Kobo Writing Life Podcast

By Kobo Writing Life

What's Kobo Writing Life Podcast about?

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.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Kobo Writing Life Podcast episodes:

04.16.2024
#341 – Accessibility Tips for Indie Authors with Jeff Adams and Michele Lucchini
In this episode, we are joined by Jeff Adams and Michele Lucchini, online and digital accessibility experts who work at UsableNet, whose goal is to “make the digital world more accessible and usable.” Jeff and Michele recently wrote and...
04.02.2024
#340 – Writing a Road Trip Romance Novel with Alison Cochrun
In this episode, we are joined by author Alison Cochrun, writer of the best-selling romance novels The Charm Offensive and Kiss Her Once For Me. Her latest work, Here We Go Again, is a “new queer rom-com following once...
03.19.2024
#339 – Plotting a Dark Romance Novel with J. L. Drake
In this week’s episode, we spoke to Jodi Drake, a bestselling author who writes multiple series under the name J.L. Drake! Jodi’s series span over thirty books, and these include the Broken Trilogy, the Quiet Mafia series, and her...
03.05.2024
#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...
02.20.2024
#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,...
02.06.2024
#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,...
01.23.2024
#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)...
01.09.2024
#334 – 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...
12.26.2023
#333 – 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...
12.12.2023
#332 – Writing a Small-town Sports Romance with Elena Armas
In this episode, we are joined by New York Times and international bestselling author Elena Armas, author of The Spanish Love Deception and The American Roommate Experiment! Elena is a life-long romance fan who got started writing and...
11.28.2023
#331 – Believing in Your Readers with Bethany Lopez
In this episode, we are joined by Bethany Lopez, a USA Today best-selling, multi-genre author who has written over thirty books! Bethany is a prolific author with multiple ongoing contemporary romance series to her name, as well as several...
11.13.2023
#330 – The Realities of Indie Publishing and Writing Romance with J. Sterling
In this episode, we are joined by New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Jenn Sterling, writing as J. Sterling, whose latest series, Fun for the Holidays, features holiday romances for every season. Check out her latest instalment,...
10.31.2023
#329 – Writing a Thrilling YA Series with Brett Riley
In this episode, we spoke to Brett Riley, author of fiction, screenplays, and creative non-fiction. Based in Las Vegas, he also teaches creative writing at the College of Southern Nevada. We had a great chat about his works, writing...
10.17.2023
#328 – Wellness, Writing, and Working with Kobo Originals with Elizabeth Barone
In today’s episode, we are joined by Elizabeth Barone, author of over a dozen novels, with one of her latest releases published by Kobo Originals! Stagwood Falls: Love in Ink is a contemporary romance taking place in the fictional...
10.03.2023
#327 – Creative Advice for Neurodivergent Authors with October K. Santerelli
In this episode, we are joined by fantasy author, LGBTQ+ sensitivity reader, and international speaker and presenter October K. Santerelli! October’s latest book, City of Day, was published this past February and is the first in a planned trilogy....
09.19.2023
#326 – Facing Your First Draft with Mary Adkins
In this episode, we are joined by author and book coach Mary Adkins, founder of The Book Incubator, a program for authors looking to write their best possible book. Mary spent six years writing and re-writing her first book before...
09.05.2023
#325 – What Authors Can Learn from Movies with John Gaspard
In this episode, we spoke with John Gaspard, author of The Popcorn Principles: A Novelist’s Guide to Learning from the Movies, an indispensable guide to implementing tips and tricks learned from film directors and film in general into your...
08.22.2023
#324 – Publicity for Indie Authors with Halima Khatun
In this episode, we spoke with Halima Khatun, PR consultant, former broadcast journalist, and author of the new non-fiction title Priceless Publicity, a book full of useful information for independent writers looking to improve their publicity and media coverage...
08.08.2023
#323 – Important Tools for Indie Authors with Mark Dawson
In today’s episode, we are joined by renowned indie publishing business expert, educator and author, Mark Dawson – who also happens to be a fellow podcast producer and host! Mark Dawson is the author of over twenty books across...
07.25.2023
#322 – Successes and Strengths in Self-publishing with Jasinda and Jack Wilder
In this episode, we spoke to the writing team of Jasinda and Jack Wilder (who we had the chance to meet at NINC 2022), wife and husband and parents to six kids, who write their own books as well work...
07.11.2023
#321 – Writing For Your Narrator with J. R. Ward
In this episode, we are joined by Jessica Ward, also known as J. R. Ward. J. R. Ward is the author of the acclaimed series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. Over 15 million copies of her novels are in print...
06.27.2023
#320 – Writing Twists and Turns in Thrillers with Catherine McKenzie
In this episode, we spoke with Catherine McKenzie, USA Today best-selling author of “riveting domestic suspense,” I’ll Never Tell, “one of 2022’s best and most-anticipated thrillers,” Please Join Us, and more! After publishing more than a dozen titles since...
06.13.2023
#319 – Mythology, Fantasy, and LGBTQ+ Representation with Arizona Tape
In this episode, we heard from Arizona Tape, author of dozens of books across multiple series, and collaborative writer on many more! We learned about Arizona’s journey to becoming a full-time writer, heard more about her solo and her...
05.30.2023
#318 – Plotting a Compelling Thriller with Ruth Ware
In this episode, we spoke to bestselling author Ruth Ware about her upcoming release, Zero Days, available on June 20th, 2023. Ruth’s novels have been translated into over 40 languages as well as optioned for film and TV, and...
05.16.2023
#317 – Writing Collaborative Romance with Christina Lauren
In this week’s episode, we spoke with New York Times, USA Today and #1 internationally bestselling author, Christina Lauren – which is the pen name of two authors, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings! We are here to highlight their...
05.02.2023
#316 – True Crime Writing with Kerrie Droban
In this episode, we are joined by award-winning true crime writer Kerrie Droban to discuss her latest release, Aurora, and to hear more about her amazing writing career! Kerrie’s experience as a criminal and family attorney has heavily influenced...
04.18.2023
#315 – Second Chapter Authors with Maren Cooper
In this episode, we talk to author Maren Cooper, writer of literary and contemporary women’s fiction. We spoke to Maren about how she went from working in healthcare to having a writing career, her sources of inspiration, her story...
04.04.2023
#314 – How to Write Historical Romance with Grace Callaway
In this episode, we sat down with Grace Callaway, USA Today and international best-selling author of historical romances (that are often on the steamier side, with lots of mystery and adventure)! Grace’s latest, Glory and the Master of...
03.21.2023
#313 – 2 Books at 20 Years Old with Citra Tenore
In this episode, we are joined by Citra Tenore, an author who wrote her first book at 11 and published it at 12! We chat about how and why she wrote her second, the start of a sci-fi epic,...
03.07.2023
#312 – Becoming a Best-selling Thriller Author with Amy Stuart
In this episode, we spoke to Amy Stuart, author of A Death at the Party, out today – get your copy now! A Death at the Party is a thriller that takes place over the course of one day...
02.21.2023
#311 – Looking at Legal Issues as an Indie Author with Maria Riegger
In this episode, we spoke to Maria Riegger, attorney, self-help writer, and author of fiction and non-fiction titles such as the best-selling Legal Issues Authors Must Consider, a book that provides information on starting your self-publishing business, legal...
02.07.2023
#310 – Writing Romance, Working with Kobo Originals, and More with Jackie Lau
In this episode, we spoke to Jackie Lau, author of The Unmatchmakers, The Stand-Up Groomsman, and many more titles, and we're celebrating the release of her second novel with Kobo Originals, Not Your Valentine! We spoke to Jackie about...
01.24.2023
#309 – Writing a Legal Thriller with Alexandra Shapiro
In this episode, we chatted with Alexandra Shapiro, criminal defense lawyer and debut author as of 2021. We asked Alexandra about working with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, how her career as a lawyer helped her creative writing, why so...
01.10.2023
#308 – New Year, New Indie Publishing Trends with the KWL Team
Happy New Year, writers! In this episode, the Kobo Writing Life team gets together to discuss our indie publishing predictions, forecasts, hopes and dreams for 2023! Hear from Tara (director of KWL), Laura (author engagement manager), Rachel (promotions specialist), and...
12.20.2022
#307 – How to Boost Your Backlist Sales
In this episode, we’re showcasing a live event that we held earlier this year on the KWL Facebook page and on our YouTube channel. Kobo Writing Life director Tara and author relations manager Joni got together to talk about everything...
12.06.2022
#306 – Debut Novels and Dark Fantasy with Meg Smitherman
In this episode, we spoke with Meg Smitherman, debut indie author of Destroyer, the first book in a new adult, dark fantasy romance duology. Meg chatted with us about her new novel, fanfiction, finding a writing community on TikTok,...
11.22.2022
#305 - The Voice of a Ghostwriter with Daniel Paisner
In this week’s episode, we spoke to Daniel Paisner, ghostwriter of seventeen NYT bestselling books among many, many others. Daniel is also a podcaster and author of his own novels, the latest of which came out this year. His...
11.08.2022
#304 – Writing a Spicy Series with Jade West
In this episode, we talk to best-selling romance and erotica author, Jade West, about writing very spicy and often hardcore books, the elusive and surprising inner workings of the TikTok algorithm, and having your books go viral. We hope...
10.25.2022
#303 – The Art of Story with Lisa M. Lilly
In this episode, we spoke to Lisa M. Lilly, author, lawyer, and fellow podcaster! Lisa M. Lilly hosts Buffy and the Art of Story, a podcast wherein Buffy the Vampire Slayer is discussed and analyzed for its storytelling techniques...
10.11.2022
#302 – From Audiobooks to Authorship with Karen Grey
In this episode, we spoke with Karen White, an award-winning audiobook narrator who recently began writing and publishing her own works under the pen name of Karen Grey. We chatted about Karen’s career as an audiobook narrator, her transition...
09.27.2022
#301 – Navigating Emotional Narratives with Carol Van Den Hende
In this episode, we heard from award-winning author and professional speaker Carol Van Den Hende, whose second book, Orchid Blooming, was published this year. Orchid Blooming is the prequel to her acclaimed debut, Goodbye, Orchid, and a continuation of a...
09.13.2022
#300 – The Journey of an eBook with the KWL Team
In this episode, the KWL team celebrates 300 episodes of the Kobo Writing Life podcast! With 300 episodes and 9 years of podcasting under our belts, we wanted to release this special episode featuring members of the KWL teams and...
08.30.2022
#299 – Writing Your Way Across Mediums with Alex de Campi
In this episode, we are joined by Alex de Campi, author of prose novels, graphic novels, screenplays, and more, as well as director of music videos. We chatted about Alex’s debut prose novel, The Scottish Boy, her writing style, got...
08.16.2022
#298 – Word-of-Mouth Marketing with Alison G. Bailey
In this episode, we are joined by Alison G. Bailey, award-winning author of contemporary romance and new adult novels that are full of emotional narratives with a focus on love, laughter, and romance. Alison’s latest novel, Forever Perfect, is the...
08.02.2022
#297 – The Business of Writing Romance with Nana Malone
In this episode, we are joined by Nana Malone, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of sexy, feel-good romance novels and creator of the #BrownNippleChallenge. We learned more about Nana’s experience writing not one, but two novels for...
07.19.2022
#296 – Creating an Author Universe with Penny Reid
In 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...
07.05.2022
#295 – Writing a Domestic Thriller with Samantha M. Bailey
In 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...
06.21.2022
#294 - How to Become a Bestseller on Kobo
In 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...
06.06.2022
#293 – Being Uniquely You with Marcus Tallberg
In 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...
05.24.2022
#292 – Unapologetic Happy Endings with Adriana Herrera
In 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,...

What's Kobo Writing Life Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Kobo Writing Life Podcast episodes:

#341 – Accessibility Tips for Indie Authors with Jeff Adams and Michele Lucchini

#340 – Writing a Road Trip Romance Novel with Alison Cochrun

#339 – Plotting a Dark Romance Novel with J. L. Drake

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

#337 – Marketing Advice for Indie Authors with Kiki Chatfield

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

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

#334 – All About Writing Retreats with Lisa Shaughnessy

#333 – The Year in Review with the Kobo Writing Life Team

#332 – Writing a Small-town Sports Romance with Elena Armas

#331 – Believing in Your Readers with Bethany Lopez

#330 – The Realities of Indie Publishing and Writing Romance with J. Sterling

#329 – Writing a Thrilling YA Series with Brett Riley

#328 – Wellness, Writing, and Working with Kobo Originals with Elizabeth Barone

#327 – Creative Advice for Neurodivergent Authors with October K. Santerelli

#326 – Facing Your First Draft with Mary Adkins

#325 – What Authors Can Learn from Movies with John Gaspard

#324 – Publicity for Indie Authors with Halima Khatun

#323 – Important Tools for Indie Authors with Mark Dawson

#322 – Successes and Strengths in Self-publishing with Jasinda and Jack Wilder

#321 – Writing For Your Narrator with J. R. Ward

#320 – Writing Twists and Turns in Thrillers with Catherine McKenzie

#319 – Mythology, Fantasy, and LGBTQ+ Representation with Arizona Tape

#318 – Plotting a Compelling Thriller with Ruth Ware

#317 – Writing Collaborative Romance with Christina Lauren

#316 – True Crime Writing with Kerrie Droban

#315 – Second Chapter Authors with Maren Cooper

#314 – How to Write Historical Romance with Grace Callaway

#313 – 2 Books at 20 Years Old with Citra Tenore

#312 – Becoming a Best-selling Thriller Author with Amy Stuart

#311 – Looking at Legal Issues as an Indie Author with Maria Riegger

#310 – Writing Romance, Working with Kobo Originals, and More with Jackie Lau

#309 – Writing a Legal Thriller with Alexandra Shapiro

#308 – New Year, New Indie Publishing Trends with the KWL Team

#307 – How to Boost Your Backlist Sales

#306 – Debut Novels and Dark Fantasy with Meg Smitherman

#305 - The Voice of a Ghostwriter with Daniel Paisner

#304 – Writing a Spicy Series with Jade West

#303 – The Art of Story with Lisa M. Lilly

#302 – From Audiobooks to Authorship with Karen Grey

#301 – Navigating Emotional Narratives with Carol Van Den Hende

#300 – The Journey of an eBook with the KWL Team

#299 – Writing Your Way Across Mediums with Alex de Campi

#298 – Word-of-Mouth Marketing with Alison G. Bailey

#297 – The Business of Writing Romance with Nana Malone

#296 – Creating an Author Universe with Penny Reid

#295 – Writing a Domestic Thriller with Samantha M. Bailey

#294 - How to Become a Bestseller on Kobo

#293 – Being Uniquely You with Marcus Tallberg

#292 – Unapologetic Happy Endings with Adriana Herrera