344 episodes

The Kobo Writing Life Podcast features exciting interviews with bestselling authors, tips on the craft and business of writing, and advice for a successfully self-publishing career. Millions of readers are waiting to discover your book - publish today at www.kobo.com/writinglife.

Kobo Writing Life Podcast Kobo Writing Life

    • Arts
    • 4.8 • 19 Ratings

The Kobo Writing Life Podcast features exciting interviews with bestselling authors, tips on the craft and business of writing, and advice for a successfully self-publishing career. Millions of readers are waiting to discover your book - publish today at www.kobo.com/writinglife.

    #338 – Writing Women's Action-Adventure Novels with Bethany Maines

    #338 – Writing Women's Action-Adventure Novels with Bethany Maines

    In this episode, we spoke to award-winning author Bethany Maines, whose romance-fuelled action-adventure novels include Eye Contact and Bulletproof Mascara, among many others. Bethany is a multi-genre author who has written in many genres and sub-genres, including action-adventure, mystery and suspense, science fiction and paranormal romance. She’s also a hybrid author who has experience working with traditional publishing houses as well as independently publishing her work!
    And, further, she has also written short stories and screenplays, including a screenplay that was recently turned into a short film. Bethany had a lot of illuminating observations on the publishing industry, a lot of love for fellow indie romance authors, and a lot of great advice to offer.

    Be sure to grab a copy of Eye Contact – Bethany’s latest release!
    Follow Bethany on X, Facebook, and Instagram and learn more at her website.

    • 51 min
    #337 – Marketing Advice for Indie Authors with Kiki Chatfield

    #337 – Marketing Advice for Indie Authors with Kiki Chatfield

    In this episode, we are joined by Kiki Chatfield, CEO and founder of The Next Step PR. Kiki spoke with us about her PR company, why she founded it, her best marketing tips for authors, the conference she runs, Authors in the Bluegrass, and so much more! Kiki is always open to hearing from readers and authors alike and is enthusiastic about helping others as much as she can. She had so much great advice to offer during our conversation.

    If you’re interested in scheduling a free 15-minute chat with Kiki to see what she and The Next Step PR can do for you, check out her booking calendar here!

    Kiki recently celebrated her 10th year in the PR market and her 9th year of The Next Step PR, and these huge milestones are well-deserved! Kiki brought such great energy to this episode and we hope you learn a lot and take her advice to heart as you continue on your own author journey.

    Follow The Next Step PR on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for more, and be sure to follow Kiki on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and Bookbub too!

    • 44 min
    #336 – Mental Health, Queer Narratives and More with Emily Austin

    #336 – Mental Health, Queer Narratives and More with Emily Austin

    In this episode, we are joined by best-selling Canadian author Emily Austin, whose debut novel Everyone In This Room Will Some Day Be Dead was nominated for the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour, to discuss her latest release, Interesting Facts About Space! This title is available today and was one of our top reads of last year – we were so grateful to received ARCs of this must-read new release. Emily also has a poetry collection, Gay Girl Prayers, coming out next year, so be sure to add that one to your TBR list, too!

    Interesting Facts About Space is available now from Simon & Schuster Canada and wherever you get your books, eBook and otherwise!

    We spoke to Emily about her writing career, the intersections of mental health and queerness, writing LGBTQ+ narratives, writing inspirations and influences, her editing process, what it’s like working with an editor, writing both poetry and prose, and more!
    Learn more about Emily on her website, and follow her on X and Instagram.

    • 37 min
    #335 – Writing Best-Selling Hockey Romance with Becka Mack

    #335 – Writing Best-Selling Hockey Romance with Becka Mack

    In this episode, we are joined by best-selling author of the book series that became a TikTok sensation, Playing for Keeps! Playing for Keeps is a steamy, romantic hockey romance trilogy that have taken Booktok (the bookish side of TikTok) by storm. We were so excited to talk to Becka and hear all about her writing journey, the realities of both self-publishing and traditional publishing, and, of course, to get a sneak peek at what she’s working on next.

    Not only that, but we talked about her publishing journey, her path to becoming a writer, hockey romance, writing hockey romance as a Canadian, discussions of our favourite hockey teams, and much more!

    Be sure to get your own copy of Consider Me, the first book in the Playing for Keeps series, available now from Simon & Schuster Canada.
    Learn more about Becka on her website, and follow her on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

    • 1 hr
    All About Writing Retreats with Lisa Shaughnessy

    All About Writing Retreats with Lisa Shaughnessy

    In this episode, we are joined by Lisa Shaughnessy, founder of The Writing Retreat Sampler and creator of The Writing Retreat Directory. The Writing Retreat Sampler is a series of virtual events that help writers find writing retreats that best suit their writing and publishing goals, and The Writing Retreat Directory is a free directory that features more info on writing retreats across the globe! We have a great conversation with Lisa about all things to do with writing retreats, and how writing retreats can really be a boon to authors.

    Lisa also tells us how she started her business, what inspired her to create a writing retreat directory, talks about what retreats can do for authors overall, how hosts can create great workshops, virtual vs. in-person retreats, and much more! We go on to discuss how to build community at a writing retreat, what feedback can do for you and how to respond to it, and much more. If one of your goals for the coming year is to participate in a writing retreat, this is the episode for you.
    To learn more, check out Lisa’s blog, and follow The Writing Retreat Directory on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

    • 38 min
    The Year in Review with the Kobo Writing Life Team

    The Year in Review with the Kobo Writing Life Team

    In this episode, we sat down as a team to talk about everything do with Kobo Writing Life that took place over the last year! KWL Director Tara, Author Engagement Manager Laura, Promotions Specialist Rachel, Kobo Originals Lead and Content Coordinator Vanessa and Content Coordinator Terrence all shared highlights from their work in 2023, including insights into Kobo Plus, the Kobo Plus expansions, Kobo Originals, translations, conferences we attended, the Kobo Writing Life podcast, promotional offerings, and much, much more! We also chatted about what to expect from us next year, including some exciting hints as to what’s to come.

    Plus, don’t miss out on the many great books we recommend to our listeners – be sure to take notes and stack your TBR piles for the coming year!

    Lastly, happy 2024 from the Kobo Writing Life team. Here’s to another great year of publishing! We can’t wait to continue working with you in the new year.

    Go to our site to learn more about Kobo Writing Life, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.

    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
19 Ratings

19 Ratings

aaronboolander ,

Love you guys!

You are so insightful and a huge inspiration to me! Thank you for all you do!

jedipencil ,

GREAT Podcast

Learning a lot by listening not only to the interviews about writing, but the advice given on the business of books.

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