Inspiration and information about writing craft and author business. For independent creatives.
Where do you get your ideas? Kickstarter Tips for Authors, and A Thriller with Teeth ... Bones of the Deep available now
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Hello Creatives, One of the most common questions that authors are asked is: "Where do you get your ideas?" Well, for me, it's often about where I travel and what I find there. In 1999, I sailed on a tall ship from Fiji to Vanuatu in the south pacific, and something about that crossing never let me go. I just couldn’t find the right story for it ... until now. Bones of the Deep has finally arrived, with a setting that takes you out on the open ocean, the stolen bones of a merfolk culture, and a crew who can’t escape. But these aren't the mermaids you grew up with. This is an ancient civilisation coming to reclaim what’s theirs, and there’s nowhere to run … This is a thriller with teeth. An ocean crossing. A scientist with a secret. A captain on his last voyage. A crew who don't know what's beneath them ... They should have never left port. Bones of the Deep is a stand-alone fast-paced thriller and the exclusive signed first edition hardback is now available on Kickstarter, with the paperback, large print, ebook, and audiobook all available too, months earlier than on other stores. There are bundle editions of my other stories in different formats as well. You can join me for a discovery writing webinar, or there are a limited number of consulting sessions with me available. Click here for the Kickstarter campaign Click here for the book trailer It runs until 5 May, 2026, and the book will be available on all other stores from July. Kickstarter Tips for AuthorsKickstarter has become a key part of the author business for those who want to make more money per book, connect directly with readers, and produce beautiful editions they're proud of. In this episode, I share excerpts from interviews with Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, Russell Nohelty, and Sacha Black, alongside my own hard-won lessons from six campaigns that have now made over $140K combined. Whether you're considering your first campaign or looking to refine your process, we cover everything from overcoming your fears to rewards, fulfilment, shipping, marketing, and why I keep coming back for more. In the intro, Draft2Digital Activation and Maintenance fees, Barnes & Noble Press changes, Spotify updates and more. Click here to listen or read the transcript
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Joanna Penn, The Creative Penn
Inspiration and information about writing craft and author business. For independent creatives.
Hello Creatives, We're just back from a long weekend in Brussels and Bruges in Belgium where I did some much-needed book research. Photos above and more on Instagram and Facebook @jfpennauthor if you'd like a closer look. Also, do you know about the 'windowing' strategy for publishing? It's how I release my books now and might help you think about your next release. Basically, it means releasing your book in different formats and into different channels to different audiences over time, with...
Hello Creatives, Thanks to everyone who backed my Kickstarter for Bones of the Deep! I had a wonderful signing day for the foiled hardbacks up at the BookVault printers, so all books should be with you soon. It will be out on the usual platforms over the summer. I was also in London last week for an author conference, having industry business meetings and catching up with writer friends. It's been a productive few weeks but a good reminder that the author life is not just sitting alone...
Hello Creatives, Can you believe it's June already?! I hope you have your creative projects for the year well underway. Click reply and let me know how it's going. I'm focused on finishing up the fulfilment for Bones of the Deep Kickstarter, and if you missed the campaign, the book will be out on the usual stores in August. I'm also writing the draft of my dissertation for my Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture, so that's my main project for the next few months, alongside a new story with...