🧾 If you’ve published a book or two and you’re thinking… “Now what?” — this episode is for you.
In Episode 53 of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell kick off the year with the unsexy-but-critical topic most authors avoid: business goals.

Because once you decide you want to earn income from your books, you’re not “just writing” anymore… you’re officially a small business owner.

In this episode, we talk about the question that changes everything:

✅ Is writing your hobby… or your career plan?
Your answer determines your path — from how you spend money to how you market, set goals, and build a sustainable author life.

We cover:

📌 The “Now What?” phase after publishing a few books
📌 How Cassie shifted from hobby mindset to business strategy (and why)
📌 Streamlining costs and getting a return on your investment
📌 Business basics authors forget: separation of expenses, systems, and tracking
📌 The KU vs Wide conversation (and why “test one thing at a time” matters)
📌 How to stop comparing yourself to full-time authors when you’re not full-time
📌 Why knowing your reader (like, really knowing them) is a business skill
📌 Short game vs long game: building a strategy you can actually sustain

✨ This episode is equal parts pep talk + practical, designed to help authors stop winging it and start making confident, intentional decisions.

👇 Question of the week:
Are you treating your writing like a hobby—or building it like a business?

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🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

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🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 writing goals, business mindset, self-publishing, author success, reader engagement, financial planning, creative process, marketing strategies, indie authors, book performance

✨ 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 creativity, and focusing on genuine reader engagement led to more success than she ever anticipated.

Together, they talk honestly about the realities of indie publishing today: navigating digital marketing, experimenting with platforms like TikTok, managing multiple pen names, and building meaningful connections through newsletters and community.

In this episode they explore:

📌 How mindset shifts can unlock creativity and productivity
📌 Why simplicity often leads to better writing goals
📌 Letting go of metrics and focusing on reader connection
📌 The challenges (and surprises) of marketing in the digital age
📌 Managing pen names with intention and strategy
📌 Using newsletters to build real engagement—not just numbers
📌 Finding inspiration and balance outside of writing (yes, concerts count 🎶)
📌 Why joy in the process can lead to unexpected wins

✨ This episode is a refreshing reminder that success as an indie author isn’t just about views, sales, or algorithms—it’s about sustainability, creativity, and loving the work you’re building.

👇 Question of the week:
What’s one way you’re trying to bring more joy into your writing this year? ✍️✨

Where to find Holly: https://hblyne.com/
https://writerroadmap.com/

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🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

Sign up for exclusive content 👉 https://bit.ly/49hvRVp

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 indie author, writing goals, mindset, marketing strategies, TikTok, creativity, pen names, engagement, newsletters, writing to market, indie authors, self-publishing

✨ 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 self-care plays a crucial role in long-term creative success, and why community matters more than ever for authors navigating publishing and career growth.

This episode also introduces a brand-new segment—✨ The Author Next Door After Dark ✨—where Cassie and Angela plan to have deeper, more unfiltered conversations about romance writing and the nuances that come with it.

In this episode they explore:

📌 How authors can reset and set intentional goals for the new year
📌 Why self-care isn’t optional for sustainable creative careers
📌 The role of community in writing, publishing, and personal growth
📌 Trusting your instincts in both writing and marketing
📌 Exploring romance and other genres as creative expansion
📌 Dream careers, personal aspirations, and passions beyond writing

👇 Question of the week:
What’s one writing or personal goal you’re setting for this year? ✍️✨

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

Sign up for exclusive content 👉 https://bit.ly/49hvRVp

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 writing, goals, self-care, romance, community, podcast, authors, publishing, career, aspirations, indie authors, self-publishing

🎉 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 goals, and overcoming challenges in the writing life.

This episode is part celebration, part reflection, and part masterclass in creative resilience. Together, Angela, Cassie, and Dr. Blinco explore how to stay grounded, joyful, and purpose-focused—no matter where you are in your author journey.

We explore:

• Why celebrating milestones is vital for reflection and growth
• The connection between personal growth and creative success
• How to navigate fear, self-doubt, and judgment as a writer
• The value of rest and reflection in sustaining creativity
• Setting goals that align with your purpose and joy
• Finding peace and fulfillment in the messy middle of creativity

This isn’t just an anniversary—it’s a reminder that writing is about more than words on a page. It’s about the journey, the joy, and the growth along the way.

Answer in comments 👇 What’s one milestone in your author journey that made you proud?

Where to find Dr. Jodi Blinco : www.drjodiblinco.com

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/
Writing Coach 📚 https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 writing, mindset, personal growth, book publishing, author journey, transformative leadership, overcoming challenges, goal setting, self-help, creativity

📚 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’d known earlier, and talk openly about the importance of community support and giving yourself grace through all seasons—busy, messy, and magical.

In this episode, they explore:

📌 How to balance writing with a chaotic life (and still enjoy it)
📌 Why creative seasons change—and why that’s normal
📌 Lessons learned from publishing mistakes and successes
📌 The importance of community when writing feels hard
📌 How intuition can guide your next creative move
📌 Why reflecting on your growth matters more than you think
📌 What Angela & Cassie are currently reading, watching, and loving

👇 Question of the week:
What was your biggest writing lesson this past year? ✍️💡

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/
Writing Coach 📚 https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 writing podcast, indie authors, creative journey, publishing tips, author reflections, creative growth, writing motivation, author life, podcasting lessons, time management for writers

📚 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 Guide to Getting Agented, Published, and Paid (Ten Speed Press, 2025), Laura shares her expert insights on querying, pitching, and positioning your work in today’s competitive publishing landscape.

In this explore they explore:

The craft of pitching your book with clarity and confidence ✍️

How to query agents effectively (and what not to do)

Common mistakes writers make in their submission materials

How to identify the right agent and publishing path for your goals

Why persistence and professionalism matter more than perfection

The realities of breaking into traditional publishing as an indie or debut author

How to position your writing as both art and business

Whether you’re polishing your first query letter or preparing to pitch your next big project, this episode is your step-by-step guide to navigating the publishing process with strategy—and heart.

👇 What’s your biggest question about pitching or querying?

Where to find Laura: https://www.lauragoode.com/

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/
Writing Coach 📚 https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 pitching a book, how to get a literary agent, query letter tips, querying agents, traditional publishing, book pitch tips, literary agent advice, publishing process, writing craft, author career, publishing strategy, manuscript pitching, how to get published, writer tips, Pitch Craft Laura Goode

🚨 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 creative work, and make informed decisions when investing in marketing or promotions. If you’ve ever received a too-good-to-be-true email about your book… this episode is a must-watch.

In this episode they explore:

• How to spot and avoid author scams in the self-publishing world 🚫
• Why authentic engagement matters more than paid reviews
• The truth about unsolicited emails offering promotions or representation
• The pros and cons of paid promotions and what’s actually worth your money
• Why book reviews are valuable only when they’re genuine
• The power of author communities for staying informed and supported
• Why trusting your instincts is your best line of defense

🎧 This episode is your guide to navigating the publishing industry with confidence, clarity, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Because being indie shouldn’t mean being uninformed.

Answer In Comments 👇 Have you ever gotten a suspicious “book promotion” email? Tell us your story in the comments!

For more info on the Alliance Of Independent Authors click here: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/
Writing Coach 📚 https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 indie authors, scams, book reviews, promotions, copyright, author community, writing tips, publishing industry, author safety, self-publishing

🎧 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 royalty models. From budgeting and communication to understanding contracts, this episode is your roadmap to entering the audiobook market with confidence and clarity.

In this episode, they explore:

• When indie authors should consider audiobook production 🎙️
• How to navigate profit share vs. full rights models
• Why timing matters—wait until your book is selling well
• Tips for communicating effectively with your narrator
• The potential for profit and growth in the audiobook market

Whether you’re a first-time indie author or expanding your publishing empire, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you make informed, strategic decisions about bringing your story to life in audio.

Answer in comments 👇 Are you planning to turn your book into an audiobook? Tell us what’s holding you back!

Where to find Heather and Jeffrey: HighGravityProductions.com

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS Choose your own adventure 🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/
Writing Coach 📚 https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑 audiobooks, indie authors, production, profit share, rights, advice, self-publishing, indie authors