I didn’t start my writing path by building worlds and fantasy creatures. I started by writing monsters and haunted buildings. As my style evolved, I realized my tales didn’t look like regular horror stories. They were a mix of fantasy and horror. Before that, I 100% believed I was going to be a horror writer. I…
Ever have an idea swimming around in your head. It won’t go away. You like it but you don’t know when or if you’ll have time to do it. For a while, I’ve been playing with the idea of releasing a book of photos. I mean, I have enough pictures to make a lot of…
I recently read an article where the writer said they judge authors who publish 2+ books a year, claiming there’s no way those are quality stories. It takes me a year and a half to get any book in my Merging Worlds series ready for publishing. Since the stories are 500+ pages, certain stages in the process-…
Anyone else binge watch more shows on YouTube than Netflix? Don’t even watch actual TV. Of course, when I want to understand something, I go to YouTube. Sometimes, I’ll spend an evening watching author vlogs (video blogs). They’re entertaining and they give good advice. Want to watch vlogs but not sure where to start? Check out…
My publisher and I have been having a long…discussion about a category for one of my series. Often, my Merging Worlds series gets comments like it’s great for adults and young adults or teens would enjoy this. Whenever I’m at a conference, teens are the ones grabbing my books the most. But, I don’t market the…
Well, this is a nice way to ring in October. With a good horror story. Ghosts of Manor House by Matt Powers isn’t your typical haunted house story. It sucks you right in. I had to be careful reading it on the subway. I was so into this book I almost missed my stop. I’ve…
Like a story, everything on the book cover needs to be there for a reason. Covers for self-published books have gotten a lot better. However, I still come across some cringe-worthy designs. Even if you’re hiring a designer, you should know the elements of a good cover so you can better judge the finished product….
Born in Iowa, but later relocating and raised in Alton, IL and St. Louis, MO, Kai Leakes was a multifaceted Midwestern child, who gained an addiction to books at an early age. The art of imagination was the very start of Kai’s path of writing. Sharing impromptu vibrant romance story tales with her cousins as…
Attending book events can be awesome and nerve-racking. It’s nice talking to people about my book and making connections. It’s terrifying talking to strangers about my books. I am an introvert after all. Whenever someone walked to our booth, I resisted the urge to hide under the table. The Harlem Book Fair was an adventure….
Book Marketing and Branding 45 Twitter Hashtags for Authors Starting an Email Newsletter: Why to Do It and Which Service to Use Infographics Defined in 60 Seconds [Animated Video] Fantasy/Horror/Sci-Fi Exclusive Cover Reveal: Miranda and Calibanby Jacqueline Carey Watch the World Burn in Joe Hill’s The Fireman 5 Sci-Fi Stories Being Adapted for TV and…
