In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jayne sit down with returning guest Michael Evans to discuss the growing impact of the creator economy on authors. They explore how shifts in technology and social platforms are transforming traditional publishing models, empowering authors to become creator-entrepreneurs. Michael explains the journey from platform economies to creator-focused models, underscoring the importance of authors owning their audience data and fostering direct relationships with readers. The conversation provides actionable steps for authors to embrace this evolving landscape, like using direct sales and building an engaged email list to establish a sustainable, independent future.

Michael also offers insights into emerging tools such as blockchain, generative AI, and their potential to redefine how books are distributed and monetized. The episode highlights the value of networks and communities, showing how authors can build stronger connections with readers, inspired by strategies used by figures like Taylor Swift and Jesse Cole. The hosts conclude with reflections on cultivating a creative career centered on both freedom and longevity.

• Embracing the creator economy can lead to a sustainable, independent author career.

• 00:00 - Introduction to Romancing Like Swift

Our guest today is Tim Akers, author of more than ten (often genre-blending) fantasy novels and more short stories and novellas than we wanted to count. Tim was born in deeply rural North Carolina and is the last in a long line of telephony princes, tourist attraction barons, and gruff Scottish bankers. He moved to Chicago for college and stayed to pursue his lifelong obsession with apocalyptic winters. 

Author of series including the Spiritbinder Sag, the Burn Cycle Archives, and the Hallowed War books, Tim loves to write fantasy that blends elements of his favorite genres. Join us in learning about how to write a fantasy story in cyberpunk clothes. 

In Part Two, We Discuss: 

• “Writing the other” and respecting varied viewpoints in your writing 

Resources and Guest Links: 

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/timakers.bsky.social 

Huge thanks to Tim for joining us! He’s a great champion for writing stories you’re passionate about and bringing personal experiences and beliefs into speculative fiction. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! 

Host Links: 

• H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/

Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)

• Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 

• Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

3 weeks into my social media growth journey, here are the results.

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane sit down with Damon Courtney from BookFunnel to explore the art of building a dedicated fanbase as an indie author, drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s remarkable connection with her superfans. Damon shares insights into creating a strong author brand, using direct sales to foster loyalty, and building meaningful connections with readers at every stage of their journey—from new readers to die-hard fans.

Through relatable examples, Morgana, Emily, and Damon discuss tools like mailing lists, bonus content, and social media for deepening fan engagement, as well as collaborating with other authors to expand reach. The episode covers how to turn readers into loyal superfans through genuine interactions, exclusive rewards, and consistent communication. Damon also emphasizes the importance of indie publishing as a pathway for authors to take ownership of their intellectual property and brand, while learning to navigate both praise and criticism.

The conversation wraps up with personal reflections on Taylor Swift’s ability to make fans feel special and a lighthearted discussion of favorite Swift songs and impactful song bridges.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a fanbase starts with connecting with readers at various stages, from new fans to superfans.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:31 – Meet Damon Courtney

01:04:57 – Final Thoughts and Farewell

Our guest today is Tim Akers, author of more than ten (often genre-blending) fantasy novels and more short stories and novellas than we wanted to count. Tim was born in deeply rural North Carolina and is the last in a long line of telephony princes, tourist attraction barons, and gruff Scottish bankers. He moved to Chicago for college and stayed to pursue his lifelong obsession with apocalyptic winters. 

Author of series including the Spiritbinder Sag, the Burn Cycle Archives, and the Hallowed War books, Tim loves to write fantasy that blends elements of his favorite genres. Join us in learning about how to write a fantasy story in cyberpunk clothes. 

In Part One, We Discuss: 

• Tim’s background–how he got into writing and first learned how to sell books 

• Originality and creating new spins on classic tropes 

• Incorporating themes into storytelling 

Resources and Guest Links: 

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/timakers.bsky.social 

Huge thanks to Tim for joining us! He’s a great champion for writing stories you’re passionate about and bringing personal experiences and beliefs into speculative fiction. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! 

Host Links: 

• H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/

Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)

• Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 

• Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

We look at faith and its impact on marketing. Spoiler: what you believe informs everything you do, and marketing is about translating what you believe into what other people do about you.

In this insightful episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane sit down with guest Michael Evans to discuss the powerful "Fans First" mindset and how authors can learn from Taylor Swift's approach to building genuine, lasting relationships with fans. They explore how prioritizing fans can lead to greater success and how storytelling plays a critical role in creating emotional connections. Drawing parallels with creatives like Taylor Swift, Jesse Cole of Savannah Bananas, and YouTuber Mark Rober, the conversation highlights the importance of adapting strategies, experimenting, and staying authentic.

Michael and the hosts dive into key principles authors can adopt, such as balancing creativity with business strategies, embracing experimentation, and learning from mistakes. They reflect on the benefits of data-driven decisions and the value of continuously evolving in both creative and business aspects. Practical tips on how authors can engage their readers, meet fan expectations, and create a fulfilling creative journey are also discussed.

Key Takeaways:

• Adopting a “Fans First” mindset is crucial for long-term creative success.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift Podcast

46:47 – Final Thoughts and Reflections

Just what do you do with a PhD in the History of Science? Write novels–science fiction, urban fantasy, and thriller. Our guest today is Steve Ruskin, PhD. He’s the author of the nonfiction popular history novel America’s First Great Eclipse and countless academic writings, and also of the ExoRok Rebels science fiction series and Trina Piper magical thrillers. 

Steve’s unique background in academics and fiction give him great insight to author resources, creativity, and bringing character-driven fiction to life. 

In Part One, We Discuss: 

• Painting targets around the points you want to hit in your plots 

Resources and Guest Links: 

• • Steve Ruskin: https://www.steveruskin.com/ 

• Dean Wesley Smith workshops: https://deanwesleysmith.com/online-workshops/ 

• • Remnants of Empire anthology: https://www.amazon.com/Remnants-Empire-Ashes-Entecea-Book-ebook/dp/B0D52XCZ5D 

• The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers: https://www.amazon.com/The-Anubis-Gates-Tim-Powers-audiobook/dp/B019G334ZO 

Huge thanks to Steve for coming over to record at our dining room table. We love being able to bring field specialists onto the show, and he’s no exception. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! 

Host Links: 

• H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/

Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)

• Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 

• Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim

In this episode of the Romancing Like Swift podcast, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane are joined by Becca Syme to dive into the challenges of handling criticism as an author and the impact it can have on emotional well-being. Drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s experiences, the conversation covers topics such as the influence of childhood trauma on handling criticism, the importance of self-acceptance, and the need to cultivate internal security and resilience.

Morgana, Emma, and Becca explore how external criticism can affect an author’s internal peace, stressing the importance of distinguishing between content and the critic’s personal conditions. They also discuss the fallacy of equating success with external validation, encouraging authors to build careers grounded in emotional stability and personal fulfillment.

Throughout the episode, Becca shares personal anecdotes, including her journey of embracing self-acceptance and processing grief through music. The conversation also addresses the role of parental influence, competition, and the myth of the “perfect product,” offering strategies for authors to navigate criticism with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Criticism often reflects the internal struggles of the critic, rather than the content being criticized.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:42 Dealing with Criticism: Insights from Taylor Swift

Just what do you do with a PhD in the History of Science? Write novels–science fiction, urban fantasy, and thriller. Our guest today is Steve Ruskin, PhD. He’s the author of the nonfiction popular history novel America’s First Great Eclipse and countless academic writings, and also of the ExoRok Rebels science fiction series and Trina Piper magical thrillers. 

Steve’s unique background in academics and fiction give him great insight to author resources, creativity, and bringing character-driven fiction to life. 

In Part One, We Discuss: 

• Worldbuilding in historical and popular history writings 

Resources and Guest Links: 

• • Steve Ruskin: https://www.steveruskin.com/ 

• Extinction by Douglas Preston: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Extinction-A-Novel/dp/B0C31M5X6V 

Huge thanks to Steve for coming over to record at our dining room table. We love being able to bring field specialists onto the show, and he’s no exception. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! 

Host Links: 

• H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/

Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)

• Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 

• Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim