Kobo Writing Life Podcast

Professional photographer Lauren Lang of Jacobin Photography joins us to talk all about author head shots. Lauren, who transitioned from a background in journalism, brings a unique perspective on how to move past the "unnatural" feeling of being in front of a lens to capture an authentic image that truly resonates with readers.
In this episode:
Your headshot is a storytelling tool! You should use it to evoke an emotional connection with readers before they even open your book.
Shift your mindset from viewing a photoshoot as a chore to seeing it as an investment in your future connection with fans.
Always use current photos that look like you today, as authenticity is vital for building trust with your audience.
Combat camera-shyness by focusing on natural movement and emotion rather than stiff, uncomfortable posing.
When hiring a photographer, prioritize finding someone who knows how to draw out your personality and make you feel at ease.
Ready to start your own publishing career? Publish your book today with Kobo Writing Life.

In this episode we talk with Erin Singer, author of the debut novel Dangerland!, a funny, sprawling family saga set in a dying golf course community in Las Vegas. Erin shares how a single short story class took her from being a reader to becoming a novelist, what she learned about structuring a multi-POV novel, writing characters you love (even the antagonists) and why setting is so important as a character itself. 
What we discussed:
How to write a novel with multiple points of view and timelines and why "time" turned out to be Erin's best plotting tool
Capturing the suburban side of Las Vegas with humour and love and the real life experiences that inspired some scenes in this book.
How to balance humour and heartbreak. We discuss why the funniest books often carry the most emotional weight and how to blend both.
Erin's focus on mental health and why she stepped away from social media platforms
And much more! 
My old writing teacher would tell us, "The professional is the amateur who doesn't quit." That was one of the things I would repeat to myself in those dark nights of the soul.
Ready to start your own publishing career? Publish your book today with Kobo Writing Life.

In this episode, we sit down with New York Times best-selling author Courtney Summers. We talk to Courtney about her novel Sadie and her inspiration for including a podcast in her narrative. Courtney also discusses the true crime podcasts that inspired her, as well as offers some great advice to new writers.  
Ready to start your own publishing career? Publish your book today with Kobo Writing Life.

Whether she is excavating historic sites or drafting complex, page-turning novels, USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant knows how to uncover a great story.

In this episode of the Kobo Writing Life podcast, we sit down with Rachel to discuss her unique transition from a career in archaeology to a thriving life as an independent author. We dive deep into her writing process, how she balances technical research with intense narrative, and why she remains a steadfast champion of the romantic suspense genre.
Ready to start your own publishing career? Publish your book today with Kobo Writing Life.

Best-selling and award-winning paranormal romance author Lisa Kessler joins us 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.  
Ready to start your own publishing career? Publish your book today with Kobo Writing Life.