In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell talk with guest Sue Brown Moore, a story revision coach, to explore the intricacies of character development in romance writing. They discuss the importance of character transformation, the balance between creative freedom and market expectations, and the challenges of navigating feedback from readers.…

Bestselling author Nick Thacker swaps explosions for emotions in this lively and insightful episode. Known for his action-packed thrillers, Nick opens up about his unexpected dive into the world of hockey romance—and what surprised him most along the way. From crafting compelling, authentic characters to navigating the nuances of writing from new p…

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas explore the intricacies of character creation in writing. They discuss their favorite characters, the challenges of writing female leads, the importance of side characters, and the processes they use to develop their characters. The conversation also touches on the significance of character arcs, theme…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with Lynn Bohart, a mystery author who integrates social justice themes into her work. They discuss her unique approach to character development, the influence of her theater background, and the importance of setting in storytelling. Lynn shares insights on balancing humor with serious topics, the…

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas delve into the intricacies of character creation, discussing their favorite and least favorite characters across various media. They explore the appeal of complex villains, the evolution of female characters, and the importance of three-dimensional character development. The conversation also touches o…

In this episode, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas engage with international bestselling author Ava Miles, exploring her journey as a writer, the themes of her latest hockey romance, and the intricacies of character development. They discuss the appeal of sports romance, the challenges of reader feedback, and the unique dynamics of female charact…

In this celebratory episode marking their 25th podcast, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas reflect on their journey, sharing lessons learned, the dynamics of co-hosting, and the impact of their guests on their personal and professional growth. They discuss the challenges and joys of podcasting, the importance of guest experiences, and how their di…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell explore the world of audiobook narration with guests Jonathan Ricardo and Ashley Gatti. They discuss their journeys into narration, the collaboration involved in duet narration, and the techniques used to create character voices. The conversation also touches on common misconceptions about audiobook pr…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the challenges authors face in the writing and publishing process. They explore the reasons why some authors quit after their first book, the impact of AI on writing, and the importance of community support. The conversation also touches on post-publication burnout, finding one's voice as a wri…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell interview Patrick O'Donnell, a former police sergeant turned author, about his journey from law enforcement to writing crime novels. Patrick shares insights on the realities of police work, common misconceptions in crime fiction, and the importance of research for writers. He discusses the challenges f…

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss the intricacies of editing with Alice Sudlow, a developmental editor and book coach. They explore how writers can find the right editor, the importance of understanding one's own values and needs, and the various communication styles that can impact the editing process. The conversation also de…

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss the challenges of finding the right professionals to support writers on their journey. They share insights on the importance of joining writer's groups, researching testimonials, and the role of self-esteem in the hiring process. The conversation covers various aspects of the writing process, i…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the importance of understanding oneself through personality tests like Clifton Strengths, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram. They explore how these tests can aid in the writing process, character development, and collaboration with others. The conversation emphasizes the value of self-awareness i…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell dive deep into the world of romance writing with award-winning author Paula Judith Johnson. They explore the journey of becoming a romance author, the importance of character development, and the nuances of writing historical romance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of writing intimate …

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the intricacies of writing a second book in a series with bestselling author Suzy Vadori. They explore the challenges authors face when transitioning from the first to the second book, including reader expectations, the importance of recaps, and the need for fresh content. Suzy shares her insig…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell delve into the intricacies of point of view in writing. They discuss various perspectives, including first, second, and third person, and the implications of head hopping. The conversation also touches on genre expectations, reader engagement, and personal writing challenges, providing insights for bot…

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss the craft of writing with Jeff Elkins, an award-winning author and dialogue coach. They explore common mistakes authors make in dialogue writing, the balance between prose and dialogue, and how to manage large cast conversations. Jeff shares insights on writing for short stories versus novels, …

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas kick off Craft Fair Month by discussing their favorite resources for improving writing craft. They explore various tools and books that have inspired them, delve into character development and world-building techniques, and share personal writing processes. The conversation also touches on current proj…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the intricacies of list building and marketing strategies for authors with guest Amy Van Sant. They explore the importance of email lists, effective engagement techniques, and the challenges of managing multiple genres. Amy shares her insights on choosing the right mailing clients, automating p…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the challenges and strategies for marketing as indie authors during uncertain times. They explore the impact of boycotts on small businesses, the importance of strategic planning, and the need for flexibility in marketing approaches. The conversation also touches on personal updates regarding t…

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss social media marketing with expert Jenn DePaula. They explore common myths about social media for authors, the importance of messaging, and mindset shifts needed for effective marketing. Jenn shares strategies for both new and established authors, emphasizing the significance of community and c…

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas delve into the complexities and challenges of marketing for indie authors. They discuss the emotional toll of marketing, share personal experiences, and explore strategies for building an audience while balancing production and marketing efforts. The conversation highlights the importance of mindset, l…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the importance of building a supportive community for writers, featuring guest KS Barton. They explore the journey of finding one's writing voice, the significance of critique groups, and how to navigate online writing communities. The conversation emphasizes the value of constructive feedback,…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss their experiences at the Superstars Writing Conference, focusing on networking, energy management, and the importance of career counseling. They share insights on how to effectively pitch your work, navigate conflicting advice, and build meaningful connections with other authors. The conversati…

In this conversation, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discusses the importance of attending writing conferences with various guests; Heather Jones (aka Jen Fier), David Chenoweth, Jennifer Brinn, Jennifer Rose, Jason Hamilton, and Lyn Worthing. They share their experiences, insights, and the value of networking within the writing community. The discu…

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the importance of networking and building community through conferences with guest Herman Steuernagel. They explore tips for introverted writers, the evolution of goals when attending conferences, and the significance of making connections. The conversation also covers self-care strategies, the…

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas engage in a deep conversation with Racquel Henry about the significance of mindset in the writing process. Racquel shares her journey as a writer and editor, emphasizing the importance of showing up for oneself, the concept of 'touching' projects daily, and the challenges of balancing multiple writing …

In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the challenges of maintaining balance in a writer's life while finding inspiration. They share personal experiences and strategies for managing time, setting priorities, and utilizing tools to enhance productivity. The conversation also touches on the importance of recharging to avoid burnout a…

In this episode, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss the challenges of burnout in the writing community with guest Holly Line. They explore personal definitions of burnout, share experiences, and discuss the importance of recognizing symptoms and taking breaks. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, the pressure of self-imposed…

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas delve into the theme of self-doubt, particularly in the context of writing and publishing. They share personal experiences with self-doubt, discuss how it can manifest in creative pursuits, and explore strategies for managing it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trusting one's voice, the r…

In the inaugural episode of the Author Next Door podcast, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas introduce themselves and share their backgrounds in writing and retail. They discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, the goals they have for 2025, and strategies for achieving those goals. The episode also features a fun table talk segment wher…