The Author Next Door

🎙️ 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 🔍...

🎙️ What makes a character unforgettable and what makes us roll our eyes? In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas dive into the craft of character creation, unpacking what makes some characters leap off the page (or screen) and why others fall flat. We dish on: Our favorite (and least favorite) characters from books, TV, and film The secret sauce behind writing...

🎙️ What do hockey, heartbreak, and healing have in common? A really good romance novel. In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with international bestselling author Ava Miles to talk about her latest hockey romance, her writing journey, and how she crafts deeply emotional, authentic stories that resonate with readers. We explore: The irresistible appe...

🎉 25 episodes in and we’re just getting started! In this special milestone episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas take a moment to reflect on their podcasting journey so far—the lessons learned, the laughter shared, and the unexpected ways their conversations have shaped their writing and publishing lives. Inside this celebratory chat: Behind-the-scenes truths about...

🎙️ What happens when two voices bring your story to life? Step inside the booth with real audiobook narrators. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell go behind the mic with audiobook narrators Jonathan Ricardo and Ashley Gatti to explore the fascinating world of audiobook narration—from performance to production and everything in between. We dive into: How Jonathan...

🎙️ Why do so many authors quit after their first book—and how do you make sure you’re not one of them? In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell tackle the tough (and very real) challenges authors face after publication—burnout, self-doubt, comparison, and the pressure to keep producing in an ever-changing industry. We dive into: Why some writers walk away after book o...

🎙️ Writing crime fiction? Here’s what TV gets wrong and what real cops wish you knew. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Patrick O’Donnell, former police sergeant and crime novelist, to explore how real-life law enforcement differs from what we see on screen and how writers can get it right. We cover: Patrick’s journey from police work to publishin...

🎙️ Finding the right editor isn’t just about fixing words, it’s about finding the right partner for your story. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with Alice Sudlow, a seasoned developmental editor and book coach, to unpack what really goes into a successful author–editor relationship. We explore: How to find the right editor for your personality, proce...

🎙️ Finding the right people to support your writing career shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas break down how to build a reliable, empowering support team—from editors to cover designers to coaches—without getting burned or overwhelmed. We explore: How to vet publishing professionals with confidence The importance of writer’s...