The Author Next Door

🎙️ 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...

🎙️ Ever wonder how your personality type influences your writing process or your characters? So did we! In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell dive into the power of personality tests like CliftonStrengths, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram and how they can deepen your writing, strengthen your characters, and improve your creative collaboration. We explore: How knowin...

🎙️ What does it really take to write a romance readers fall in love with? In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with award-winning romance author Paula Judith Johnson for a deep dive into the craft, heart, and hustle of writing romance, especially in the historical space. We talk about: Paula’s path to becoming a romance author—and what she’s learned along...

🎙️ Writing book one is hard, but book two? That’s a whole new beast. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with bestselling author Suzy Vadori about the unique challenges (and surprising rewards) of writing the second book in a series. We explore: Why the transition from book one to book two can feel overwhelming How to manage reader expectations—without losin...

🎙️ First person? Third? Omniscient? Let’s talk about the POV choices that shape your entire story. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell unpack writing in different points of views. What are they, how they work, and why choosing the right one matters more than you think. We explore: The pros and cons of first, second, and third person POV Why head hopping confuses...

🎙️ Struggling to write natural, engaging dialogue? Jeff Elkins is here to help. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas talk craft with Jeff Elkins, award-winning author, editor, and the brilliant mind behind The Dialogue Doctor. Together, they unpack what makes dialogue really work—and how to avoid the most common pitfalls. We dive into: The biggest dialogue mistake...

🎙️ Ready to level up your writing? Let’s talk tools, techniques, and a few fun surprises. To kick off Craft Fair Month, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas dive into their favorite writing craft resources, sharing the books, tools, and strategies that have helped shape their storytelling and might just change yours, too. We explore: Go-to guides and must-read craft books on character and story structure...

🎙️ Think email lists are outdated? Think again, your author career might depend on one. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with bestselling author and marketing powerhouse Amy Van Sant about the real strategies behind email list building, audience engagement, and navigating the chaos of marketing across genres. We dive into: Why building an email list is st...

🎙️ What do you do when the world shifts and your book marketing plans go with it? In this candid episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell open up about the challenges indie authors face when marketing during uncertain times, from industry disruptions to reader-facing boycotts—and everything in between. We dive into: The ripple effect of boycotts and shifting trends on small b...

🎙️ Is social media stealing your joy or helping you sell books? In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with social media strategist Jenn DePaula to bust the biggest myths about using social media as an author and share what actually works. We dive into: The most common mistakes authors make on social media Why your messaging matters more than your follower...

🎙️ Marketing your books as an indie author? Exhausting. Necessary. Totally do-able. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas get real about the emotional and practical challenges of book marketing—especially when you're doing it all yourself. We cover: The mental load of marketing while still trying to write ✍️📢 How to build an audience without burning out What we’ve...

🎙️ Writing is hard! It's best not to do it alone.  In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with author K.S. Barton about the power (and the pitfalls) of writing community—and how finding the right people can transform your creative life. We explore: How to find and trust your unique writing voice ✍️ The value of critique groups—and red flags to watch for Navigat...

🎙️ What really happens at a writing conference and how do you make it worth the time (and money)? In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell recap their experience at the Superstars Writing Conference, sharing honest takeaways, helpful strategies, and a few surprises along the way. We cover: Why energy management is your secret weapon at conferences What to wear, what t...

🎙️ Thinking about attending a writing conference but not sure it’s worth it? Our guests have some thoughts. In this community-focused episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas are joined by a fantastic group of writers and industry pros—Heather Jones (aka Jen Fier), David Chenoweth, Jennifer Brinn, Jennifer Rose, Jason Hamilton, and Lyn Worthing—to talk all things writing conf...

🎙️ Authors are you terrified of networking? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with author Herman Steuernagel about building community, making meaningful connections, and navigating the world of writing conferences—even if you’re an introvert. We dig into: How to network without feeling gross 🙃 Tips for shy, quiet, or socially exhausted w...

🎙️ Just showing up for your writing time is sometimes the hardest part.  In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with author, editor, and literary coach Racquel Henry to explore the internal battles writers face—and how mindset can make or break your creative momentum. We discuss: Racquel’s own writing journey and how she learned to show up for herself The p...

🎙️ Can you really “balance it all” as a writer or is that just a myth? In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell dive into the messy middle of writing life: juggling deadlines, real-life responsibilities, creative energy, and the need to just breathe. We unpack: What balance actually looks like (hint: it’s not perfect) Time management strategies that actually work for...

🎙️ Burned out, blocked, or just plain done? Let’s talk about it. In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with author and creative wellness advocate Holly Line to unpack the very real (and very sneaky) experience of writer burnout. Together, we explore: What burnout really looks like for writers (hint: it’s not just exhaustion) The emotional toll of sel...