Interview With “Ninja Nate” Author Markette Sheppard!

When Emmy-winning television host, marketing executive, and bestselling author Markette Sheppard returned to SBC in support of her new children’s book Ninja Nate (Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, September 26, 2023) illustrated by Robert Paul Jr., we asked if it starts with an idea or confidence.

It was during this topic that Sheppard revealed the success story of a book idea of hers that had gotten … Read the rest

Interview With Book Publicist, Marketing Associate & Smith Publicity’s All Things Book Marketing Host Olivia McCoy!

With departments like publicity and marketing, how common is it for authors to pitch their own promotional ideas? Book publicist and marketing associate, as well as host of Smith Publicity’s All Things Book Marketing Podcast, Olivia McCoy, says it is not only common, but encouraged. 

“We really lean on authors coming to us for ideas,” the publishing professional tells So Booking Cool. “We know the book space, we … Read the rest

Interview With “Absolution: Reckoning” Author Rachelle Storm!

As we know, there are many ways for people to connect with their audience whether through social media, in-person events, and/or through the respective craft itself. Author Rachelle Storm, who recently returned to So Booking Cool to promote the new book in her series Absolution: Reckoning (August 4, 2023), prefers the latter. 

“I actually am really happy that there are people who are reading this story and they connect … Read the rest

Author Spotlight: “Love Among The Ruins” Piece by “Come November” Author Scott Lord!

Scott Lord‘s Come November (Greenleaf Publishing, July 18, 2023) is garnering praise for its execution and story. The historical fiction thriller, romance is about two newspaper journalists who reconnect five decades later and discover whether their love has stood the test of time. In honor of the book’s release, check out Lord’s compelling take on romance and the underrepresentation of older romantics.

Love Among The Ruins

By Scott Lord… Read the rest

Author Spotlight: “A Key to Home” Author Vanessa Rodriguez!

In the return of SBC’s Author Spotlight, we welcome debut children’s book author Vanessa Rodriguez, who shares what led her to writing a book and her journey as an author thus far. Get comfy and read her piece below!

My name is Vanessa Rodriguez and I’m the author of the up-and-coming children’s book A Key to Home: Unlatch the Adventure,  publishing on October 31, 2023. 

The journey I’ve … Read the rest

Interview With “Dream Big Young One” Author Cheyenne Gadsden!

Often, when people share that they have written a book, they are met with congratulatory responses. While the reason may seem obvious, let us unpack an author’s perspective on why this is common. New York-based entrepreneur, educator, and debut author Cheyenne Gadsden recently appeared on SBC in support of her children’s book Dream Big Young One: Believe it and It Will Come True.

“That is a milestone,” she says. … Read the rest

Interview With “Mysteries of Sir Lionheart: The Intricate Code” Author Hexael Rivera!

2022 marks the year that Hexael Rivera accomplished his dream of becoming a published author. The full-time educator and student, who idolizes J. R. R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings), has loved storytelling and world-building since his youth. This past summer he released The Intricate Code, the first book in his steampunk fantasy series Mysteries of Sirlionheart (illustrated by Phrygian Bayona). His literature is targeted towards readers … Read the rest

Interview With “Greater Life” Novelist Devyn Bakewell!

Aside from trying to get published, writer’s block is a common challenge among writers. An issue that often prevents people from even writing at all is self-doubt, something romance novelist Devyn Bakewell has noticed through her visits and work with younger writers. “The advice that I’ve really been asked a lot for is this belief in your own voice,” the Greater Love and Greater Life (New Degree Press) author tells … Read the rest

Interview With Journalist & “Tune in Tomorrow” Author Randee Dawn!

Journalist and Tune in Tomorrow (August 18, 2022, Solaris Books/Simon & Schuster) novelist Randee Dawn is a writer and storyteller through and through. As a youth, she wrote stories about her stuffed animals, and on the rare occasion she skipped school, it was to visit the library. Teachers assumed she was writing notes when she was writing fiction. Her love for literacy carried into fanfiction—Law & Order fanfiction (she … Read the rest

Interview With “The Christmas Clash!” Author Suzanne Park!

Once upon a time, adult and young adult novelist Suzanne Park swore by the technique of writing every day. Now, after five published books and counting, The Christmas Clash (October 4, Sourcebooks Fire) author has an evolved take. “The idea at the time was if you write every day, if you write a page a day—it doesn’t have to be every single day—just means five days out of the seven … Read the rest