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. Networking For Authors: How to Build Community

    5d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Book Signings For Authors: What Actually Works with Marc Avery

    Apr 29

    Book Signings For Authors: What Actually Works with Marc Avery

    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/

    52 min
  7. Midlife Creativity: Finding Your Voice and Purpose with Shamayne Olivia

    Apr 22

    Midlife Creativity: Finding Your Voice and Purpose with Shamayne Olivia

    In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Shamayne Olivia to explore creativity, self-discovery, and what it truly means to embrace your voice in midlife. Shamayne shares her powerful journey through loss, reinvention, and personal awakening, offering insight into how women over 50 can reconnect with their creativity and step fully into their second act. The conversation dives into intuition, resilience, identity, and the importance of protecting your creative energy while navigating life’s responsibilities. In this episode, they discuss: Shamayne Olivia’s journey through grief, reinvention, and creative awakeningThe symbolism of “shoes” as a framework for self-awareness and growthHow to protect your creative energy and avoid burnoutWhy community, mentorship, and support systems matterTrusting your intuition and embracing imperfection in the creative process🚀 Connect with Shamayne Olivia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shamayneolivia/ https://shoesthatfithersoul.com/ 🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 📬 Sign up for exclusive content: https://bit.ly/49hvRVp

    59 min
  8. How Authors Can Use Color Theory For Better Branding

    Apr 15

    How Authors Can Use Color Theory For Better Branding

    In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas explores how color theory can strengthen author branding and help writers create a more memorable, cohesive visual identity. She breaks down how colors shape reader perception, signal genre and mood, and influence the overall experience readers have with your books, website, and event materials. From book covers to merchandising, this episode offers practical guidance for authors who want their branding to feel intentional and instantly recognizable. In this episode, she discusses:  How color theory affects branding and reader perception  The role color plays in signaling genre and mood  Common color mistakes authors make in branding and merchandising  Why consistency matters across covers, websites, and events  How to create the right visual vibe for your author brand 🛠️ Resources mentioned: Color Wheel and Color Theory Basics: https://www.color-meanings.com/color-wheel/ Pinterest for Color Palettes: https://www.pinterest.com/ Color Palette Inspiration from Paint Samples: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/color-schemes Color Psychology in Marketing: https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824 🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 📬 Sign up for exclusive content: https://bit.ly/49hvRVp

    40 min
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5
out of 5
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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
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Author Next Door

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