Katie Estes is a high school business teacher in Western New York and a proud Millennial. By day, she teaches Gen Z students, often referencing the glory days of Tamagotchis, Napster, and AIM profiles. By night, she’s a bedtime-story-reading mom to two Gen Alpha kids, alongside her husband, who appreciates when a children’s book can make the adults laugh too.
Keana Aguila Labra (they/she) is a Cebuana-Tagalog Fil-Am poet, writer, and playwright residing on stolen Ohlone Tamyen land, otherwise known as San José / South Bay / Bay Area, California.
After retirement, friends and family urged me to publish some things I’d written that were just sitting idle in my file cabinets, and that led to two books published with Atmosphere Press. Many of the poems included were new, but some had been written years before. Now two more books are available just for children on Blurb Books—a poetry book called What’s in YOUR MIND? and a short story—“Honey Boy and His Fisher Dog!”—based on my late grandson’s “perfect home” on the lake.
Nick Gibbons is a neurodivergent writer and former biomedical scientist with a PhD in pigmentation biochemistry who is ethnically English & Jamaican. He spent years working in protein modelling, structural bioinformatics and molecular dynamics research before turning to creative writing during the 2020 pandemic. His epic fantasy series, The Aufeisia Chronicles, explores identity, transformation, and mythical equines in a richly imagined world.
Silpa Kona is a South Asian children’s book author dedicated to empowering young readers through funny, adventurous stories that celebrate curiosity, courage and representation. With a PhD in engineering and a research background that sharpened her love of asking big questions, Silpa now channels that same curiosity into writing imaginative picture books where every kid can see themselves—especially in spaces like the outdoors, where diverse stories are still growing. She lives in Oregon, spending her days hiking, writing, and dreaming up new stories inspired by nature and adventures with her two children.
Brandon Jones is a lover of all things fiction, spending his free time reading the likes of H.P. Lovecraft. Ignoring books until the age of 15, Brandon used to hate reading. But after a death in the family, he couldn’t stop reading. Now inspired by his departed mother, Brandon is writing daily. After 11 years of struggling with himself, he’s finally done it. Book 1 finished, with 2 and 3 in the works at the same time!
My name is Clara Foxlow, and I’m a writer from the UK with a deep love of folklore, autumn, and cats. The Hollow Season is my debut novel, a young adult story set in the village of Wrenlow, where mystery and memory weave through the lives of its people and six watchful cats.
Robin writes dark, emotionally-charged fiction with razor-sharp edges and tender undercurrents. Her stories dissect love and trauma, survival and control, with characters who don’t just break—they unravel. She’s the voice behind the Four Husbands and a Bottle of Trouble series, where resilience is messy, love is dangerous, and control is always an illusion.
For years, authors have been told, “The gatekeepers are gone, and publishing access is open to all!” Thanks to self-publishing and digital platforms, it’s easier than ever to get your book online. But true publishing access—getting your book into readers’ hands and building a lasting career—is far more complex.
In an age filled with writing software and digital tools, there’s something timeless—and surprisingly powerful—about notecard novel planning. Mapping your book by hand using physical notecards lets you see your story’s structure in a tactile, flexible way. This low-tech approach frees you from screen distractions and helps you engage more deeply with your plot, characters, and pacing.
When it comes to crafting a compelling story, many novelists can learn a lot from filmmakers. Screenwriting techniques focus on clear structure, precise pacing, and vivid storytelling—all essential elements that can elevate your novel to the next level. By borrowing tools from the world of film, novel writers can create tighter plots, more dynamic scenes, and characters that leap off the page.
Finishing a book is an incredible achievement, yet many writers find themselves grappling with writer’s self-doubt the moment they type “The End.” Instead of feeling proud and accomplished, it’s common to experience uncertainty, disappointment, or even frustration with your work. These conflicting emotions can be confusing and discouraging, but they are a natural part of the creative journey.
Marketing your book can feel overwhelming or even uncomfortable—especially if you worry about coming across as pushy or “selling out.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. Authentic marketing is about sharing your story and passion in a way that feels genuine and respectful to both you and your readers.
Writing the ending first is a technique that many writers overlook, yet it can be a powerful way to bring clarity and focus to your storytelling. Endings are often the hardest part of a story to write because they must resolve conflicts, deliver emotional impact, and leave readers satisfied. Starting with the ending gives you a clear destination, helping you avoid getting lost in plot tangents or rewrites later on.
If you’re an author wondering how to get your book in bookstores, you’re not alone! Securing shelf space—especially in indie bookstores—is a valuable way to reach local readers, build your audience, and boost sales. But pitching your book to bookstore owners can feel intimidating, and the last thing you want is to come across as pushy or desperate.
If you’ve ever searched how to run a book giveaway, you already know the promise: more visibility, more readers, and maybe even a burst of reviews. But too often, authors end up spending money on prizes, shipping, or ads—only to attract freebie hunters who never engage with the book at all.
Cassandra (she/her) graduated from Indiana University in December 2020 with a bachelor’s in English literature and minors in creative writing and psychology. She has experience in many aspects of book publishing, but she found her passion in interior book design with Atmosphere Press. Now, she loves her job of helping every Atmosphere author perfect their book before falling into the hands of readers – and new fans!
Eco-fiction is literature that places the environment at the heart of storytelling—not just as a backdrop, but as an essential force. These are novels and short stories that engage directly with ecological themes: climate change, biodiversity, sustainability, and the fraught, fascinating relationship between humans and the natural world.
The honest truth is that most authors don’t make a substantial amount of money selling their book. It’s a crowded marketplace, with lots of choices for readers, and it’s difficult to carve out a niche and promote your work to the extent necessary to make thousands and thousands of dollars in sales returns. This is true of all authors, not just those who publish with us.
As writers, we are the architects of worlds, the creators of dreams and nightmares alike. And in the realm of dark fantasy, our pens become the wands that summon forth demons and dragons, witches and warlocks, heroes and antiheroes locked in an eternal dance of light and darkness.