In this episode, I interview author Kayleigh Evans, who shares her journey in writing women's fiction, and her experiences with drafting, editing, and publishing her work. Kayleigh discusses the significance of networking events, her unique writing process, and the challenges of editing and proofreading. She also provides insights into her marketing strategies and the role of newsletters in connecting with readers. We delve into the themes of women's fiction, exploring emotional journeys and character development.

Keywords

writing, community, editing, publishing, women's fiction, author journey, book marketing, creative writing, self-publishing, writing process, author marketing, newsletters, social media, women's fiction, writing advice, book promotion, emotional writing, collaboration, community building, algorithms

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:32 Building Your Own Writing Community

04:09 The Writing Process

07:08 Editing and Publishing

09:31 Feedback and Proofreading

12:17 Tools and Techniques for Writing and Editing

30:01 Cover Design

33:22 Building an ARC Team

34:53 Newsletters and Marketing

48:47 Upcoming Releases

49:15 Exploring Women's Fiction and Romance

52:38 The Emotional Journey in Women's Fiction

57:16 Writing Advice

01:09:51 Recommendations

Recommendations

Kindlepreneur: ⁠https://kindlepreneur.com/⁠

Publishing Rocket: ⁠https://publisherrocket.com/⁠

Write a Book by Dan Parsons: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63349267-write-a-book⁠

Networking for Authors by Dan Parsons: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52323366-networking-for-authors⁠

The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28915986-the-emotional-craft-of-fiction⁠

Guest Links

Instagram: @kayleigh_evans_author.94

Amazon author page: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DV3VXF9P⁠

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: ⁠k.k.alba.books@gmail.com⁠

Recorded with ⁠Riverside.fm⁠.

Music by ⁠Denis Pavlov⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠.

Welcome to season 2!

In this episode, Liz Shipton returns to discuss her new book, Dot Slash Magic, set to release on August 19th 2025! The book follows a young coder who accidentally creates AI powered by sorcery. Liz shares insights into her creative process, the blending of sci-fi and fantasy, and her experiences with traditional publishing. She also offers a no-spice version of her book for readers who prefer less explicit content.

Apply for an early reader version of Dot Slash Magic on Netgalley or use this link.

Keywords

Liz Shipton, Dot Slash Magic, traditional publishing, AI in fantasy, marketing books, author journey, self-publishing, writing process, book release, reader engagement

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back!

01:36 The New Book

05:04 Traditional Publishing Experience

10:21 The Creative Process Behind the Book

15:47 AI and Magic

19:10 Romance and Spice

24:24 Marketing

31:31 Exploring Dystopian Themes

32:40 The Future of Book Series and Standalones

33:57 Traditional vs. Self-Publishing

36:33 The Importance of Feedback in Writing

41:28 Marketing Strategies for New Authors

45:03 The Role of Publishers in Author Success

48:22 What Are You Most Prooud Of?

50:53 Pre-Order and Support for Dot Slash Magic!

Guest Links

Instagram / TikTok: @lizshiptonauthor

Website: https://lizshipton.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BN4YHLXF

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.

In this episode, author R. A. Howitt shares his journey from aspiring writer to successful author and podcast host. We discuss the challenges of writing, the importance of community in the literary world, and his innovative projects aimed at supporting new authors. Richard emphasizes the significance of character development in storytelling and his unique approach to self-publishing, focusing on creating a niche market for his work. He introduces his book, Daniel King: ASD (Alien Specialist With Dad), which explores themes of neurodiversity and adventure, showcasing the strengths of its main character.

Keywords

writing, podcast, community, middle grade, self-publishing, Richard Howitt, authors, creativity, storytelling, mental health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

07:05 Creation of New2TheScene

11:44 Writing Routine

17:35 Innovative Writing Projects

21:09 Books and Genre

26:24 Conventions of Middle Grade Genre

27:57 Plotting

33:53 Personal Favorites

39:41 Editing

47:36 Daniel King: ASD (Alien Specialist With Dad)

59:03 Self-Publishing Strategy and Community Engagement

Recommendations

Save The Cat! Writes A Novel by Jessica Brody

Editing and Proofreading Services: clevercrow.co.uk

Cover Design and Illustration: carlknapper.com

Guest Links

Instagram: @new2thescene.official

New2TheScene shop and community: https://www.new2thescene.co.uk/

Author Website: https://www.rahowitt.com/

Host

Instagram | TikTok: @kkalbabooks

Email: k.k.alba.books@gmail.com

Recorded with Riverside.fm.

Music by Denis Pavlov from Pixabay.