Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

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 by the Globe and Mail's Doug Saunders where they discuss the spy Oleg Gordievsky, the Russian whose secret work helped hasten the end of the Cold War.

In this 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. Amanda talks about how she got into podcasts, the difference between podcasts and older media such as radio, and she discusses the underrepresented voices in the podcasting community. Amanda also shares her tips for starting your own podcast and the most common roadblock aspiring podcasters encounter.

In this episode, Rene sits down with the cast and crew of the recent film The House with a Clock in its Walls to learn about their experience working on the movie and their favourite books. Rene chats to director Eli Roth about his experience directing a fantasy/horror movie geared towards a family audience, actor Owen Vaccaro about working with successful actors Cate Blanchett and Jack Black and music composer Nathan Barr, about incorporating old school horror-flick sounds into the movie's score. Start self-publishing today with KWL. Join the platform that's fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife

In this episode, Chrissy chats to Ricci Wolman the founder and CEO of Written Word Media. Ricci talks about why she created Written Word Media, the services she offers authors and she tells listeners about her newest site, Reading Stacks. Ricci discusses the different types of information they are able to gather from their readers and how authors can use this information for promotional opportunities. Ricci also reflects on the marketing changes that have occurred in 2018.

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 acquisitions editor, her top tips for writers struggling to write their first draft and the challenges writing non-fiction versus fiction. Signe discusses her inspiration behind The Lost Queen, the research that went into the novel and the process of selling her television rights. Signe also gives listeners a hint about what to expect in the second book of her series.

In this episode, Steph and Mickie sit down with Damon and Nicola from pop gospel band, Bishop Blue. Bishop Blue, also known as Novel Songwriters, create original music for authors. They tell our listeners about the creative process behind bringing a story to life through music, how they got their start creating music for authors and why commissioning a song might be the right choice for you.

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 to Know, What to Say, and What to Do in the New Gender Culture. Dr. Airton talks about their wish to expand the conversation around the ways gender doesn't work for people who are transgender, the difference between transgender and transgendered, and that it is okay to make mistakes as we learn to navigate and use new terminology around gender identity!

International bestseller Adam Croft explains the mindset shift that transformed his publishing from side hobby to full-time dream job. He gives specific advice for succeeding "wide," increasing your global reach, and his latest nonfiction book, The Indie Author Mindset.

In this episode, author Sarah Winman drops by Kobo's headquarters in Toronto to talk to Chrissy about her latest release, Tin Man. Sarah talks to us about the inspiration behind her novel, why it took her ten years to write the book and she also discusses the significance of the title of the novel.

In this episode, Stephanie and Marina sit down with New York Times best-selling author Courtney Summers. We talk to Courtney about her new novel Sadie and her inspiration for including a podcast in her narrative. Courtney also discusses murder podcasts that inspired her and gives advice to new writers. We also discuss some of our favourite tv shows and movies of the summer. SPOILER WARNING! There are some Sadie spoilers in this episode.

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Eve Langlais. Eve talks to us about being a hybrid author, why she loves writing romance novels and how she balances being creative while simultaneously working on the business side of publishing. Eve also chats about why she created the conference Romancing the Capital and gives tips for authors and readers nervous about attending their first conference.

In this episode, Stephanie and Laura sit down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shayla Black. Shayla chats to us about celebrating 20 years in publishing, how she got her start in indie publishing and how she manages to balance the business side of writing. Shayla also talks about staying authentic online and why being true to yourself is the most important aspect of social media.

This episode was recorded live at our first-ever indie author library night at Kobo HQ. Chrissy Munroe interviewed Maria Cipriano and Beth Godlewski from Toronto Public Library to discuss how they curate the library catalogue and give advice on best practices for indie authors.

In this episode, Chrissy chats with Kobo's VP of Product and Devices, Ramesh Mantha, to learn all about Kobo's newest eReader Forma. Ramesh gives listeners a peek into the work that goes into creating new devices at Kobo. He talks about the features of Forma, specifically the focus on physical comfort, and the readings stats that influenced the design of Forma. Ramesh also talks about digital reading and how print and eBooks fit in the reading landscape today.

In this episode, we sit down with the European Manager of Kobo Writing Life, Camille Mofidi. Camille shares her thoughts on why authors should go global, the questions they need to ask themselves before going global and why they should consider translations. She also gives listeners tips on translations, metadata, pricing, countries they should consider publishing to and how authors can reach these potential new markets.

In this week's episode, Chrissy sits down with Australian author Sasha Cottman. Sasha talks to us about her first-year being independently published, how she is able to balance paying her bills and having fun writing, and where she looks for inspiration and knowledge about indie publishing. She also talks to us about where she finds inspiration for her historical romance novels and where Australia fits in the indie publishing landscape.

In this week's episode we bring you not one but two interviews! First, Rene d'Entremont, the director of PR here at Kobo, sits down with New York Times best-selling author Lauren Weisberger. Rene asks her about her new book When Life Gives You Lululemons and discusses her writing process. Secondly, Stephanie sits down with aspiring author Mackenzie Belcastro. Mackenzie tells listeners how she stays motivated as she learns her writing style, how she connects with other aspiring writers and how she manages to write full-time without having a 9 to 5 job.

In this episode Chrissy interviews award-winning and bestselling author, Kevin Tumlinson. Kevin talks to us about overcoming the stigma of self-publishing and how marketing sophistication and budgets have increased over the last ten years. He gives listeners his top tips for aspiring and established authors. Kevin also chats to us about his own podcast the Wordslinger Podcast and how he started working with Draft2Digital.

Join Steph and Joni as they sit down with Sean Pratt, an audiobook narrator who has recorded over 975 audiobooks. Sean chats to us about his experience being a narrator for 23 years and the physical and mental work that goes into producing an audiobook. Sean outlines how authors can create an audiobook themselves and the services he offers as a coach for authors wanting to narrate their own work. Sean also speculates on why audiobooks have exploded in popularity in the last couple years.

In this episode, Chrissy chats with authors Rachael Herron and J. Thorn from the Writer's Well podcast (formerly The Petal to the Medal podcast). Rachael and J. discuss their writing and revision processes and how they got into self-publishing. J. talks to us about the conception for his Author on a Train event and why he loves to collaborate. Rachael and J. also give us tips on battling self-doubt and how to stay motivated when you are 30 revisions deep on a title.

In this episode, Chrissy chats to Scott Bintz, the founder of RealTruck.com, a 100-million-dollar e-commerce store from North Dakota. Recently, Scott became a rookie author publishing his first book Principles to Fortune: Crafting a Culture to Massively Grow a Business. He discusses his guiding principles in the workplace and how these fundamental values led to his success today. He also explains how these core values can be adapted by anyone, anywhere.

Join Chrissy as she sits down with EPUB experts Simon Collinson and Ben Dugas from Kobo. They teach us everything we need to know about eBook files. They explain the different types of EPUB files, the tools available to authors to make their own EPUBs and common errors to watch out when creating your own file. The also discuss the future of eBooks and accessibility.

In this episode, Chrissy and Stephanie chat with #1 New York Times best-selling author, Lauren Blakely. Lauren talks about her tips and tricks for marketing, her philosophy on writing and why it is important to be authentic on social media. She also examines a mistake she believes to have made with her publishing schedule last year. Lauren also gives listeners some great recommendations for readers curious about the romance genre.

In this episode, Chrissy and Steph sit down with Adam Sockel and Jill Grunenwald from Overdrive. They give us the low-down on all things Overdrive: what their roles are within the company, what is their favourite part about working at Overdrive, and share ways authors can reach librarians and library readers. They also talk about their own podcast, Professional Book Nerds, and gives us some great recommendations to add to your summer reading list.

Join Chrissy and Stephanie as they sit down with Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant, the masterminds behind Sterling & Stone. They discuss what goes on behind the scenes running Sterling & Stone, the top conversion elements every author should know, and why they decide to keep publishing wide. They also talk about their Smarter Artist Summit.

In this episode, Stephanie and Joni interview author Katja Meier about her memoir Across the Big Blue Sea. Katja discusses her inspiration for writing a memoir and why she ultimately decided to self-publish her book. She also talks about the power of social media and the problems she encountered using Instagram to promote her work.

Actress, producer, TV host, business owner and newly minted author Vivica Fox sits down with Rene at Kobo HQ in Toronto to talk about her new memoir, Every Day I'm Hustling

In this episode, Stephanie and Cristina sit down with Sarah Wendell of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Sarah is a writer, blogger and podcaster and chats to us about running her successful romance book blog and podcast. She delves into the workshops she runs on topics such as "Digital Promotion" and "How to Put a Review in Your Rearview Mirror" and, of course, we ask for her romance recommendations.

In this episode, Chrissy Munroe interviews award-winning author and creative writing instructor, Maxwell Alexander Drake. Drake, best known for his fantasy series, The Genesis of Oblivion Saga, chats to us about his writing career, the creation of DrakeU and how he generated a reputation for giving brutal writing advice to aspiring authors. He also discusses being in rebuild mode at this stage in his career and what he is working on next.

In this episode, Stephanie McGrath interviews popular YouTuber Ariel Bissett. Ariel gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look into the life of a BookTuber and the community behind it. She offers advice on getting your book into the hands of YouTubers, tips for aspiring vloggers and podcasters, and also gives us the low-down on YouTube sponsorships.

Bestselling romance author Julia Kent came to Kobo HQ and chatted to Chrissy Munroe about her incredibly successful publishing and writing career.

Join Chrissy Munroe as she interviews best-selling science-fiction author, Kevin J. Anderson. KJA gives listeners a peek into his life as he juggles writing, editing, and running his own publishing company, Wordfire Press. All while working towards completing his Master's degree.

In this episode, co-host Stephanie McGrath interviews USA Today Bestselling and RITA award winning author Sarina Bowen. We ask her about running a successful publishing business, collaborating with other authors and important lessons she's learned about craft through the years. We are also joined by two Sarina fans, Laura Granger and Cristina Mendes, as we discuss Sarina's post on the KWL blog, "Romance Writer's Don't Need Your Love-They're Too Busy Making Bank". We also learn more about her latest release, Brooklynaire.