I am a part-time illustrator inspired by all things South Asian. Most evenings I am sat with my digital tablet drawing character illustrations from Indian Television or completing commissions for personal orders. I have also created GIFs for use within all social media platforms and most recently I have produced a couple of colouring books.
Along with being a mental health therapist, Kirsten Miles is an award-winning author and writer. She has been writing since about four years old, when she used to poke holes in the paper and tie ribbons to keep the pages together. Kirsten volunteers at an animal rescue and is a proud vegan. She has published several poems, including, “If Love Was a Color” in the 2019 edition of New Jersey’s Best Emerging Poets. She has self-published an award-winning novel and has a new published book out now. She lives with her wife and dogs, Ruffles and Jack Jack, in the heart of New Jersey.
A.M. Davis is an artist and an author from Ohio. She co-authored her first novel, The Shrike and the Shadows—a dark and twisted retelling of the classic tale, Hansel & Gretel. By daylight, she is the marketing manager for an upscale resort. By night, she is seeking out her next story, playing video games, or imagining what new piece to draw and anguish over-dramatically.
Koushik Banerjea is the author of two novels, both written while still the sole carer for his late mother: Another Kind of Concrete (Jacaranda 2020) and Category Unknown (London Books 2022). His short stories have appeared in Feign Lit, Jerry Jazz Musician, Salvation in Stereo, Minor Literatures, Verbal, Writers Resist, and in the crime fiction anthologies Shots in the Dark and Shots in the Dark II. He has had poems published in Third Space, Building Bridges (forthcoming Renard Press November 2024), Mogadored (Tangerine Press), Razur Cuts Magazine, and online in House of Poetry magazine.
Paul Jantzen grew up in what would be described as typical Americana, and from an early age, he was fascinated with the art of storytelling. Paul loves captivating his audiences with his imagination and sense of humor. He took up filmmaking in college and his first short film, The Leopard Frog, debuted on the USA network in 1991. He then took up writing, a more budget-favorable medium. Though he enjoys a good novel here and there, he was never big on reading so he wrote a book instead. Sour Apples is his award-winning debut novel.
Mirka Hokkanen is a Finnish-American author-illustrator who likes quirky animal characters and stories that make kids laugh. She began her career as a fine art printmaker before transitioning to book illustration. Mirka is the illustrator for Four Otters Toboggan: An Animal Counting Book, and the author-illustrator for the graphic novel series Mossy and Tweed (Holiday House), the picture book series Kitty and Cat (Candlewick), and the non-fiction picture book series Little Seasons (OddDot).
John Peragine is an award-winning author and master storyteller of the fantasy genre. With a passion for world-building and character development, John has created immersive and unforgettable worlds that have captivated readers around the globe. He is known for his skill in crafting complex characters that readers can relate to and root for.
Sophie is a professional blurb writer, cover designer, and mother of six children aged eleven and under. She received a Master’s degree in writing genre fiction from Edinburgh Napier University, which presented more than the usual challenge considering she homeschools all her children. She is an avid Ben and Jerry’s eater, lover of cosiness, and holds the award for the ultimate cookie-making mama. She currently lives in the gorgeous folds of Scotland where nature abounds and no one can hear the gunshots.
Liz Cain is a nuclear medicine physicist by day, and an urban fantasy author by night. She was born in East Yorkshire in the UK and grew up near the sea with her parents and two sisters. She moved to the midlands, which was much too far south for her, and spent 2twenty0 years trying to move back to her hometown.
Email Marketing for Authors: Building a Lasting Connection with Readers Email marketing is one of the most effective ways for authors to connect with readers. Unlike social media, where posts can easily get lost in the endless scroll, emails offer…
In the vast sea of books, a strong opening line is the author’s secret weapon to captivate readers from the very first page. Crafting an attention-grabbing opening sets the tone for the entire story, entices readers to continue, and leaves a lasting impression. In this blog post, we will explore the art of developing powerful opening lines and hooks that hook readers from the start. Get ready to discover techniques that will elevate your writing and ensure your story stands out in a crowded literary landscape.
Launching your book at the right time of the year can make a big difference in its success. Consider the seasonality of your book, competition, and media coverage when deciding on the best time to launch. And remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – what works for one book may not work for another. Ultimately, the most important thing is to have a great book that resonates with readers, no matter when it’s launched.
Interviews can be pivotal moments for authors, providing an opportunity to share their work, connect with readers, and elevate their visibility in the literary world. Whether you’re preparing for a radio interview, a podcast appearance, or a written Q&A, the way you present yourself and your work can significantly impact your success. In this post, we will explore effective strategies to help you prepare for author interviews, ensuring you make the most of these valuable opportunities!
Clues That You’re Close to Finishing Your Book Navigating the journey to complete a book can often feel like wandering through a dense forest. There are days filled with clarity and progress, while other times, you may find yourself lost…
The concept of archetypes has been widely discussed in literary theory, notably by Carl Jung, who proposed that archetypes are part of the collective unconscious. In literature, archetypes can manifest in various forms, from character roles to narrative structures. Understanding these common character types can help writers craft more relatable and engaging stories!
In recent years, sensitivity readers have become a vital part of the publishing industry. These unsung heroes are hired to review manuscripts and provide feedback on potentially offensive or insensitive content. Their role is to ensure that the work accurately reflects the experiences and perspectives of the groups it represents while avoiding harmful stereotypes and insensitive language. Let’s take a closer look at the role of sensitivity readers and how they benefit the publishing industry.
In literature, weather can serve multiple purposes—acting as a backdrop, reflecting character emotions, or even driving the plot forward. By understanding how to use weather effectively, writers can add depth and nuance to their stories, engaging readers on multiple levels.
It can be daunting to set up an in-person reading event for your book, but with the right approach, it can be a highly effective way to increase your book’s visibility and reach a wider audience.
Folklore stories provide a framework that reflects human experiences, allowing writers to explore profound truths about life, morality, and community. Understanding and incorporating these tales can offer depth to your characters and plots while helping you craft narratives that are both engaging and meaningful.
Mistakes are often viewed negatively, but they serve a crucial role in the creative process. They encourage exploration, foster resilience, and can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. For instance, many renowned authors have openly acknowledged the value of their missteps. Ernest Hemingway famously said, “The first draft of anything is sh*t.” This candid admission highlights the notion that the creative journey involves refining and reworking initial ideas rather than aiming for perfection from the outset.