In this episode of Daggers & Daydreams, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we each found our way into indie publishing, and why that journey looked completely different for both of us.

While we’ve both chosen the independent publishing path, one of us made that decision intentionally, while the other fell into it more organically. We’re not here to compare or debate which is “better.” Instead, we’re sharing what our real publishing journeys looked like. The messy bits, the mindset shifts, and the lessons that shaped who we are as authors today.

If you’re standing at the start of your own publishing path and wondering, Should I go indie? Try trad? Do I need to know yet? This conversation is for you.

We talk about the emotional rollercoaster of releasing our first books, the surprises (good and bad), and how our definition of success has evolved. Plus: the behind-the-scenes on marketing, timelines, creative control, and the business side of being your own publisher.

Timestamps:
00:21 – Intro: Two indie authors, two very different journeys

What we hoped for, feared, and felt before releasing book one

16:22 - The Pros and Cons of Indie and Traditional publishing
27:26 - What we've learnt from Indie Publishing, key takeaways

37:09 – Creative vision vs. business mindset—what shaped our approach

44:28 - How indie publishing shaped our careers and confidence
46:22 - Where we stand now
47:14 - What we wish we’d known and what we’re proud of

48:06 - Mindset shifts

50:25 - Things we wanted to know before we started our publishing journey

51:28 - Outro

Keywords: beginner writing, writing advice, debut authors, indie publishing, traditional publishing, self-publishing, book launch tips, creative process, publishing journey, women writers

Whether you’re planning your publishing path or still figuring out what your first step looks like, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at how your writing dreams can take shape in unexpected ways. There’s no one right road—just your road.