Kobo Writing Life Podcast
423 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 48 ratingsThe 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
#296 – Creating an Author Universe with Penny Reid
July 19, 2022 13:51 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBIn this episode we’re showcasing a live event that we held earlier this year on the KWL Facebook and YouTube pages. KWL Director Tara Cremin chatted with the wonderful indie author titan, Penny Reid. The universe that Penny has created, the "Pennyverse," is hugely popular with readers but also with writers. After several authors expressed interest in writing in her worlds, Penny opened it up and created the collaborative universe Smartypants Romance. Find more information about our podcas...
KWL – 296 – Creating an Author Universe with Penny Reid
July 19, 2022 13:51 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBIn this episode we’re showcasing a live event that we held earlier this year on the KWL Facebook and YouTube pages. KWL Director Tara Cremin chatted with the wonderful indie author titan, Penny Reid. The universe that Penny has created, the "Pennyverse," is hugely popular with readers but also with writers. After several authors expressed interest in writing in her worlds, Penny opened it up and created the collaborative universe Smartypants Romance. Find more information about our podcas...
#295 – Writing a Domestic Thriller with Samantha M. Bailey
July 05, 2022 18:27 - 45 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode, we are joined by Samantha M. Bailey, USA Today and #1 nationally bestselling author of Woman on the Edge. We discussed Samantha's next thriller, Watch Out for Her, her experiences finding a traditional publishing platform, following up a successful debut during a global pandemic, how curiosity can drive the creative process of writing a thriller, the importance of editing, of community, of her readers, and much more! Find more information about our podcast, including links...
#294 - How to Become a Bestseller on Kobo
June 21, 2022 17:20 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBIn this episode we’re showcasing a live event that we held earlier this year on the KWL Facebook and YouTube pages. KWL Director Tara and Author Relations Manager Joni, got together to talk about everything you need to know to become a Kobo bestseller. Find more information about our podcast, including links to our guests' books here. If you're ready to start your publishing journey, visit kobo.com/writinglife.
#293 – Being Uniquely You with Marcus Tallberg
June 06, 2022 18:45 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBIn this episode, we are joined by Swedish author and entrepreneur, Marcus Tallberg. Tune in for a discussion on authentic representation of marginalized characters in fiction, why Marcus felt compelled to write from such a young age, and why it's so vital for everyone to have the opportunity to see their experiences represented. Find more information about our podcast, including links to our guests' books here. If you're ready to start your publishing journey, visit kobo.com/writinglife.
#292 – Unapologetic Happy Endings with Adriana Herrera
May 24, 2022 15:36 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MBIn this episode, we are joined by USA Today bestselling romance author and trauma therapist Adriana Herrera (author of Finding Joy, A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, and more) who spoke to us about her writing journey, representation in genre fiction, and more. Find more information about our podcast, including links to our guests' books here. If you're ready to start your publishing journey, visit kobo.com/writinglife.
#291 – Feminist Dystopian Fiction with Sara Foster
May 10, 2022 16:11 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this episode, we are joined by psychological fiction author and Ph.D. candidate Sara Foster (author of You Don't Know Me, The Hidden Hours, and more) who spoke to us about her recently released speculative fiction novel, The Hush. Find more information about our podcast, including links to our guests' books here. If you're ready to start your publishing journey, visit kobo.com/writinglife.
#290 – Satirical Fiction with Zarqa Nawaz
April 26, 2022 20:59 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this episode, we are joined by Canadian journalist, author, and filmmaker Zarqa Nawaz (creator of Little Mosque on the Prairie) who spoke to us about her recently released novel, Jameela Green Ruins Everything. Find more information about our podcast, including links to our guests' books here. If you're ready to start your publishing journey, visit kobo.com/writinglife.
#289 - Marketing Books with Written Word Media
April 12, 2022 19:54 - 49 minutes - 45 MBTune in to our conversation with Clayton Noblit and Grant Shepherd of Written Word Media. They gave us lots of insight into successful marketing as an indie author, and the various services they offer to help authors sell books, including the newer Reader Reach program. We also talked about the results of the 2021 indie author survey. Find more information about our podcast, including links to our guests' books here. If you're ready to start your publishing journey, visit kobo.com/writing...
#289 Marketing Books with Written Word Media
April 12, 2022 19:54 - 49 minutes - 45 MBTune in to our conversation with Clayton Noblit and Grant Shepherd of Written Word Media. They gave us lots of insight into successful marketing as an indie author, and the various services they offer to help authors sell books, including the newer Reader Reach program. We also talked about the results of the 2021 indie author survey. Find more information about our podcast, including links to our guests' books here. If you're ready to start your publishing journey, visit kobo.com/writing...
#288 - Writing Diversely with Renee Harleston
March 22, 2022 14:38 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBOur guest this week is Renee Harleston, founder of Writing Diversely, which offers sensitivity reading services that provide authors, writers, and content creators the tools and support they need to tell diverse and inclusive stories. Find more information about our podcast, including links to our guests' books here. If you're ready to start your publishing journey, visit kobo.com/writinglife.
#287 - TikTok Sells Books with Jayne Rylon and Lila Dubois
March 15, 2022 19:48 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBThis week on the podcast, we're speaking with Lila Dubois and Jayne Rylon all about TikTok, and how they are using the platform to sell more books than ever before. https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/p/kwlpodcast
#286 - Writing Female Friendship with Anat Deracine
March 08, 2022 20:50 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MBHappy International Woman's Day to our KWL community! We wanted to celebrate by releasing a bonus episode this week - we hope you enjoy it! We spoke with author Anat Deracine about her novel, Driving by Starlight, her experience growing up in Saudi Arabia and why writing about female friendship is so important to her. https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/p/kwlpodcast
#285 – The Blood and Guts of Writing with Catherine Spader
March 01, 2022 20:58 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBThis week on the podcast, we're sitting down with Catherine Spader to chat about her career trajectory from ER nurse to journalist to fantasy writer. Catherine explains how her medical background brings realism to her writing, and talks about the tips and tricks she learned as a journalist that shape her fiction writing.
KWL – 284 – Navigating Non-Monogamy with Rachel Krantz
February 15, 2022 18:20 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBWe are joined on the podcast by Rachel Krantz who spoke to us about her recent memoir, Open: An Uncensored Memoir of Love, Liberation, and Non-Monogamy. Rachel discussed the process of writing her memoir, why she felt she needed to tell this story, and she also shares tips on how to write about polyamorous relationships in fiction.
#284 – Navigating Non-Monogamy with Rachel Krantz
February 15, 2022 18:20 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBWe are joined on the podcast by Rachel Krantz who spoke to us about her recent memoir, Open: An Uncensored Memoir of Love, Liberation, and Non-Monogamy. Rachel discussed the process of writing her memoir, why she felt she needed to tell this story, and she also shares tips on how to write about polyamorous relationships in fiction.
#283 –Podcasting for Authors with Matty Dalrymple
February 01, 2022 21:23 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBThis week we're featuring author and podcaster, Matty Dalrymple, host of the The Indy Author Podcast. Matty shares insights she has learned from her podcasting career, how she has found success in publishing short fiction, and why she loves writing about the supernatural.
KWL – 283 –Podcasting for Authors with Matty Dalrymple
February 01, 2022 21:23 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBThis week we're featuring author and podcaster, Matty Dalrymple, host of the The Indy Author Podcast. Matty shares insights she has learned from her podcasting career, how she has found success in publishing short fiction, and why she loves writing about the supernatural.
KWL – 282 – Making NaNoWriMo Work for You with Sara Whitney
January 25, 2022 21:11 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBJournalism professor and romance author Sara Whitney joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her journey to publishing and why she recently took her catalogue wide. We discussed her experiences with NaNoWriMo, why she's so passionate about great romance, and her hottest TV takes as a former television critic.
#282 – Making NaNoWriMo Work for You with Sara Whitney
January 25, 2022 21:11 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBJournalism professor and romance author Sara Whitney joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her journey to publishing and why she recently took her catalogue wide. We discussed her experiences with NaNoWriMo, why she's so passionate about great romance, and her hottest TV takes as a former television critic.
#281 - Wonders All Around with Bruce McCandless III
January 18, 2022 20:28 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBThis week we spoke to author Bruce McCandless III about his latest book, a a biography of his father, legendary astronaut Bruce McCandless II. Bruce spoke to us about growing up in Houston, the experience of having a parent in the space program, and the process of piecing together his own memories and the fragments of his dad's life in order to tell his story. Learn more about this episode!
#281 Wonders All Around with Bruce McCandless III
January 18, 2022 20:28 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBThis week we spoke to author Bruce McCandless III about his latest book, a a biography of his father, legendary astronaut Bruce McCandless II. Bruce spoke to us about growing up in Houston, the experience of having a parent in the space program, and the process of piecing together his own memories and the fragments of his dad's life in order to tell his story. Learn more about this episode!
#280 - Panels and Conventions with Sam Maggs
January 11, 2022 19:31 - 49 minutes - 22.6 MBBestselling author and writer of comics and video games Sam Maggs returns to the podcast this week to discuss writing across different mediums and to share her expertise on speaking at conventions. Sam tells us how her multi-faceted career has evolved, how she prepares for both appearing on and moderating panels at various conventions worldwide, and she tells us who she would want to appear on her dream panel. Learn more about this episode!
#279 - Becoming Future You with Mel Jolly
January 04, 2022 21:09 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MBAuthor, coach, and marketing assistant Mel Jolly joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her career and to tell us about her new book, Becoming Future You: Be the Hero of Your Own Life. Mel tells us about her writing process, how her coaching courses inspired her book, and she gives some great advice for breaking procrastination habits. Learn more about this episode!
Bonus Episode: Staff Picks with Kobo in Conversation
December 28, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBOn a very special bonus episode of the podcast, Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn sits down with some of the book lovers at Kobo to talk about their favourite reads of 2021. With recommendations ranging from historical fiction to memoirs about grief to true crime, there is truly something for everyone!
#278 - Plotting a Cozy Mystery with Alexis Hall
December 21, 2021 20:53 - 46 minutes - 21.2 MBBestselling author Alexis Hall joins us on the podcast this week to discuss his Kobo Original, Murder Most Actual, and what it was like writing his first cozy mystery. Alexis talks to us about his career as a hybrid author, the inspirations behind Murder Most Actual, and how he tries to normalize queer relationships in his writing. Learn more about this episode!
#277 - No Gods, No Monsters with Cadwell Turnbull
December 14, 2021 20:10 - 38 minutes - 17.5 MBAward-winning SFF author Cadwell Turnbull joins us on the podcast this week to discuss his latest novel, No Gods, No Monsters. Cadwell talks to us about writing character-driven Sci-Fi Fantasy, incorporating real-life events and intersectionality into his work, and the challenges of writing novels from multiple perspectives. Learn more about this episode!
#276 - Refilling Your Creative Well with L. Penelope
December 07, 2021 21:29 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBAward-winning fantasy author L. Penelope joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her unique journey to becoming a hybrid author and how she manages to find time for herself while maintaining her busy publishing schedule. Leslye also chats with us about her writing process, the return of in-person events and conventions, and she tells us all about her own podcast, My Imaginary Friends. Learn more about this episode!
#275 - The Mistletoe Motive with Chloe Liese
November 30, 2021 19:27 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBAuthor Chloe Liese joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her new Kobo Original, The Mistletoe Motive. Chloe chats with us about her writing process, using social media for marketing, representation in romance and why her belief that everyone deserves a love story has been the driving force for her career. Learn more about this episode!
#274 - Writing with Tarot with Lisa Kessler
November 23, 2021 21:35 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBBestselling and award winning paranormal romance author Lisa Kessler joins us on the podcast today to discuss her writing process and how she uses tarot cards as a tool to help with writer’s block and character development. Lisa also talks to us about why she loves writing in the paranormal genre, her career as a hybrid author, and what changes she has seen in the publishing industry throughout her career. Learn more about this episode!
#273 – The Future of AI Writing with Shane Neeley
November 16, 2021 17:45 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBAuthor Shane Neeley joins us on the podcast this week to talk about his experience using AI and machine learning to help him write his books. Shane also discusses his strategy of self-publishing, the future of writing, and whether robots are going to take over the world.
#272 - Building Your Beta Reader Team with Marni Mann
November 09, 2021 19:53 - 32 minutes - 14.9 MBBestselling author Marni Mann joins us on the podcast this week to talk about how she built her team of beta readers and why having this trusted team has been so important to her success as an author. Marni also talks to us about her writing journey and finding her audience as an author who writes across multiple genres. Learn more about this episode!
#271 - Year of the Nurse with Cassandra Alexander
November 02, 2021 17:25 - 40 minutes - 18.5 MBParanormal romance author and ICU nurse Cassandra Alexander joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her new memoir, Year of the Nurse. In her memoir, Cassandra recounts her time on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic working in the ICU. She talks to us about the writing process of Year of the Nurse, what it was like revisiting the events of the previous 18 months, and the lasting effect of the pandemic on her mental health and that of healthcare workers globally. Content note: ...
#270 - From Romance to Fantasy with K.A. Tucker
October 26, 2021 19:32 - 32 minutes - 14.7 MBInternationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her most recent release, A Fate of Wrath & Flame. After building a successful career as an author of romance and women's fiction, A Fate of Wrath & Flame is K.A.’s first fantasy novel. She speaks to us about switching genres, how she created her fantasy world, and what we can expect from her next. Learn more about this episode!
#269 - Cross Promotions with Evan Gow from StoryOrigin
October 19, 2021 19:32 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBFounder and developer of StoryOrigin Evan Gow joins us on the podcast this week. Evan tells us the how authors can utilize cross promotions such as newsletter swaps and group promotions, build their mailing list, distribute review copies, and even track their writing goals on StoryOrigin, and he gives us his predictions for the future of indie publishing and how he sees his site fitting into that future. Learn more about this episode!
#268 - Plotting a Twist with Eric Rickstad
October 12, 2021 19:41 - 44 minutes - 101 MBBestselling author Eric Rickstad joins us on the podcast this week to discuss his newest dark, psychological thriller, I Am Not Who You Think I Am. Eric talks to us about his unique and organic writing process, how he plots the twists and turns of his thrillers, and why he is drawn to writing stories about the aftermath of violence. Learn more about this episode!
#267 - Creating a Sustainable Writing Career with Patricia McLinn
October 05, 2021 20:10 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBBestselling author Patricia McLinn is on the podcast this week to discuss the craft of writing and how to create a sustainable career as a writer. Patricia chats to us about her writing process, why discovering the writing process that works for you is so important as an author, and she gives us her best advice for creating and maintaining a long-standing successful career. Learn more about this episode!
Bonus Episode: A Conversation with Michelle Good
September 30, 2021 15:07 - 50 minutes - 37.8 MBFor this bonus episode of the KWL Podcast, we are honoured to share a conversation between Kobo’s Diversity and Inclusion committee, led by Alyssa Andino, and Kobo Emerging Writer Prize winner Michelle Good. During this conversation, Michelle speaks to us about the writing and research process behind her award winning novel Five Little Indians, a story about five survivors of residential schools in Canada, and the long lasting impact the residential school system has had on the Indigenous co...
#266 - Retelling Myths and Fairytales with Katee Roberts
September 28, 2021 19:01 - 33 minutes - 30.2 MBBestselling author Katee Robert joins us on the podcast to talk about her writing process and why she’s drawn to retellings of myths and fairytales. Katee tells us about the research that goes into her reimagined classics and how she keeps them fresh and original, and she talks to us about how her book going viral on TikTok has changed her marketing approach. Learn more about this episode!
#265 - Moving A Series Wide with T.W. Piperbrook
September 21, 2021 20:02 - 34 minutes - 78 MBAuthor T.W. Piperbrook joins us on the podcast this week to discuss bringing his Sandstorm series wide for the first time. T.W. talks to us about his career as a full-time author, why he decided to take his series wide and how he went about setting his wide release up for success, and he explains how his time working in the indie music industry compares to indie publishing. Learn more about this episode!
#264 - Love and Defiance in Storytelling with David Bezmozgis
September 14, 2021 19:41 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBWe are joined by David Bezmozgis on the podcast this week. David is an award winning author, the host of the writing podcast Love and Defiance, and the creative director of the Humber School for Writers, and he speaks to us about all avenues of his career. He tells us about the different writing opportunities he’s had, how he got involved in the Humber School for Writers and what the mentor-based program involves, and he tells us about his podcast and how he hopes it can inspire aspiring wri...
#263 - Finding Your Ideal Reader with Sue Campbell
September 07, 2021 19:32 - 39 minutes - 89.5 MBBook launch coach Sue Campbell joins us on the podcast this week to share her best advice for finding your niche as an author and reaching your ideal reader. Sue tells us about the proven framework she uses to build marketing plans, she explains why approaching marketing with a positive mindset can make a huge difference in your marketing success, and she tells us how to find and pitch your work to influencers. Learn more about this episode!
#262 - Finding Writing in Retirement with Michael Polelle
August 31, 2021 18:16 - 41 minutes - 94.2 MBWe are joined by author Michael Polelle on the podcast this week. Michael is a former lawyer and emeritus law professor who started his writing career after he retired from practicing law. He talks to us about his two novels, The Mythros Conspiracy and American Conspiracy, what his research process was like for his books, and what his writing process (which includes morning chocolate!) is like. Learn more about this episode!
#261 - An Editor's Perspective with Janice Zawerbny
August 24, 2021 19:22 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBEditor Janice Zawerbny sits down with us this week to discuss her career in publishing and to share her advice for authors who are new to the editorial process. Janice was the editor of three books on the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize shortlist, and she talks to us about what drew her to acquire those books and how the editorial process differed between each title. Janice also tells us about the writing prize she co-founded, the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction. Learn more about this episode!
#260 - Going Viral with Jennifer L. Armentrout
August 17, 2021 19:55 - 45 minutes - 103 MBBestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her writing career and her experiences working with both large publishers and small indie presses. Jennifer’s most recent series, Blood and Ash, went viral on TikTok, and she talks to us about that experience and the power of word of mouth marketing. Learn more about this episode!
#259 - Clubhouse for Authors with Fatima Fayez and Jenn Falls
August 10, 2021 19:13 - 39 minutes - 36 MBAuthors and co-founders of the The Author Conference club Jenn Falls and Fatima Fayez join us on the podcast this week to talk about all things Clubhouse. Jenn and Fatima tell us how they got their start in indie publishing, what drew them to Clubhouse in the first place, and how they use the audio-only app to connect with other writers and host an author conference. Learn more about this episode!
#258 - Writing New Genres with Nalini Singh
August 03, 2021 21:28 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBNew York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh joins us on the podcast this week to talk about her long standing career as a romance author and why she recently decided to try her hand at writing thrillers. Nalini chats to us about her publishing journey, why she decided to give indie publishing a try and become a hybrid author, and she tells us what it was like to be included on Oprah’s list of Best Romances to Read in this Lifetime. Learn more about this episode!
#257 - Crowdsourcing an Adaptation with Eric Maikranz
July 27, 2021 18:00 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBAuthor Eric Maikranz joins us on the podcast this week to talk to us about his book, The Reincarnationist Papers, and the unique approach he took in order to secure a film adaptation of his book. Eric also talks to us about the differences between his indie and traditional publishing experiences, what the research process was like for his book, and he tells us his favourite reincarnation story. Learn more about this episode!
#256 - Overcoming Writer's Block with Sarah Selecky
July 20, 2021 18:24 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MBAuthor Sarah Selecky joins us on the podcast this week. Not only is Sarah a Giller nominated author, but she is also a business owner, writing coach, and mentor, and she talks to us about her writing process and how overcoming her own writer’s block inspired her to start a writing school. We also chat about the craft of writing, the author community, and her writing competition, The Little Bird Contest. Learn more about this episode!
#255 - Writing with your Readers with Kristen Ashley
July 13, 2021 19:16 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBNew York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her journey to publishing, her career as a hybrid author, and how she manages her backlist of over 80 titles. Kristen also talks to us about her newest release After the Climb: Special Edition, which she wrote with the help of her readers, and she tells us about her reader community, Rock Chick Nation. Learn more about this episode!