One of the most powerful ways to make a difference in today’s world is by sharing and writing a story. Writers use their ability in writing to get important messages across to the readers. This ability becomes even more impactful when the stories are written by writers who belong to minority groups and whose stories reflect some of the struggles they have experienced throughout their lives. As the writing industry continues to become more competitive, Running Wild Press took the initiative to launch a publication platform especially designed to highlight the voices of people of color and bring their stories forward.
Running Wild Press is a leading press known for publishing fascinating stories that don’t fit conventions. Its founder and executive editor, Lisa Daine Kastner, has worked in media and entertainment for more than ten years and publishing for twenty years. With extensive knowledge and experience in business, technology, and the creative field, she has been nominated for the Forbes Next 1000, an initiative to “spotlight diverse entrepreneurs who are redefining business amid unprecedented uncertainty.”
This female-driven independent press is best known for publishing cross-genre stories. Running Wild Press has received critical acclaim, including multiple-starred reviews, two awards for “best of 2019,” and Terence Hawkin’s “Turing’s Graveyard” for “best of 2020.” Today, the company unveils yet another exceptional milestone as it launches RIZE, a publication platform specifically catering to works of people of color, which is set to publish three genre novels in 2021. “Our goal is to bring forward unique voices,” expresses the founder.
Much of Lisa Daine Kastner’s vision in establishing both Running Wild Press and RIZE stems from her having witnessed the reality that many talented authors and writers who do not fit into the traditional and conventional structures defined by larger publishers find themselves at a loss in an oversaturated industry. And yet, Lisa knew their stories needed to be heard; fans were waiting. With great encouragement from her husband, she took a leap of faith and established a company geared toward amplifying unique voices and stories.
Running Wild Press features unique stories that allow talented storytellers to explore their ideas freely and outside the box. Some of these stories include “Glue Gone Wild,” by brain cancer survivor Suzanne Sample, which was named one of the best of 2019; Reuben Tihi Hayslett’s “Dark Corners,” which feature LGBTQ characters of color and landed a best of 2019 title; and even a story of a wife’s perspective of her husband’s return from war and PTSD struggle which is scheduled to come out in March 2021. Moreover, the publishing hub also opens its doors to short stories, novels, and annual anthologies with no themes, only grand narratives.
Today, RIZE is taking over the publication arena, by discovering phenomenal authors of color and bringing their stories to eager readers. Running Wild Press also continues its aim to give unconventional writers a platform where they can shine brightest. In the future, Lisa and her team will take the publishing companies to greater heights and expand their reach to films, TV, digital shorts, and more. “Our goal is to become the top independent publisher in the world.”
To know more about Running Wild Press and RIZE, please visit their official website.
