Indie Authors Tell All

BAIPA

Welcome to Indie Authors Tell All, where authors take the mic. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) members and those who help us publish and sell our books. We dig into the challenges and successes of independent publishing—writing, publishing, and promoting—from the people making it happen. We're a community that can help you along this path, avoiding expensive mistakes, and becoming successful authors.   We’re here to shine a light on the real-world challenges and successes in independent publishing — straight from the people making it happen. We know from our collective decades of experience, that indie publishing may be independent but it requires a team effort. Finding your resources — like this podcast or like Independent Book Publisher Associations, can save you years of time and thousands of dollars. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (or BAIPA) members and industry professionals who are shaping the future of publishing and redefining what it means to go indie.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Redefining Creativity - Interview with Gini Graham Scott

    In this episode, Mike sits down with the incredibly prolific Gini Graham Scott to explore how she manages a massive, multi-disciplinary career spanning books, films, games, and music. Gini shares her unique philosophy of "playing life as a game" and demonstrates how she uses cutting-edge AI tools to streamline her creative process—from generating book illustrations and brainstorming chapter outlines to developing game mechanics. We dive deep into the practicalities of being a "Creative Director" of your own life, managing a global team of virtual assistants, and navigating the ethical complexities of AI in the modern publishing landscape. In this episode, you’ll learn about: Multi-Stream Creativity: How to tie different mediums (writing, gaming, film, music) together into a cohesive brand. AI as a Tool: Practical ways to use AI for research, illustrations, and overcoming writer's block without losing your personal voice. Time Management & Delegation: How to manage multiple projects simultaneously by segmenting time and leveraging virtual assistants. The Business of Indie Publishing: Insights into using platforms like Amazon, ACX, and SongTrader to monetize various creative outputs. Connect with Gini: Main Website: https://www.changemakerspublishingandwriting.com/ Watch the video of this episode About the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA): Looking for community, guidance, and professional growth? BAIPA is a volunteer-run educational community dedicated to the art and business of independent publishing.  Website: BAIPA.org   #IndiePublishing #AuthorLife #AIinWriting #CreativeEntrepreneur #SelfPublishing #BAIPA #IndieAuthors #WritingCommunity #Gamification

    Redefining Creativity - Interview with Gini Graham Scott
  2. Jul 8

    Forgiveness through Authorship - Interview with Carolyn CJ Jones

    In this episode, Becky sits down with BAIPA member and author Carolyn C.J. Jones to discuss her transformative journey through writing, publishing, and personal healing. Carolyn shares the fascinating origin of her pen name and dives into the creative process behind her books: the poetic imagery of Opening the Gates of the Heart, the life-changing lessons in The Art of Forgiveness, and her recent memoir, Beyond Childhood Trauma. Beyond the personal stories, Carolyn offers invaluable insights into the realities of independent publishing—from the importance of establishing a searchable brand to the challenges of marketing and the life-saving benefits of joining a community like the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA). Whether you are an author looking for encouragement or a reader seeking a path toward peace and healing, this conversation offers profound inspiration on how storytelling can facilitate deep personal transformation. Key Topics: Branding as an Author: Why Googling your name is a vital first step. The Creative Spark: How journaling and photography merged to create evocative verse. The Path to Peace: Moving from victimhood to forgiveness using the "Yippee Method." Navigating the Indie Landscape: The role of community and continuous learning in publishing and marketing.   Author Website: carolyncjjones.com BAIPA (Bay Area Independent Publishers Association): baipa.org Audiobooks: amplifyaudiobooks.com Watch the video of this interview on YouTube #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #Forgiveness #PersonalTransformation #AuthorLife #BAIPA #IndiePublishing #HealingThroughWriting #Memoir

    Forgiveness through Authorship - Interview with Carolyn CJ Jones
  3. Apr 15

    Interview with John Byrne Barry

    In this episode, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with indie author John Byrne Barry for an engaging conversation about the realities of independent publishing, creative persistence, and the evolving journey of a small, indie writer. John shares how he transitioned from a lifelong background in nonfiction and professional writing into crafting mystery novels with substance—what he calls “page-turners with a conscience.” From early rejections to embracing the freedom of independent publishing, his story highlights the resilience and adaptability that define so many indie authors. They dive into the challenges of being a small, independent creator—from marketing struggles and self-promotion discomfort to the importance of producing professional-quality books in a competitive landscape. John also reflects on the value of indie publishing communities, where connection, shared knowledge, and mutual support help authors navigate an often solitary path. Listeners will also get a behind-the-scenes look at John’s novels, including Bones in the Wash, Wasted, When I Killed My Father, and The Pirates of Sausalito, along with insights into his creative process, recurring characters, and genre-blending storytelling style. This episode is a must-listen for independent and indie authors looking for an honest, thoughtful perspective on writing, publishing, and finding fulfillment in the creative journey—no matter how small or unconventional the path may be. Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA): https://baipa.org

    Interview with John Byrne Barry
  4. Mar 18

    Becky Parker Geist's Indie Author Journey

    Join us on this episode as we delve into the inspiring journey of Becky Parker Geist, President of the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA). From writing her first "book" at age six to leading a thriving organization for indie authors, Becky shares her path through the ever-evolving world of independent publishing. Discover Becky's early love for writing, her experience in audiobook narration and production, and the pivotal moments that led her to BAIPA. Learn about her entrepreneurial spirit, her diverse writing genres, and the development of AMPlify Audiobooks, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect authors, narrators, and listeners. Becky offers invaluable advice for new authors, emphasizing the importance of community and continuous learning. She also reflects on her leadership role at BAIPA and her passion for fostering a supportive and empowering environment for indie publishers. Tune in to hear real stories, real challenges, and real inspiration from a true leader in the indie publishing world. Key Highlights: Becky's early experiences with writing and her journey to becoming an author Her background in audiobook narration and the evolution of the industry The story of how she got involved with BAIPA and her role as president Insights into her diverse writing genres and her creative process The development of AMPlify Audiobooks and its community-focused approach Advice for new authors and the importance of finding a supportive community Reflections on leadership and fostering a culture of generosity and collaboration at BAIPA Resources: Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA): https://baipa.org AMPlify Audiobooks: https://amplifyaudiobooks.com/ Subscribe to Indie Authors Tell All and join us as we explore the ever-changing landscape of independent publishing, one story at a time.

    Becky Parker Geist's Indie Author Journey

About

Welcome to Indie Authors Tell All, where authors take the mic. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) members and those who help us publish and sell our books. We dig into the challenges and successes of independent publishing—writing, publishing, and promoting—from the people making it happen. We're a community that can help you along this path, avoiding expensive mistakes, and becoming successful authors.   We’re here to shine a light on the real-world challenges and successes in independent publishing — straight from the people making it happen. We know from our collective decades of experience, that indie publishing may be independent but it requires a team effort. Finding your resources — like this podcast or like Independent Book Publisher Associations, can save you years of time and thousands of dollars. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (or BAIPA) members and industry professionals who are shaping the future of publishing and redefining what it means to go indie.