Romantasy, Hybrid Publishing & the Influence of Readers with Penn Cole (E239)
New York Times bestselling author Penn Cole joins me to celebrate Burn of the Everflame, the fourth book in her Kindred’s Curse Saga. We talk about her journey from self-publishing to hybrid publishing, building her community one reader at a time, and the growing influence readers have on the publishing landscape. Penn also shares what it takes to write both sides of romantasy well, how fantasy creates space for political and social commentary, and why she stood behind her work when traditional publishing came calling.
Episode Highlights:
Penn’s lifelong love of reading and writing
Building a community one reader at a time
How readers are influencing the publishing landscape
Penn’s journey from indie to hybrid publishing
Writing both the romance and fantasy sides of romantasy well
Finding fresh ways to approach the romance formula
Using fantasy to explore political and social issues
Why writers should take their time before publishing
Her Book Flight includes books that gave her “lightbulb moments” in her own writing
Connect with Penn:
Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.
Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
Lore of the Wilds / Heir of the Prophecy by Analeigh Sbrana
Book Flight
Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Children of the Star by Sylvia Engdahl
Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valenti
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
