The Author Next Door

Angela Haas & Cassie Newell
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

This is real talk for authors, relatable to where they are in their journey and to our journey as self-published authors. We talk about our experiences and have guest chats with experts and other authors about their experiences.

  1. Panel: How Superstars Built a Conference People Return To with James A. Owen, Todd Fahnestock, Steve Ruskin and Mark Leslie Lefebvre

    6d ago

    Panel: How Superstars Built a Conference People Return To with James A. Owen, Todd Fahnestock, Steve Ruskin and Mark Leslie Lefebvre

    In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell host a special panel from Superstars Writing Seminars focused on what it really means to build community in the writing world. Featuring Mark Leslie Lefebvre, Todd Fahnestock, Steve Ruskin, and James A. Owen, this conversation explores how Superstars began as a small gathering and grew into a conference people return to year after year because of the relationships, generosity, and sense of belonging it creates. The panel also dives into practical networking advice for authors, from making genuine connections at conferences to maintaining those relationships long after the event ends. In this episode, they discuss: How Superstars Writing Seminars grew into a thriving author communityWhy genuine relationships matter more than transactional networkingHow authors can make meaningful conference connectionsWays to maintain relationships beyond events and social mediaWhy bravery, generosity, and vulnerability matter in author networking🛠️ Resources mentioned:Superstars Writing Seminars: https://www.superstarswriting.com/Mark Leslie Lefebvre: https://markleslie.ca/Todd Fahnestock: https://toddfahnestock.com/Steve Ruskin: https://www.steveruskin.com/James A. Owen: https://jamesaowen.com/ 🎙️ Learn more about the show:https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 📬 Sign up for our newsletter:https://linktr.ee/theauthornextdoorpod

    1h 3m
  2. How To Build Real Connections In the Bookish Community with Kara Infante and Gigi Howard

    Jun 17

    How To Build Real Connections In the Bookish Community with Kara Infante and Gigi Howard

    In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Kara Infante of Bookish Flights and Gigi Howard of Drinks in the Library to talk about how they built thriving book communities around their podcasts and platforms. They share what it takes to grow a community both organically and intentionally, how authentic engagement creates trust, and why connection matters more than perfection. The conversation also explores podcasting, social media, live events, and the ways authors can better connect with readers, creators, and community builders in the literary space. In this episode, they discuss:  How Kara and Gigi built their communities over time  Why authentic connection matters more than polished perfection  The role of social media and live events in community growth  How authors can approach podcasters and creators more effectively  Why your unique voice is one of your strongest assets 🛠️ Resources mentioned: Bookish Flights Podcast: https://www.bookishflights.com/podcast Drinks in the Library: https://www.drinksinthelibrary.com/ 🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 📬 Sign up for our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/theauthornextdoorpod

    51 min
  3. Create Connections Instead of Chasing Likes

    Jun 10

    Create Connections Instead of Chasing Likes

    In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell explore the difference between having an audience and building a real community as an author. They talk about why so many authors chase visibility instead of connection, how social media can distort our sense of progress, and why newsletters often become a stronger long-term tool for reader engagement. The conversation also dives into super fans, authenticity, consistency, and the kinds of relationships that support both creativity and career longevity. In this episode, they discuss:  The difference between audience, visibility, and true community  Why social media can create burnout and distorted feedback loops  How newsletters help authors build deeper reader relationships  What turns casual readers into long-term super fans  Why consistency and authenticity matter more than chasing metrics 🛠️ Resources mentioned: Jenn DePaula Marketing: https://jenndepaula.com/ J.R. Ward: https://jrward.com/ Rebecca Yarros: https://rebeccayarros.com/ Emily Henry: https://www.emilyhenrybooks.com/books 🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 📬 Sign up for our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/theauthornextdoorpod

    45 min
  4. Networking For Authors: How to Build Community

    Jun 3

    Networking For Authors: How to Build Community

    In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell kick off Networking and Community Month with an honest conversation about what authentic networking really looks like for authors. They explore why networking is really relationship-building, how reciprocity shapes healthy author communities, and what they’ve learned from both strong and disappointing connections in the writing world. The conversation also dives into confidence, consistency, community fit, and how the right support system can sharpen your perspective and help you avoid costly mistakes. In this episode, they discuss:  Why networking is about relationships, not using people  How reciprocity and trust shape healthy author communities  What to look for when choosing the right writing spaces  Why consistency matters when building real connections  How community can strengthen both confidence and creativity 🛠️ Resources mentioned: CliftonStrengths by Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx Superstars Writing Seminar: https://superstarswriting.com/ Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast: https://www.savannahgilbo.com/podcast Dialogue Doctor Community: https://dialoguedoctor.com/ Becca Syme – Write Better Faster 101: https://betterfasteracademy.com/wbf101/ 🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 📬 Sign up for our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/theauthornextdoorpod

    38 min
  5. Three Business Reminders For Authors

    May 27

    Three Business Reminders For Authors

    In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell close out Business Month with an honest conversation about the parts of author business that rarely make it into the polished success stories: money, brand behavior, and the pressure to publish faster than your life or creativity can actually sustain. They talk about why money conversations matter, how every public move becomes part of your author brand, and why publishing cadence needs to be based on your actual capacity rather than industry pressure. The conversation also highlights Becca Syme’s strengths-based perspective on burnout, plate size, and the danger of forcing someone else’s system onto your own writing life. In this episode, they discuss:  Why money conversations are essential in an author business  How brand behavior shows up in everything from reviews to social media  The risks of oversharing and comparison when you are the brand  Why rapid release is not the right strategy for every author  How to define a sustainable publishing cadence without burning out 🛠️ Resources mentioned: Better-Faster Academy: https://betterfasteracademy.com/ QuitCast for Writers: https://betterfasteracademy.com/podcast/ Dear Writer, Are You in Burn Out?: https://betterfasteracademy.com/books-by-becca-syme/dear-writer-are-you-in-burn-out/ Gallup CliftonStrengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx 🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 📬 Sign up for our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/theauthornextdoorpod

    46 min
  6. Strategic Planning for Authors: Build a Business That Supports Your Creativity with Nicole Fronek

    May 20

    Strategic Planning for Authors: Build a Business That Supports Your Creativity with Nicole Fronek

    In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Nicole Fronek to talk about what it really takes to balance creativity with strategy in an author business. Nicole shares practical insights on building a roadmap, managing time and resources wisely, and creating systems that support both the creative and operational sides of a writing career. The conversation also explores mindset, burnout prevention, confidence, and the importance of community and partnerships for long-term growth. In this episode, they discuss:  How authors can balance creative passion with business thinking  Why strategic planning and roadmaps matter for long-term success  The role mindset and self-awareness play in decision-making  How community and partnerships support sustainable growth  Why rest and reflection are part of the process, not a distraction from it 🛠️ Resources mentioned: Sheconomy: https://www.sherisesstudios.com/ Corporate Coach Approach: https://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Coach-Approach-Systematic-Development/dp/1952465575  🔗 Connect with Nicole Fronek: https://twohorseproductions.com/about/🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 📬 Sign up for our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/theauthornextdoorpod

    53 min
  7. Kickstarter, Community and Storytelling with Zac Diamanti

    May 13

    Kickstarter, Community and Storytelling with Zac Diamanti

    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:https://linktr.ee/theauthornextdoorpod

    56 min
  8. Author Business Essentials: What Indie Authors Need To Get Serious

    May 6

    Author Business Essentials: What Indie Authors Need To Get Serious

    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/

    53 min
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About

This is real talk for authors, relatable to where they are in their journey and to our journey as self-published authors. We talk about our experiences and have guest chats with experts and other authors about their experiences.

Information

  • Creator
    Angela Haas & Cassie Newell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Author Next Door

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