📚 Reflecting on a full year of writing, podcasting, and indie author life.
In this special episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell take a heartfelt look back at their past year—what they learned, what surprised them, and how the writing and publishing journey continues to evolve.

Angela and Cassie share insights from their own author journeys, reveal lessons they wish they’d known earlier, and talk openly about the importance of community support and giving yourself grace through all seasons—busy, messy, and magical.

In this episode, they explore:

📌 How to balance writing with a chaotic life (and still enjoy it)
📌 Why creative seasons change—and why that’s normal
📌 Lessons learned from publishing mistakes and successes
📌 The importance of community when writing feels hard
📌 How intuition can guide your next creative move
📌 Why reflecting on your growth matters more than you think
📌 What Angela & Cassie are currently reading, watching, and loving

👇 Question of the week:
What was your biggest writing lesson this past year? ✍️💡

🔔 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 podcast, indie authors, creative journey, publishing tips, author reflections, creative growth, writing motivation, author life, podcasting lessons, time management for writers

📚 How do you pitch your book, find an agent, and break into publishing—without losing your mind along the way?
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with Laura Goode, award-winning author, poet, and Stanford professor, about the art and strategy behind getting your book agented, published, and paid.

Drawing from her new craft book Pitch Craft: The Writer’s Guide to Getting Agented, Published, and Paid (Ten Speed Press, 2025), Laura shares her expert insights on querying, pitching, and positioning your work in today’s competitive publishing landscape.

In this explore they explore:

The craft of pitching your book with clarity and confidence ✍️

How to query agents effectively (and what not to do)

Common mistakes writers make in their submission materials

How to identify the right agent and publishing path for your goals

Why persistence and professionalism matter more than perfection

The realities of breaking into traditional publishing as an indie or debut author

How to position your writing as both art and business

Whether you’re polishing your first query letter or preparing to pitch your next big project, this episode is your step-by-step guide to navigating the publishing process with strategy—and heart.

👇 What’s your biggest question about pitching or querying?

Where to find Laura: https://www.lauragoode.com/

🔔 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 🔑 pitching a book, how to get a literary agent, query letter tips, querying agents, traditional publishing, book pitch tips, literary agent advice, publishing process, writing craft, author career, publishing strategy, manuscript pitching, how to get published, writer tips, Pitch Craft Laura Goode

🚨 Writers, beware! Not every opportunity is what it seems.
In this eye-opening episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell break down the most common scams targeting indie authors—from shady “review services” to fake book award schemes—and share real experiences to help you stay safe, smart, and empowered in your author journey.

They unpack how to spot red flags, protect your creative work, and make informed decisions when investing in marketing or promotions. If you’ve ever received a too-good-to-be-true email about your book… this episode is a must-watch.

In this episode they explore:

• How to spot and avoid author scams in the self-publishing world 🚫
• Why authentic engagement matters more than paid reviews
• The truth about unsolicited emails offering promotions or representation
• The pros and cons of paid promotions and what’s actually worth your money
• Why book reviews are valuable only when they’re genuine
• The power of author communities for staying informed and supported
• Why trusting your instincts is your best line of defense

🎧 This episode is your guide to navigating the publishing industry with confidence, clarity, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Because being indie shouldn’t mean being uninformed.

Answer In Comments 👇 Have you ever gotten a suspicious “book promotion” email? Tell us your story in the comments!

For more info on the Alliance Of Independent Authors click here: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/

🔔 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 🔑 indie authors, scams, book reviews, promotions, copyright, author community, writing tips, publishing industry, author safety, self-publishing

🎧 Thinking about turning your book into an audiobook?
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with professional narrators Heather Costa and Jeffrey Kafer to break down everything indie authors need to know before taking the leap into audiobook production.

They discuss when to make the move, what costs to expect, and how to navigate profit-sharing and royalty models. From budgeting and communication to understanding contracts, this episode is your roadmap to entering the audiobook market with confidence and clarity.

In this episode, they explore:

• When indie authors should consider audiobook production 🎙️
• How to navigate profit share vs. full rights models
• Why timing matters—wait until your book is selling well
• Tips for communicating effectively with your narrator
• The potential for profit and growth in the audiobook market

Whether you’re a first-time indie author or expanding your publishing empire, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you make informed, strategic decisions about bringing your story to life in audio.

Answer in comments 👇 Are you planning to turn your book into an audiobook? Tell us what’s holding you back!

Where to find Heather and Jeffrey: HighGravityProductions.com

🔔 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 🔑 audiobooks, indie authors, production, profit share, rights, advice, self-publishing, indie authors

🎙️ Writing the book is just the beginning—let’s talk about what it really costs to be an author.
In this eye-opening episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas dive into the hidden expenses of the writing life, from the tangible costs of publishing and advertising to the emotional toll authors rarely discuss.

They unpack both the traditional and self-publishing sides of the industry, exploring how to make smarter financial choices and build a sustainable author career that aligns with your goals not just your wallet.

In this episode they explore:

• The hidden costs behind writing, publishing, and marketing your book 💸
• The trade-offs of self-publishing—more control, but more responsibility
• How advertising and promo expenses can add up fast (and what to prioritize)
• The rise of direct-to-reader sales and what it means for indie authors
• Why sharing financial wins can unintentionally discourage other writers
• Building a reader community that sustains your long-term success
• How knowing your “why” can help you navigate publishing choices with confidence

This episode is a candid, numbers-meet-narrative look at what it takes to build a writing career that lasts.

Answer in comments 👇 What’s been your biggest surprise about the “real” costs of being an author?

🔔 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 🔑 author costs, self-publishing, traditional publishing, marketing, reader engagement, indie authors, book pricing, advertising, writing community

🎙️ Seven Romance Books. One dyslexic author. A journey defined by humor, heart, and perseverance.
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with romance author Ivan Scott, who shares his remarkable story of becoming a published writer while navigating the challenges of dyslexia—and how it ultimately shaped his creativity, storytelling, and voice.

They explore:

Ivan’s inspiring journey from rejection to publication (and what 303 “no’s” taught him)

How dyslexia influences his writing process and creativity ✍️

What it’s like to write romance as a male author—and the responsibility that comes with it

Crafting relatable, emotionally resonant characters that readers connect with

The role of observation and empathy in developing authentic relationships on the page

Why patience and life experience make you a better storyteller

How to view rejection as redirection in your writing career

The joy of writing stories that preserve memories and celebrate love

Ivan’s thoughts on exploring new genres and deeper themes in future projects

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that no matter the obstacles—whether dyslexia, rejection, or self-doubt—every writer has a voice worth sharing.

👇 What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your writing journey, and how did it make you stronger?

Where to find Ivan Scott 👉 https://ivanscottbooks.com/

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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, dyslexia, romance, male authors, humor, character development, rejection, publishing, storytelling, creativity, indie authors

🎙️ 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