Shows
The Author Next DoorEpisode 34: The Secrets to Growing Your Author Business with Sacha Blackđď¸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 Blackâauthor, entrepreneur, and writing mentorâabout how sheâs grown a thriving author business while staying true to the stories she loves to tell. We explore:Sachaâs shift from nonfiction to fictionâand what she learned along the wayBalancing reader expectations with your own creative instinctsHow to build a loyal reader community that feels like familyBranding basics every author should know (and actually use)Creating accessi...
2025-08-2058 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 33: Building An Author Career That Lasts with Bryan Cohenđď¸ 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 Cohenâauthor, coach, and host of The Sell More Books Showâto talk about what it really takes to build a thriving author business.We explore:¡    Why mindset is the foundation of long-term author success¡    How to build a supportive network that fuels your growth¡    Common book marketing pitfallsâand how to avoid them¡    Brianâs journey from indie author to re...
2025-08-1346 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 32: Branding Strategies for Authorsđď¸ 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 withWhy emotional resonance matters more than just aestheticsThe biggest author branding mistakes (and how to fix them)Rebranding: when to do it and what...
2025-08-0637 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 31: Tips For Creating Compelling Romance Characters with Sue Brown-MooreHow 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 realCommon tropes (and how to make them fresh)The balance between creative freedom and market expectationsThe role of reader feedback in shaping your storyW...
2025-07-3058 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 30: Conversations on Building Characters with Nick Thackerđď¸ From Action Thrillers to Hockey Romance?!Bestselling author Nick Thacker joins The Author Next Door to talk about his wild genre jumpâfrom high-octane explosions to heart-fluttering emotions. đĽđIn this refreshingly honest (and hilarious) conversation, Nick opens up about:Swapping plot-driven thrillers for character-driven romanceWhat surprised him most about writing love stories â¤ď¸How to balance emotional arcs with genre expectationsWriting through trauma and writing it wellNavigating reader expectations when you switch lanesAnd why romance is harderâand more rewardingâthan he thought
2025-07-2359 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 29: Our Tips For Creating Memorable Charactersđď¸ What makes a fictional character unforgettable? Letâs 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 fictionâfrom crafting unforgettable protagonists to elevating side characters that steal the show.We dive into:The secret to writing memorable female leads đŞWhy side characters matter more than you thinkThe power of strong character arcs and themesHow quirks and flaws create emotional resonancePersonal favesâand least favesâfrom fiction and...
2025-07-1640 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 28: Crafting Characters For Cozy Mysteries with Lynn Bohartđď¸ 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 đWhy setting and character motivation matter more than everUsing interviews with real people to fuel authentic storytellingBalancing serious topics with warmth, wit, and...
2025-07-0955 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 27: July Kickoff with Our Favorite Charactersđď¸ 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 filmThe secret sauce behind writing compelling villains đ¤How female characters have evolved and what we miss from the classicsWhy nostalgia plays a role in chara...
2025-07-0236 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 26: Why Hockey Romance is SO HOT with Ava Milesđď¸ 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 appeal of sports romance (yes, even if you donât love sports đâ¤ď¸)How Ava builds layered, powerful female leadsThe emotional arcs that drive her storiesâand how they reflect...
2025-06-2542 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 25: Lessons Learned From Hosting Our Podcastđ 25 episodes in and weâre 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 farâthe 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 co-hosting a podcast đď¸What surprised us most about interviewing guestsHow podcasting has changed our approach to writingThe challenges we didnât see coming (hello, editing!)
2025-06-1824 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 24: Behind the Scenes of Audiobook Production with Ashley Gatti and Jonathan Ricardođď¸ 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 narrationâfrom performance to production and everything in between.We dive into:How Jonathan and Ashley got started in narration (spoiler: not a straight line)The art and complexity of duet narration đ§Techniques for crafting distinct and memorable character voices...
2025-06-1144 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 23: Kicking Off June with Hot Topicsđď¸ Why do so many authors quit after their first bookâand how do you make sure youâre 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 publicationâburnout, self-doubt, comparison, and the pressure to keep producing in an ever-changing industry.We dive into:Why some writers walk away after book oneâand how to avoid itThe emotional toll of post-publication burnoutNavigating the rise of AI in the writing world đ¤âď¸How to balance...
2025-06-0428 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 22: The Realities of Police Work in Fiction with Patrick OâDonnellđď¸ Writing crime fiction? Hereâs 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 OâDonnell, 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:Patrickâs journey from police work to publishing đđThe most common mistakes authors make in crime fictionHow to research police procedure the right wayThe emotional t...
2025-05-2856 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 21: Choosing the Right Editor with Alice Sudlowđď¸ Finding the right editor isnât just about fixing words, itâs 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 authorâeditor relationship.We explore:How to find the right editor for your personality, process, and goalsWhy understanding your values as a writer helps guide editorial decisionsThe emotional side of editingâespecially when receiving tough feedback
2025-05-2154 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 20: Navigating Your Author Journey, Finding the Right Professionalsđď¸ Finding the right people to support your writing career shouldnât 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 teamâfrom editors to cover designers to coachesâwithout getting burned or overwhelmed.We explore:How to vet publishing professionals with confidenceThe importance of writerâs groups and word-of-mouth referralsWhy self-esteem and boundaries matter when youâre hiring helpThe roles of editing, design, and coaching and when you might need...
2025-05-1442 min
The Dialogue Doctor PodcastEpisode 275 - Your Sophomore Year of WritingIn this episode, Jeff interviews Angela Haas and Cassie Newell from The Author Next Door podcast. Jeff, Angela, and Cassie discuss the life of an author and how it changes as you grow and mature. They talk about Cassie and Angela's new adventures into romance and their new podcast. To learn more about what Cassie and Angela are doing, check out https://theauthornextdoor.com/ For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/ Â
2025-05-121h 07
The Author Next DoorEpisode 19: The Power of Personality Tests for Writersđď¸ 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 knowing your type can help you write smarter, not harder đ§ âď¸The surprising ways personality tests shape character developmentUsing self-awareness to prevent burnout and boost creativityHow understandin...
2025-05-0738 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 18: Crafting Love Stories with Paula Judith Johnsonđď¸ 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:Paulaâs path to becoming a romance authorâand what sheâs learned along the wayCrafting emotionally rich, fully dimensional characters readers root forThe unique challenges and joys of writing historical romance...
2025-04-3053 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 17: Navigating The Challenges of Book Two in a Series with Suzy Vadoriđď¸ Writing book one is hard, but book two? Thatâs 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 overwhelmingHow to manage reader expectationsâwithout losing your creative sparkThe delicate art of recaps, cliffhangers, and keeping the momentum goingSuzyâs process for outlining sequels and...
2025-04-2353 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 16: Choosing The Right Point of Viewđď¸ First person? Third? Omniscient? Letâs 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 POVWhy head hopping confuses readers (and how to avoid it)How genre expectations influence POV choicesTips for deepening reader connection and immersi...
2025-04-1632 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 15: The Prescription for Better Dialogue with Jeff Elkinsđď¸ 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 workâand how to avoid the most common pitfalls.We dive into:The biggest dialogue mistakes writers make (and how to fix them)Balancing inner thoughts and spoken words on the pageHow to handle conversations with large casts (without confusing your re...
2025-04-0955 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 14: Craft Fair Kickoff, Exploring Writing Resourcesđď¸ Ready to level up your writing? Letâs 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 structureHow we each approach character development and world-building đđTools that support focus, flow, and consistency (hello, post-its and plot boards)Personal writing process quirksâand wh...
2025-04-0230 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 13: Mastering List Building for Authors with Amy Vansantđď¸ 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 still one of the smartest moves for authorsChoosing the right mailing platformâand when to switchAutomation tips that save time and increase engagement đŹHow A...
2025-03-2638 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 012 Marketing During Strange Timesđď¸ 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 boycottsâand everything in between.We dive into:The ripple effect of boycotts and shifting trends on small businesses and indie authorsThe importance of choosing the right platforms for promotion (and letting go of the rest)How personal mindset and flexibi...
2025-03-1916 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 11: Mastering Social Media Marketing with Guest Jenn DePaulađď¸ 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 mediaWhy your messaging matters more than your follower countGoal metrics vs. vanity numbers: what should you really be tracking? đHow to shift your marketing mindset from âughâ to al...
2025-03-1253 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 10: The Marketing Monster: Love It Or Hate It?đď¸ 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 marketingâespecially when you're doing it all yourself.We cover:The mental load of marketing while still trying to write âď¸đ˘How to build an audience without burning outWhat weâve learned from marketing flops, false starts, and figuring it out the hard wayThe myth of âdoing it allâ and the magic of doing whatâs sust...
2025-03-0522 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 09: Finding Your Writing Community with K.S. Bartonđď¸ 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 communityâand how finding the right people can transform your creative life.We explore:How to find and trust your unique writing voice âď¸The value of critique groupsâand red flags to watch forNavigating online writing communities with confidenceWhen to walk away from feedback that doesnât serve your story
2025-02-2641 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 08: Conference Key Learnings and Takeawaysđď¸ 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 conferencesWhat to wear, what to pack, and how to prepare like a pro âď¸The power of career counseling sessions (and why theyâre worth it)How to pitc...
2025-02-1836 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 07: At Superstars Writing Seminars - Chatting Liveđď¸ Thinking about attending a writing conference but not sure itâs 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 prosâHeather Jones (aka Jen Fier), David Chenoweth, Jennifer Brinn, Jennifer Rose, Jason Hamilton, and Lyn Worthingâto talk all things writing conferences.We dive into:Why conferences are about more than panels and pitch sessionsThe difference between big vs. small eventsâand how to choose what fitsThe magi...
2025-02-1121 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 06: The Power of Connections at Conferences with Herman Steuernagelđď¸ Authors are you terrified of networking? Youâre 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 conferencesâeven if youâre an introvert.We dig into:How to network without feeling gross đTips for shy, quiet, or socially exhausted writersChoosing the right conferences for your personality and goalsHow your conference goals evolve over time (and why thatâs okay)The difference b...
2025-02-0449 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 05: Showing Up For Yourself Even When It's Hard with Racquel Henryđď¸ 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 faceâand how mindset can make or break your creative momentum.We discuss:Racquelâs own writing journey and how she learned to show up for herselfThe power of âtouching your project dailyââand what that really meansWhy comparison is creativityâs kryptonite đĽHow to stay grounded when...
2025-01-2941 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 04: Mastering Balance in the Writer's Lifeđď¸ Can you really âbalance it allâ 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: itâs not perfect)Time management strategies that actually work for writersWhy saying no is a powerful creative toolThe connection between burnout and productivity guiltTools we love (and a...
2025-01-2239 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 03: How to Recognize and Overcome Burnout with Holly Lyneđď¸ Burned out, blocked, or just plain done? Letâs 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: itâs not just exhaustion)The emotional toll of self-imposed deadlines and constant outputHow to recognize the warning signs before you hit a wall đ§The joy of writing what you lov...
2025-01-2241 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 02: Managing Self-Doubtđď¸ Is self-doubt stealing your writing joy? Youâre not alone.In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas open up about the inner critic that lives rent-free in every writerâs head and how to keep it from shutting down your creative process.We talk about:How self-doubt shows up at every stage of the writing journeyWhy trusting your voice is harder (and more essential) than it soundsThe difference between helpful feedback vs. confidence killersWhat happens when you stop writing for other...
2025-01-1528 min
The Author Next DoorEpisode 01: Introduction and Goal Settingđď¸ Weâre your new writing besties and we brought snacks!In the very first episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas introduce themselves and share why they launched a podcast for writers who crave real talk, real strategies, and real community.Youâll hear:Our backgrounds in writing, retail, and indie publishing (yes, itâs a wild mix)What weâre planning for 2025 and how weâre setting goals without losing our mindsWhy we think the writing world needs more honesty and fewer highlight reels...
2025-01-1521 min