Marilyn Vix's Blog, page 4

Week 4 of the Book Blast Tour for Kindle Vella series: Love Over Kpop

We’ve made it to week four of the book blast. I am really enjoying reading your comments and answering your questions through all the participating blogs. It’s great to see the encouragement too. It does help an author to hear how their story affects readers. It’s why I write. So, without further adieu, here is the participating bloggers list for this week.

October 6

1: Locks, Hooks and Books
2: The Key Of Love
3: Dawn’s Reading Nook
4: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
5: All the Ups and Downs
6: Viviana MacKade
7: Ellwyn’s Blog
8: Fabulous and Brunette

**Don’t forget to enter the $25 Amazon Gift Card giveaway. Link is available on participating book blast blogs.

Until next week, stay safe! And check back next week for the final participating bloggers list. Plus, the Paranormal Romance Blog Tour will start Halloween week. Still taking author sign-ups. For more information, link below.

Paranormal Blog Tour Sign-Up for Authors

-Marilyn

Week 3 of the Book Blast Tour for Kindle Vella series: Love Over Kpop

Welcome to week 3 of the Book Blast for my new Vella serial: Love Over Kpop. Each week I’m giving you a look behind the scenes on my blog. Plus, a list of blogs to tour through and enter my special giveaway, and learn facts about the new Vella Platform on Amazon. This week, I’ll talk a little more behind the scenes on what it is like to write on Vella and the whole serial writing process.

I started “Love Over Kpop” about 3 years ago as a Nano Writing Project. I had this idea for a rockstar romance that had a K-pop star as the male protagonist. I’d recently discovered kpop by watching k-dramas, and was getting hooked on the music. So, it was a logical way to express my new found love for the genre.

Meanwhile, I kept writing my paranormal romances and was trying to figure how this new, sweeter romance was going to fit. I usually write steamy romances, but this particular story was much sweeter, and characters “closed the door” on me when things got a bit spicy. I just couldn’t write anything steamy; it just didn’t fit. I just accepted, well, this novel is just going to be a bit different.

As I was going through the process, I finished the manuscript and did some preliminary rewrites with an editor. Then, COVID-19 hit in Spring 2020. I got hit with the worst writer’s block I’ve every had, mostly due to real life turning into fiction. It really did a number on me. I couldn’t go to writers’ conferences or participate in Renaissance Fairs, my other hobby obsession. It really affected my creativity, but I worked through 2020 on nonfiction projects and wrote a children’s picture book called “I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!”. The romance writing still remained hard to write though.

Now that 2021 is here, I can tell the writer’s block had to do with the experiences of 2020. The isolation, buying a house and then having it become threatened by wildfire, can really take a toll on a person’s creative energy. So, having some projects on the back burner was a survival skill just to get through the pandemic and the chaos of that year.

2021 has proved to be much more creative. I wrote a play to get the creative juices flowing again. I didn’t win the competition I entered, but at least got the muse to awaken. Then, Amazon announced Kindle Vella as a new serial platform. I thought about my current projects and realized “Love Over Kpop” would be a good fit since I was used to serial writing on Wattpad due to my online novel, “Saving My Heart”. It was a sweeter, contemporary romance, different from my typical paranormal romances. So, maybe having it on a new platform would be a good way to introduce it to my readers. I decided to start writing again, and it awakened the abilities I’d lost in 2020. I was writing romance again.

I got myself a serial editor to continue through the manuscript, and I’m proud to say I’m about halfway through posting the book. I have 12 episodes up now, and there are about another 12-14 episodes to go. I am a little stuck on episode 13 with a possible total rewrite or cut of a scene. So, as I’m running into some rewrite issues, I’m finding the process of getting an episode posted is taking longer. But it is part of the writing process as well.

I also have a regular life, and am still moving and settling in a new house during a pandemic, while working at the Northern California Renaissance Pleasure Fair for the fall. Life is busy again, but at least well. I’m writing again, and enjoying the new Vella format to keep this current project flowing.

I invite you to check out the story so far. I promise, there will be a finished project in the end. I know some people have been commenting they like the whole finished book. Which is fine. Yet, as a writer, I know that it is written in stages, one chapter/episode at a time. If you want to see how the process is done, please follow the story and check out each episode as it’s posted. Plus, liking and a “Fav” for my story will be greatly appreciated. This whole process of writing on Vella has helped to get my writing juices going again, and that is an important by-product, getting back to writing during this crazy pandemic.

With Vella, I’m finding it’s helping me to finally write again, and I’m really enjoying reading other stories on the platform as well. The shorter episodes are great for quick reads, especially if I’m just finding something to chill for a moment or two.

I hope you will enjoy my stories and the other stories available on Vella. The top listings are great to look over, especially with tags by genre. You get 200 tokens to start yourself off, and the token bundles are reasonable in price. All of the tokens support authors to help write more. After all, I’ve got to eat and have a roof over my head, and so do all the other authors on the platform. Having a monetary way of supporting oneself while writing is very helpful, especially during the pandemic.

So, kick back, link to my story, and enjoy the ride. I am hoping to finish by the end of the year, and who knows what 2022 will bring. The best way to write better is to keep writing. Vella is helping me to do that for you, my reader.

This brings me to the list of bloggers participating in my book blast this week. Please follow the links below to check out information on Vella, “Love Over Kpop”, and enter the giveaway for a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Thanks for stopping by, and remember to stay safe, wear a mask and please get vaccinated.

-Marilyn

Participating Blogs in Weeks 3:

1: Andi’s Book Reviews
2: Tina Donahue Books – Heat with Heart
3: Welcome to My World of Dreams
4: Travel the Ages
5: Independent Authors
6: Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’
7: The Faerie Review
8: Iron Canuck Reviews & More

Love Over Kpop Vella Link

Interview with J.T. Moon

I know a lot of you might be looking for a good fall read. Look no further. I have found a fabulous author and the perfect book to get you ready to get a tasty pumpkin spice beverage of your choice, snuggle under a comfy blanket, and watch the leaves fall outside as you read. “They” is an amazing contemporary romance with a mysterious story at its core. It is written by the author, J. T. Moon.

J. T. Moon was born in Minneapolis, and currently lives in Missouri. He has spent many days dreaming of faraway faces in faraway places. I had the chance to talk with him about his new release, and other reading and writing related topics. So, get that pumpkin spice latte ready. Enjoy the interview.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

J.T. Moon: When I was in third grade, I read The Three Musketeers for the first time, completely unabridged (no Great Illustrated Classic or anything). When I was bringing it from the school library to my classroom, the office secretary stopped me and asked why I was reading such a large book. I told her I wanted the AR points (oh, the good old days of Accelerated Reader). She was skeptical that I could even read and understand it. A week later, I had the book finished and brought the secretary my 90% test score. It was awesome; almost as good as beating my teacher later that year in a math competition.

Who was your favorite author and why did they influence you?

J.T. Moon: It’s hard to narrow down a favorite author for me, as I’ve found many authors I love, but the only one I’ve consistently loved my whole life is C.S. Lewis. The magic of The Chronicles of Narnia was amazing as a child; as an adult, going back and seeing how he hid lessons in his pages was even better, the epitome of what a great writer should be. I have tried to follow his example by trying to write stories that can be enjoyed as stories, but that can also teach.

Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

J.T. Moon: When it comes to writing, I have tunnel vision. Once I get centered on a project, it’s all that consumes my thoughts for months. It might take me years to finally get in the right mood/mindset to write and combine it with the spark of a new idea, but once the fire catches, it burns long and hot. I’m currently on a four-month lull, only writing sporadic things like short stories and poems. Hopefully I’ll be working on a novel again soon.

What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

J.T. Moon: I have the basic ideas for two other books right now. I’m a huge sports fan, so I know I want to do a sports fiction book. My idea was to do one inspired by the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, the worst team in the history of baseball. I also have two or three chapters of a book about life in a small town told from the perspective of a park bench. I love thinking about the perspectives of others, and the things that must be going through their heads (or boards) when things happen.

Where do you find the inspiration and story ideas for your novels?

J.T. Moon: It depends. The two stories I’ve published were completely different. “They” began as a single scene in my head over ten years ago, and slowly grew into the novel it is now. The idea for my other story, “The Dawning”, came to me literally 48 hours after I finished the rough draft of “They”, and I wrote it live. I had no idea what was going to happen until I got there. It was almost like doing a live movie. You never know where inspiration is going to strike, and if it’s ready to eat right away or needs to be marinated first.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

J.T. Moon: Take the time to learn your craft. Broaden your vocabulary, look deeper into words, learn their colors and tones. Good writing is like painting with words. No masterpiece happens by accident. Every color, every brush stroke is intentional; and every artist makes sure they have the right brush, the right color, and the skill to do what is needed. Writing is the same way. Knowing a lot of words helps us say what we mean as writers. Like Peter O’Toole says in The Last Emperor, “If you cannot say what you mean, you will never mean what you say.”

What was the most difficult character for you to write? The easiest character?

J.T. Moon: The hardest character was Chris, not even close. I needed a character that could inspire my narrator (who’s rather cool when it comes to inspiration) to write the story, but it was hard at times to include her in the story. I love the character, though; she’s right there with Macey from “The Dawning” in the Favorite Character category. Like Macey, Chris will probably get her own story someday.

They was actually the easiest character to write, as it wasn’t much of a stretch for me. All I had to think about is how I would react, and then have him do the exact opposite. Piece of cake.

Are there any other interests that you have besides writing?

J.T. Moon: I’ve actually been a musician longer than I’ve been a writer. I play drums, bass, and guitar, and once upon a time, I could sing pretty well. Any semblance of a singing voice I once had is long gone, but I can still play the instruments. I do a lot of songwriting, too. Hopefully someday, if I make it as a writer, I could try the songwriting thing, too.

Do you write to music or enjoy the silence? If you write to music, please share your playlist.

J.T. Moon: You would think so, me being a musician and all, but I actually prefer to write in silence most of the time. The only time I use music is when I’m in a writer’s block or I need to get my emotions in a certain frame. The pulling heartstrings emotion is the one that usually needs to be supplemented, and my go to for that is usually Jackie Evancho, who I believe is the best singer in the world. It’s not just her voice; though great, there are others who can match her. No, what sets her apart is her taste. She can go high, but she doesn’t all the time. She can do amazing runs, but she rarely uses them. Her tone on the simple notes is unmatched, and when she goes high, she keeps the softness and avoids the shrill. I could listen to her all day. Definitely a voice that can get a writer in a HEA mood.

What is writing to you in one sentence?

J.T. Moon: Writing is creation. Creation is life. Life is love. Love is writing.

“They” is a story that must be told. Gabe Blake is the man to tell it. He stumbles upon a mysterious girl laying next to a gravestone on Memorial Day. Intrigued by the girl, he asks who is buried under the stone, and what unravels is a story he can’t believe. It leads him down a road of research and awe as he discovers the truth behind They’s story. This story is a journey of loss, heartbreak, isolation, and love. As he writes the story, it starts to become his own as well, making it the most important story in his life.

“They” is available at Amazon.com. This is a Kindle Unlimited title.

Purchase Book

For more information on the author J.T. Moon, please visit his website here.

Week 2 of the Book Blast Tour For Kindle Vella Serial Series: Love Over Kpop

Welcome to week 2 of the Book Blast for my Kindle Vella serial, Love Over Kpop. This week, there are six fabulous blogs all featuring my Vella story with information about this fabulous, new reading platform. I have to admit too, I’ve been doing my own serious reading on Vella as well. I’m still enjoying Hugh Howey’s autobiography serial as well as following my obsession with vampire stories. I’ve been enjoying “How to Tame Your Vampire” M/M Paranormal Rom, and another rockstar romance called “Wicked Riffs” (Rockstar Rom, Young Adult).

I’d also like to invite you to also enter the Book Blast giveaway tour. Entry link can be found on all the participating blogs. You can enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card to have your own shopping spree. Buy books to get you through this fall!

Plus, I’d like to invite you to enjoy my Kpop/rockstar romance, Love Over Kpop. It’s a challenge to write, especially during these uncertain times that has really been affecting my creativity. I couldn’t write fiction at all last year, but I felt a bit better when Stephen King mentioned on a talk show he was having similar trouble. But 2021 has been a bit more hopeful, and working on a different kind of project on a new platform has helped me to get the creative juices flowing.

I’m heavily addicted to Kpop now too. So, I’ve got to get this story out of my system. I discovered Kpop through K-dramas, notably “Boys Over Flowers”. I discovered SS501 from that show, and then moved onto Minue in “Full House Take 2”. I’ve now gotten into a new bias, Taemin from ShinEE. I got to see him live in a SuperM concert in Feb. 2020 before the lockdown.

This is a project of passion, and to hopefully meet and talk Kpop with other people. I seem to be isolated in my like for this type of music with most of my friends, which might be the feelings of some of us in the West. But I’ve loved foreign music for awhile, which started with Mylene Farmer back in the 90s. You can learn so much from watching and listening to other sources of music and TV. It’s a brilliant way to develop your experiences without leaving the house, kind of like reading. I’ve been currently listening to Boyfriend quite a bit lately, with a sprinkling of 9Muses, Blackpink, Red Velvet and 2PM.

Here is the list of participating blogs this week:

September 22

1: Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
2: Read Your Writes Book Reviews
3: Bibliomanaic Aza
4: FUONLYKNEW
5: Sandra’s Book Club
6: Wake Up Your Wild Side

Feel free to stop by, leave a comment, and I’ll be checking to answer questions or comment through out the week. I will love to hear any feedback on Vella or my story. Since the Vella platform doesn’t have a way to comment to authors yet, I’m using this blog tour to get feedback from you, the reader, to improve my serial. So, I’d love to hear from you.

So, until next week, take care, stay safe and wear a mask.

To get started on the Vella platform and review my “Love Over Kpop” story, here is the link. Any likes, follows, and “FAVS” will be greatly appreciated.

Love Over Kpop Link

-Marilyn

Week 1 of the Book Blast Tour for Kindle Vella Serial: Love Over Kpop

Welcome to the first week of the Love Over Kpop Book Blast Tour. I have 10 blogs all hosting information about my fabulous new Kindle Vella serial. Starting this week and for the next month every Wednesday, a new group of bloggers will be hosting information and discussion about my new serial. Since Vella doesn’t have a comment aspect to the system yet, I thought this would be a great way to get some feedback on how new readers are enjoying the Kindle Vella experience and my story. Just comment on the blog of your choice, and I am stopping in daily to answer questions.

As not only an author on the new platform but a reader, I am finding Vella is a new, fun reading experience where I can use my phone as a substitute for my ereader. Though I love my Kindle, it is nice to just have the access to read on my phone as well. I do have an Android, and find that I can read Kindle Vella through directly accessing the website. No need for an app. For iPhone users, the Vella stories are available in your iOS Kindle app.

It has been fun looking through an autobiography by Hugh Howey. He’s been an Indie author hero for me since around 2011 when I got into writing ebooks. He has written the famous “Wool” sci-fi series, and it’s a fascinating read on how he’s an expert sailor, general explorer and adventurer, and lots of background on his experience as a writer. As an Indie romance writer, he encouraged me to get started on the Wattpad platform around 2014 while I was hanging out on a popular writers’ board called Kboards.com. I ended up writing an online novel called “Saving My Heart” on Wattpad, and now I’m taking that experience into the writing of my new serial novel on Vella.

Here is the link for the fabulous bloggers that are part of my tour this week. Please feel free to stop by, comment, and enter the $25 Amazon Gift Card giveaway.

September 15

1: Romance Novel Giveaways
2: Literary Gold
3: Long and Short Reviews
4: Sadie’s Spotlight
5: Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Love
6: Christine Young
7: Novels Alive
8: Edgar’s Books
9: Candrel’s Crafts, Cooks, and Characters
10: Nickie’s Views and Interviews

Again, feel free to ask questions and comment about how you are enjoying my story and the Vella reading experience. I’d love to hear how you, the reader, are feeling about my new story.

Thanks for stopping by, and remember, stay safe, read to escape, and having a glass of wine right now is okay. Take it from someone that has moved to wine country.

-Marilyn

Coming Soon: Book Blast Blog Tour for “Love Over Kpop” Vella Serial

I’d like to invite you to a blog tour over the next month in which “Love Over Kpop” will be featured. Each Wednesday, participating bloggers will give you peaks, info, and all sorts of goodies in regards to my new Vella serial. Best of all will be the chance to enter for a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

So, follow and come back this Wednesday, September 15, to see the first group of bloggers participating. I look forward to reading your comments and of course, getting feedback on how you like this new online novel. It’s a great way to check out and see what the new Kindle Vella feature is all about on Amazon.

Until then, please stay safe!

-Marilyn Vix

Additional Tips For The Beginning Self-Published Author

[image error] Mindstir Media is a great option to get yourself started in self-publishing.

As many of you know, I wrote a beginner’s guide on how to get started in self-publishing called “Get Ready to Push the Button: A Beginner’s Guide to Self Publishing”. I put in a lot of tips in my book, including resources and services on how to get started. But I always like to branch out and add to my material when I find new resources for self-publishing. Here is a new option to add to your list of self-publishing possibilities.

I talk about different self-publishing options in my book, such as ebook publishing platforms, print-on-demand, or using a self-publishing service that offers packages. Depending on what you want to take on, there are different options to what you want to start with. I found a helpful website with some services that will assist you in what ever level you may be in the self-publishing process. The website is called Mindstir Media.

Option 1: Self-Publishing Packages

This is a great option for authors that want to self-publish, but feel a little overwhelmed by the whole process. Mindstir Media has packages for different levels of publishing, including mentoring, editing, book cover design, ISBN barcode generation, book printing, marketing and more. It is an easier way to solving the problem of getting started in self-publishing. It can get you on the way to self-publishing today. For those that don’t want to take it all on for themselves, this is a good option.

Link to Mindstir Media Self-Publishing PackagesOption 2: Print-On-Demand

A lot of my romance books are eBooks, but it is good to be able to have print books available. Using a print-on-demand or POD option for your book will make it more available. This option has been the way I started in self-publishing back with a small POD publisher called Trafford Publishing. A few of my books are still with them, and it is a great alternative if you’re already using an eBook publishing platform that doesn’t have a print option. Mindstir Media can help you go through the process of getting the book set up for printing such as figuring trim size, paper stock options, and any other questions you may have.  Plus, print books can be printed and shipped to where you need them such as for book signings. It saves on having to store them in your garage. I’ve done this myself with my POD service.

Link to Mindstir Media Print-On-Demand ServiceOption 3: Ghostwriting Service

Let’s say you have a really great idea for a book or just want some help in putting together your nonfiction book to support your business. This is a great option that many celebrities already use. The service will begin with a consultation, outline your material chapter by chapter, and continue to touch base with interviews while a manuscript is developed. If you really need a book to help your business or have the idea for that fantastic novel but no time to write it, hiring a ghostwriter is a great option.

Link to Mindstir Media Ghostwriting Services

There are a lot of nuisances and different situations for every self-publishing story. Sometimes you need to look around a lot for the right options for yourself. For more information on how to get started either refer to my book, “Get Ready to Push the Button” and/or check out the self-publisher website service, Mindstir Media. Get informed on how to get started, and the dream will happen.

You can make it happen by self-publishing. I did. 15 years ago. And it’s been a crazy, interesting journey. I’ll continue to keep bringing you the new options and interesting twists and turns in the self-publishing industry. Until next time,

-Marilyn Vix

**Marilyn Vix is a romance novelist that specializes in paranormal and contemporary fiction. She also writes children’s books under the pen name, Tiffany Turner.

Love Over Kpop Launches on Kindle Vella

I know a lot of you have been waiting for it, and I wanted to announce it is finally here. My new novel is launching on Amazon’s new Kindle Vella platform. I’ve been working on this project for over 3 years, and I’m happy to say it’s launching out to my readers one episode at a time. I’ve gotten a serial editor to help me polish each episode to perfection, and I’m really excited to finally bring you this story.

Love Over KPOP Vella Link

Why Vella? Well, sometimes some projects need a different approach in creating it through the writing process. I’m finding my K-pop romance is working well for this. It can be read an episode at a time, and the manuscript is complete, but needs some reworking. To rewrite it episode/chapter by episode will help bring you a fantastic novel while following along in the writing process.

Here are a couple things about Vella and how you can get started reading:

Vella can be easily read from you phone anywhere at anytime.It’s in a simple format and you can follow along with the story, getting alerts when the new weekly episode is available. You can like each episode, and once a week (after buying coins in the program), you can “Fav” a story.It is accessible through the Amazon website, so it can be read on many devices, and also through the Kindle iOS app for Apple phones. Android phones work through the Amazon website, and direct links to stories will get you in. It’s a coin/token operated reading experience, similar to the Star Program on Wattpad. The first 3 episodes are free. After that, it’s a coin for every 100 words. So, you support your favorite author with this token paying program. Example: 4600 words is 46 coins. Episodes are ranged from 600 words to 5,000 words each.Episodes have a section where the author can leave a note. I’ve been using this similar to the way I do on Wattpad, keeping you all tied into the story by how I’m writing and where the story is going. Unfortunately, readers can’t comment back, yet. Though, Amazon is getting feedback from authors, and many have said they’d like that option to happen in the future. I’ll post episodes weekly, looking at Thursday or Friday as the posting day. I am still working out a schedule with my editor on how this is going to work, but I’ll keep you updated through author notes and through my blog when it’s all sorted. It’s taking awhile to get it all set up, especially now that Vella has officially launched.

My Wattpad writing will taper off for a bit while I focus on Vella. But hey, I still have a lot of great stuff, including a free novel called “Saving My Heart” on Wattpad. But a writer has got to eat. So, this is partly the reason for doing the move to Vella.

So, that is the gist of what is going on with “Love Over Kpop”. With out further adieu, I invite you to check out the story link, and read through the episodes to see how it is. I’d love to have you “like” any episodes that you feel worthy, especially a “Fav” for the story. With enough “Fav”s, a story can earn a crown in it’s category, and be featured on the Vella site. So, the more “favs”, the more my story will reach out to other readers. So, please feel free to fav and like. I’d SO appreciate it.

Also, you get 200 free tokens to get you started in reading Vella. It’s a great way to try it out with not only my own story, but other authors you may find fantastic. I am talking to fellow romance writers, and I know several that are writing Vella stories as well. So, I’m seeing what I can do to feature more Vella stories in future posts. Just to note: Amazon isn’t allowing to really use descriptions or post any content on our blogs. All we can do is let you know it’s there on Vella, and give you the story link. Everything else is available on Vella for you all to check out.

Feel free to comment on this post about what you think about Vella, any story feedback, and k-pop in general. One of the reasons I wrote the novel is so I can connect with other people that like K-pop. So, just FYI, I’ve been into SuperM lately, with a lots of catching up with SHINee’s comeback. Taemin is my bias, but I’ve loved past older K-pop like 2pm, SS501 and Minue. Love Blackpink and Twice for my girl groups.

So, thanks for all the support and I look forward to writing weekly episodes, similar to Victor Hugo. Likely, it won’t be as long as “Les Mis”, but I hope it will be just as entertaining. Wouldn’t mind a musical made out of it too. Sorry, my theatre kid upbringing is showing.

That link one more time:

Love Over Kpop

Until next time, stay safe and healthy,

-Marilyn

Marilyn Vix Virtual Presentations at Clockwork Alchemy from the Aether 2021

I’m excited to announce my appearances at a virtual event this weekend. Clockwork Alchemy is a steampunk con that has gone virtual this year due to the pandemic. I have been scheduled to give two presentations this year. One on self-publishing and one on ghost hunting basics. The great thing about all of this is that the virtual event is FREE. You hear that right, FREE!

Marilyn Vix, author of “Everything for Love: Time Rogues Book 1” and “Love In One Act”, will be speaking at the Clockwork Alchemy from the Aether 2021 Virtual Con the weekend of June 12 – 13, 2021.

Here is the event info:

Clockwork Alchemy from the Aether (Virtual Steampunk Conference)June 12-13, 2021Two presentations:Self-Publishing Presentation will be Sat. at 4pm – 5pm.Ghost Hunting Basics will be on Sun. at 3pm – 4pm.

Here is the link to register for Clockwork Alchemy 2021.

Here is the link for the schedule of Clockwork Alchemy 2021.

I’m looking forward to a fantastic weekend of reconnecting with fellow authors, makers, creatives and steampunks. Hope you can make it!

For more information, visit the Clockwork Alchemy website.

-Marilyn

What is Vella? A Look at Amazon’s New Serial Publishing Platform

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In the middle of April, Amazon announced it’s new serial publishing platform to be connected and managed through KDP by authors. Curious that this may be a fit for one of my novel projects, I checked out the options and decided to go with publishing through this new format. Since this is a new venture and still only in beta, I’ll go over some of the basics that authors need to know before launch. 

Vella is basically structured like many online journal and writing websites like Wattpad and Radish. I am familiar with Wattpad and have already written an online novel there. So, I was very curious to see how Amazon has set their format up. It is connected to your KDP dashboard through your Bookshelf. It is listed as your “Kindle Vella Library”. That link takes you to the Vella platform, which pretty much looks to me like Wattpad, except with some differences. 

1) You upload your serial sections or chapters by “episode”. Each episode has to be 600 to 5,000 words. 

2) You only need a stock photo that will be posted with your serial title and author name. No cover, like for an ebook, is needed. 

3) Amazon hasn’t released an official launch date, but has opened the platform up for authors to start loading their episodes. It is in beta, so nothing is live to see yet. But there is the ability to upload and schedule episodes to release at later dates if you want to try it out. 

4) There are clear guidelines in the Vella Library of what you can upload or not. You cannot take stories that have already been published on the web or as a book. You can take up to 5,000 words from a previously published work to attach to the beginning of your serial to write sequels, side stories, or other connecting stories. 

5) You can leave a short author note at the end of each episode. Readers can’t leave you comments, though I have seen authors asking for this in the community forums. It could be added later. Right now, readers will be able to favorite a story once a week and give a thumbs up if they liked an episode. Likely, this is the way Amazon will be able to track the popular stories similar to other online formats.

6) The big deal about Vella is YOU WILL GET PAID for any episodes after the first three chapters. The platform is set up for readers to buy coin bundles and they are used to unlock chapters after the first three. Right now, the pay scale is similar to when Kindle Unlimited started, but the difference is you are getting paid by the word. So, people will be encouraged to write long and connected stories. 

7) Vella is targeting the teen and young adult crowd that reads on their phones. It will be available to read on the Kindle OS app and through the Apple store. I am launching my kpop romance on the platform which is more of a sweet romance for the teen and young adult reader. So, I’m feeling like this is a perfect fit for my project.

So, that is about it for now. The guesstimation for launch is likely in July, though Amazon hasn’t made that official. The Zon has just opened it up to authors to start loading and writing their serial stories with a suggestion of having five episodes ready by launch. I am planning to have my five chapters up and ready, and will add to them AFTER Amazon has launched the platform to the public. 

So, that is it for now. I will do an update article on how Vella is working for me after the launch of the platform in a few months. Meanwhile, get ready for a whole new reading experience from yours truly as she finally launches the kpop romance project I’ve been working on for three years. Until then, wish me luck and happy reading!

-Marilyn Vix