The Author Next Door

✨ What happens when you stop chasing numbers—and start chasing joy instead? In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with indie author Holly Lyne to reflect on a year of unexpected growth, mindset shifts, and creative breakthroughs. Holly shares how 2025 became a transformative year in her author journey—one where simplifying goals, reconnecting with creativ...

✨ A new year means a fresh reset—for your writing, your goals, and yourself. In the first episode of the year, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down to talk honestly about their writing goals, personal aspirations, and what they want this next season to look like—both on and off the page. They dig into why focusing on one meaningful goal can be more powerful than chasing everything at once, how...

🎉 Fifty episodes, countless lessons, and one incredible author journey. In this milestone 50th episode of The Author Next Door , Angela Haas and Cassie Newell celebrate a year of real conversations about writing, publishing, and creative growth. Joining them is Dr. Jodi Blinco , a transformative leader, author, and mindset coach who shares powerful insights on personal growth, purpose-driven goal...

📚 Reflecting on a full year of writing, podcasting, and indie author life. In this special episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell take a heartfelt look back at their past year—what they learned, what surprised them, and how the writing and publishing journey continues to evolve. Angela and Cassie share insights from their own author journeys, reveal lessons they wish they’...

📚 How do you pitch your book, find an agent, and break into publishing—without losing your mind along the way? In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with Laura Goode, award-winning author, poet, and Stanford professor, about the art and strategy behind getting your book agented, published, and paid. Drawing from her new craft book Pitch Craft: The Writer’s Gu...

🚨 Writers, beware! Not every opportunity is what it seems. In this eye-opening episode of The Author Next Door , Angela Haas and Cassie Newell break down the most common scams targeting indie authors —from shady “review services” to fake book award schemes—and share real experiences to help you stay safe, smart, and empowered in your author journey. They unpack how to spot red flags, protect your...

🎧 Thinking about turning your book into an audiobook? In this episode of The Author Next Door , Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with professional narrators Heather Costa and Jeffrey Kafer to break down everything indie authors need to know before taking the leap into audiobook production . They discuss when to make the move, what costs to expect, and how to navigate profit-sharing and roya...

🎙️ Writing the book is just the beginning—let’s talk about what it really costs to be an author. In this eye-opening episode of The Author Next Door , Cassie Newell and Angela Haas dive into the hidden expenses of the writing life , from the tangible costs of publishing and advertising to the emotional toll authors rarely discuss. They unpack both the traditional and self-publishing sides of the i...

🎙️ Seven Romance Books. One dyslexic author. A journey defined by humor, heart, and perseverance. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with romance author Ivan Scott, who shares his remarkable story of becoming a published writer while navigating the challenges of dyslexia—and how it ultimately shaped his creativity, storytelling, and voice. They explore:...

🎙️ Authors can’t just write in a alone in a cabin, they have to mix it up. In this episode of The Author Next Door , Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with bestselling author JD Barker to unpack what it really takes to succeed in today’s publishing world—from mastering your mindset to understanding the business behind the books. We explore: How to overcome the post–first book slump and stay m...

🎙️ Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially when you have the right tools.  In this episode of The Author Next Door , Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with Kathleen Sweeney, COO of Book Brush, to talk all things author marketing, AI tools, and the evolving relationship between writers and readers. They explore: How author-reader relationships are changing—and how to make them wor...

🎙️ What happens when you bring queerness, coziness, and real representation into fantasy writing? In this heartfelt episode of @theauthornextdoor, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with JP Rindfleisch IX , award-winning author of queer cozy fantasies , to talk about writing with authenticity, transitioning into full-time authorship, and the power of community in a creative career. In this epi...

🎙️ Every story is shaped by perspective—and every perspective deserves space on the page. In this powerful episode of  ⁨@TheAuthorNextDoor⁩  Cassie Newell and Angela Haas explore how personal experiences, culture, gender, and tradition all shape the way writers tell stories. This candid conversation reflects on their own creative journeys while celebrating the importance of diverse perspectives in...

🎙️ From brain science to pulse-pounding thrillers—Christine Daigle knows how the mind works. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell talk with Christine Daigle, a neuropsychologist turned thriller author, about how her background in human behavior helps her craft unforgettable characters and twisty, tension-filled plots. They dive into: Christine’s unique journey fro...

🎙️ What makes dark fiction unforgettable? It’s not the monsters, it’s the emotions they uncover. In this episode of  @TheAuthorNextDoor   Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Daniel Willcocks, bestselling dark fiction author, to explore his ten-year writing journey and the craft of writing horror that hits you in the gut—not just with fear, but with feeling. In this episode you'll find:  Da...

🎙️ From short stories and satire to sci-fi, fantasy and rubber duckies? Meet David Hankins. In this episode of  @TheAuthorNextDoor Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with David Hankins, award-winning author of fantasy and sci-fi, to talk about storytelling, writing rituals, and how a sense of humor can be a superpower. In this episode we explore: How David’s writing journey began with bedtime stor...

🎙️ From romance to horror, and everything in between, this month we're talking genres! In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas open up about the genres they write in and what draws them to each one. From first loves in storytelling to current favorites (and guilty pleasures), this conversation is both craft-focused and full of personal stories. We explore: Why we lov...

🎙️ Want to see your book on bookstore shelves or sell more at live events?  Angela has some advice!  In this episode of The Author Next Door , Angela Haas and Cassie Newell break down the nuts and bolts of selling books in person , with a special focus on indie bookstores and live events . Angela shares insider tips from her years in retail, including: How to approach indie bookstores with confide...

🎙️ What happens when you blend creative freedom with smart business strategy? In this episode of The Author Next Door , Cassie Newell and Angela Haas talk with Sacha Black—author, entrepreneur, and writing mentor —about how she’s grown a thriving author business while staying true to the stories she loves to tell.   We explore: Sacha’s shift from nonfiction to fiction —and what she learned along t...

🎙️ Want to grow your author career without burning out? It starts with mindset, community, and a plan. In this episode of The Author Next Door , Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Bryan Cohen —author, coach, and host of The Sell More Books Show —to talk about what it really takes to build a thriving author business . We explore: ·       Why mindset is the foundation of long-term author su...

🎙️ Is your author brand doing the heavy lifting or holding you back? In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas dive into the world of author branding what it really means, why it matters, and how to make yours stand out in a crowded market. We cover: How to build an author brand readers instantly connect with Why emotional resonance matters more than just aesthet...

How do you write romance characters readers actually care about?  In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with story revision coach Sue Brown-Moore to unpack the art of character development in romance writing and why transformation is everything. We dive deep into: How to write compelling romance characters that feel real Common tropes (and how to mak...

🎙️ From Action Thrillers to Hockey Romance?! Bestselling author Nick Thacker joins The Author Next Door to talk about his wild genre jump—from high-octane explosions to heart-fluttering emotions. 💥💘 In this refreshingly honest (and hilarious) conversation, Nick opens up about: Swapping plot-driven thrillers for character-driven romance What surprised him most about writing love stories ❤️ How to...

🎙️ What makes a fictional character unforgettable? Let’s break it down. In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas unpack the art and heart of character creation in fiction—from crafting unforgettable protagonists to elevating side characters that steal the show. We dive into: The secret to writing memorable female leads 💪 Why side characters matter more than you...

🎙️ What happens when a mystery writer brings social justice, and a little theater flair, into the mix? In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with mystery author Lynn Bohart, whose cozy mysteries weave together rich characters, real-world themes, and just the right touch of humor. We explore: How Lynn blends social justice into twisty, page-turning plots 🔍...