Indie Author Life

by MG Hunt
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Welcome to the 'Indie Author Life' show, hosted by indie author MG Hunt. Here, we discuss creative journeys, trials and triumphs that indie authors face. Tune in to gain inspiration, learn practical strategies, and discover real-life stories shared from other indie authors navigating this world. Enjoy! mghunt.substack.com

  1. 4d ago

    Enter the Indie Realm | Author Chat with Shannon Riley

    Book shop owner (The Indie Realm, WA) and romantasy author, Shannon Riley is a presence in the West. There are lots of bookish things happening in Western Australia, and according to Shannon, it’s only getting started. Shannon noted that one of the challenges facing the bookish scene in WA is the limited number of book related events. There are many reasons for this; logistical and financial at the heart of it. It can be costly to hold an event, even in Australia’s fourth largest city. The sheer size of the country is a barrier for a lot of people to travel too. From where I am in Melbourne, it is quicker for me to fly to Auckland, New Zealand (a whole different country!) than to get to Perth, the capital of the West. But Shannon is confident there will be a continuous growth of book events, with the success of Wild Out West (WOW) being a positive sign. Shannon made it clear that she writes and create stories purposefully, and for the pure joy of it. She states that she doesn’t (and can’t) write ‘crap’. She has to be in the mood to write, and write well, in order to tell her stories. If she’s not in the best headspace, the writing doesn’t happen. There is something to take away from this mindset. Being gentle with yourself perhaps if the words aren’t coming out, it is ok, and encouraged, to take a step away from the writing desk/laptop. Enjoy the episode! Timestamps 00:00 introduction 00:45 Shannon’s Background 04:15 Not writing to fit tropes 05:12 Shannon’s daily life 10:27 The hardest vs. most enjoyable part of writing 19:46 Book Events (West Australian ones) 30:03 Why Shannon’s drawn to romantasy 41:57 Write for yourself, not what’s popular 46:00 Different drafting and editing processes 47:36 Follow Shannon Riley Shannon Riley Links * Instagram * Goodreads * Tiktok * Amazon * Facebook * The Indie Realm Perth MG Hunt Links * Instagram * Threads * Goodreads * TikTok * Facebook * Website * Amazon Thanks for tuning in to the Indie Author Life show! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

    Enter the Indie Realm | Author Chat with Shannon Riley

  2. Sep 23

    The Darkness in the Flesh Book Launch

    It is both daunting and special to share your book with other people. Writing can often feel solitary. As authors, we are alone with our thoughts of character arcs, dialogs and visions of far off fantasy lands. We bring our thoughts together into one vessel (paperback, electronically, or otherwise), offering it to the world at large. When we send our book out to the universe, it can also feel similarly solitary. Sometimes, it is a isolated celebration for releasing something so personal and precious - a little cheer from behind the screen as you post your announcement on social media. No matter how isolated it can feel, it is still a moment to cherish. One can launch their book in many ways. This time, for my second full-length novel Darkness in the Flesh, I wanted an opportunity to launch it in both an intimate and inviting way. The Leaf Bookshop, and all my wonderful friends and family, made that possible. Enjoy this special episode of the Indie Author Life Show, where a recording of my book launch for Darkness in the Flesh is available for you to watch or listen. If you are interested in grabbing a copy of Darkness in the Flesh, visit my online author shop on Ko-Fi. Please note: This was filmed with my vlog camera, so I apologise if the audio and visual quality may be a bit hard to hear/see at times. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:50 What Darkness in the Flesh is about 05:24 The writing experience for MG Hunt 08:47 Why I wanted to tell Gatira’s story 11:10 On writing powerful women 12:45 Romance in Darkness in the Flesh 16:39 Friendships and found family 18:56 Writing in first person 20:24 World-building process in MG Hunt’s books 24:20 Balancing life with writing 26:30 Why Identity is a big theme for Gatira’s story 27:48 Creation of the magik system 30:35 Looking at elemental magik heritage in book 2 31:36 Why MG Hunt writes young adult fantasy 33:40 What MG Hunt would like readers to take away from the book 34:34 Which fantasy author’s inspire MG Hunt 37:15 If I had to choose another genre 38:20 Plotter or pantser? 39:42 Movie or film casting 43:10 Audience QnA MG Hunt’s Links: * Instagram * Threads * Goodreads * TikTok * Facebook * Website * Amazon Thanks for tuning in to the Indie Author Life show! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

    The Darkness in the Flesh Book Launch

  3. Sep 10

    A conversation with Isobelle Carmody and Olivia O’Flynn | Unbound Fantasy Event

    Welcome to a special episode of the indie author life show! This episode is a recording of my panel chat at Unbound Fantasy event, held on 27th August 2026. I was honoured to be on a panel with two fantastic authors: Olivia O’Flynn and Isobelle Carmody. We shared our thoughts on Fantasy writing, world building, magic and the publishing industry. I came to the chat with an indie author perspective, which was great to contrast against some of the opinions shared by Olivia and Isobelle who are both traditionally published. I recorded both the video and audio on my own devices. The lighting was a little dark and I had limited filming spots, so the visuals may be a bit hard to see at times. However, the audio is still enjoyable, and I hope you can sit back, relax, and enjoy this special episode of the indie author life show. Special thanks to: Em Meades, JMC Academy, Olivia O’Flynn and Isobelle Carmody. Enjoy the episode! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:17 Panel chat begins 02:25 Author introductions 05:28 What draws you to writing fantasy 14:27 What types of characters we like to write. 23:38 Spirituality informing writing practices 35:11 World-building of our stories 42:34 Question time Isobelle Carmody Links: * Instagram * Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Patreon Olivia O’Flynn Links: * Instagram * Website * Goodreads * TikTok MG Hunt’s Links: * Instagram * Goodreads * TikTok * Facebook * Website Thank you so much for tuning in to the episode. I hope you enjoyed it! If you want to check out more indie author life episodes, check out our Substack or Youtube channel. Episodes are also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and many other similar distribution channels. If you’d like to, please consider giving this episode a like, subscribe or consider following our social media accounts on TikTok and Instagram, @IndieAuthorLifeShow. Finally, if you want to check out some of my books, you can find my fantasy novels over on my website which is mghunt.com. Take care, and see you in the next episode. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

  4. Sep 3

    Your creativity can heal you | Author Chat with Kelly Wilson

    “Our creative side can heal us,” was what Australian author Kelly Wilson declared in our conversation. I couldn’t agree more with her. We are thrown into environments and responsibilities that don’t leave room to priorities creativity. But returning to our creative or child-like side can offer us so much comfort and internal soothing. Through Wings for Grace, Kelly is an Education and Wellbeing Consultant. She visits all parts of the community for play based learning activities, often align with her therapy dog, Zahli. This aspect of her professional life has inspired her children’s literature work, featuring titles such as Lady Lulu. The other side of Kelly’s writing is much more darker. Through her thriller novels, she writes of strong female main characters who go through trials but always prevail. Kelly wants her female protagonists to be champions, to provide hope for those reading quite intense and dark stories. This is ever apparent in her titles Vita Mia (latest release) or Fragmented. Enjoy the episode! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Kelly’s background 04:16 A day in Kelly’s life 11:40 Pivoting to writing after a life changing moment 16:04 Vita Mia and cult research 23:10 What do you find hardest about writing, and what do you find most enjoyable about writing? 29:06 Kelly’s first publications 33:00 Marketing yourself in two genres 39:39 What’s next for Kelly and her future projects 45:20 How to find Kelly Kelly Wilson Links: * Website Wings for Grace * Instagram: Kelly Wilson Wings for Grace * Instagram: Kelly Wilson Thriller Author * Goodreads * Kelly Wilson Bookshop MG Hunt’s Links: * Instagram * Threads * Goodreads * TikTok * Facebook * Website * Amazon Thanks for tuning in to the Indie Author Life show! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

    Your creativity can heal you | Author Chat with Kelly Wilson

  5. Aug 20

    English Teacher by Day, Editor by Night | A chat with Gabby from GCD Editorial

    Gabby has always held a deep love and adoration for stories. It started way before creating a blog for her reviews, more so when she was a child. It was a passion that seemed to never disappear. Even when she originally pursued a psychology degree, the itch to be involved in the literary world never dissipated. And after pivoting to a Bachelor of English and Creative Writing, Gabby never looked back. During an English teaching stint in China, Gabby found herself editing other author’s manuscripts on her downtime. Upon returning to her home in Adelaide, Australia, Gabby realised this was a side quest of sorts that she wanted to engage in more seriously. Now, alongside working in Adult Education at a University, Gabby’s GCD Editorial business is flourishing. She regularly keeps herself abreast of the updates in the editing world by constantly attending professional development sessions. Gabby also plans for a resource book to emerge in the future, one that aims to encapsulate the advice she’s provided to countless author’s she’s worked with throughout her career. Enjoy the episode! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:20 Gabby’s background and where she grew up 12:20 The start of GCD Editorial and the indie author community 14:40 Teaching English in Adult Education 16:35 A day in the life of Gabby 19:26 The GCD Editorial process. 27:05 Receiving criticism 31:05 Gabby’s perspective on the most common issues seen when receiving a manuscript 37:01 All about Style Sheets 40:02 A genre Gabby would like to edit in the future 42:45 Gabby’s favourite genre 45:12 Changes in the indie book world 50:12 Where you can get in contact with Gabby at GCD Editorial GCD Editorial Links: * Website * Instagram Email: gcdeditorial@outlook.com MG Hunt’s Links: * Instagram * Linktree * Threads * Goodreads * TikTok * Facebook * Website * Amazon Thanks for tuning in to the Indie Author Life show! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

    English Teacher by Day, Editor by Night | A chat with Gabby from GCD Editorial

  6. Aug 6

    The Art of Writing Together | Author Chat with Elaelah Harley

    In our chat, author Elaelah Harley joked about not having any hobbies. But with so many new story ideas constantly running through her mind, I don't think she'd have time for one anyway: writing and storytelling should consume all her energy. As indie authors, it's funny how our story writing sometimes feels less like a hobby and more like an extra job. Maybe that's because we take it so seriously, and there's a lot of mental work involved that other hobbies don't necessarily require. Though, I'd argue that all hobbies, no matter how "mundane" others might consider them, take a lot of mental effort. Still, it feels far more passionate and exciting than our day-to-day 9-5 jobs, that's for sure. Elaelah Harley is the first author I have interviewed that is a co-writer. Along with fellow Aussie author Alanya J. Stuckey, they have crafted the Greenport Books; romance novels set with the backdrop of Australian smalltown life. A lifestyle both Harley and Stuckey are familiar with. But romance is not the only genre Elaelah is sticking with, as she mentioned towards the end of our chat that she is working on a fantasy story, that is being edited by the University of Southern Queensland! Exciting times ahead for Elaelah, and I cannot wait to see what she does next. Enjoy the episode. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Where Elaelah grew up and her educational background 05:41 A day in Elaelah’s life 10:22 Encouraging teenage students to read 14:51 Elaelah’s approach writing 24:26 Co-writing in the indie author world. 34:43 The Greenport Series 37:45 Non-negotiable themes in ‘Love in Our Experience’ 43:38 Next projects in Greenport Series - a Cowboy romance 45:10 Collaborative writing has improved Elaelah’s solo writing 46:52 Future and recent book events 50:01 A Fantasy Book in the works! 55:22 Where to get in find Elaelah online Elaelah Harley links: * Instagram * Website * Tiktok * Facebook * Amazon Greenport Books: * Website * Instagram MG Hunt’s Links: * Instagram * Linktree * Threads * Goodreads * TikTok * Facebook * Website * Amazon Thanks for tuning in to the Indie Author Life show! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

    The Art of Writing Together | Author Chat with Elaelah Harley

  7. Jul 23 ·  Bonus

    Exclusive look into Darkness in the Flesh, my next fantasy novel.

    In this bonus episode, I chat about: * The editing process for my next book Dakrness in the flesh, * Marketing Darkness in the Flesh as well as some insights into the illustrations and design choices made for the book * Some shoutouts to some important author friends in my lfie * The official book launch for Darkness in the Flesh. Please note: In the video I said the book event is 11 September, this is a mistake and the event is now 12 September. There’s a Save-the-date book event on Facebook which you can join if you want more updates about the launch. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:10 Editing process with Darkness in the Flesh: The story of Gatira 05:25 The Cover design for Darkness in the Flesh 10:34 Illustration of the Cast from Darkness in the Flesh 16:23 Event updates and life updates 20:49 ARA and the chat with Jess Weber 21:34 Formal announcement of The Leaf Bookshop Book Launch Media discussed in the video Age of Pages: Short form videos Jess McFarlane Book fair Australia Episode SK Stapar Books: * Midnight Gate * Firedawn Gate Jess Weber Episode: Inside the First Chapter Bookshop Thanks for tuning in to the Indie Author Life show! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

  8. Jul 9

    The truth about ghostwriting | A chat with Kaitlan Sharpe

    When people hear the term ghostwriting, a lot of thoughts can arise. Is the book authentic to the author if it is ghost-written? But Kaitlan firmly believes it is a crucial and accessible way for people to share their memoirs. She hopes to instil a renewed confidence in an author’s writing to believe that self-publishing is a beautiful chance to share one’s story. We discuss in detail about the ways ghostwriting can open up doors to people who might find writing their memoir difficult, and how her services offer way for people can If there was ever a person who does it all in the publishing world, it would be Kaitlan. She wears so many different hats, and is only getting started. Manager of Green Hill Publishing by day, and ghostwriting/editor by night. In addition to all that she is also embarking on her own writing projects - a memoir focused on managing grief in your 20s, as well as a romance novel. Stay tuned for more amazing things coming from Kaitlan Sharpe. Enjoy the episode! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:20 Kaitlan’s background 09:24 What does a day in Kaitlan’s life look like 14:45 The different sides of self publishing 18:31 All about ghost writing and what it is 31:08 Kaitlan’s Editing Career and process 38:30 A new venture: Kaitlan’s own writing 40min mark there is a discussion of death and cancer until 53:45 min mark 44:14 Writing complex grief 53:45 Kaitlan’s fiction writing 57:30 What’s next for Kaitlan? 01:00:47 Where to find Kaitlan on social media Kaitlan Sharpe’s links: * Loads of Books Website * Instagram * X * Goodreads * LinkedIn * Green Hill Press Website MG Hunt’s Links * Instagram * Linktree * Threads * Goodreads * TikTok * Facebook * Website * Amazon Thanks for tuning in to the Indie Author Life show! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

    The truth about ghostwriting | A chat with Kaitlan Sharpe
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About

Welcome to the 'Indie Author Life' show, hosted by indie author MG Hunt. Here, we discuss creative journeys, trials and triumphs that indie authors face. Tune in to gain inspiration, learn practical strategies, and discover real-life stories shared from other indie authors navigating this world. Enjoy! mghunt.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    by MG Hunt
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © MG Hunt
  • Show Website
    Indie Author Life

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