In this episode, Donald Dunn speaks with Michelle DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design, about what self-publishing really means today — and how authors can avoid expensive publishing traps.

They break down:

1. The difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishers
2. How some publishing companies charge authors thousands while still taking royalties
3. What professional book editing and cover design actually cost
4. Why authors must hire experts instead of doing everything themselves
5. How Amazon royalties really work (and what percentage you actually keep)
6. Why most authors never recoup their investment
7. How speakers and consultants can use books to build authority and generate income
8. The truth about becoming an Amazon bestseller
9. Common mistakes new authors make

If you are a veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, or aspiring author, this episode will help you understand the real costs, risks, and opportunities in modern publishing.

Before you invest thousands into editing, design, or a hybrid publishing package, listen to this conversation.

1. 1106design.com
2. barracksmedia.com

1. 1106 Design
2. Amazon
3. IngramSpark

If you want to write a book that stands the test of time, what separates a short-term release from a decades-long bestseller?

In this episode of Authors After Action, host Donald Dunn sits down with bestselling author Marita Tedder, also known to many readers as Marita Littauer, whose landmark personality book Wired That Way has remained in continuous publication for more than twenty years.

Drawing from a career that spans writing, speaking, training communicators, and leading conferences, Marita shares what truly makes a book worthwhile, how authors build lasting audiences, and why clarity of message is the foundation of long-term success.

This conversation goes far beyond writing mechanics. It explores platform building, speaking before publishing, marketing realities, and the discipline required to keep your work relevant in an increasingly crowded publishing world.

1. The first question every aspiring author must answer
2. How to know if your message is strong enough
3. Why many self-published books struggle
4. Building an audience before you publish
5. Using speaking to refine your material
6. Marketing strategies that extend a book’s lifespan
7. Authentic writing in the age of AI

Whether you are an aspiring author, entrepreneur, speaker, or creative professional, this episode delivers practical insight from someone who has built a lasting career around words and communication.

Subscribe for more conversations with impactful authors sharing the strategies, mindset, and experience behind their success.

If you want to lower your golf score, the answer might not be a new club — it might be simple math.

In this episode of Authors After Action, host Donald Dunn sits down with engineer-turned-author Bob Labbe, creator of Putting by the Numbers, to break down a physics-based approach to putting that helps golfers eliminate costly three-putts and improve consistency on the green.

Bob explains how understanding distance, friction, and repeatable mechanics can dramatically improve lag putting without changing your swing or buying new equipment. His method is designed for golfers of any skill level and focuses on simple, practical adjustments that lead to immediate results.

Whether you are a recreational golfer or a competitive amateur, this conversation explores why putting accounts for such a large portion of your score and how small changes in approach can save multiple strokes per round.

1. Why most golfers struggle with long-distance putting
2. How math and physics improve distance control
3. The mental side of consistent putting
4. Why great putting matters more than powerful drives
5. Turning decades of research into a practical golf method
6. The process of writing and publishing a niche instructional book

If improving your putting is your fastest path to better golf scores, this episode provides a smarter, more reliable way to approach the green.

Putting by the Numbers

https://puttingbythenumbers.com

https://boblabe.com

Authors After Action features in-depth conversations with authors, engineers, and subject-matter experts who share the thinking, experience, and discipline behind their work.

Subscribe for interviews focused on mastery, execution, and real-world results.

In this episode of Creators at Work, Donald Dunn sits down with Maxwell Ivey, known worldwide as The Blind Blogger, to discuss why accessibility matters for podcasters and creators — and how improving accessibility can directly grow your audience. Maxwell shares his journey from teaching himself HTML in two thousand seven just to get online, to becoming a respected accessibility expert, speaker, consultant, and advisory board member for PodMatch.

Maxwell explains how most creators unintentionally limit their reach by ignoring accessibility standards on their websites, podcasts, and digital platforms. From proper website structure and alt text to audio clarity and inclusive content practices, he breaks down practical steps that can make your content more usable for everyone — not just people with disabilities.

This conversation goes beyond compliance. It’s about opportunity. When you make your content accessible, you’re not just doing the right thing — you’re expanding your visibility, strengthening your brand, and positioning yourself as a professional who understands audience growth.

If you’re a podcaster, blogger, business owner, or content creator looking to build authority and increase engagement, this episode will challenge you to rethink how accessible your platform truly is — and what you might be missing.

Listen now and discover how accessibility isn’t a limitation — it’s a competitive advantage.

Get ready to dive into a heartfelt conversation about reclaiming your voice with the incredible Amy Lou Jenkins! We kick things off discussing how Amy transformed her life from nursing to writing, realizing that her voice was never too much—just too contained. She shares her journey of self-discovery in the quiet of nature, where she learned that nothing apologizes for existing. This episode is all about the power of authentic storytelling and how it can help us make meaning of our experiences, no matter how tough they may be. Join us as we explore the importance of writing not just for ourselves, but for future generations to connect with our stories. So grab a comfy seat and let’s get inspired to embrace our voices! A deep dive into the transformative journey of Amy Lou Jenkins unfolds in this episode as she shares her story of reclaiming her voice and identity. Starting from a place where her emotional expressiveness was deemed too much, Amy found solace and clarity in the natural world, particularly during moments spent walking in the woods with her son. This discovery led her to a profound realization: nature exists unapologetically, and so too should we. Through candid reflections, Amy discusses the struggles she faced with silence and compliance, stemming from her upbringing in a challenging environment. With an earnestness that resonates, she encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and tells us how writing can be a powerful tool for personal liberation. As a seasoned writer and instructor, she emphasizes that storytelling is not merely a personal indulgence but an essential act of courage and connection that fosters community and understanding. Amy's work now focuses on guiding others through the art of journaling and memoir writing, helping them to navigate their own paths to self-discovery and voice reclamation.

Takeaways:

1. Amy Lou Jenkins emphasizes the importance of reclaiming our voices as writers, especially after feeling silenced in the past.
2. She discusses how nature can serve as a powerful source of inspiration and reflection for writers, enhancing their storytelling abilities.
3. Writing isn't just a career; it's an act of courage and authenticity that connects us to others and to our own truths.
4. Amy believes that every story matters, and encourages aspiring writers to embrace their unique narratives without fear of judgment.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. amyloujenkins.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Sierra Club
2. Consequence magazine
3. Nonfiction Writers Association
4. Bennington
5. Jack Walker Press

Vicky Ann, a talented young adult paranormal author, dives into the enchanting world of spiritualism and the paranormal in our latest chat. With a knack for crafting gripping tales—like her award-winning Alex McKenna series featuring a transgender teen with extraordinary gifts—Vicky shares her journey of navigating the complexities of writing in the genre. We’ll explore how her sensitivity to the supernatural shapes her stories and the unique challenges she faces in both the writing and publishing processes. From the nitty-gritty of editing to the exhilarating highs of seeing her books in print, Vicky's insights will inspire and entertain aspiring authors and readers alike. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s uncover the mysteries behind her captivating narratives!

Takeaways:

1. Vicki Ann's journey into writing began in childhood, sparked by a murder mystery contest that captivated her imagination.
2. The passion for writing is essential to overcome the challenges of editing and marketing in the publishing process.
3. Exploring spirituality and the paranormal can profoundly influence an author's writing style and subject matter, as Vicki's works demonstrate.
4. Creating characters often feels like a collaborative process where they sometimes take the lead in shaping their own stories.
5. The editing phase can be a rollercoaster, as authors often relive their narratives multiple times, which reveals both the joy and the struggles of writing.
6. For aspiring authors, facing rejection is a part of the journey, and using those experiences as motivation can lead to success.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. vickiannebush.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Barnes and Noble
2. Creative James Media
3. Amazon

In this episode of the Creators at Work Podcast, host Donald Dunn sits down with Terry M. Brown author, award-winning novelist and host of Online for Authors, to explore what it truly means to rebuild your life after hardship. After leaving a fourteen-year emotionally abusive marriage, Terry embarked on a powerful tandem bicycle journey across the United States — a bold act of self-discovery through cycling that ultimately reignited her writing career and reshaped her identity.

This conversation dives deep into emotional healing through writing, overcoming abusive relationships, and the mindset shift required to step confidently into a creative life. Terry shares honest insight into her creative processes for writers, how podcasting for authors has strengthened her reach, and why building a writing community is essential for long-term success.

You’ll also hear practical advice on marketing for authors, building an online presence as an author, and how writing and podcasting synergy can help expand your audience. Whether you're exploring self-publishing tips, preparing for book launch strategies, or simply looking for writing life inspiration, this episode offers both emotional depth and tactical clarity.

If you're an aspiring writer, podcaster, or creative entrepreneur searching for encouragement and direction, this author interviews podcast episode will challenge you to stop waiting — and start building.

Listen now and discover how courage, collaboration in creative fields, and engaging readers through podcasts can transform not just your career, but your life.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. terrymbrown.com
2. onlineforauthors.com

Terry M. Brown, an award-winning author, shares her incredible journey from overcoming an emotionally abusive marriage to becoming a successful writer. With a spirit of resilience, she cycled 3,102 miles across the U.S., which sparked her fiction career and helped her reclaim her voice. We dive deep into the ups and downs of writing, including the creative process, the importance of believing in oneself, and the often-overlooked marketing hustle that comes after the writing is done. Terry’s experiences remind us that every author has a unique story, and it’s not just about the writing—it's about connecting with readers, navigating the publishing world, and finding joy in the journey. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let’s explore the wild world of fictional book writing together! Terry M. Brown, a multi-talented author known for her heartfelt storytelling, joins us in this episode to discuss her journey from a challenging personal life to a thriving writing career. Terry's background in writing spans across various genres, including historical fiction and children's books. Her writings are deeply rooted in themes of resilience, healing, and courage—qualities she embodies herself. After escaping a tough marriage, she embarked on a transformative journey, cycling 3,102 miles across the U.S. on a tandem bike, which not only helped her reclaim her voice but also ignited her passion for fiction. With several published works under her belt, including titles like 'Sunflowers Beneath the Snow' and her upcoming novel 'Peg Unhinged', she shares her experiences and the lessons learned along the way. This episode is packed with insights into the writing process, emphasizing that writing isn't just about putting words on paper; it's an emotional journey that allows authors to explore their own identities and experiences. Terry discusses the struggles of finding the right voice for her characters, the challenges of editing, and the importance of marketing in an author's journey, which can often feel overwhelming. The conversation is sprinkled with humor and relatable anecdotes, making it a delightful listen for aspiring authors or anyone interested in the creative process. Throughout the episode, we dive deep into what it means to be an author today, the importance of community, and how to navigate the sometimes rocky waters of publishing. Terry's candid reflections on her path will inspire listeners to embrace their own stories and consider the myriad ways they can share their voices with the world. Whether you're in the middle of writing your own book, thinking about starting, or just love a good story, this episode has something for everyone!

Takeaways:

1. Terry M. Brown’s journey from an emotionally abusive marriage to becoming an author is truly inspiring, showcasing the power of resilience and self-discovery.
2. Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for many, helping authors process emotions and experiences while creating vibrant fictional worlds.
3. The importance of marketing as an author cannot be overstated; finishing your book is just the beginning of the journey to reaching readers.
4. Finding your unique voice in writing is essential, and it's okay if your first drafts are messy; what matters is getting those words out!
5. A supportive community of fellow writers can make a huge difference, offering feedback and encouragement throughout the writing process.
6. Success as an author can mean different things to different people; defining what that means for you is...