We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chelsea Banning. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chelsea below.

Chelsea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Social Media was the best learning tool for me. I took classes in college, and they did teach me how to write, but following other authors and writers was key. I learned so much more from them, not only the craft of writing the words, but how everyone has a different process, how you don’t have to be perfect in the first draft, that there are many different wats to write and publish. Reading craft books has also been a big help. Even if the entire book isn’t for you, there can still be bits and pieces you can take away from it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Chelsea, and I live in NE Ohio. I started writing in high school when we had to write a short fairytale for an English class project and I haven’t stopped since. I published my first book in August 2022, and the sequel is coming out late this year (2024). I’m also a librarian, cosplayer, avid reader and work Renaissance Faires. All of those have helped me in my writing one way or another and I love pulling inspiration from fun memories at a convention or Faire.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of this is connecting with other writers and my readers. Having readers come up to my table at a signing or show and telling me they ready my book, and what they loved about it is the absolute best part. Meeting and connecting with other writers has also been invaluable. As writers, we are not each others competition, but rather teammates. And I love helping to support others in their process.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I got VERY lucky and had a tweet go viral and ended up with a great audience/reader base. Luck has a lot to do with social media and selling books on social media. It’s frustrating with the every changing algorithms and most authors also have another job on top of writing, and it can be overwhelming to juggle. Before I went viral, I did make a lot of connections from attending cons and meeting and talking to people, and at Renaissance Faires. I have about 200 pre-orders just from the friends I made over the years from Faires and Cons. (Of course, family factored into those numbers too). Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and talk to people, especially in person.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chelseabanning.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseawritesbooks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelseawritesbooks
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@chelseawritesbooks