#359 – The Importance of Indie Publishing with Rakuten Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn
Release Date: 12/24/2024
#359 – The Importance of Indie Publishing with Rakuten Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
In this episode, we are joined by Kobo’s own CEO, Michael Tamblyn! MT has been in the book business for much of his career, and he was directly involved with the founding of Kobo and its launch in 2010. MT is our “content guy” and is passionate about books and bookselling – including indie publishing. In this illuminating interview, we get to hear all about MT’s career, his thoughts on reading and publishing, insights into bookselling, and so much more. We talked to MT about his start in the book business, his part in the creation of Kobo Writing Life, where he thinks the book...
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#358 – Reaching Romantasy Author Superstardom with Jennifer L. Armentrout
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
In this episode, we spoke to Jennifer L. Armentrout, best-selling author of over seventy books in multiple genres from fantasy to contemporary and suspense and back again – but all of her books contain strong elements of romance within their pages. Jennifer’s romantasy series, is a TikTok favourite and beloved book series all around! The latest from JLA is her expansion of the Blood and Ash world – the series. It was great to sit down with Jennifer and talk about all things romantic fantasy and her nearly fifteen-year-long publishing career. The final instalment in the Blood and Ash...
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#357 – Writing a Winning Holiday Novella with Barbara Kellyn and the Kobo Originals Team
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
In this episode, we are joined by , winner of the Kobo Originals Holiday Rom-Com Writing Contest for her novella, ! Barbara is the author of five novels and two novellas, and has been dubbed by her readers as “the queen of banter.” This was Barbara’s first foray into writing contests – and she was delighted to have won! There was so much excitement this episode for the release of Polar Opposites, which is out now – exclusively from ! We spoke to Barbara about starting her writing career in her late thirties, her inspiration for entering the contest, and her writing process...
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#356 – Crafting Holiday Romance Novels with Holly Cassidy
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
In this episode, we spoke to , also known as , author of holiday romance novels as Holly and thrillers as Hannah! Holly’s latest, , is a “charming holiday rom com about a young, recently heartbroken woman who is tasked by her sister to complete Advent calendar challenges in the lead up to Christmas to reignite her belief in herself, the holidays, and love again.” The Christmas Countdown is Hannah’s second holiday novel writing as Holly Cassidy, the first being . We discussed Hannah’s writing career (and, as she says, how it was borne of failure), writing ten novels, moving from...
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#355 - Writing Paranormal Romance with Michelle M. Pillow
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
In this episode, we are joined by New York Times and USA Today best-selling author and prolific writer , author of dozens of novels across several series. Michelle writes in the genres of fantasy romance, paranormal romance, science fiction, cozy mysteries, and more. Michelle has sold over a million copies of her books and has written over 100 titles! Her prolific catalogue and years of experience mean she has a wealth of advice to author for indie authors, those both established and entirely new to the world of indie publishing. Her latest release is , the second book in the urban...
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#354 – The Life of a Full-time Indie Author with Golden Angel
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
In this episode, we spoke to Golden Angel, USA Today best-selling author of “heart-and bottom-warming romance,” whose series include , , , and more! Golden’s publishing journey began back in 2012 (but she’s been writing even longer), and she became a full-time indie author in 2020. As the author of dozens of books across several series, her successful career spans over a decade, and she has so much great advice and insights to offer! Golden has also presented her marketing advice and shared her expertise at InkersCon, Romance Author Mastermind, and more. She hosts a marketing and...
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#353 - Writing Your Debut Novel with Katrina Kwan
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
In this episode, we spoke to Vancouver-based author and former ghostwriter, Katrina Kwan! Her romance novel debut, the rom-com is “a spicy romance between the talented and hotheaded chef Alexander Chen and his new hire Eden Monroe. When her bubbly attitude collides with his sharp edges, can they handle the heat between them or will their love be a recipe for disaster?” Katrina is also the author of two fantasy novels, , available October 7th 2024, and the forthcoming The Legend of the Nine-tailed Fox. We had a wonderful time talking about all things contemporary romance, writing...
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#352 - Inspiring Others and Being Inspired as an Author with Anna Gomez
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
In this episode, we spoke to award-winning women’s fiction and romance author , whose publications (and accolades) are many! She has written numerous romance novels under the pen name Christine Brae, and is one half of the best-selling series co-authored with Kristoffer Poloha, . This swoon-worthy series is in development for film and television and has been mentioned in People Magazine, Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Home & Family, and Publishers Weekly. We spoke to Anna about her new release with , , her writing career, her experience working in finance as well as...
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#351 - Translating Your Books with Hanna Wheeler
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
In this episode of the KWL Podcast, we were joined by Hanna Wheeler, translator and copywriter who has worked on translating several Kobo Originals titles (check out )! Hanna grew up in a bilingual family and is fluent in both English and Dutch, and has translated a variety of titles, from biographies to children’s pictures and more! Her work is expansive; some of her previous clients include MTV, Greenpeace, Sony Pictures, and more. Hanna had a lot to tell us about her experience as a translator, her reading habits, her foray into freelancing, how she got started as a...
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#350 – Writing Young Adult Fantasy Novels with Nicki Pau Preto
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
In this episode, we spoke with science fiction, fantasy, and young adult fiction author ! Nicki is a Sunday Times best-selling author of six books across these genres in both the middle grade and young adult fiction categories. Her latest YA fantasy release is , the sequel to ! These two books make up , a “dark young adult fantasy about a disgraced ghost-fighting warrior who must journey into a haunted wasteland to rescue a kidnapped prince.” We spoke to Nicki about her publishing journey, her writing inspirations, writing YA and middle grade titles, the House of the Dead duology,...
info_outlineIn this episode, we are joined by Kobo’s own CEO, Michael Tamblyn! MT has been in the book business for much of his career, and he was directly involved with the founding of Kobo and its launch in 2010. MT is our “content guy” and is passionate about books and bookselling – including indie publishing. In this illuminating interview, we get to hear all about MT’s career, his thoughts on reading and publishing, insights into bookselling, and so much more.
We talked to MT about his start in the book business, his part in the creation of Kobo Writing Life, where he thinks the book business and publishing industry is going, the twenty-five year digital reading revolution, climbing mountains of death, the importance of indie authors and publishers, and, of course, a mention of MT’s boxing match with Rachel. For those looking for more insight into Kobo and Kobo Writing Life, don’t miss this episode.
Visit Kobo, Kobo Writing Life and the Kobo blog for more! And don't miss out on listening to MT and Nathan host Kobo in Conversation.