About this episode

Carmella Lowkis discusses her journey to becoming a published novelist and the importance of understanding the publishing industry.

Author Carmella Lowkis joins Was It Chance to talk about the intentional path she built toward becoming a published novelist. From working in her childhood library to strategically entering the publishing industry, Carmella shares how every career decision was made with one goal in mind: writing the kinds of historical gothic novels she wanted to see on bookstore shelves. She also opens up about the eight-year journey of writing her debut, what she learned from being mentored by bestselling authors, and why understanding the publishing business can be just as important as mastering the craft of writing. With Alan away covering the Cats: The Jellicle Ball red carpet, Heather is joined by special guest co-host Alesia Galati, founder of Gulati Media and host of Podcasting Unlocked and We Read Smut, for a lively conversation that wanders through queer representation in literature, historical fiction, gothic storytelling, publishing realities, BookTok, creative risk, and the importance of writing stories that entertain while leaving readers thinking long after the final page. Carmella also gives us a sneak peek at her next novel featuring rival alchemists in Renaissance Prague…

People in this episode

Hosts: Alan Seales, Heather Vickery

Guests: Carmella Lowkis, Alesia Galati

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Gulati Media, Podcasting Unlocked, We Read Smut

Books & works: Cats: The Jellicle Ball

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