Samantha and Matilda are still focusing on their craft, talking through their process for planning whole series and books, from the biggest arc to the smallest word.

Next week, Matilda and Sam are sharing the results of a day of craft exercises.

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/

Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF

Where to find Sam and Matilda:

SAM IG: @sammowrimo

Website: www.samantha-cummings.com

Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/

Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)

Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)

MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor

Website: MatildaSwift.com

Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)

Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)

Mentioned on the show:

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00340ESIS/ Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078VWDNKT Shonda Rhimes Masterclass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/shonda-rhimes-teaches-writing-for-television Kim Boo York podcast episode example: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2024/07/15/intuitive-discovery-writing-and-serial-fiction-with-kimboo-york/ The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944751343/ Holly Black podcast example: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VItEPB1gyQeKfaCFySgwy Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes: https://www.amazon.com/Romancing-Beat-Structure-Romance-Kissing/dp/1530838614/ Jennifer Lynn Barnes Id List podcast example: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/using-the-id-list-to-enhance-fiction-with-jennifer-lynn-barnes--16495640

Other podcasts you can hear us on:

Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)

• Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream

Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)

• Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing

Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)

• Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
• Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets

Samantha and Matilda are still focusing on their craft, turning a critical eye to our own writing and that of others.

Next week, Matilda and Sam are talking about how they plan all elements of a new series and its books, down to the craft level.

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/

Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF

Where to find Sam and Matilda:

SAM IG: @sammowrimo

Website: www.samantha-cummings.com

Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/

Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)

Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)

MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor

Website: MatildaSwift.com

Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)

Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)

Mentioned on the show:

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0765387573/ Katabasis by RF Kuang: https://www.amazon.com/dp/006302148X/ Gothikana by RuNyx: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6XMCCG2 The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R King: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250055709/ Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250886104/ Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett: https://www.amazon.com/Guards-Discworld-Novel-ebook/dp/B00354YA5E/ Perdido Street Station by China Mieville: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345443020/ Cargoes by John Masefield: https://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/cargoes The Princess Bride: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/ Columbo: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1466074/

Other podcasts you can hear us on:

Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)

• Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream

Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)

• Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing

Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)

• Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
• Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets

Samantha and Matilda are talking through allll the options for reaching readers, searching for the ones that suit their skills.

Next week, Matilda and Sam are reviewing Q2!

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/

Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF

Where to find Sam and Matilda:

SAM IG: @sammowrimo

Website: www.samantha-cummings.com

Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)

Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1)

MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor

Website: MatildaSwift.com

Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)

Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)

Mentioned on the show:

Jen dePaula: https://www.instagram.com/jenndepaulabookmarketing/?hl=en The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944751343/ Steve Aitchison’s episode of Pen and Prosper: https://penandprosper.substack.com/p/episode-70-selling-more-books-with

Other podcasts you can hear us on:

Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)

• Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream

Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)

• Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing

Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)

• Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
• Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets

Samantha and Matilda are looking back over the months in which everything has changed!

Next week, join Matilda and Sam for challenge week. What are you challenging yourself to?

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/

Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF

Where to find Sam and Matilda:

SAM IG: @sammowrimo

Website: www.samantha-cummings.com

Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)

Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1)

MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor

Website: MatildaSwift.com

Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)

Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)

Mentioned on the show:

Alex Aster’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexaster/?hl=en Gabourey Sidibe: https://www.threads.com/@gabbysidibe Project Hail Mary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12042730/

Other podcasts you can hear us on:

Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)

• Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream

Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)

• Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing

Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)

• Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
• Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets

Samantha and Matilda have just finished challenge week, and they’re figuring out how not to quit the things they ought to be doing.

Next week, Matilda and Sam are planning new series launches and considering all the things they can do for them.

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/

Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF

Where to find Sam and Matilda:

SAM IG: @sammowrimo

Website: www.samantha-cummings.com

Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)

Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)

MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor

Website: MatildaSwift.com

Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)

Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)

Mentioned on the show:

Edits app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.basel&hl=en_GB Josh Malerman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Malerman Adam Beswick: https://apbeswickpublications.com/

Other podcasts you can hear us on:

Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)

• Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream

Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)

• Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing

Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)

• Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
• Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets

Samantha and Matilda are preparing to launch their next series, and they’re thinking big!

Next week, Matilda and Sam are planning the ends of their current series and how to do this successfully.

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/

Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF

Where to find Sam and Matilda:

SAM IG: @sammowrimo

Website: www.samantha-cummings.com

Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)

Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)

MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor

Website: MatildaSwift.com

Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)

Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)

Mentioned on the show:

Ride or Die: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30494226/ The Odyssey: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33764258/ Good Girls: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6474378/ The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TWSRMCB/ Breanne Randall: https://www.breannerandall.com/ Florence Given: https://www.youtube.com/@theflorencegivenshow Splash: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088161/

Other podcasts you can hear us on:

Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)

• Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream

Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)

• Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing

Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)

• Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
• Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets

Samantha and Matilda are getting better at asking for help, and they’re making plans to improve even more.

Next week, Matilda and Sam are finding ways to build contacts in new genres.

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/

Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF

Where to find Sam and Matilda:

SAM IG: @sammowrimo

Website: www.samantha-cummings.com

Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)

Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)

MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor

Website: MatildaSwift.com

Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)

Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)

Other podcasts you can hear us on:

Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)

• Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream

Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)

• Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing

Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)

• Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
• Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets

Samantha and Matilda are reaching out to authors and readers in new genres…yes, it feels uncomfortable, but they’re doing it anyway!

Next week, Matilda and Sam start a mini-series on craft, sharing what they’ve been focused on and their favourite resources.

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/

Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF

Where to find Sam and Matilda:

SAM IG: @sammowrimo

Website: www.samantha-cummings.com

Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)

Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)

MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor

Website: MatildaSwift.com

Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)

Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)

Mentioned on the show:

Terry Pratchett: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Pratchett Matt Dinniman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Dinniman Hearthcon: https://www.lazydragonbooks.com/hearthcon-2026 Crystal Johnson’s Marketing Q&A: https://www.patreon.com/crystaljohnston/posts/august-be-sure-q-165662796 Nathan C Ashford’s threads account: https://www.threads.com/@nathancashford

Other podcasts you can hear us on:

Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)

• Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream

Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)

• Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing

Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)

• Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
• Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets