Using Kindle Vella: Interview with Historical YA Author Stephanie Daniels

Amazon launched Vella this past month! Kindle Vella story episodes can be read in the Kindle for iOS app and on Amazon.com.

This seemed like an interesting and exciting new way of publishing, but I had questions.

I talked a bit with YA historical author Stephanie Daniels about her experience with Vella.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, Stephanie. Can you give us a short overview of what Vella is?

First, thank you so much for inviting me to share my publishing journey. Kindle Vella is Amazon’s new platform for episodic/serial reading. The first three chapters of every story are available for free so readers can try it out. Then they can buy tokens to unlock additional episodes. Some stories are already complete, while others release episodes on a daily or weekly basis.

What drew you to consider using the Vella platform?

I think it’s the way people will read in the future, especially the younger generation. Since I write for the young adult market, it’s a great place to explore finding an audience.

Did you run into any snags or anything unexpected?

With any new thing, there will be road bumps. Amazon chose to do a “soft” roll out, which made the initial release difficult since few people know how to use the site. But I think they’re gearing up to market it more in the coming months.

From your experience so far, what type of authors do you think would benefit from using Vella to publish their work?

I’ve been surprised by the wide variety of stories on it so far. I think it will have a really big young adult readership. There seem to be an abundance of fantasy/supernatural stories, and a lot of romance. They’re getting the most readers right now.

Any words of advice?

It’s easy to get impatient. Trust God with the writing journey. Trust Him before publication and after publication. We tend to strive and get anxious, but when we use this gift for Him, then the results also belong to Him. Try to enjoy every step.

Check out Stephanie’s historical inspy YA, The Uncertainty of Fire, a Kindle Vella story. I’ve had a peek at the first chapters and can’t wait to keep reading!

Click here The Uncertainty of Fire

Privileged teen, Whimsy Greathart, loses everything during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and must choose a home for her heart between the two young men who help her face hardship–a charming newsboy and a shy preacher’s son.

Stephanie Daniels is a Christian wife and homeschool mom of three young men. She writes Christian historical fiction for young adult readers and the young at heart. Her stories carry strong faith themes and often romance.

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Donna Jo Stone writes YA contemporary novels about tough issues but always ends the stories with a note of hope. She blogs at donnajostone.com.