Indie Author Life

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 wa...

I always feel like I’m spinning plates: 9–5 graphic designer, 5–9 author/illustrator/podcast host. But then I look at Jess Weber: mum of three, bookshop owner, and the event‑planning force behind Adelaide’s iconic A Romantic Affair (ARA) . Suddenly I realise I’m in good company. This non‑stop, multi‑job hustle is the creative reality for so many of us in the indie author space. Chatting with Jess,...

Currently living in Malaysia, proud Wiradjuri woman, Demi Clorissa , grew up in Kempsey, New South Wales. Growing up in a small town, reading was her safe haven. And even in times of growing up and coming of age, when priorities shifted from books to reckless social behaviours, rediscovering her passion for writing and literature transformed her life. She even described it as something akin to ‘sa...

Author Julie Kay has dived head first into the self-publishing world. Inspired by the places she’s visited, her family experiences and a nudge from a clairvoyant, she’s embraced her passion for writing. First seen with her debut novel, ‘ Not My Father ’ was inspired by Japanese travel and her father’s war time experiences. But she is not limited by genre, and her next few books have shifted in the...

Growing up in rural Victoria, then spending time with First Nation’s communities in Central Australia, E.J. Riley has always carried a passion for storytelling close to her heart. Throughout her adolescence, her concept for her debut book series, The Seekers Guild, was a lifeline that carried her through multiple schools and ups and downs of tertiary education. E.J. Riley has always valued the art...

Once again, I had the pleasure of chatting with MM romance author and friend of the show, Rachel O’Rourke . From our first episode recorded together in 2025, it felt like Rachel had a clear vision for what she wanted her author career to look like: ambitious and always moving forward. Her dreams have become a reality and more, with the release of her light-hearted MM romance ‘ Pretending in Paradi...

I have powerhouse indie author SK May to thank for birthing the current format of the Indie Author Life Show. For she was the first author that took a chance on me. She was my first guest on the show! That was way back in October 2024, and it feels like so much has changed and evolved from then. If you’re curious, check out the first episode of Indie Author Life featuring SK May For round two of S...

As a child, author E. Solofoni found solace in reading and the magic of being taken away into new fantasy worlds. It was also was a massive aid in improving her literacy skills. Chatting with E. Solofoni reminded me how powerful reading is and how daydreaming can boost your creativity. We’ve heard it so often now about the negative sides to overconsumption of social media, a tool that I am self co...

Author Chloe O’Connor has written across multiple genres, beginning in romance and now focusing on fantasy in her current series. Elemental magic is a favourite trope of mine, so to hear Chloe discuss all about her magic system in The Elemental Series makes me keen to delve into her latest publication, The Lure of Fire . Not wanting to be labelled by genre or trope, Chloe also writes about other t...

I think I’m the luckiest indie author in the world—I spent the whole weekend chatting with one of my author besties while we shared a table at Book Fair Australia, Melbourne. Throughout the busy weekend selling our books, we were able to find time to chat about Jess’s upcoming projects. The exciting final book in the Arasgain Rule series, King of Stags will be coming out 7th May 2026, almost a yea...

When the world feels like it’s going to shit, sometimes the best escape is diving into distant realities that, strangely enough, mirror your own. I have always gravitated to dystopian fiction. There is something so engaging and thought provoking about the concepts presented in these stories. So coming across indie author Nikki Brooke’s YA (Young Adult)/Dystopian fantasies was such a pleasure, and...

In the Indie Author space, no one really knows the industry quite like the indie authors themselves. For such a niche industry like publishing, and even niche-er still in self-publishing, it is often the community members themselves learning, growing and paving the way for themselves, and others to succeed. Today, I have travelled to Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, to chat to the wonderful individu...

Growing up during the era of The Lion King or the Warrior Cats books, it makes perfect sense that indie author Morgana Sandpiper has build her shifter universe around big cats. I too was a child of the early 90’s/2000’s, where animal-themed cartoons were big in my life. The excitement and drama of these cartoons definitely inspired a deep appreciation for animal stories (also, anyone remember Kimb...

Author Nicole Rowles has lived a lot of lives; from dancing at the Moulin Rouge in Paris, to being a political journalist back in her home country of Australia. All of this has undoubtedly influenced her latest creative pursuit: the self-publication of her debut novel, Anarchist Underground . Nicole Rowles’ debut epic brims with mystery, peeling back layers of society to reveal truths hidden benea...

If I could sum up 2025 in one word it would be, invigorating. I found a new strength in writing and honing in on my creativity, while putting the social media noise and pressure to perform and be perceived a certain way on the back-burner. Plans to release by debut novel Still Waters Run Deep had stalled 2024, but 2025 was a rebirth in so many ways. In April, Still Waters Run Deep was officially r...

When EM Greville was pregnant with her fifth child in the turbulent year of 2020, she decided to do a creative writing course. Completing this course was like the final puzzle piece in an already existing creative writing tapestry, and encouraged EM Greville to get her to publish debut middle-grade novel, Raine in the Underlands . Throughout her life, EM Greville has explored many facets of a writ...

Romance author Emma Mugglestone is no stranger to publishing, having spent years immersed in the world of love stories. Grateful for the support of her family, Emma devotes much of her time to writing—except Wednesdays, which are reserved for marketing and catching up on emails! Many readers first discovered Emma through her beloved Wattle Junction series, which follows the lives of several brothe...

When I invited romantasy author Melissa J. Kincaid to appear on my show in early 2025, the plan was for her to discuss her novella. But by the time we recorded the episode in November, that novella had blossomed into a full-length novel! Now labelled as Book 4 in ‘ The Strings of Fate ’ series, ‘ After the Fury ’ focuses on a continuation of the story of two main side characters, Nemesis and Krept...

When I first heard about Kate Louise’s Wing Woman , the ‘pilot/farmer romance’ outline had me intrigued. I got to chat with the author herself, and through that conversation, I learned so much more about Mia, the female main character (FMC). Working for the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) the main character Mia meets Charlie male main character (MMC) through a “disasterous helicopter accident...

After a long and fulfilling career as a primary school teacher and head teacher, Pam Keevil is turning the page to begin an exciting new chapter as a writer. Having experimented with romance and erotica, she’s now found her stride in the gripping world of thrillers and mysteries. Sprinkles of romance are remain as through-lines throughout her work, however. Her latest release in the DS Mulroney My...

Self-published author Madeline Nixon is no stranger to paranormal activity. Her latest publication, Robins the sequel to her debut Feathers , draws inspiration from her own ghost stories. While she could easily establish herself in the captivating genre of paranormal fiction, Nixon chooses to explore various genres, following wherever her creativity leads her. When she’s not creating content for c...

Indie author K E Barden wrote her first draft entirely on her mobile phone. That’s not just commitment, it’s creative grit at its best. A seasoned storyteller in the realm of fairytale retellings, Barden has spent years weaving magic into her stories. With a successful series re-release behind her, she’s turned every setback into storytelling gold. Proof that resilience and imagination make a powe...

From shifter paranormal romance to getting lost in the “Darkwoods”, author A L Rojo’s writing has invited readers into rich shifter-themed worlds. Based in Sydney’s western suburbs, A. L. Rojo always finds time to dream up her next writing project- even if it’s while driving the kids to netball practice! I deeply admire A L Rojo’s dedication to her writing, with four books out of a planned seven (...

My friends, do I have a fabulous episode for you all! Fellow indie author Jess McFarlane sat down with me to discuss the range of stereotypical opinions that exist with indie publishing. To many of us, traditional publishing is considered or perceived to be the ‘gold standard’ for literature. But the rise of indie authors and the growing accessibility in self-publishing is steadily changing the cu...

Content disclaimer: This episode discusses topics related to mental health and serious physical illness. We understand these subjects can be sensitive and potentially triggering. Please take care of yourself and feel free to pause or skip ahead if needed. Mandi and I sat down to record our interview after a long work day doing our other non-writing jobs. Both days spent in offices wishing we could...