Pen to Paycheck Authors

By Pen to Paycheck AuthorsArts Books

Pen to Paycheck Authors episodes

October 14How We Learn from Mistakes
Samantha and Matilda are looking back on their most recent series and learning from the mistakes they made (and making sure to keep the good parts too).
Next week, Sam and Matilda are talking about Amazon POD paperbacks and how to upgrade them to something special.
Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/
Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF
Where to find Sam and Matilda:
SAM
IG: @sammowrimo
Website: www.samantha-cummings.com
Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/
Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)
Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)
MATILDA
IG: @matildaswiftauthor
Website: MatildaSwift.com
Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)
Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)
Mentioned on the show:
Ines Johnson’s book club (read the info at the top): tinyurl.com/RLAWBC
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250394546/
Kindle Storyteller Award: https://www.amazon.co.uk/b?ie=UTF8&node=12061299031
Seurat (the dot painting artist Sam mentioned): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Seurat
Olivie Blake: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Olivie-Blake/author/B01MS0CF5G
T Kingfisher: https://www.amazon.com/stores/T-Kingfisher/author/B00LBKVU3E
Michael Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mevansinked
Other podcasts you can hear us on:
Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)
Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream
Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)
Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing
Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)
Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
52 min
October 07How We Keep Life and Writing Organised
Samantha and Matilda plan life and their writing in VERY different ways, but each way works. Listen in on their different tactics.
Next week, Sam and Matilda are reflecting on their most recent series, making sure they learn lessons before moving on.
Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/
Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF
Where to find Sam and Matilda:
SAM
IG: @sammowrimo
Website: www.samantha-cummings.com
Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/
Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)
Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)
MATILDA
IG: @matildaswiftauthor
Website: MatildaSwift.com
Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)
Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)
Mentioned on the show:
Bluemoose Books: https://bluemoosebooks.com/
Haworth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haworth
Plum Paper: https://www.plumpaper.com/
Good Tuesday Year Planner: https://goodtuesday.com/collections/wall-planners/products/2026-2027-academic-year-wall-planner-landscape-boho-arches
Wordle: https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html
Framed: https://framed.wtf/
Martin Lewis: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/
Other podcasts you can hear us on:
Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)
Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream
Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)
Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing
Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)
Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
1 hr 4 min
September 30How We’ve Achieved All in Q3
Samantha and Matilda are looking back on Q3 and all that they’ve achieved.
Next week, Sam and Matilda are talking about the many different types of planning they do and the tools they use for this.
Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/
Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF
Where to find Sam and Matilda:
SAM
IG: @sammowrimo
Website: www.samantha-cummings.com
Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/
Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)
Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)
MATILDA
IG: @matildaswiftauthor
Website: MatildaSwift.com
Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)
Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)
Other podcasts you can hear us on:
Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)
Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream
Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)
Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing
Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)
Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
55 min
September 23How to Fight Mindset Blocks
Samantha and Matilda are fending off the mindset blocks that might hold back their new series’ success.
Next week, Sam and Matilda are doing their Q3 review!
Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/
Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF
Where to find Sam and Matilda:
SAM
IG: @sammowrimo
Website: www.samantha-cummings.com
Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/
Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)
Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)
MATILDA
IG: @matildaswiftauthor
Website: MatildaSwift.com
Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)
Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)
Mentioned on the show:
K-lytics: https://k-lytics.com/
Tempest by Victoria Aveyard: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063451360/
Matt Dinniman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Dinniman
Other podcasts you can hear us on:
Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)
Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream
Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)
Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing
Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)
Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
59 min
September 16How We Succeed at Preparation
It’s challenge week! Find out if Samantha and Matilda succeeded in their tasks to prepare for their new series.
Next week, Sam and Matilda continue getting ready for their new series by fending off the mindset issues around them.
Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/
Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF
Where to find Sam and Matilda:
SAM
IG: @sammowrimo
Website: www.samantha-cummings.com
Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/
Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)
Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)
MATILDA
IG: @matildaswiftauthor
Website: MatildaSwift.com
Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)
Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)
Mentioned on the show:
Obsidian: https://obsidian.md/
K-lytics: https://k-lytics.com/
The Honest Authors Podcast: http://hollyseddon.com/about-me/the-honest-authors-podcast/
Plot Twist Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/plot-twist-podcast
Other podcasts you can hear us on:
Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)
Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream
Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)
Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing
Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)
Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
54 min
September 09How Craft Exercises Cure Creative Blocks
Samantha and Matilda are challenging each other to stretch their creative muscles with craft exercises.
Next week, it’s challenge week. Join Matilda and Sam to strike down the least inviting items on their to-do lists.
Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/
Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF
Where to find Sam and Matilda:
SAM
IG: @sammowrimo
Website: www.samantha-cummings.com
Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/
Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)
Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)
MATILDA
IG: @matildaswiftauthor
Website: MatildaSwift.com
Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)
Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)
Mentioned on the show:
The Five-Minute Writer by Margret Geraghty: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1845283392/
CAConrad’s [Soma]tics: https://www.caconrad.com/somatic
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R King: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250055709/
Modern Divination by Isa Agajanian: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1035049988/
Other podcasts you can hear us on:
Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)
Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream
Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)
Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing
Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)
Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
1 hr 1 min
September 02How We Plan Books and Series
Samantha and Matilda are still focusing on their craft, talking through their process for planning whole series and books, from the biggest arc to the smallest word.
Next week, Matilda and Sam are sharing the results of a day of craft exercises.
Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/
Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF
Where to find Sam and Matilda:
SAM
IG: @sammowrimo
Website: www.samantha-cummings.com
Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/
Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)
Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)
MATILDA
IG: @matildaswiftauthor
Website: MatildaSwift.com
Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)
Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)
Mentioned on the show:
Save the Cat by Blake Snyder: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00340ESIS/
Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078VWDNKT
Shonda Rhimes Masterclass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/shonda-rhimes-teaches-writing-for-television
Kim Boo York podcast episode example: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2024/07/15/intuitive-discovery-writing-and-serial-fiction-with-kimboo-york/
The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944751343/
Holly Black podcast example: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VItEPB1gyQeKfaCFySgwy
Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes: https://www.amazon.com/Romancing-Beat-Structure-Romance-Kissing/dp/1530838614/
Jennifer Lynn Barnes Id List podcast example: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/using-the-id-list-to-enhance-fiction-with-jennifer-lynn-barnes--16495640
Other podcasts you can hear us on:
Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)
Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream
Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)
Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing
Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)
Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
1 hr 2 min
August 26How We Critique for Success
Samantha and Matilda are still focusing on their craft, turning a critical eye to our own writing and that of others.
Next week, Matilda and Sam are talking about how they plan all elements of a new series and its books, down to the craft level.
Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/
Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF
Where to find Sam and Matilda:
SAM
IG: @sammowrimo
Website: www.samantha-cummings.com
Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/
Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)
Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)
MATILDA
IG: @matildaswiftauthor
Website: MatildaSwift.com
Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)
Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)
Mentioned on the show:
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0765387573/
Katabasis by RF Kuang: https://www.amazon.com/dp/006302148X/
Gothikana by RuNyx: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6XMCCG2
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R King: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250055709/
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250886104/
Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett: https://www.amazon.com/Guards-Discworld-Novel-ebook/dp/B00354YA5E/
Perdido Street Station by China Mieville: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345443020/
Cargoes by John Masefield: https://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/cargoes
The Princess Bride: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/
Columbo: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1466074/
Other podcasts you can hear us on:
Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)
Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream
Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)
Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing
Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)
Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
1 hr 14 min
August 19How We Build Bestselling Craft Skills
Samantha and Matilda are working on their craft, sharing their tactics for improvement and the resources they use.
Next week, Matilda and Sam are doing a craft critique of their own and other writing.
Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/
Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF
Where to find Sam and Matilda:
SAM
IG: @sammowrimo
Website: www.samantha-cummings.com
Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)
Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)
MATILDA
IG: @matildaswiftauthor
Website: MatildaSwift.com
Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)
Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)
Mentioned on the show:
The Descent: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/
Jennifer Lynn Barnes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Lynn_Barnes
Other podcasts you can hear us on:
Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)
Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream
Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)
Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing
Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)
Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
57 min
August 12How Our Genre Networks Grow
Samantha and Matilda are reaching out to authors and readers in new genres…yes, it feels uncomfortable, but they’re doing it anyway!
Next week, Matilda and Sam start a mini-series on craft, sharing what they’ve been focused on and their favourite resources.
Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/
Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF
Where to find Sam and Matilda:
SAM
IG: @sammowrimo
Website: www.samantha-cummings.com
Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1)
Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2)
MATILDA
IG: @matildaswiftauthor
Website: MatildaSwift.com
Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries)
Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries)
Mentioned on the show:
Terry Pratchett: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Pratchett
Matt Dinniman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Dinniman
Hearthcon: https://www.lazydragonbooks.com/hearthcon-2026
Crystal Johnson’s Marketing Q&A: https://www.patreon.com/crystaljohnston/posts/august-be-sure-q-165662796
Nathan C Ashford’s threads account: https://www.threads.com/@nathancashford
Other podcasts you can hear us on:
Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital)
Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream
Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron)
Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing
Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright)
Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings
Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
52 min

About Pen to Paycheck Authors

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to pen to Paycheck Authors podcast. We’re two indie authors; Matilda Swift, author of quintessentially British Cozy Mysteries, and Sam Cummings, author of Young Adult books about magic, myths,…