What makes a character feel real? In this episode of From the Author’s Chair, we chat about the little things that add up to big emotional depth in storytelling—like hobbies, quirks, and real-life flaws.

I talk about why your characters need lives before the plot starts, and how allergies, nervous habits, and sleepwalking belong in fantasy just as much as swords and spells do.

The reading today is Chapter 8 of Origin Curse—where Yoshiko works undercover on low-level supply duties while Asumi spies about the palace, all while watching her mother spiral into dangerous recklessness. For the first time, Yoshiko decides to step in—before it’s too late.

✨ In this episode:

• Why hobbies make characters more human
• What medieval IBS can teach us about fantasy realism
• A powerful turning point in Yoshiko’s journey
• The small cracks before everything changes

🎧 Listen now, and don’t forget: your characters deserve to feel real.

#FantasyAudiobook, #OriginCurse, #FromTheAuthorsChair, #WritingTips, #CharacterDevelopment, #CreativeLife, #EpicFantasy

In this episode of From the Author’s Chair, I talk about creative energy and when you write best—morning, night, or sneaky pockets of time in between? I share how switching from night writing to early mornings changed everything for me, and why giving your dreams your best energy first is a game-changer.

Today's chapter reading features Chapter 7 of Origin Curse—a big moment in the book, where we get the very first subtle glimpse of a second POV character who’s going to become very important later on. 👀

✨ In this episode:

• Writing routines: morning vs night
• Creative energy and owning your time
• A taste of what’s to come in the second POV arc
• A reminder that even small bursts of writing add up

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to follow the journey through Origin Curse and beyond.

#FromTheAuthorsChair, #FantasyAudiobook, #WritingTips, #CreativeLife, #OriginCurse, #IndieAuthorJourney, #EpicFantasy

Dragon-tier discipline, 3 am recording, and a big milestone—Chapter 6 is here!

In this episode of From the Author’s Chair, I share a major writing update—I've officially submitted the manuscript for my next novel Iron Angels to my developmental editor! 🎉 Plus, I talk about what it’s really like working with a dev editor and how it can transform your story.

Then we head straight on into Chapter 6 of Origin Curse, titled Training a Dragon—where Yoshiko faces brutal, elegant, and survival-optional training under the watchful eye of her mother, the daimyō Asumi.

This was a long chapter, so it took me two 3:15 am recording sessions to get it done (yes, really 😅). I also talk about finding typos mid-recording, debating future edits, and the strange magic of seeing how much your writing has grown since you first wrote a book.

✨ In this episode:

• Why dev edits are game-changers for writers
• Behind-the-scenes audiobook recording at 3 am
• The growth you don’t see until you read your old work aloud
• A sneak peek at what’s coming next (including one of my favourite characters ever!)

🎙️ Whether you’re a fantasy reader, a fellow writer, or just love hearing how books come to life—there’s something in here for you.

📚 Listen now & subscribe for weekly chapters, author life talk, and creative tips.

#FantasyAudiobook #IndieAuthor #NoblebrightFantasy #FromTheAuthorsChair #AudiobookPodcast #CreativeProcess #WritingTips #OriginCurse #IronAngels

Secrets in the dark. A cursed bloodline. And the moment Yoshiko's world begins to change forever...

In this episode of From the Author’s Chair, I share some exciting progress on my upcoming noblebright fantasy novel, Iron Angels—featuring Celyn, a former prison guard-turned royal guardian, who finds herself caught in the middle of a rebellion against the very people she’s sworn to protect. I'm deep in the self-editing stage right now, with a developmental edit set to begin in just a week—and I'm so excited about how it's all coming together!

Then, we dive into Chapter 5 of Origin Curse—a pivotal moment in Yoshiko’s journey. Led by her mother through hidden underground caverns, Yoshiko discovers the dark legacy of her bloodline—a family curse tied to the power they wield. One warning echoes louder than the rest:
Use your powers too much… and you may never be able to turn human again.

✨ For fans of:
🔹 Epic, character-driven fantasy
🔹 Secret powers & generational curses
🔹 Female-led stories with emotional weight and political intrigue
🔹 Audiobook podcasts by indie authors

🎙️ Subscribe for weekly chapters, behind-the-scenes writing talk, and the raw truth of indie author life.

🎧 Listen now and discover what lurks beneath the palace floor…

🔗 AND if Iron Angels sounds like your thing and you want to hear more, head on over to www.sarahkateishii.com and sign up for the mailing list to receive news straight to your inbox.

#FantasyAudiobook #NoblebrightFantasy #IndieAuthorPodcast #FromTheAuthorsChair #EpicFantasy #OriginCurse #WomenInFantasy #AudiobookSeries #IronAngels

🎧 Chapter 4: A Historical Place | Origin Curse Fantasy Audiobook
From the Author’s Chair Author Podcast – Episode 4

Escape, legend, and the edge of everything she knew...

Lady Yoshiko and her mother, the formidable daimyō Asumi, have reached the bridge—the final barrier between the palace walls and the freedom of the town beyond. But cursed waters, whispered legends, and watchful guards are only the beginning.

In this episode of From the Author’s Chair, we read Chapter 4 of Dynasty Codes: Origin Curse—a beautifully tense, emotional moment of escape and reckoning. With danger at every corner, Yoshiko must trust not only her mother’s plan but also her own strength as the world she knew begins to unravel beneath her feet.

✨ Fantasy Audiobook lovers, this chapter is rich with:
⚔️ Tension and palace intrigue
🌉 A heart-pounding nighttime escape
👁️ Myth, memory, and the shadow of rebellion

Plus, I’m recording this one from my blanket fort. Yes, seriously.
Why? Because reducing reverb is real—and also, it’s basically the dream of every bookish kid: reading fantasy from inside a blanket fort. 📚💫

🎙️ Author tip of the week: If you’re recording audio on a budget, don’t be afraid to get creative. A good blanket fort, closet setup, or pillow wall can do wonders for reducing echo and improving your sound—perfect for indie authors and DIY narrators!

So grab your hot drink of choice, pull up your headphones, and join me for another chapter of this epic fantasy adventure.

🎧 Listen now and step into the shadows with us...
📱 Subscribe & follow for weekly chapters + indie author insights
🔎 Keywords: fantasy audiobook, noblebright fantasy, female-led fantasy, Japanese-inspired fantasy, audiobook podcast, indie author, DIY audiobook, slowburn epic fantasy

www.sarahkateishii.com

A sound in the night. A shadow at the window. A desperate escape.

Yoshiko is still mourning her father’s death when she hears someone climbing the outer walls of her bedroom. Her instincts scream danger, but when she raises her blade to strike—she comes face to face with someone unexpected.

Now, she must make an impossible choice: stay where she’s safe… or flee into the unknown. Because sometimes, the place that protects you can also become your cage.

Welcome to Episode 3 of From the Author’s Chair!

I want to share a few more behind-the-scenes audiobook recording struggles—like learning to hold my breath before speaking, avoiding accidental mousepad noises, and the ultimate enemy of all audiobook narrators… a rumbling stomach. 😂

Seriously, recording an audiobook teaches you things you’d never think about in everyday speaking—like how even shuffling in your chair gets picked up on the mic! But I’m getting smoother with each episode, learning new tricks along the way (like the finger-click editing hack and finally figuring out punch and roll recording).

Hit play to join me for Chapter 3—where danger looms, secrets unravel, and Yoshiko faces a truth she never expected.

🎙️ Subscribe for more audiobook chapters & indie author insights!
📢 Find me on social media: @SarahKateIshii

A gift to prepare. A strange noise on the wind. An entourage of horses approaching the castle… and something Yoshiko never expected.

The suspense is building in Chapter 2 of Origin Curse! What approaches the castle gates?

Welcome to Episode 2 of From the Author’s Chair, where I’ll be narrating the free audiobook for my epic fantasy novel, Origin Curse.

But that’s not all! Each episode also gives you a behind-the-scenes look into indie author life—complete with insights, surprises, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're an aspiring writer or just love a good story, there’s something here for you.

🎧 Hit play to join me in the world of Origin Curse!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more audiobook chapters and indie author insights!

Welcome to From the Author’s Chair!

This is the beginning of something special. As an indie author, I want to make my stories as accessible as possible—including an audiobook version of Dynasty Codes 1: Origin Curse. Since professional audiobooks are expensive to produce, I’m recording it myself in a more raw, personal, and immersive way—so more people can enjoy it, no matter how they read (or listen!).

This is my first time doing this, so I’m learning as I go, but that’s all part of the indie author journey!

In this episode, I’ll introduce the podcast and then begin the intro and Chapter 1 of Origin Curse—where the dragon’s curse begins.

Let me know what you think in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next chapter!

Dynasty Codes 1: Origin Curse is an epic fantasy story full of magic, destiny, and dragons.