Pen to Paycheck Authors

Pen to Paycheck Authors
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Welcome to pen to Paycheck Authors podcast. We’re two indie authors; Matilda Swift, author of quintessentially British Cozy Mysteries, and Sam Cummings, author of Young Adult books about magic, myths, and monsters. With over a dozen books between us, and still a long way to go towards the ‘quit the day job’ dream, we’re here to write our way to financial success. Listen along for our mastery through missteps journey

  1. 4d ago

    How To Learn From Your Comps

    Samantha and Matilda are closely looking at the comps for their new books, and they’re analysing what works in their craft and why. Next week, Sam and Matilda are returning to a favourite topic - audacity! How can they think bigger for their author careers? 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: Katabasis by RF Kuang: https://www.amazon.com/dp/006302148X/ Starchaser by RM Grey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316583391/ Nightweaver by RM Grey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6DMR7G1/ Blood & Betrayals by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668230399/ Modern Divination by Isa Agajanian: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1035049988/ Boys with Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250334594/ The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250324602/ There be Dragons Here by SL Rowland: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1964567289/ Fables of Finlestia series by ZS Diamanti: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDJSHNGS Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250886104/ Audacious by Mark Schaefer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTNCH18Y BristolCon: https://www.bristolcon.org/ Buffy the Vampire Slayer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer 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 Write it Scared (with Stacy Frazer) Episode 119: The Power of the “Right” Writing Community: Find Your Folks and Keep Going

  2. Oct 21

    How to Level Up Your POD Paperbacks

    Samantha and Matilda are exploring all the options they can add to Amazon POD books to make them look as fancy as a special edition. Next week, Sam and Matilda are examining the comps for their new books and picking out some useful craft tips. 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: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250751365/- The Fellowship of Bakers and Magic by J Penner: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1464243751/ The Hedgewitch series by Skye McKenna: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QPYN5TS Tiffany Aching series by Terry Pratchett: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063444291/ Don’t Let the Forest In by CG Drew: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250895642/ The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250343186/ 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

  3. Oct 14

    How We Learn from Mistakes

    Samantha and Matilda are looking back on their most recent series and learning from the mistakes they made (and making sure to keep the good parts too). Next week, Sam and Matilda are talking about Amazon POD paperbacks and how to upgrade them to something special. 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: Ines Johnson’s book club (read the info at the top): tinyurl.com/RLAWBC The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250394546/ Kindle Storyteller Award: https://www.amazon.co.uk/b?ie=UTF8&node=12061299031 Seurat (the dot painting artist Sam mentioned): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Seurat Olivie Blake: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Olivie-Blake/author/B01MS0CF5G T Kingfisher: https://www.amazon.com/stores/T-Kingfisher/author/B00LBKVU3E Michael Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mevansinked 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

  4. Oct 7

    How We Keep Life and Writing Organised

    Samantha and Matilda plan life and their writing in VERY different ways, but each way works. Listen in on their different tactics. Next week, Sam and Matilda are reflecting on their most recent series, making sure they learn lessons before moving on. 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: Bluemoose Books: https://bluemoosebooks.com/ Haworth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haworth Plum Paper: https://www.plumpaper.com/ Good Tuesday Year Planner: https://goodtuesday.com/collections/wall-planners/products/2026-2027-academic-year-wall-planner-landscape-boho-arches Wordle: https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html Framed: https://framed.wtf/ Martin Lewis: https://www.moneysavingexpert.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

  5. Sep 30

    How We’ve Achieved All in Q3

    Samantha and Matilda are looking back on Q3 and all that they’ve achieved. Next week, Sam and Matilda are talking about the many different types of planning they do and the tools they use for this. 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) 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

  6. Sep 23

    How to Fight Mindset Blocks

    Samantha and Matilda are fending off the mindset blocks that might hold back their new series’ success. Next week, Sam and Matilda are doing their Q3 review! 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: K-lytics: https://k-lytics.com/ Tempest by Victoria Aveyard: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063451360/ Matt Dinniman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Dinniman 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

  7. Sep 16

    How We Succeed at Preparation

    It’s challenge week! Find out if Samantha and Matilda succeeded in their tasks to prepare for their new series. Next week, Sam and Matilda continue getting ready for their new series by fending off the mindset issues around 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 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: Obsidian: https://obsidian.md/ K-lytics: https://k-lytics.com/ The Honest Authors Podcast: http://hollyseddon.com/about-me/the-honest-authors-podcast/ Plot Twist Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/plot-twist-podcast 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

  8. Sep 9

    How Craft Exercises Cure Creative Blocks

    Samantha and Matilda are challenging each other to stretch their creative muscles with craft exercises. Next week, it’s challenge week. Join Matilda and Sam to strike down the least inviting items on their to-do lists. 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 Five-Minute Writer by Margret Geraghty: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1845283392/ CAConrad’s [Soma]tics: https://www.caconrad.com/somatic The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R King: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250055709/ Modern Divination by Isa Agajanian: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1035049988/ 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

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4.6
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to pen to Paycheck Authors podcast. We’re two indie authors; Matilda Swift, author of quintessentially British Cozy Mysteries, and Sam Cummings, author of Young Adult books about magic, myths, and monsters. With over a dozen books between us, and still a long way to go towards the ‘quit the day job’ dream, we’re here to write our way to financial success. Listen along for our mastery through missteps journey

Information

  • Creator
    Pen to Paycheck Authors
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    146
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Pen to Paycheck Authors

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