Show Notes
Join me in this exclusive interview with author, Samantha Hartwood! This is her first podcast episode, and we are so excited to have her here with us! We dive into her writing process for her debut novel, Masquerade of Mirrors, discussing her challenges and joys in the writing process, how she built her worlds, and how her characters came to life. Samantha also gives us hints at the next book she is writing that you don't want to miss! Hit that subscribe button so you don't miss out on more exciting episodes coming soon!
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Join Kaitlin and I as we talk about kindness, honesty, and the reality of being art of the bookish community. We get into reader entitlement, review culture, cold DMs, and why genuine support matters so much to indie authors. We discussed the truth about how much authors actually earn from book sales and why buying directly from authors can make a huge difference. Kaitlin brings her perspective as a reader and content creator, and we talk about burnout, transparency, and what it really means to support indie authors. If you love indie books and want to make the book community a better place, this episode is for you. Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode!
In this episode, I sit down with indie author Rachel Lynn to talk about her writing process across different genres like romance, fantasy, and mystery. We also discuss her newrelease, A Study in Shadows. We get real about the emotional cost of writing, the pressure to stay visible online, and how Rachel balances building a readership with making time to rest. Rachel also shares practical insights on finding ARC readers, selling signed books directly, and the hidden costs of indie publishing. We talk about genre-blending, writing characters readers can connect with, and why staying true to who you are and how having your own voice matters more than chasing trends. Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button, so you never miss an episode.
Join narrator, Kate Clover, and I as we dive into the world of narration! We talk about what it takes to get started, what equipment you may need, the difference between dual, duet, and solo, and how authors should be selling their audiobooks at events! We had a great time and whether you’re a reader, and author, or a bookish business, you should definitely tune in for the whole episode! Go ahead and hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode!
Join Nicole, a reader, mom of three, and former sign language interpreter, and I, for an honest conversation about what draws readers to a book, and what makes them pass. We talk about covers, blurbs, romantasy, and why genuine connections matter more than pushy promotion. Nicole shares her experience with ARC and ALC reading, reviews, and the books that she loves long after reading!! We also discuss how authors and readers can build trust and support indie books together. If you love books and want to understand the reader/author relationship, this conversation is for you! Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode!!
Join Dan Desai Martin and I as we talk about his debut novel, In the Shadow of the Sanctum! We discuss what it really takes to bring a book from an idea to a physical book that readers can pick up and read! Dan tells us that he has been a lifelong lover of fantasy and has a background in religious studies, which helped him shape the story of "In the Shadow of the Sanctum"! We also get into the realities of the publishing journey. Dan experienced more than 100 rejections, learned how to query agents, and explains the differences between traditional publishing, small presses, vanity presses, and self-publishing. Dan shares what marketing a book looks like for him, why supporting independent authors matters, and how libraries, local bookstores, direct sales, and reader reviews can make a real difference. If you are a reader curious about the people behind the books, or an author trying to make sense of the publishing world, this conversation is for you! You can find Dan on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @DandesaiMartinBe sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode! If you would like your own copy of In the Shadows of the Sanctum, you can find it here: https://amzn.to/4d374raAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy the book through my link, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you!