In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with award-winning author and military veteran Zac Diamanti to explore how personal experience, storytelling, and strategic thinking can shape a successful author career.

Zac shares how his background influences his fiction, why storytelling can be a cathartic process, and how he approaches author business decisions with clarity and intention. The conversation also dives into Kickstarter strategy, social media marketing, and the importance of testing what works while building a loyal community around your books.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Zac Diamanti’s journey from military service to publishing fantasy fiction
• How personal experiences and catharsis shape stronger storytelling
• What authors need to know about running a successful Kickstarter
• Why social media matters for building visibility and reader trust
• How community and business decisions work together in author growth

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
Zac Diamanti’s Website: https://zsdiamanti.com/
Kickstarter – Mages & Mayhem - Deluxe Edition: Cozy Fantasy Book: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zsdiamanti/mages-and-mayhem-deluxe-edition-cozy-fantasy-book
Free Fantasy Fiction: https://freefantasyfiction.com

🎙️ Learn more about the show:
https://theauthornextdoor.com/

📬 Sign up for our newsletter:
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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell kick off May by breaking down the business decisions they’ve made over the past year and the core essentials every indie author needs in place to build a sustainable career.

They discuss the mindset shifts that come with treating writing like a business, along with practical systems for banking, bookkeeping, planning, marketing, and reinvestment. From email lists and backlist strategy to professional production and multiple revenue streams, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it really takes to run an author business with intention.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why indie authors need a business mindset, not just a creative one
• The importance of a separate bank account, bookkeeping, and understanding your business structure
• Why your email list is one of your most valuable assets
• How publishing plans, backlist strategy, and multiple revenue streams create stability
• The tools and systems that help authors stay organized and professional

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview
Vellum: https://vellum.pub/
Atticus: https://www.atticus.io/
World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/
Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/

🎙️ Learn more about the show:
https://theauthornextdoor.com/

In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with thriller author Marc Avery to talk about how he built book-signing momentum across the country by starting small, staying persistent, and learning how to connect with readers in person.

Marc shares how he approaches bookstores, plans signings, and uses authenticity, conversation, and consistency to turn casual interactions into loyal readers.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How Marc Avery built success through bookstore visits, tours, and in-person events
• Why persistence matters more than rejection in author marketing
• How introverted authors can get more comfortable talking to readers
• Using Threads to grow visibility and community
• Why authentic connection and local relationships help sell more books

🔗 Connect with Marc:
Website: https://linktr.ee/authormarcavery
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@author_marc_avery

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
Threads: https://threads.net/
Discipline: https://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Marc-Avery-ebook/dp/B0DG6TDGMF

🎙️ Learn more about the show:
https://theauthornextdoor.com/