🎙️ Authors can’t just write in a alone in a cabin, they have to mix it up.
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with bestselling author JD Barker to unpack what it really takes to succeed in today’s publishing world—from mastering your mindset to understanding the business behind the books.

We explore:

How to overcome the post–first book slump and stay motivated

Why mindset and persistence are your biggest creative tools

The reality of hybrid publishing and what it means for author freedom

Why you can’t separate writing from marketing anymore 📚💡

The art of thinking differently in a crowded industry

How collaboration can elevate your craft (if done right)

The value of querying agents—even if you’re indie or hybrid

Common myths about authorship and what the writing life really looks like

The importance of saying “no” and managing your creative energy

This is a must-watch episode for writers ready to treat their craft like a career—and take control of their creative future.

Answer in Comments 👇 What’s the best author advice you've ever received?

Where to find J.D. 👉 https://jdbarker.com/

Support 🔊 @myNoiseDotNet https://mynoise.net/ A great resource for sounds to help you write!

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/
Writing Coach 📚 https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 writing, publishing, mindset, collaboration, hybrid publishing, author advice, marketing, J.D. Barker, creativity, book promotion, self-publishing, indie authors

🎙️ Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially when you have the right tools.
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with Kathleen Sweeney, COO of Book Brush, to talk all things author marketing, AI tools, and the evolving relationship between writers and readers.

They explore:

How author-reader relationships are changing—and how to make them work for you

The journey behind Book Brush and how it’s shaped by real author feedback

Simple ways to use Book Brush to level up your marketing game

Why marketing is a long game (and how to make it sustainable)

How translation services and virtual assistants can help expand your reach and save time

The launch of Author Anchor and the new resources it offers

Whether you’re just getting started or deep in the publishing grind, this episode is packed with tools, encouragement, and insider advice to help you grow with confidence.

Answer in comments👇 What’s one marketing tool or trick that’s worked for you lately?

Helpful Links:
https://bookbrush.com/
https://authoranchor.com/

Support 🔊 @myNoiseDotNet https://mynoise.net/ A great resource for sounds to help you write!

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/
Writing Coach 📚 https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 Book Brush, Kathleen Sweeney, author marketing, social media, AI in publishing, translation services, virtual assistance, author community, marketing strategies, indie authors, self-publishing

🎙️ What happens when you bring queerness, coziness, and real representation into fantasy writing?
In this heartfelt episode of @theauthornextdoor, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with JP Rindfleisch IX, award-winning author of queer cozy fantasies, to talk about writing with authenticity, transitioning into full-time authorship, and the power of community in a creative career.

In this episode they explore:

JP’s journey into writing and the leap to becoming a full-time author

The enduring appeal of cozy mysteries and why they matter now more than ever

The importance of queer representation in genre fiction 🏳️‍🌈

How sensitivity readers help writers build trust and authenticity

Navigating negative feedback with grace and self-trust

The emotional impact of writing stories that reflect lived experiences

Why community and connection are essential for sustainable creativity

This episode is a warm, honest conversation for writers who want to tell meaningful stories and readers who crave cozy, inclusive fiction that makes them feel seen.

👇 What cozy mystery (or character) made you feel at home?

Where to find JP: https://shop.jprindfleischix.com/

Support 🔊 @myNoiseDotNet https://mynoise.net/ A great resource for sounds to help you write!

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/
Writing Coach 📚 https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 queer cozy fantasy, writing journey, full-time author, cozy fantasy, community in writing, diverse characters, sensitivity readers, LBGTQ+ representation