Barbara Kyle on How to Sell Half a Million Books

In episode #88 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Barbara Kyle.

Barbara is the author of the acclaimed Thornleigh Saga, a seven-book series of historical novels set in Tudor England (“Riveting Tudor drama” – USA Today) and of contemporary thrillers, three under pen-name Stephen Kyle, including Beyond Recall, a Literary Guild Selection. Her latest novel is The Traitor’s Daughter. Over half a million copies of her books have been sold in seven countries.

Barbara has taught writers at the University of Toronto and is a popular guest presenter at international writers’ conferences. Before becoming an author Barbara enjoyed a 20-year acting career in television, film, and stage productions in Canada and the U.S.

Through her master classes, online programs, and manuscript evaluations, Barbara’s mentoring has launched many writers to published success, including bestselling mystery author Robert Rotenberg, award-winning historical novelists Cryssa Bazos and Bruce Gardner, debut novelist Christine Higdon, urban fantasy writer T.K. Thorne, and Steven T. Wax for his award-winning memoir. 

During our conversation, Barbara describes:

• Why her career as an actress on stage, television, and film was fantastic training for her career as a novelist
• The importance of knowing your protagonist’s objective
• How winning a short story competition from the local library association gave her the confidence to pursue novel writing
• Why she chose to set her series in Tudor era England
• The important role mentors have played in her life and what she learned from them
• To what she attributes her half a millions books sold
• And much more!

Click below to listen now: