In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to prolific author Karl Beckstrand. Karl talks to us about marketing and the difference between traditional and self-publishing. College media instructor Karl Beckstrand is the best-selling author of 27 titles (and 65 e-books) with reviews by Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal. Karl was raised in San Jose, California and has a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in conflict resolution, and a broadcast & film certificate. His western, To Swallow the Earth, won a 2016 International Book Award. Beckstrand’s mysteries, nonfiction, STEM, and Spanish/bilingual books feature diverse characters—and usually end with a twist. Karl has a plethora of accolades: His 27th book - Abundant Paths (nonfiction) was just called “Definitive” by Publisher’s Weekly. His bilingual picture book Crumbs on the stairs was named in the top 10 "Best Books" of 2011 by ForeWord Reviews Magazine and featured in School Library Journal. His western novel - Swallow the earth won a 2016 International Book Award and was a Laramie Award finalist. His kid’s parable on earning a living - the Bridge of the golden wood was selected by the State of Vermont for primary school career/finance curriculum (another was selected for agriculture curriculum in Oregon and Georgia). Karl also teaches media at a state college, has had numerous books at #1 in their category, and have received nods from Kirkus and The Horn Book.