Guest:

Mimi Francis

https://mimifrancis.com

In this episode of the Indie Author Addict Podcast, host Jenn LaBuzz interviews romance author Mimi Francis about her spicy interconnected novels spanning Hollywood, small-town, mafia, and paranormal romance. Mimi discusses how fan fiction inspired her bestseller Taken by the Mobster and its sequel The Mobster’s Daughter, along with her evolving monster-hunter universe. She shares her fast, intuitive “no-outline” writing style, the family support behind her success, and her excitement for upcoming releases, audiobooks, and appearances at the Mesa Book Festival and other Arizona literary events.

About Mimi Francis

Mimi Francis is a sassy romance writer known for her steamy tales of passion that leave readers breathless. When she's not crafting the perfect happily-ever-after, you can find her sipping margaritas and binge-watching Marvel movies or the TV show Supernatural. Get ready to fall in love with her characters and get lost in the worlds she creates. 

About the Book

Taken by the Mobster (Massachusetts Mafia Book 1)

Declan didn’t expect for his latest score to be Liv’s heart.

“Declan Quinn” is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies. With a reputation built on his cunning and ruthlessness, he has become an unstoppable force in the criminal world. A string of bank robberies along the East Coast has solidified his place in infamy but may send...

Order a copy: https://mimifrancis.com/series/massachusetts-mafia

About Indie Author Addict

Hosted by avid reader, life coach, Disney fan and educator Jenn Labuz, the Indie Author addict features authors talking about their works and the passions behind them. Produced by Proxima Emporium, LLC., the Indie Author Addict is available from your favorite podcast distributor or online at the Podcast's home page.

Certain episodes are also available in video as well, visit the podcasts Youtube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@indieauthoraddict

Visit Jenn Labuz online at: https://www.jennlabuz.com/

Visit Proxima Emporium at: https://proximaemporium.com

The Indie Author Addict home page online is at: https://indieauthoraddict.com

Guest:

Mimi Francis

https://mimifrancis.com

In Part 2, romance author Mimi Francis discusses developing her paranormal romance universe, blending classic creatures like vampires and werewolves with original monsters such as the body-possessing “shatterer.” She and host Jenn LaBuzz bond over Buffy nostalgia and the joy of inventive, unsettling creature design. Mimi also shares how deeply her family supports her writing—her daughters assist at events, promote her books online, and serve as honest early readers, while her husband champions every career move. The conversation turns to upcoming series entries, including Married to the Mobster, her expanding Lakeside romances, and a forthcoming monster-romance anthology project.

About Mimi Francis

Mimi Francis is a sassy romance writer known for her steamy tales of passion that leave readers breathless. When she's not crafting the perfect happily-ever-after, you can find her sipping margaritas and binge-watching Marvel movies or the TV show Supernatural. Get ready to fall in love with her characters and get lost in the worlds she creates. 

About the Book

Taken by the Mobster (Massachusetts Mafia Book 1)

Declan didn’t expect for his latest score to be Liv’s heart.

“Declan Quinn” is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies. With a reputation built on his cunning and ruthlessness, he has become an unstoppable force in the criminal world. A string of bank robberies along the East Coast has solidified his place in infamy but may send...

Order a copy: https://mimifrancis.com/series/massachusetts-mafia

About Indie Author Addict

Hosted by avid reader, life coach, Disney fan and educator Jenn Labuz, the Indie Author addict features authors talking about their works and the passions behind them. Produced by Proxima Emporium, LLC., the Indie Author Addict is available from your favorite podcast distributor or online at the Podcast's home page.

Certain episodes are also available in video as well, visit the podcasts Youtube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@indieauthoraddict

Visit Jenn Labuz online at: https://www.jennlabuz.com/

Visit Proxima Emporium at: https://proximaemporium.com

The Indie Author Addict home page online is at: https://indieauthoraddict.com

Guest:

Mimi Francis

https://mimifrancis.com

In Part 1 of the interview, host Jenn LaBuzz introduces spicy-romance author Mimi Francis, who writes across Hollywood second-chance romances, small-town love stories, and her bestselling mafia-romance series. Francis shares how her breakout novel Taken by the Mobster began as Supernatural fan fiction before evolving into an original contemporary tale of a bank teller kidnapped by a handsome mobster. She discusses her energetic, idea-driven writing process, her preference for “pantsing” over outlining, and her unique chapter-by-chapter drafting method. Francis also previews The Mobster’s Daughter, an age-gap, on-the-run romance connected to her shared-universe series.

About Mimi Francis

Mimi Francis is a sassy romance writer known for her steamy tales of passion that leave readers breathless. When she's not crafting the perfect happily-ever-after, you can find her sipping margaritas and binge-watching Marvel movies or the TV show Supernatural. Get ready to fall in love with her characters and get lost in the worlds she creates. 

About the Book

Taken by the Mobster (Massachusetts Mafia Book 1)

Declan didn’t expect for his latest score to be Liv’s heart.

“Declan Quinn” is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies. With a reputation built on his cunning and ruthlessness, he has become an unstoppable force in the criminal world. A string of bank robberies along the East Coast has solidified his place in infamy but may send...

Order a copy: https://mimifrancis.com/series/massachusetts-mafia

About Indie Author Addict

Hosted by avid reader, life coach, Disney fan and educator Jenn Labuz, the Indie Author addict features authors talking about their works and the passions behind them. Produced by Proxima Emporium, LLC., the Indie Author Addict is available from your favorite podcast distributor or online at the Podcast's home page.

Certain episodes are also available in video as well, visit the podcasts Youtube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@indieauthoraddict

Visit Jenn Labuz online at: https://www.jennlabuz.com/

Visit Proxima Emporium at: https://proximaemporium.com

The Indie Author Addict home page online is at: https://indieauthoraddict.com

Guest:

Adrienne Miles

https://adriennemiles.com

In Part 3, Adrienne Miles discusses her quiet, distraction-free writing process and the practical spaces where she drafts—her home office, coffee shops, or even a camper in the desert. She shares excitement for Spider’s Wyrd’s March 11 release and upcoming appearances, including the Tucson Festival of Books and Capricon in Chicago. Miles encourages readers to follow her website and Substack for updates. Host Jenn LaBuzz highlights the festival’s appeal, travel tips, and the abundance of authors and books. The episode closes with celebration of Miles’s debut, her upcoming tour stops, and her enthusiasm for meeting readers at Tucson.

Because Jenn said we would include it: https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org

About the Book

Spiders Wyrd

Shot down in the backcountry of the planet that she was deployed to protect, starfighter Ulla Thorsdaughter wants only to get back to civilization so she can get back in the sky. The Fates have other plans. Thrown into an unfamiliar culture, Ulla struggles to control her newly emergent psi powers and come to terms with the secrets that fuel her recurring nightmares. Not to mention fitting into her new-found community.

Order a copy: https://brickcave.media/index.php/authors/adrienne-miles?types[0]=1

One that thinks she is their greatest hope.

Ulla begs to differ.

Adrienne Miles

Adrienne Bengtson, who writes science fantasy as Adrienne Miles, picked back up her lifelong interest in writing after retiring from the U.S. Air Force and a 25-year career as a librarian. She is getting ready to publish her debut novel, Spider’s Wyrd, with Brick Cave Media. 

In addition to reading and writing, she enjoys travel, hiking, fiber arts, and doting on her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. She plays Celtic traditional music on the penny whistle and keyless flute, and has been known to play the great Highland bagpipes in public. She lives in Mesa, Arizona, with her husband and their cats.

About Indie Author Addict

Hosted by avid reader, life coach, Disney fan and educator Jenn Labuz, the Indie Author addict features authors talking about their works and the passions behind them. Produced by Proxima Emporium, LLC., the Indie Author Addict is available from your favorite podcast distributor or online at the Podcast's home page.

Certain episodes are also available in video as well, visit the podcasts Youtube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@indieauthoraddict

Visit Jenn Labuz online at: https://www.jennlabuz.com/

Visit Proxima Emporium at: https://proximaemporium.com

The Indie Author Addict home page online is at: https://indieauthoraddict.com

Guest:

Adrienne Miles

https://adriennemiles.com

In Part 2 of the interview, Adrienne Miles expands on the worldbuilding behind Spider’s Wyrd, explaining how she blended global archetypes rather than relying on traditional mythologies. She discusses her military background—working in radar, intelligence, and alongside fighter pilots—and how those experiences shaped her complex starfighter protagonist. Miles explores the psychology of pilots, the ego required for high-risk missions, and how that mindset informs her character’s growth when thrust into paranormal and cultural conflict. The conversation then shifts to lighter topics as she shares her writing habits, love of black coffee, and preference for quiet, desk-based writing spaces.

About the Book

Spiders Wyrd

Shot down in the backcountry of the planet that she was deployed to protect, starfighter Ulla Thorsdaughter wants only to get back to civilization so she can get back in the sky. The Fates have other plans. Thrown into an unfamiliar culture, Ulla struggles to control her newly emergent psi powers and come to terms with the secrets that fuel her recurring nightmares. Not to mention fitting into her new-found community.

Order a copy: https://brickcave.media/index.php/authors/adrienne-miles?types[0]=1

One that thinks she is their greatest hope.

Ulla begs to differ.

Adrienne Miles

Adrienne Bengtson, who writes science fantasy as Adrienne Miles, picked back up her lifelong interest in writing after retiring from the U.S. Air Force and a 25-year career as a librarian. She is getting ready to publish her debut novel, Spider’s Wyrd, with Brick Cave Media. 

In addition to reading and writing, she enjoys travel, hiking, fiber arts, and doting on her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. She plays Celtic traditional music on the penny whistle and keyless flute, and has been known to play the great Highland bagpipes in public. She lives in Mesa, Arizona, with her husband and their cats.

About Indie Author Addict

Hosted by avid reader, life coach, Disney fan and educator Jenn Labuz, the Indie Author addict features authors talking about their works and the passions behind them. Produced by Proxima Emporium, LLC., the Indie Author Addict is available from your favorite podcast distributor or online at the Podcast's home page.

Certain episodes are also available in video as well, visit the podcasts Youtube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@indieauthoraddict

Visit Jenn Labuz online at: https://www.jennlabuz.com/

Visit Proxima Emporium at: https://proximaemporium.com

The Indie Author Addict home page online is at: https://indieauthoraddict.com

Guest:

Adrienne Miles

https://adriennemiles.com

In Part 1 of the interview, host Jenn Labuz welcomes science-fiction and fantasy author Adrienne Miles to discuss her upcoming novel Spider’s Wyrd. Miles introduces the story of a future starfighter who crash-lands on a lost colony world, uncovers unexpected paranormal abilities, and must navigate both war and mystery to survive. She shares how lifelong love of science fiction, early influence from Analog magazines and Anne McCaffrey, and her Air Force background shaped the book’s military-space-opera roots. Miles also reflects on her writing origin story, balancing service, motherhood, and creativity before finally returning to—and reinventing—her debut novel.

About the Book

Spiders Wyrd

Shot down in the backcountry of the planet that she was deployed to protect, starfighter Ulla Thorsdaughter wants only to get back to civilization so she can get back in the sky. The Fates have other plans. Thrown into an unfamiliar culture, Ulla struggles to control her newly emergent psi powers and come to terms with the secrets that fuel her recurring nightmares. Not to mention fitting into her new-found community.

Order a copy: https://brickcave.media/index.php/authors/adrienne-miles?types[0]=1

One that thinks she is their greatest hope.

Ulla begs to differ.

Adrienne Miles

Adrienne Bengtson, who writes science fantasy as Adrienne Miles, picked back up her lifelong interest in writing after retiring from the U.S. Air Force and a 25-year career as a librarian. She is getting ready to publish her debut novel, Spider’s Wyrd, with Brick Cave Media. 

In addition to reading and writing, she enjoys travel, hiking, fiber arts, and doting on her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. She plays Celtic traditional music on the penny whistle and keyless flute, and has been known to play the great Highland bagpipes in public. She lives in Mesa, Arizona, with her husband and their cats.

About Indie Author Addict

Hosted by avid reader, life coach, Disney fan and educator Jenn Labuz, the Indie Author addict features authors talking about their works and the passions behind them. Produced by Proxima Emporium, LLC., the Indie Author Addict is available from your favorite podcast distributor or online at the Podcast's home page.

Certain episodes are also available in video as well, visit the podcasts Youtube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@indieauthoraddict

Visit Jenn Labuz online at: https://www.jennlabuz.com/

Visit Proxima Emporium at: https://proximaemporium.com

The Indie Author Addict home page online is at: https://indieauthoraddict.com

Guests:

Tony Fuentes

C.S. Kading

Sandancer Publications

https://www.sanddancer.pub/

In Part 5, Tony and Charmaine discuss weaving Mexican, Hispanic, and Chicano cultural elements into their Gothica universe, including Spanish terminology and folklore such as “The Devil at the Dance.” They share updates on their serialized Penny Dreadful–style story Tenebroso, which explores vengeance, supernatural forces, and moral ambiguity. The authors reveal plans to collect the 25-part series into a full novel and highlight how Easter-egg connections link their expanding world. They close by inviting listeners to upcoming Arizona appearances—Horror Fest, Día de los Muertos, Books in the Desert, and the Mesa Book Festival—before thanking Book Maze for hosting the episode.

About the Book

Blood Tithe

For Lyric Wax, who dreams of a future as a Historian for the Grand Archives, this chilling truth becomes a haunting reality as she navigates her Verdad - a perilous path to adulthood - to find her place in the Imperium and prove herself. She sets out on a journey beyond the safety of familiar walls. Her destination: the mysteries that lie beyond the Great Gates of the Imperium of Kraphax.

What begins as a simple errand to a safe Shrine quickly transforms into a horrific ordeal. 

Tony Fuentes

Tony Fuentes is a California-born Chicano writer now living in Arizona. Considered a Renaissance Man in Geek's clothing, he is not only an author with a weird imagination but also a painter, a gamer, and a practicing occultist. In his writing, he weaves Mexican folklore and sardonic humor. At the same time, he tries to inspire the audience to look up at the stars and dream even further. In short, he strives to give the weird and the wondrous things a place in the world for all to enjoy.

C.S. Kading

A poet, playwright, and lover of the fantastical. Charm has been telling stories since the 3rd grade when she won an award in a District contest. She adores studying myths and legends from around the world and has a special love for legends from non-European origins. One of her favorite memories was learning the historical legend of Mulan from her translator while in China. She is also an educator, specializing in storytelling for educators, as well as a Corporate Storyteller.

About Indie Author Addict

Hosted by avid reader, life coach, Disney fan and educator Jenn Labuz, the Indie Author addict features authors talking about their works and the passions behind them. Produced by Proxima Emporium, LLC., the Indie Author Addict is available from your favorite podcast distributor or online at the Podcast's home page.

Certain episodes are also available in video as well, visit the podcasts Youtube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@indieauthoraddict

Visit Jenn Labuz online at: https://www.jennlabuz.com/

Visit Proxima Emporium at: https://proximaemporium.com

The Indie Author Addict home page online is at: https://indieauthoraddict.com

Guests:

Tony Fuentes

C.S. Kading

Sandancer Publications

https://www.sanddancer.pub/

In Part 4 of the interview, Tony and Charmaine continue discussing their creative process, from tightening repetitive language to crafting character-themed playlists that shape emotional tone. They share their preferred writing spaces—Charmaine dreams of an ocean-view balcony while Tony writes at night or on work breaks when inspiration hits. The authors reveal what’s next for their Gothica series, including End of the Line, a train-bound dark fantasy filled with zombies and assassin intrigue, and plans for nine total books. They also explore their deep dive into Mexican and Chicano mythology, including folklore like “The Devil at the Dance,” which inspires future character arcs.

About the Book

Blood Tithe

For Lyric Wax, who dreams of a future as a Historian for the Grand Archives, this chilling truth becomes a haunting reality as she navigates her Verdad - a perilous path to adulthood - to find her place in the Imperium and prove herself. She sets out on a journey beyond the safety of familiar walls. Her destination: the mysteries that lie beyond the Great Gates of the Imperium of Kraphax.

What begins as a simple errand to a safe Shrine quickly transforms into a horrific ordeal. 

Tony Fuentes

Tony Fuentes is a California-born Chicano writer now living in Arizona. Considered a Renaissance Man in Geek's clothing, he is not only an author with a weird imagination but also a painter, a gamer, and a practicing occultist. In his writing, he weaves Mexican folklore and sardonic humor. At the same time, he tries to inspire the audience to look up at the stars and dream even further. In short, he strives to give the weird and the wondrous things a place in the world for all to enjoy.

C.S. Kading

A poet, playwright, and lover of the fantastical. Charm has been telling stories since the 3rd grade when she won an award in a District contest. She adores studying myths and legends from around the world and has a special love for legends from non-European origins. One of her favorite memories was learning the historical legend of Mulan from her translator while in China. She is also an educator, specializing in storytelling for educators, as well as a Corporate Storyteller.

About Indie Author Addict

Hosted by avid reader, life coach, Disney fan and educator Jenn Labuz, the Indie Author addict features authors talking about their works and the passions behind them. Produced by Proxima Emporium, LLC., the Indie Author Addict is available from your favorite podcast distributor or online at the Podcast's home page.

Certain episodes are also available in video as well, visit the podcasts Youtube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@indieauthoraddict

Visit Jenn Labuz online at: https://www.jennlabuz.com/

Visit Proxima Emporium at: https://proximaemporium.com

The Indie Author Addict home page online is at: https://indieauthoraddict.com

Guests:

Tony Fuentes

C.S. Kading

Sandancer Publications

https://www.sanddancer.pub/

In Part 3 of the interview, Tony and Charmaine dive deeper into the research and influences that shape their writing. From studying horse behavior and crocodile combat to exploring mythology, horror, and classic fantasy, they emphasize the importance of accuracy and inspiration. They share childhood reading favorites—Stephen King, Dragonlance, Anne Rice—and openly discuss how to view beloved but controversial authors through a modern lens. The conversation turns humorous as they reveal their creative rituals, beverage preferences, and how readers often try to guess which co-author wrote which passage. Charmaine also explains her role in unifying their distinct voices into a seamless narrative style.

About the Book

Blood Tithe

For Lyric Wax, who dreams of a future as a Historian for the Grand Archives, this chilling truth becomes a haunting reality as she navigates her Verdad - a perilous path to adulthood - to find her place in the Imperium and prove herself. She sets out on a journey beyond the safety of familiar walls. Her destination: the mysteries that lie beyond the Great Gates of the Imperium of Kraphax.

What begins as a simple errand to a safe Shrine quickly transforms into a horrific ordeal. 

Tony Fuentes

Tony Fuentes is a California-born Chicano writer now living in Arizona. Considered a Renaissance Man in Geek's clothing, he is not only an author with a weird imagination but also a painter, a gamer, and a practicing occultist. In his writing, he weaves Mexican folklore and sardonic humor. At the same time, he tries to inspire the audience to look up at the stars and dream even further. In short, he strives to give the weird and the wondrous things a place in the world for all to enjoy.

C.S. Kading

A poet, playwright, and lover of the fantastical. Charm has been telling stories since the 3rd grade when she won an award in a District contest. She adores studying myths and legends from around the world and has a special love for legends from non-European origins. One of her favorite memories was learning the historical legend of Mulan from her translator while in China. She is also an educator, specializing in storytelling for educators, as well as a Corporate Storyteller.

About Indie Author Addict

Hosted by avid reader, life coach, Disney fan and educator Jenn Labuz, the Indie Author addict features authors talking about their works and the passions behind them. Produced by Proxima Emporium, LLC., the Indie Author Addict is available from your favorite podcast distributor or online at the Podcast's home page.

Certain episodes are also available in video as well, visit the podcasts Youtube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@indieauthoraddict

Visit Jenn Labuz online at: https://www.jennlabuz.com/

Visit Proxima Emporium at: https://proximaemporium.com

The Indie Author Addict home page online is at: https://indieauthoraddict.com

Guests:

Tony Fuentes

C.S. Kading

Sandancer Publications

https://www.sanddancer.pub/

In Part 2 of the Indie Author Addict interview, Charmain and Tony discuss the roots of their long-running creative partnership, shaped by years of storytelling and inspired by collaborative author teams like Weis & Hickman. They reflect on their contrasting styles—plotter versus pantser—and how that dynamic fuels their writing despite occasional disagreements. The pair reveal their inspirations, from evocative images and music to classic genre television like Night Gallery and Twilight Zone. They also dive into their extensive research process, drawing on mythology, history, and real-world details—from Aztec codices to crocodile behavior and steam railroads—to build authenticity into their novels.

About the Book

Blood Tithe

For Lyric Wax, who dreams of a future as a Historian for the Grand Archives, this chilling truth becomes a haunting reality as she navigates her Verdad - a perilous path to adulthood - to find her place in the Imperium and prove herself. She sets out on a journey beyond the safety of familiar walls. Her destination: the mysteries that lie beyond the Great Gates of the Imperium of Kraphax.

What begins as a simple errand to a safe Shrine quickly transforms into a horrific ordeal. 

Tony Fuentes

Tony Fuentes is a California-born Chicano writer now living in Arizona. Considered a Renaissance Man in Geek's clothing, he is not only an author with a weird imagination but also a painter, a gamer, and a practicing occultist. In his writing, he weaves Mexican folklore and sardonic humor. At the same time, he tries to inspire the audience to look up at the stars and dream even further. In short, he strives to give the weird and the wondrous things a place in the world for all to enjoy.

C.S. Kading

A poet, playwright, and lover of the fantastical. Charm has been telling stories since the 3rd grade when she won an award in a District contest. She adores studying myths and legends from around the world and has a special love for legends from non-European origins. One of her favorite memories was learning the historical legend of Mulan from her translator while in China. She is also an educator, specializing in storytelling for educators, as well as a Corporate Storyteller.

About Indie Author Addict

Hosted by avid reader, life coach, Disney fan and educator Jenn Labuz, the Indie Author addict features authors talking about their works and the passions behind them. Produced by Proxima Emporium, LLC., the Indie Author Addict is available from your favorite podcast distributor or online at the Podcast's home page.

Certain episodes are also available in video as well, visit the podcasts Youtube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@indieauthoraddict

Visit Jenn Labuz online at: https://www.jennlabuz.com/

Visit Proxima Emporium at: https://proximaemporium.com

The Indie Author Addict home page online is at: https://indieauthoraddict.com