Pen to Paycheck Authors

By Pen to Paycheck Authors

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,... more

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FAQs about Pen to Paycheck Authors:

How many episodes does Pen to Paycheck Authors have?

The podcast currently has 139 episodes available.

Pen to Paycheck Authors episodes:

September 02, 2026How 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
...more
1h 2min
August 26, 2026How 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
...more
1h 14min
August 19, 2026How 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
...more
57min
August 12, 2026How 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
...more
52min
August 05, 2026How We Get Help
Samantha and Matilda are getting better at asking for help, and they’re making plans to improve even more.
Next week, Matilda and Sam are finding ways to build contacts in new genres.
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)
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
...more
1h 4min
July 29, 2026How We Stop a Series
Samantha and Matilda are ending series and discussing how to do it well.
Next week, Matilda and Sam are working on asking for help. They’re not good at it, but they’re making plans to get better.
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:
Working on a Song by Anaïs Mitchell: https://www.amazon.com/dp/059318257X/
The Truth About Lisa Jewell by Will Brooker: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L48PW5D/
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BKGYQXW/
Willow Winters: https://www.instagram.com/willowwintersshouldbewriting/?hl=en
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
...more
1h 3min
July 22, 2026How We Launch with Success
Samantha and Matilda are preparing to launch their next series, and they’re thinking big!
Next week, Matilda and Sam are planning the ends of their current series and how to do this successfully.
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:
Ride or Die: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30494226/
The Odyssey: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33764258/
Good Girls: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6474378/
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TWSRMCB/
Breanne Randall: https://www.breannerandall.com/
Florence Given: https://www.youtube.com/@theflorencegivenshow
Splash: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088161/
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
...more
56min
July 15, 2026How We Challenge Quitting
Samantha and Matilda have just finished challenge week, and they’re figuring out how not to quit the things they ought to be doing.
Next week, Matilda and Sam are planning new series launches and considering all the things they can do for 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
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:
Edits app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.basel&hl=en_GB
Josh Malerman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Malerman
Adam Beswick: https://apbeswickpublications.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
...more
53min
July 08, 2026How Q2 Has Changed Everything
Samantha and Matilda are looking back over the months in which everything has changed!
Next week, join Matilda and Sam for challenge week. What are you challenging yourself to?
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: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1)
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:
Alex Aster’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexaster/?hl=en
Gabourey Sidibe: https://www.threads.com/@gabbysidibe
Project Hail Mary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12042730/
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
...more
1h 1min
July 01, 2026How to Reach Readers Without Ads
Samantha and Matilda are talking through allll the options for reaching readers, searching for the ones that suit their skills.
Next week, Matilda and Sam are reviewing Q2!
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: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1)
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:
Jen dePaula: https://www.instagram.com/jenndepaulabookmarketing/?hl=en
The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944751343/
Steve Aitchison’s episode of Pen and Prosper: https://penandprosper.substack.com/p/episode-70-selling-more-books-with
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
...more
1h

FAQs about Pen to Paycheck Authors:

How many episodes does Pen to Paycheck Authors have?

The podcast currently has 139 episodes available.

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