Ready to turn your curious clicks about Patreon into a confident, author-friendly income strategy? In this episode, our hosts dig into the latest Indie Author Magazine article—breaking down how independent authors can leverage Patreon for reliable, time-efficient revenue in today’s rapidly changing landscape.

From making a magnetic first impression (00:02:53) and structuring reward tiers that fit any fan’s budget (00:04:04), to the crucial balance between engagement and burnout (00:05:02), you’ll get practical, actionable advice rooted in the very newest platform updates. The hosts also unpack important Patreon changes coming in 2024 and 2025: new fee structures (00:10:20), the impact of mobile purchases and Apple’s 30% fee (00:11:08), and upgraded video and team features (00:12:11)—helping you stay ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re trying to optimize efficiency without letting Patreon hijack your writing time, or you need expert tips for maximizing transparency, this episode is your roadmap to a more sustainable author business.

Key Segments:

• Setting up your Patreon for instant appeal (00:02:53)

• Strategic tier design—with examples from real authors (00:04:04)

• Avoiding burnout with low-effort, high-impact rewards (00:05:02)

• Understanding the new Patreon fee model and Apple’s in-app purchase rules (00:10:20, 00:11:08)

• Latest platform tools: Video storage and team accounts (00:12:11)

• Synthesizing the main takeaways for indie authors (00:12:57)

Tune in and discover how to craft a Patreon presence that’s rewarding for both you and your readers—without losing sight of your writing.

Join our hosts for a no-fluff, practical look at how indie authors can supercharge their social media and marketing strategies. In this episode, they dive deep into a recent Indie Author Magazine article, exploring how generative AI can save you time, spark new content ideas, and give you a fresh edge—without sacrificing authenticity. They also walk through step-by-step strategies for planning an engaging, low-cost virtual book launch that connects you with readers around the globe.

Key Segments:

• [00:02:25] Revolutionizing Content Creation: What generative AI can (and can’t) do for indie authors

• [00:05:01] Real-World Lessons: How one author’s AI experiment turned a flop into a time-saving win

• [00:07:00] Strategic Superpowers: Using AI for competitor analysis and stronger sales funnels

• [00:08:43] Essential Tools: The best platforms for writing, scheduling, and visuals

• [00:09:38] Virtual Book Launches: Step-by-step planning, promotion, and why global reach matters

• [00:11:43] Pro Tips: Setting goals, inviting influencers, and perfecting your launch execution

• [00:13:13] Beyond the Event: Measuring impact, gathering feedback, and building an ongoing strategy

• [00:14:10] Balancing Speed and Soul: Maintaining authenticity in a fast-paced, AI-powered landscape

If you’re ready to market your books smarter—not harder—and want to hear how tech-savvy authors are leveraging AI and virtual events, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

In this focused episode, our hosts guide indie authors through a practical, results-driven toolkit inspired by a standout article in Indie Author Magazine. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of publishing options or struggled to keep your business sustainable, this conversation is for you.

The hosts break down the essentials of building a strong, consistent author brand with the Author Brand Guide, and explore how to implement a five-step integrated publishing ecosystem—designed for predictability, stability, and creativity. You’ll also hear specific, actionable advice on productivity from acclaimed author Kevin J. Anderson, master the nuances of Universal Book Links, and discover why the post-Christmas season is a goldmine for indie authors.

Key Segments:

• [00:00:16] Expanding Global Reach: Dropcap Marketplace & Global Rights Licensing

• [00:01:45] The Problem of Information Overload & Analysis Paralysis

• [00:03:29] Solving Generic AI Output: Author Brand Guide Deep Dive

• [00:05:19] Building the Five-Step Integrated Publishing Ecosystem

• [00:09:07] Productivity Insights from Kevin J. Anderson

• [00:10:39] Strategic Use of Universal Book Links

• [00:12:08] Maximizing Post-Holiday Sales

• [00:13:47] Recap & The Role of Systems in Sustainable Indie Publishing

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your indie publishing strategy, this episode distills expert advice into actionable steps—so you can build a thriving author business without sacrificing creative joy.

Don’t miss this practical, energizing deep dive—your sustainable publishing journey starts here.

Episode Description: Planning for 2026 and Avoiding Burnout

As the new year approaches, it’s easy to get swept away by grand plans and ambitious word counts. In this deep dive, our hosts guide listeners through a thoughtful exploration of sustainability and success, inspired by Susan Odev’s transformative article, “The Gentle Reset,” in Indie Author Magazine.

Rather than glorifying the hustle, this conversation challenges the mythology of constant grind and rapid output. They discuss why rethinking your creative process—by reflecting on what really worked, what drained you, and what truly made you proud—matters now more than ever. Their discussion is packed with actionable practices for indie authors to plan for a fulfilling 2026, featuring grounded advice on setting flexible targets, scheduling real rest, simplifying systems, and celebrating the small wins.

Whether you’ve ever felt the pressure to keep up with the algorithms or wondered how to keep your creative flame alive year after year, this episode offers an inviting roadmap to resilience and long-term joy.

Key Segments & Timestamps

• 00:01:44 — Introduction: Why traditional New Year’s goal setting sets us up for burnout

• 00:02:25 — Breaking Down Hustle Culture: How the market pushes indie authors toward overload

• 00:04:55 — The Cost of Sprinting: Why sustainable creative habits matter

• 00:07:02 — Four Reflection Questions: Moving past word counts and sales numbers

• 00:09:13 — Embracing the Gentle Reset: Shifting focus from output to well-being

• 00:12:00 — Five Sustainable Practices: Flexible targets, planned rest, and joy beyond the numbers

• 00:15:07 — Redefining Success: How celebrating small wins fuels the long game

• 00:16:40 — Final Thoughts: Why resilience is your secret competitive edge

Dive in for a practical, refreshing take on planning your author career for the year ahead—one that keeps you writing, thriving, and loving the process.

In this Indie Author Magazine deep-dive, our hosts unpack an exciting new model for publishing that challenges industry gatekeeping and reframes literary value. Drawing on the recent success of Left Unread Books—an imprint dedicated to amplifying black and brown authors—they explore how community-driven initiatives are revolutionizing inclusivity, discoverability, and capital in indie publishing.

Through insightful discussion, they examine how founder Michael Laborn built infrastructure on social and community capital rather than traditional venture funding, and why this approach isn't just about representation—it's about shifting structural power. The episode highlights stories like Cry Void Bringer, Devil of the Deep, and From Our Blood, showcasing how genre fiction can serve as a lens to address systemic issues like colonialism and institutional racism.

Listeners will gain actionable advice, whether they're writers looking for their audience or readers eager to bridge cultural gaps. The hosts offer practical ways for fans to support marginalized authors beyond simple purchasing, emphasizing the importance of preorders, engagement, and community building.

Key Segments:

• [00:00:16] International rights and discoverability: spotlight on Dropcap Marketplace

• [00:02:21] How Left Unread Books reframes curation and inclusivity

• [00:05:53] The power of collaboration and community capital

• [00:07:53] Case studies: Cry Void Bringer, Devil of the Deep, and From Our Blood

• [00:12:02] Action steps for readers and authors to nurture grassroots literary success

• [00:13:45] Revolutionary narratives: why marginalized voices challenge the publishing status quo

Perfect for readers, writers, and publishing professionals hungry for new ways to foster change, this episode proves that mission-driven communities can fuel lasting transformation across the literary landscape.

Listen in for inspiration, practical strategies, and a fresh take on the future of indie publishing.

Trust the Messy First Draft Process: Why Overwriting Is Essential
Our hosts dive deep into one of the most challenging phases for any creator—the unruly, sprawling first draft. Drawing insights from book coach Rana Goffstein’s article in Indie Author Magazine, this episode unpacks why that bloated, meandering draft isn’t a sign of failure, but a vital step in your creative discovery.

They break down common anxieties around overwriting, challenge the misconception that drafting is about performance, and share practical wisdom on how letting your draft "get messy" actually sharpens the final story. From uncovering hidden character wounds (07:37), to the infamous coffee cup test (06:56), to understanding the true function of the discovery phase (03:44), listeners are guided through the psychological and craft-based benefits of embracing the chaos.

Key Segments:

• Crucial Insight: Why the messy draft is an act of creative discovery, not inefficiency (02:36)

• Overwriting Anxiety: Reframing fear of long drafts (03:28)

• Coffee Cup Test: Hidden value in overwritten scenes (06:56)

• Five Hidden Discoveries: What ‘wasted’ pages really reveal (07:37)

• Writer vs. Reader Needs: Two distinct creative phases (04:53)

• Turning Cuts Into Foundations: How deleted scenes fuel your final manuscript (10:41)

Perfect for anyone staring at an overwhelming draft, this episode offers a refreshing perspective—and permission—to trust the messy process. You’ll walk away with practical insights (and a lot less self-judgment) for your next writing sprint.

Join our hosts for a fresh, insightful deep dive into Indie Author Magazine’s holiday gift guide for writers. In this episode, they unpack an essential article recommending the five most impactful craft books that every fiction author should add to their shelf. From tackling that intimidating first draft to building immersive worlds for long series, they break down why each recommended title goes beyond theory to offer actionable wisdom for every stage of your writing journey.

Whether you’re just getting started or refining your tenth novel, you’ll discover how these selected books help writers spark creativity, master emotional resonance, and take control of their writing careers. The hosts don’t just review the titles—they highlight the nuggets of knowledge and practical frameworks each book delivers, making this episode a roadmap for thoughtful gifting or investing in your own craft.

Key Segments & Timestamps:

• [00:01:44] Introduction: Why craft books are the ultimate writer’s gift

• [00:03:23] Joanna Penn’s How to Write a Novel: Blueprint for finishing your first draft

• [00:04:42] Derek Murphy’s Bookcraft: The comprehensive reference for structure and techniques

• [00:06:10] Lisa Cron’s Story Genius: How brain science enhances fiction and emotional impact

• [00:07:23] Donald Maas’ The Emotional Craft of Fiction: Mastering emotion and reader connection

• [00:09:03] Timothy Hickson’s On Writing and World Building: Building consistent universes for series

• [00:11:05] Beyond craft: Subscriptions, business resources, and why knowledge is the best ongoing gift

Tune in for distilled insights and actionable takeaways that will inspire and empower you—so your next story not only gets written, but truly connects with readers.

Join our hosts as they peel back the curtain on the real digital spaces where today’s indie authors connect, collaborate, and thrive. In this deep dive, they explore a curated list from Desmith Dottie, spotlighting communities that offer everything from powerhouse business advice to anti-burnout support and focused craft critique.

Whether you’re hunting for accountability partners, structured writing sprints, or a corner of the internet free from doomscrolling, this episode helps you discover the author community that truly fits your goals and personality—not just your follower count.

Timestamps for Key Segments:

• [00:00:16] – Opening: Chelle Honiker introduces Dropcap Marketplace for global book rights sales

• [00:01:44] – The Overwhelm of Information & The Power of Real Communities

• [00:03:38] – The “Heavy Hitters”: 20 Books to 50k and Self Publishing Formula

• [00:06:05] – More Intimate Options: Successful Indie Author & Community Culture

• [00:07:11] – Groups for Accountability & Author Health: Write Fast Sustainably, Heart Breathings

• [00:08:54] – Emotional and Inspirational Communities: Indie Inspiration

• [00:10:06] – Niche Strategies and Philosophies: Wide for the Win

• [00:11:36] – A Throwback Approach: Internet Writing Workshop (email-based critique)

• [00:12:44] – Matchmaking: How to Choose the Right Community for Your Identity & Goals

• [00:14:25] – Closing Thoughts: What’s Your Non-Negotiable Rule?

Tune in for a practical, eye-opening look at where “real authors hang out”—and why the right room for you is the one that empowers your unique writing journey.