Imagine never losing momentum on a story again.
This week Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Michael Stewart, Head of Community at Sudowrite, to explore how AI tools are helping authors overcome writer’s block, stay organized, and focus on the creative work that truly sparks joy.

Michael shares insights on Sudowrite’s evolution, its supportive 15K+ author community, and how features like Story Bible and voice modeling are giving writers more time to create and less time managing the busywork.
🖊️ Check out Sudowrite here: sudowrite.com
🌐 Connect with like-minded authors and access free resources in our online community here: community.authornation.live
💬 Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here: https://discord.gg/KqFFwb6ATv
🎟️ Don’t miss out on Author Nation 2025! Secure your spot here: authornation.live

AI narration isn’t the future — it’s already here.

In this week's episode, Joe Solari talks with Phil Marshall, founder of Spoken, about how his platform is transforming audiobook creation for indie authors. Phil shares how Spoken’s AI lets writers design custom voices, produce full-cast audiobooks in hours, and distribute affordably — all while keeping creative control.

🎧 Check out Spoken here: spoken.press
🌐 Connect with like-minded authors and access free resources in our online community here: community.authornation.live
💬 Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here: https://discord.gg/KqFFwb6ATv
🎟️ Don’t miss out on Author Nation 2025! Secure your spot here: authornation.live

What does it take to build lasting visibility as an author in a constantly changing world?
In this episode, Joe Solari talks with Desireé Duffy — founder of Black Château, Books That Make You, and The BookFest — about how to think strategically, stay agile, and integrate your marketing to reach readers in meaningful ways.
Desireé shares how she built a multi-channel ecosystem connecting authors and readers through PR, events, and media—and why chasing trends like TikTok isn’t nearly as powerful as understanding your unique creative path.

Listen in to learn how to future-proof your marketing, build long-term visibility, and connect authentically in today’s crowded publishing landscape.
Episode Resources:
🏰 Learn more about Black Château here: blackchateauenterprises.com
📚 Visit Books That Make You here: booksthatmakeyou.com
🏆 Check out The BookFest here: thebookfest.com
🌐 Connect with like-minded authors and access free resources in our online community here: community.authornation.live
💬 Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here: https://discord.gg/KqFFwb6ATv
🎟️ Don’t miss out on Author Nation 2025! Secure your spot here: authornation.live

Audiobooks are now the fastest-growing format in publishing, expanding more than 25% each year. Are you in the game?

This week, Joe Solari is joined by Madeline Shue, Head of Author Growth at ElevenLabs, to discuss the launch of ElevenReader, a new publishing model that lets you create and sell audiobooks directly to your readers — with full control, fair royalties, and no unnecessary barriers.

Madeline breaks down how ElevenReader is helping authors earn more with audio through its AI-powered app, all while tracking real-time analytics like drop-off rates and completion percentages. Listen in to learn why this free tool is shaking up the audiobook world, and how authors like you can use it to access brand-new readers.

Episode Resources:

🚀 Check out ElevenReader here.

🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.

💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.

🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

Your next big launch doesn’t need to start with Amazon.

This week, Joe Solari is joined by Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, to explore how authors are taking control of their publishing futures—one campaign at a time.

You’ll hear how our Kickstart Together cohort has launched over 30 author-led campaigns and raised more than $179,000 in its first year. Whether you’re a debut author funding your first book or a seasoned pro offering exclusive rewards to your superfans, crowdfunding can help you grow your audience and build a sustainable author business.

Learn what’s working, what to avoid, and how to tap into a platform built for storytelling.

Episode Resources:

🚀 Check out Kickstarter here.

📚 Join the cohort here.

🤝 Support live projects here.

🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.

💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.

🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

What if you could make money with your voice while you sleep?

In this week's episode, Joe Solari talks with UK narrator and audio innovator Simon Patrick about how he turned voice licensing into passive income with ElevenLabs—and how it all started by helping his teenage daughter publish her first book. You’ll hear about AI-powered audiobook production, author-narrator collaboration, and how Simon’s family turned publishing into a creative business.

Episode Resources:

🚀 Check out Novel Productions here.

🎤 Check out ElevenLabs here.

🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.

💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.

🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

What does it look like to build a writing career before you can even vote? In this inspiring episode, Author Nation's Joe Solari sits down with 22-year-old indie author Abby Patrick to explore her journey from homeschooled teen with a story idea to multi-published author, Instagram bookfluencer, and playwright.

Whether you’re an emerging author, a parent of a creative teen, or a veteran writer curious about the next generation, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Resources:

🚀 Check out Abby Patrick's work here.

🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.

💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.

🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.

Marketing as an author isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building lasting reader connections. This week, indie author and marketing expert Bonnie Paulson joins Author Nation's Joe Solari to explore community-driven marketing and how indie authors can foster long-term engagement. Learn how to scale your efforts, automate smartly, and create a marketing strategy that grows with your career.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Bonidi here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.