Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

How to Bring Your Book Alive at an Author Event with Julie Hiner

·43 min·4 clips

Julie Hiner sells VIP packages for her book launches to cover costs and guarantee attendance, a tactic most authors never consider.

Mark Leslie Lefebvre hosts episode 463 of the Stark Reflections podcast, interviewing author Julie Hiner. Hiner writes horror and suspense novels with heavy metal themes, branding herself as an 80s rocker. She first published a nonfiction memoir, 'Just a Girl on a Bike,' about overcoming anxiety through cycling, donating proceeds to World Bicycle Relief. Her fiction series, the Detective Mahoney series, began with 'Final Track,' inspired by her passion for serial killers and 80s metal. Hiner attended a homicide investigation seminar by Detective Dave Sweet, which fueled her research. She describes how her murder scenes naturally emerged like 80s metal videos, shaping the killer's motivation. For book launches, Hiner creates immersive experiences by partnering with music venues like Vern's and later more reputable spots in Calgary. She hires cover bands and original metal bands to perform, sometimes co-writing lyrics for songs based on her novels. Hiner pre-sells VIP ticket packages on her website to cover costs and ensure attendance, offering better seating and wrapped goodies. She reflects on the juxtaposition of her sweet personality with her dark creative interests, citing research on how aggressive music can calm the brain. Hiner shares creepy research on Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton and discusses police procedural limitations. She advises authors to consider their book's world and characters when planning events, suggesting ideas like coffee-cookie pairings for cozy mysteries. The episode includes a sample of 'Stella's Scream,' a song she co-wrote for her new book. Mark reflects on Hiner's authenticity, encouraging writers to listen to their inner voice and create unique, passionate experiences for readers.

As heard by us

A book launch gets a practical business frame when advance packages help organize attendance and cover some costs early.

Stark Reflections turns an author event into a clear operating question: how to plan when attendance is uncertain but costs arrive early. The episode follows a practical answer in advance website packages, with VIP seating and prepared extras used to secure seats, organize the…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want your next author event to feel planned before the first guest walks through the door.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing