It's release day for Soul of Glass, book two in the Heart of Smoke series!

Did you know the love interest dies on page 235?

From fonts to story formula, branding has a huge impact on how readers perceive authors.

Whether an author presents a chipper personality or offers a stark website, every interaction with readers fosters a future relationship.

As an author, it's your job to create a consistent brand that clearly tells your readers what to expect. As a reader, you (often subconsciously) interpret these cues to decide which books to adore and which to pass over.

Peek inside the making of an author brand in this week's episode of A Book and A Dream.

700 years ago, the Great King of Inisvarden did...a bunch of stuff you won't need to know about until book six, but the author is dumping the information in the first part of book one.

To free, or not to free...

Reviews can make or break a book, but how does an author capture these illusive unicorns?

From searching for help to begging online, there are many mythical paths to reviews. But the way is dangerous. 

Take the tale of my woe with you. It's dangerous to go alone!

Are you beginning to build your writing career?

From sacrificial bleaching to rebellious chopping, hair changes have long been a way of outwardly displaying internal transformations.

Nurturing readers from buyers into fans is a long process filled with many perils.

But those special fans who become advocates for their favorite books can help keep authors from feeling like they're screaming into the void.

From Bookstagramming to creating social proof, dive into how unicorn readers can change an author's outlook and career.

When travel isn't possible, technology can save the day.

From virtual reality to obscure documentaries, there are many possibilities for doing worthwhile research from home and exciting possibilities for readers who want to dive further into their favorite stories.