Carla Conti's Blog

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be presenting a workshop called True Crime Uncovered at the 39th Annual Pennwriters Conference in Lancaster, PA, May 15-17, 2026!

This is a particularly meaningful opportunity for me, as I first attended the conference this past spring as a debut author still finding my way in the publishing world. The organization’s support and resources helped shape my first book, Chained Birds: A Crimemoir, into the award-winning (and Amazon Best Selling!) publication it is today. Now I get to give back by sharing what I’ve learned about the true crime genre with fellow writers.

AND I’m also excited to share my journey of going from traditional publishing to becoming an indie author! Two months after this year’s Pennwriters Conference in Pittsburgh, I reclaimed the rights to Chained Birds from my original publisher WildBlue Press. I relaunched the book with a new cover and subtitle under my own imprint, while learning so much along the way. I really look forward to sharing and connecting with other indie and aspiring authors next year.

Conference-goers will attend from all six Pennsylvania areas and beyond. (I’ll be traveling to Lancaster from Philly’s Area Six.) This page provides details of all the Pennwriters’ Areas, including area representatives, meeting locations, and meeting times.What to Expect at the Conference

The three-day conference at the DoubleTree Inn and Resort promises to be packed with opportunities for writers at every stage of their journey. My “True Crime Uncovered” workshop will be one of many sessions designed to help attendees hone their craft and navigate the publishing landscape.

The conference features an impressive lineup, including:

Keynote Speakers:

Chuck Wendig (Friday Evening) – The New York Times bestselling author of Wanderers, The Book of Accidents, and more than two dozen other books, known for his popular blog Terribleminds and writing craft books like Damn Fine StoryMaria V. Snyder (Saturday Lunch) – Long-time Pennwriters member, New York Times bestselling author of 24 published novels, and MFA faculty member at Seton Hill UniversityBeyond workshops and keynotes, attendees will have access to:Pitch appointments with agents and editors (first registered, first assigned)Friday Networking LuncheonKeynote dinners and lunchesFriday Night Read & Critique sessionsA new writing retreat roomSaturday Night Social (dress like a Lord of the Rings character!)The returning Tea ExchangeBook sales and author signingsBasket raffle“In Other Words” contest (often called “On The Wall” contest)My “True Crime Uncovered” Workshop

In my session, I’ll be diving deep into what makes true crime work—and what doesn’t. Drawing on my experience as a journalist and in writing Chained Birds, I’ll cover the unique challenges and opportunities of documenting real crimes and the people affected by them. We’ll explore navigating the ethical complexities of telling real people’s stories, e.g. how to portray victims and perpetrators with nuance, dignity, and—when necessary—accountability.

Attendees of my workshop will gain practical insights into this competitive genre and a roadmap for breaking into true crime or strengthening their current projects.

Join Me in Lancaster!

Conference registration offers flexible pricing with three-day, two-day, and single-day options to fit your schedule and budget. And for those in the area, some events—like the bookstore signings—are open to the public.

I can’t wait to connect with the Pennwriters community again, meet aspiring true crime writers, and learn from the incredible lineup of speakers and fellow authors. If you’re planning to attend, please come say hello at my workshop!

For more information and registration updates, visit Pennwriters.org.

See you in Lancaster!

The post Carla Conti to Present “True Crime Uncovered” at 2026 Pennwriters Conference appeared first on Carla Conti.

This weekend, my local writer’s group, the Delaware Valley chapter of Sisters in Crime, had the great pleasure of welcoming award-winning author, CNN journalist, and master storyteller John DeDakis as our guest speaker. John’s presentation, “From Journalist to Novelist (Or How I Learned to Start Making it Up),” was thoroughly entertaining, and some of us followed up with great conversation at lunch afterward.

John’s slideshow began with old family photos and a backstory about his early life, including his upbringing in Wisconsin and losing his Vietnam War deferment as a student after his grades slipped. Knowing he was about to be drafted, John took matters into his own hands and enlisted as an army journalist. He then spent more than four decades in journalism, beginning with covering anti–Vietnam War protests, to reporting from the White House as a correspondent during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, and eventually serving as a senior editor for CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.

John DeDakis, who served as a White House correspondent during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, shared a photo signed by the president of him in action. (He’s seen sporting a mustache and glasses.)

While still working at CNN, John tried his hand at writing fiction, a stark contrast to the factual reporting in his day job that he quickly embraced.

Today, John is best known for his six-book Lark Chadwick mystery-thriller series, which draws from both professional experience and personal tragedy. Interestingly, he writes through a female perspective with his protagonist Lark Chadwick—a result, he said, of the strong women in his life. But his writing is also shaped by family trauma, such as his sister’s suicide and his son’s fatal drug overdose. Through therapy, John learned to channel those tragic events into emotionally powerful themes of loss, truth, and resilience in his stories. And not surprisingly, his writing often highlights the ethical and emotional complexities of journalism.

His latest book, Enemies Domestic, was published in July 2024, the same week the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that presidents have “absolute immunity” from prosecution for crimes committed as part of their official duties. The book is set in the not-too-distant future when abortion is a crime and a dictator becomes president. Lark Chadwick is the president’s pregnant press secretary who finds herself in the crosshairs of extremists on both sides of the abortion issue.

John DeDakis and Carla Conti are more than writers’ conference buddies … they’ve each racked up numerous 2025 literary awards for their latest books: Enemies Domestic and Chained Birds.

Enemies Domestic is the winner of eight 2025 book awards, including a Silver Falchion, Pencraft, and the Grand Prize in the Thriller & Suspense category for the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs).

I first met John in April at the 2025 CIBAs, where I picked up a Nellie Bly journalism award for Chained Birds. John and I shared a book-signing table and went to lunch afterward, where he kindly listened to my three different true crime book ideas and helped me plot a path forward. We then bumped into each other again at Killer Nashville in August, where we both served as panelists and he critiqued manuscripts as a much-in-demand writing coach and mentor to aspiring authors.

In addition to all his speaking and workshop gigs, John, who lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife, Cindy, hosts the video podcast One-to-One with John DeDakis. And he’s now stepping outside his fictional-series comfort zone with an upcoming memoir. That tell-all book will include his reflections on storytelling, healing through writing, and perseverance in the face of life’s “plot twists.” Be sure to connect with John for updates on when this memoir and his future books launch!

The post John DeDakis: From Journalist to Novelist Journey appeared first on Carla Conti.

I want to thank my friend and podcaster Cameron Santana for having me on his show, Santana True Crime, this week to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Chained Birds—now an Amazon Best Seller—and to talk about my next book, The Jacklighter!

You can watch our hour-plus interview on Spotify, catch some outtake shorts on YouTube, or listen to the full episode No. 35 on Apple podcasts.

I’m a guest with distinction! Podcaster Cameron Santana and his brother Brian are the authors of A Murder on Campus, a true crime cold case story released by WildBlue Press this year. You can find it on Amazon.

I had the pleasure of being Cameron’s first repeat guest on Santana True Crime, after appearing as one of his first guests seven months ago when he launched the podcast in April. Cameron, who spent over 18 years in law enforcement, including 16 years with the Raleigh Police Department, is also a true crime author. And we are both WildBlue Press alums.

He and his brother, Brian Santana (an English professor at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington), co-authored A Murder on Campus: The Professor, the Cop, and North Carolina’s Most Notorious Cold Case, which came out in January. That book investigates the 1973 murder of Virginia Olson near UNC-Asheville, and blends Cameron’s detective expertise with his brother’s academic insight in a multi-generational hunt for justice.

Santana Brothers and Carla Conti: traditionally-published-authors-gone-indie Chained Birds is available in eBook, audiobook, hardcover, and paperback.

Cameron and I have one more thing in common: we’ve both transitioned from traditional publishing to indie authoring. We discussed this new publishing landscape, beginning with Chained Birds: A Crimemoir, which I relaunched (with a new cover and subtitle) after regaining the book rights from WildBlue Press this summer. My “Author’s Cut” new edition includes more than 20 new photos, sketches, and prison artwork made by the federal inmate at the heart of the story, Kevin Sanders.

Cameron revealed that he and his brother are working on a collection of North Carolina true crime stories that they plan to publish themselves next year. One of the unsolved cases they’re writing about is the abduction and murder of five-year-old Brittany Locklear near her North Carolina home 25 years ago. The brothers discussed that case on Santana True Crime in July.

Independent author marketing … a LOVE-HATE necessity I wrote about my AI-assisted ad campaign in this blog post.

Cameron and I chatted about all the work involved in indie authoring, including the heavy burden of marketing. He generously shared my precipitous climb in Amazon rankings, which I attributed to a new AI-assisted ad campaign that I wrote about last week. We agreed that, unless you are Stephen King or Dan Brown, trad-pubbed authors are expected to market themselves anyway, so why not go indie and get more royalties for the effort? Cameron and his brother have all of that marketing to look forward to when they launch their first indie book next year.

An overview of The Jacklighter case The Jacklighter is getting a new cover and subtitle … and stay tuned for big news in January about this next true crime book!

Speaking of next year … Cameron and I discussed at length the story behind my next book, The Jacklighter, scheduled for launch in Q4 2026. This is the first time in any public forum that I’ve gone into details about this work in progress. Cameron, who had read The Jacklighter’s first two chapters, had great questions. I won’t give away any spoilers here, so if you want to know more, check out the full episode.

And if you would also like to read those first two chapters of The Jacklighter, sign up for my Substack newsletter: Crimemoir Confidential. All newsletter subscribers are treated to free previews of both Chained Birds and The Jacklighter as a thank-you

Once again, I want to thank Cameron for having me back on his show! I can’t wait to return

The post Santana True Crime Celebrates Chained Birds’ Anniversary and Amazon Rankings appeared first on Carla Conti.

How I became a #1 Amazon Bestseller

I’m still processing this: Chained Birds just earned TWO #1 Best Seller Amazon badges this week! And fun fact: even though I’ve ranked #1 in two categories simultaneously, Amazon will only display one badge at a time on my retail page. (Amazon keeps alternating between the two )

Technically, this means I can forever claim the title #1 Amazon Bestseller … in, wait for it, Criminal Procedure AND Penology. (Penology, my second category, means prison, people.) This isn’t as sexy as New York Times Bestselling Author, but hey, it’s an indie author’s dream to hit #1 in at least one of their categories, and I did it twice this week.

These badges won’t stick around forever because they represent a moment in time when I’ve outsold other authors in my categories. I’m prepared for them to disappear tomorrow, which is why I’ve screen-captured the heck out of them and archived the Criminal Procedure and Penology pages with a handy service from Archive.Today.

And I want to be clear: this achievement has occurred with my eBook only. I’m selling very few print copies anywhere and just a fair number of audiobooks. But no matter, because an eBook orange badge looks just the same as one earned from selling paperbacks or hardcovers. Amazon doesn’t distinguish badges per format.

Amazon only lists three categories in the details section, but I’m displaying a fourth category from an earlier screenshot that shows I’m knocking on the door to two other #1 slots.Breaking Down Chained Birds’ Path to #1 Amazon Bestseller

There’s no secret recipe for getting these orange badges. It’s a matter of building awareness and standing out from the 3 million new books published in the U.S. every year. (Not so simple, I know.) My Amazon BSR (Best Seller Ranking) for Chained Birds has risen to just over 12k, from its worst position of 788k a week ago. That puts my book in the top 1% in the entire Kindle Store of 12 million titles. (To say it another way, almost 12,000 Kindle Store eBooks rank higher than mine.)

It has only taken about 65 Amazon book sales this week to make this happen, with most of those sales occurring in the last two days. Not exactly a runaway success, but not bad for an indie author competing against John Grisham, Bryan Stevenson, and publishers with massive marketing budgets

So how did I do this? By picking the right Amazon categories to start with, then diving into online ads (mainly Meta), and then dropping a heavy discount in preparation for a big upcoming audiobook and eBook promotion. **Note: I attribute these #1 BSRs solely to my current ad strategy that I’ve set in motion ahead of a planned digital promo blast that begins November 10th. It will be interesting to see what happens as a result of that big promo—more on this below.**

Pick the right Amazon categories My category placement changed since I made this graphic

This is not an advertisement for Publisher Rocket (I have no affiliation), but I mention it because it’s an incredibly helpful tool for picking relevant Amazon categories where you might have a chance to rank #1. One feature I love is an estimation of the number of books you need to sell to reach #10 and then #1 in a given book subcategory. You’ll note that in my Criminal Procedure subcategory, I only needed to sell three books to get to #1! And in Penology, I needed to sell just nine to get to #1. That is called strategic marketing.

You’ll notice I’m knocking on the door to two other #1 rankings in more competitive categories: I’m at #2 in True Crime-Organized Crime (eBooks) and Criminal Procedure Law (an ALL books category). I’ll be watching these for a potential third or fourth orange badge (a possible embarrassment of riches ) as well as the overall general (and very competitive) True Crime category in all book formats as my big upcoming promotion gets underway.

Chained Birds is currently ranked #32 in Kindle’s True Crime category, and according to Publisher Rocket, I’d have to sell 146 copies in a day to reach #1 there. Will it happen? Stay tuned … if it does, I’ll swap out #1 in Criminal Procedure and Penology for #1 in True Crime in a heartbeat

An update on my Amazon Best Seller Rankings, which have changed rapidly over the last few daysGet your favorite AI to help you with book ads

This all started because I finally took the time and invested a little cash into figuring out how the ad space for books works. For my tutorials, I relied heavily on instructions and recommendations from AI. Two weeks ago, I started playing with Amazon ads with Claude-Sonnet 4.5‘s help. It was an exhaustive process to understand and then transpose Claude’s directives, but I finally got several ads up and running that seemed promising. All you can do with an Amazon book ad is change up the text above the cover graphic, and Claude helped me with a few versions for testing.

Claude-Sonnet 4.5’s hilarious analysis for why I wasn’t selling any copies of Chained Birds to true crime readers

The most valuable thing I got from Claude was an analysis of the Amazon ad stats and lack of sales. It turns out that Chained Birds does not necessarily appeal to the average true crime reader who wants books about serial killers or murder mysteries. Instead, my target readers enjoy stories about journalism, prison, and social justice.

So I took this insightful feedback to a second AI, Perplexity, because I wanted a fresh start. I love Claude, but it is wordy and repetitive, and the thread was getting too long. And if I started a new thread, Claude would forget everything we already covered. That is not the case for Perplexity, which also lists all of its online sources for each answer.

My Perplexity-assisted Meta ad creative with a journalism hook

I ditched the Amazon ads for Meta ads, which I’ve read work better for many authors. Once again, I relied on a tutorial from Perplexity, but this time I was armed with much better audience targeting.

Being able to create my own graphics (called creatives) with tools like Canva was helpful. I literally uploaded the creatives to Perplexity as I worked on them, and received terrific suggestions each time, such as adding drop shadows to make the text pop, color changes, background options, text titles, etc.

Price change from $9.99 to $1.99 was key

My Meta ads started off much better than the Amazon experiment. However, what really helped them gain traction was the price drop from $9.99 to $1.99, which I implemented as soon as Chained Birds left Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program on October 30. People love a bargain. It’s hard to know what will happen when pricing returns to normal. Things will certainly level off, I’m sure. I guess I’ll cross that bridge with Perplexity when the time comes.

One of the main reasons I jumped into online ads now (and of course, I wish I had done it sooner, but you know, life and bandwidth) is to prime Amazon’s algorithms ahead of a big upcoming promotion for both the eBook and audiobook

Chained Birds Will End the Year With a Big Promotion

Because I am now an indie author controlling my price and distribution, I qualified for a very-hard-to-get audiobook promotion through Chirp, a division of BookBub. Beginning November 10, 2025, Chirp will introduce my audiobook (discounted to $1.99 from $14.99) to hundreds of thousands of its newsletter subscribers, giving Chained Birds its widest-ever marketplace exposure.

To coincide with the Chirp deal, I lined up several eBook promotions with newsletter services like The Fussy Librarian, Bargain Booksy, Robin Reads, Early Birds, etc. and dropped the eBook price to $1.99 to match. It was a lot of finagling to get my eBook on all of these “wide” platforms with correct pricing, but everything is set now for the big promotion—including getting Amazon’s algo ready to absorb a much bigger flurry of eBook bargain buyers.

I will report back on how this big promo affects my BSR and what, if any, sustained tailwind comes of it.

Final Thoughts

I’m approaching my one-year anniversary as a published author, and I’ve shared a lot of what I’ve learned about this fickle, demoralizing, and yet exhilarating business on this blog. Book marketing has taken on a whole new life for me as a formerly trad-pubbed author, now doing it on my own. Does it help to have a critically acclaimed story honored with lots of book awards? Of course. But without some kind of marketing, no one will know the book exists—this is especially true for us indie authors. So that is the trench I find myself in now, as I prepare to move on to my next true crime story: The Jacklighter.

I hope you stay tuned for updates!

The post How Chained Birds Became a #1 Amazon Bestseller appeared first on Carla Conti.

This past year, I’ve had the pleasure of being a guest speaker at three local-to-me book clubs that assigned Chained Birds: A Crimemoir to their members. I can’t adequately convey what it meant to me, as a debut author, to be welcomed by these groups and treated as a guest of honor.

I have finally compiled a list of book discussion topics that grew out of these events, and I’ll give it a special place on my blog for others to use. For any non-local (Philadelphia area) book clubs that would like to feature Chained Birds, please note I would happily pop in by Zoom or video chat to say hi or answer questions

Book Club Discussion Questions for Chained Birds … Warning: Spoilers AheadAbout the Book

Chained Birds is a gripping true crime memoir by investigative journalist Carla Conti. It follows her journey into the dark world of prison gangs, corruption, and the pursuit of justice as she becomes entangled in the legal defense of a man accused of a brutal prison stabbing. The book blends memoir and reportage, offering a raw look at systemic abuse and personal transformation.

Content Advisory (for facilitators)

This book includes adult language, violence (stabbings, restraints), suicide, addiction, systemic and sexual abuse. Please approach with care and consider a brief check‑in and the option to pass during harder topics.

Discussion Questions Ice BreakersWhat drew you to this true‑crime memoir: the prison‑reform angle, the legal drama, the ethical questions, the author’s voice, or something else?The title Chained Birds invites interpretation. Before reading, what did you think it meant? Inciting Moments and First ImpressionsThe Prologue recounts the murder of Officer Jose Rivera. How did starting there shape your expectations for the story?How does the “snowball” incident function as the book’s fuse? What did that scene signal to you about cause, effect, and accountability?Characters, Relationships, and TrustConsider the triangle of Carla (journalist), Scott (defense attorney), and Kevin (incarcerated client/artist). Where did you most feel trust—and where did your trust waiver?What did you think of Carla’s decision to join the legal team? Was it brave, reckless, or something else?Carla becomes a character with skin in the game (safety, friendships, grief, and anger). How did that affect your empathy and your skepticism?Were there moments when you questioned the motives of any of the main characters?How did your perception of Kevin Sanders evolve throughout the book? What stayed constant? What did you learn from his letters and art, to his courtroom presence, to his post‑release?Where did you feel the book’s risks most acutely—for Kevin, for sources, for the author? Law, Evidence, and the CourtroomIf you were on the jury, how would you have weighed the missing opening to the rec‑cage video? What is the proper remedy when potentially exculpatory footage is not preserved?Should “justification” (duress/necessity) have been available to Kevin at trial? Why or why not?The defense’s expert witness on prison gangs was denied. What’s the line between explaining context and inviting prejudice?Which witness shaped your view most: Kevin, Little Eagle, Lt. Lippit, or the FBI agents? Why?Which correctional staffers (e.g., Shemp, Lippit, MacDonald) felt credible to you—and why?How did your feelings toward the prosecutor and the judge change over the hearings and trial? Inside the SMU: Power, Violence, and Prison PolicyWhat did you learn about the Special Management Unit (SMU) at Lewisburg—and later at Florence? Which practices felt indefensible to you, and which felt like the system trying (and failing) to manage risk?How did double‑celling, cuff‑through‑the‑slot policy, and rec‑cage pairings alter your view of “choice” and culpability behind bars?After reading about four‑pointing, ambulatory restraints, and retaliation, where do you draw the line between order and abuse?How does the book challenge readers to think about rehabilitation versus punishment?Where do you think the system (courts, BOP, parole) most clearly failed—and where did it work as designed? Ethics of Reporting and AdvocacyCarla joins the defense team (editing statements, troubleshooting tech, even role‑reading testimony). What benefits and conflicts did you see?Where should journalists draw boundaries when sources face real danger? Did Carla cross or respect those lines?True crime often walks a tightrope between exposure and exploitation. Did this book “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable,” as quoted in the Epilogue? In what way? Structure and StyleThe book is part legal thriller, part memoir, part investigative journalism/exposé. How effective was this hybrid approach?Did the pacing and structure enhance or hinder your engagement with the story?Did the inclusion of transcripts, letters, and procedural detail enhance your understanding—or slow you down?Which scene pacing (hearings, trial days, phone calls, late‑night crisis) felt most cinematic or immersive? Art, Metaphor, and the Title Chained BirdsHow did Kevin’s artwork, including his sketch “Chained Bird,” change how you saw him? Which of his drawings stayed with you?The book title ultimately became plural—Chained Birds. Who are the “birds,” and what are the chains?Birds can symbolize freedom and fragility. Where did you see both in this story? Trauma, Addiction, and ReentryWhere did trauma show up most clearly—for Kevin, for staff, for Carla and Scott?How did you respond to the reentry chapters—Crossroads Academy, the tug‑of‑war with freedom and relapse, and the dangers of old networks?What kinds of support actually change reentry outcomes? Where did you see promising paths—and preventable pitfalls? Memory, Truth, and UncertaintyLate‑book events (e.g., the motel episode) come with ambiguity. How did uncertainty affect your reading? Does ambiguity diminish or deepen truth?How should we handle “unknowns” in nonfiction when the stakes—guilt, safety, policy—are so high? Themes and MessagesWhat role does fear play in the story — both inside and outside the prison walls?What does Chained Birds reveal about the U.S. prison system? Did anything surprise or disturb you?How does the book explore the concept of justice? Do you think justice was ultimately served? Final Thoughts

If you could ask the author one question at your book club, what would it be?

The post Book Club Questions and Discussion Guide for Chained Birds: A Crimemoir appeared first on Carla Conti.

This summer has been a whirlwind for me. After reclaiming the rights to my award-winning book Chained Birds, I took the leap into indie publishing. It’s been a liberating experience—one that’s pushed me to explore new platforms and opportunities, like making my audiobook available on Spotify. Yes, Chained Birds is now streaming on the same platform where Taylor Swift’s chart-topping hits live. And while I’m not exactly shaking off an arena full of fans, I can’t help but feel a connection to Taylor’s journey.

Let me explain.

Fighting for Creative Rights: The Taylor Swift Connection

If you’ve followed Taylor Swift’s career, you know she’s more than just a pop superstar and the number one streaming artist on Spotify (she just hit over 109 billion streams). She’s a fierce advocate for artists’ rights. Years ago, she famously stood up to Spotify, pulling her music from the platform because of concerns over unfair royalties. It was a bold move, sparking conversations about how creators were compensated in the streaming era.

Fast-forward to today, and Taylor’s music is back on Spotify—but on her terms. This year, she won her years-long, very public fight to reclaim the rights to all of her music. Her strategy involved re-recording and re-releasing the “Taylor’s Version” of her early albums, and her victory is a masterclass in creative ownership for artists everywhere.

Taylor Swift is also fiercely protective of any unauthorized or commercial use of her image. As a substitute, I’m sharing this Halloween effigy I recently saw outside one of my favorite shops in Skippack, PA, The Skippack Hope Chest Boutique, tagged “Haylor Swift.”Taylor’s Battle

Taylor began her battle for control of her music catalog in 2019 when her former record label, Big Machine Records, was sold to Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings. The sale included the master recordings of her first six albums—music that defined her career—without her consent. Despite attempts to negotiate, Taylor was only offered the chance to “earn back” one album at a time by recording new ones, a deal she called unfair and unacceptable

Rather than backing down, Taylor took a groundbreaking approach. Leveraging her publishing rights as the songwriter, she began re-recording her early albums and releasing them as “Taylor’s Version.” This strategy not only allowed her to reclaim control and devalue the original masters but also gave her Swifties fans a fresh reason to celebrate her music. The re-recordings, which include unreleased “From the Vault” tracks, were wildly successful, often outselling the originals.

At the end of May 2025, Taylor announced she had finally acquired her original masters—a victory for herself and a watershed moment for creators everywhere.

Learning from Taylor

What strikes me most about Taylor’s story is how she turned a moment of loss into an opportunity for creative reinvention. She didn’t just re-record her albums; she added unreleased tracks, connected with her fans in new ways, and sparked a larger conversation about artists’ rights.

I took a page from this. After Swift’s May announcement that she’d regained control of all of her music, I opened a dialogue with my former publisher, WildBlue Press, to have my Chained Birds rights reverted to me. I think my request took the press owners by surprise, but in the end, we worked out a deal and had an amicable split. Reasons I wanted my rights back included disappointing sales, lack of marketing and interest, etc.—typical grievances for authors who go this route. (I wrote about this friendly divorce in my first Substack newsletter last month.)

After my rights reversion was complete in July, I followed Taylor’s lead and re-released an “Author’s Cut” version of Chained Birds with new features. The eBook and print versions now contain over 20 new photos, sketches, and prison artwork, offering readers a value-add that wasn’t there before. Additionally, at the end of all new editions of Chained Birds, I’ve included a sneak peek of my next true crime book, The Jacklighter—something that couldn’t have happened (like being on Spotify) if I hadn’t taken back control of my work. I’ve already heard from some new readers who appreciate this extra material, most of which is artwork created by Kevin Sanders, the federal inmate at the heart of the story.

A Final Note

Obviously, I’m not in Taylor Swift’s league, but I do feel a similar sense of triumph in regaining my rights as an artist. Every time someone listens to Chained Birds on Spotify or picks up a copy, it’s a reminder that I took back control of my creative work and gave it a new life.

As Taylor said in a letter posted to her website in May, “All of the music I’ve ever made … now belongs … to me.”

I may only have one book under my belt (for now!), but I know exactly how she feels 

The post Reclaiming My Work: What Taylor Swift Taught Me About Fighting for Creative Rights appeared first on Carla Conti.

October is right around the corner, and so is one of my favorite book festival events! I’m thrilled to announce that on Saturday, October 4, 2025, I’ll be joining the Delaware Valley Chapter of Sisters in Crime at the 23rd Annual Collingswood Book Festival in downtown Collingswood, NJ.

This vibrant, six-block celebration of books, authors, and readers promises something for everyone. From thrilling true crime reads (my personal favorite, of course!) to poetry, children’s activities in Loompaland, and even used book sales, it’s a bibliophile’s dream come true.

Here’s why you need to stop by our booth:

Meet me and other Sisters in Crime authors who are ready to chat about all things mystery, thriller, and true crime.Snag a signed copy of your next can’t-put-down read.Soak in the energy of a community built around the love of storytelling.

And don’t forget to check out the poetry readings, author talks, and book signings happening throughout the day. Whether you’re a fan of middle-grade fiction, YA, or gripping adult novels, there’s a little bit of magic for everyone.

Details you need to know:

When: Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 10 AM – 4 PM (Rain or Shine!)Where: Downtown Collingswood, NJ (Rain Location: Collingswood High School: 424 Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108)Cost: FREE

So, grab your book bag, bring your curiosity, and let’s make this festival one to remember. I can’t wait to meet you all in person and talk about the stories that keep us up at night!

See you there!
– Carla

The post Countdown to the Oct. 4th Collingswood, NJ Book Festival! appeared first on Carla Conti.

I’m overjoyed to announce that Chained Birds: A Crimemoir has been named a finalist in the 2025 Page Turner Awards’ Book Adaptation Needed category! This recognition is particularly meaningful because the Page Turner Awards celebrate books with cinematic potential—an exciting prospect for any author dreaming of seeing their work adapted for the screen.

The winners will be announced this November, and let me tell you, the stakes are high: last year’s winners in this category had their book adaptations paid for by Page Turner Awards themselves! It’s a tremendous opportunity, and I’m thrilled to be in the running … but let’s be real: there are 30 other books I’m competing with, so I’m not holding my breath! Still, my congratulatory email said that my book, Chained Birds, had “risen to the top among hundreds of exceptional submissions, a testament to your skill and dedication as a writer.”

What the judges are saying

Even before the finalists were announced today, two of the judges offered feedback and valuable insight into Chained Birds and its potential as a cinematic project.

Stewart Carry, a retired teacher of English Language and Literature and award-winning UK screenwriter, said the prologue of Chained Birds could immediately reel in a viewer:

The prologue alone, the murder of the prison officer, is such a powerful hook that we become engaged immediately. The writing conveys the horror of the young man’s demise so well that it’s almost visceral, palpably and painfully real … If there’s enough in the entire book, a miniseries for television might be a possibility.

Robin Kaczmarczyk, a Mexico City-based storyteller, ghost writer, screenwriter, and someone who worked on the production of the SUPERMAN movies with Christopher Reeve, echoed the sentiment that Chained Birds has the potential for a miniseries or streaming series, saying:

There is too much material here for just one movie. This would have to become a miniseries—but a good prison miniseries is gold. AND there is gold here, with the right adaptation.

The journey so far: A pre-release inquiry about film options, and now this!

Before Chained Birds launched, it gained the attention of a UK TV-film production company, Expecation TV, which inquired about film rights. That was exciting for about three months … until they ultimately passed. (Pretty typical for this industry.) However, that early interest showed me that Chained Birds has the potential to resonate beyond the page, and now I’m hoping this Page Turner award will add some fire to the engine .

The Page Turner Awards was launched in the UK in 2020 by Ken and Paula Sheridan, a husband-and-wife entrepreneurial team. Paula, an award-winning author herself, created the awards to help talented writers from all backgrounds get discovered, celebrated, and connected with industry professionals. I was drawn to the awards program specifically for the high-calibre screenwriting talent and film producers who might take an interest in my work.

What’s Next? Speaking of awards, look what came in the mail this week: my 2025 Silver Medal for True Crime from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, aka the IPPY awards, that I won in May!

As we await the winners’ announcement in November, I’m reflecting on how far Chained Birds has come. From winning a Nellie Bly Journalism Award to taking home gold and silver medals in the Next Generation Indie, IPPY, and IndieReader Discovery Awards, this book continues to exceed my expectations.

I’m honored to be recognized by the Page Turner Awards and grateful to judges like Stewart and Robin for their thoughtful and encouraging feedback.

Here’s hoping Chained Birds takes flight and finds its way to the screen. No matter what happens, this journey has been unforgettable, and I’m so thankful for your continued support.

The post Page Turner Awards: Chained Birds Has Movie Potential! appeared first on Carla Conti.

I’m overjoyed to announce that Chained Birds: A Crimemoir has been named a finalist in the 2025 Page Turner Awards’ Book Adaptation Needed category! This recognition is particularly meaningful because the Page Turner Awards celebrate books with cinematic potential—an exciting prospect for any author dreaming of seeing their work adapted for the screen.

The winners will be announced this November, and let me tell you, the stakes are high: last year’s winners in this category had their book adaptations paid for by Page Turner Awards themselves! It’s a tremendous opportunity, and I’m thrilled to be in the running … but let’s be real: there are 30 other books I’m competing with, so I’m not holding my breath! Still, my congratulatory email said that my book, Chained Birds, had “risen to the top among hundreds of exceptional submissions, a testament to your skill and dedication as a writer.”

What the judges are saying

Even before the finalists were announced today, two of the judges offered feedback and valuable insight into Chained Birds and its potential as a cinematic project.

Stewart Carry, a retired teacher of English Language and Literature and award-winning UK screenwriter, said the prologue of Chained Birds could immediately reel in a viewer:

The prologue alone, the murder of the prison officer, is such a powerful hook that we become engaged immediately. The writing conveys the horror of the young man’s demise so well that it’s almost visceral, palpably and painfully real … If there’s enough in the entire book, a miniseries for television might be a possibility.

Robin Kaczmarczyk, a Mexico City-based storyteller, ghost writer, screenwriter, and someone who worked on the production of the SUPERMAN movies with Christopher Reeve, echoed the sentiment that Chained Birds has the potential for a miniseries or streaming series, saying:

There is too much material here for just one movie. This would have to become a miniseries—but a good prison miniseries is gold. AND there is gold here, with the right adaptation.

The journey so far: A pre-release inquiry about film options, and now this!

Before Chained Birds launched, it gained the attention of a UK TV-film production company, Expecation TV, which inquired about film rights. That was exciting for about three months … until they ultimately passed. (Pretty typical for this industry.) However, that early interest showed me that Chained Birds has the potential to resonate beyond the page, and now I’m hoping this Page Turner award will add some fire to the engine .

The Page Turner Awards was launched in the UK in 2020 by Ken and Paula Sheridan, a husband-and-wife entrepreneurial team. Paula, an award-winning author herself, created the awards to help talented writers from all backgrounds get discovered, celebrated, and connected with industry professionals. I was drawn to the awards program specifically for the high-calibre screenwriting talent and film producers who might take an interest in my work.

What’s Next? Speaking of awards, look what came in the mail this week: my 2025 Silver Medal for True Crime from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, aka the IPPY awards, that I won in May!

As we await the winners’ announcement in November, I’m reflecting on how far Chained Birds has come. From winning a Nellie Bly Journalism Award to taking home gold and silver medals in the Next Generation Indie, IPPY, and IndieReader Discovery Awards, this book continues to exceed my expectations.

I’m honored to be recognized by the Page Turner Awards and grateful to judges like Stewart and Robin for their thoughtful and encouraging feedback.

Here’s hoping Chained Birds takes flight and finds its way to the screen. No matter what happens, this journey has been unforgettable, and I’m so thankful for your continued support.

The post Page Turner Awards: Chained Birds has movie potential! appeared first on Carla Conti.

Better late than never!

Seven months after receiving this one and only editorial review for my author-narrated audiobook of Chained Birds, I am finally posting it in its entirety. I’m extremely pleased to immortalize this review by AudioBookReviewer.com, even though the reviewer wasn’t so fond of the book’s political aspect. That is the reason, I suspect, for the four-star rating.

But hey, I’ve heard that from a number of readers, and everyone’s entitled to their own opinion—I asked for it, after all! Besides, what I cared about most from this January 2025 review (that still appears on my re-launched Amazon page) was this reviewer’s take on my performance and delivery, which I was incredibly nervous about as a first-time narrator. And whew! I passed the test!

My next true crime book, The Jacklighter, is coming in 2026, and I’ll need to book my studio space with Jeff King at Baker Studios for the audiobook narration!

As I noted in a post reflecting upon my book launch, I couldn’t have turned out this terrific audiobook product without the help and expertise of my highly skilled sound engineer, Jeff King, at Baker Sound Studios in Philadelphia. Jeff expertly guided me throughout the exhaustive and exhilarating process of recording the book over a week in August 2024. His direction was always spot-on, reliably noting if my voice started to trail off or, I was losing engagement with the story. And his sound mixing is second-to-none. Jeff is the reason Chained Birds is a pleasant book to listen to, and I will return to his studio next year to record my next true crime book, The Jacklighter: Murder, Secrets, and the Hunt for Truth in Small-Town Pennsylvania. (I do have to finish writing the book first )

(Continue reading to learn how you can read a free sneak peek of The Jacklighter.)

AudioBookReviewer.com’s full review of Chained Birds

Carla Conti describes the efforts she and her two friends made to advocate for federal prison inmate Kevin Sanders. She details the friendships, horrible conditions, abuse, and the criminal justice system and political failures during their journey to advocate and help repair the broken system.

The author, Carla Conti, offers an eye-opening expose of the many failures in the justice system by detailing each encounter, step, and setback completely and vividly. She reveals in great detail the personal, physical, and emotional drain each suffered throughout the process as well as the level of frustration and fear. The dialogue was rich and authentic, allowing the listener to become fully immersed in the narrative. She connected the cover to the theme of the storyline and the personal relationships beautifully. The sections about the election were a bit surprising as it did not seem to hold a prevalent place in the Kevin Sanders narrative. This felt a bit like venting and justification for being mad at a friend who drew her into this situation.

As the narrator, Carla Conti did an excellent job of speaking clearly and maintaining a steady delivery. Her smooth flow, deliberate pauses, and sighs effectively conveyed the emotions felt by each character. She presented the narrative in a captivating style.

This is a fascinating and revealing narrative about the prison system, gangs, and varying levels of corruption. I found the book compelling and interesting but struggled to write this review due to Ms. Conti’s political rant. While the past decade has vividly exposed political corruption, her deep dive would have been more impactful if she had connected it more directly to the root causes of corruption within the judicial system.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook. It was clear and crisp.

How to read a sneak peek of The Jacklighter

Fun fact: I not only re-launched Chained Birds as an indie author, but I’ve re-launched my free newsletter on Substack, where I’m offering an exclusive preview of The Jacklighter to all subscribers. Come check it out and join us as a Friend of the Flock, for my true crime insights, exclusive book updates, and indie publishing confessions

1. Join my Substack newsletter, CRIMEMOIR CONFIDENTIAL

2. Read The Jacklighter preview at the end of Chained Birds‘ new edition

All editions of the re-launched Chained Birds: A Crimemoir contain The Jacklighter preview, including the audiobook, with a new recording at the end

Please note! As of this post date of Aug. 21, 2025, the Chained Birds audiobook is in the process of being distributed through Voices by INAudio. It’s expected to reach platforms like Spotify, Audible/Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, libraries, and a ton of other places in the next few weeks. I’m keeping track of all the retail links on this page … thanks for your patience

I’m keeping track of all new retail locations for the re-launched Chained Birds audiobook here.

The post AudioBookReviewer on Chained Birds: an “Eye-Opening” Exposé and “Captivating” Author Narration appeared first on Carla Conti.