The Author’s Mic™: Waterfall Adams on Poetry and Finding Her Readers
Waterfall Adams has published two poetry collections, is working on a third book, and is still deciding what comes next for her work. In our conversation on The Author’s Mic™, she talks about the books she has made, the opportunities she is pursuing locally, and the parts of self-publishing she is learning as she goes.
Watch the full episode:
Two Poetry Books, Two Different Conversations
Waterfall’s first collection, The Eclectic Mind of V, explores the arts, Blackness, and issues of the 21st century. Her second, Free to Be Z, takes on race, religion, and freedom.
She is now working on a third book about making money. She also wants to produce audiobooks of her poetry, but recording costs are part of that decision. We talked about the possibility of narrating them herself or working with someone else. Nothing has been settled yet; she is looking at what she can afford and what would work for the books.
Getting the Books in Front of People
Waterfall wants to order more author copies and approach stores in her area about carrying them on consignment. One place she mentioned is the Haunted Bookshop. She has also read at open mic nights when she can.
I asked about those choices because poetry has places where people already gather to hear it. An open mic lets someone encounter Waterfall’s words before they ever pick up one of her books. A local shop offers another way for someone nearby to discover her work.
She is also developing a podcast called The Eclectic Story Weaver and working with a digital marketing agency on parts of her author platform. There is a lot she wants to do, and she is taking it piece by piece.
Learning While Building
Waterfall told me she is still learning about self-publishing and how it changes. I understand that. I did not know how to market my books when I started, either. Learning what is available, asking questions, and sharing what we find is part of why I created The Author’s Mic™ and BTA Fridays™.
This conversation is a look at an author in the middle of building. Waterfall has books in the world. She has ideas for what comes next. She is also working through the money, time, and practical decisions involved in getting there.
Guest Links
Waterfall Adams’s books and platforms:
https://linktr.ee/waterfalladams86
Key Takeaways
Waterfall has self-published two poetry collections with different subjects and is working on a third book.
She is exploring audiobook options while considering the cost of production.
Open mic nights give her a place to share her poetry directly with listeners.
She wants to approach local stores about carrying her books on consignment.
She is building her author platform while continuing to learn how self-publishing works.
Publishing With Bright Headed Publishing
Waterfall’s conversation shows how many decisions sit around a book after the writing is done. Bright Headed Publishing works hands-on with selected authors on book production, distribution, and the materials that help them present their work beyond publication day. The support is shaped around the book and the author’s goals.
If you have a completed or nearly completed manuscript and are serious about publishing it, tell us about your project:
https://brightheadedpublishing.com
Finley’s Journey Spotlight
Finley’s Journey by Jeff Hepner is published under the Bright Headed Publishing imprint as part of The Classroom Creatures Chronicles™. Inspired by authentic conservation experiences, the story follows a young trout from a classroom tank toward open water.
The book is accompanied by a student workbook with activities connected to trout life cycles, watersheds, and river stewardship. It is one example of how publishing a book can include developing resources for the people who will use it—in this case, families, students, and educators.
Explore the book and workbook:
https://brightheadedpublishing.com/new-releases
Bright Headed Publishing Resources
The Author’s Mic™ — Be a Guest
If you are an author, editor, publishing professional, or creative doing meaningful work in the literary space, apply to be a guest on The Author’s Mic™:
https://brightheadedpublishing.com/be-a-guest
TrustBridge™
TrustBridge™ connects indie authors with bookstores, book clubs, podcasts, and other literary platforms through curated introductions and real relationship-building. Every author package includes a professional media kit.
For authors — TrustBridge™ Author Services:
https://brightheadedpublishing.com/trustbridgetm-author-services
For bookstores, podcasts, book clubs, and other literary partners — TrustBridge™ Partner Network:
https://brightheadedpublishing.com/partner-with-us
The Indie Author Toolkit
Practical tools and strategy for making stronger decisions throughout the author journey:
https://brightheadedpublishing.com/products/digital-product-10197841
Books From Bright Headed Publishing
Discover and support books published by Bright Headed Publishing:
https://brightheadedpublishing.com/products
Indie Reader Society™
Join a reader community created to discover and discuss books by indie authors:
https://bookclubs.com/the-indie-reader-society/join/
Free Guide: So You Wanna Write a Book
If you have a book idea but need help understanding where to begin, download the free guide:
https://brightheadedpublishing.com
Watch, Comment, and Stay Connected
Watch my conversation with Waterfall, then tell me in the comments: Where have you found people who are interested in the kind of work you write? Share this blog with a poet or indie author who is working through how to reach readers.
Follow Bright Headed Publishing for more author conversations and updates:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bhplcc/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BrightHeadedPublishing
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@brightheadedpublishingllc7004
Substack:
https://brightheadedpublishing.substack.com/
#IndieAuthors #AuthorsMic #BrightHeadedPublishing #IndiePublishing #Poetry #SelfPublishing #AuthorPlatform