🎙 Xeroforhire Podcast — Episode Summary (October 2025)

In this episode, Shae reflects on creative discipline, new book releases, and the rhythm of independent publishing. Broadcasting from his morning commute, he talks about learning to “ship” projects consistently — from finished novels to serialized stories on his Substack, Apocalyptiverse.

Read it all at apocalyptiverse.com

1. Publishing Momentum & Life Updates

Shae shares that City Voices, Shadow of the Knight, and Utopia are officially published via KDP. He’s now re-releasing Heroes of the Alley on Gumroad with a pay-what-you-want model — a move that’s already generated positive feedback and small sales. Financial turbulence from a car breakdown temporarily slowed his magazine plans, but Apocalyptiverse Issue #2 is scheduled for a small-run print release later this month.(00:00:00–00:03:30)

2. Technical Hurdles & KDP Lessons

He opens up about the frustrating delay between KDP submissions and rejection emails for margin errors, joking that “AI should be faster than a day and a half.” The episode turns into a quick mini-rant about the lack of good book-formatting tools outside Adobe Acrobat, inviting listeners to share alternatives.(00:03:30–00:04:30)

3. New Bookstore Partnership & Local Exposure

A pair of friends are launching a coffee-shop/bookstore hybrid and requested his author one-sheet with QR codes and sample books for display. Shae notes the importance of keeping several printed copies of each title on hand and expresses optimism about reaching new readers through this grassroots partnership.(00:04:30–00:05:25)

4. Serializing Harbinger & Restructuring Substack

He confirms Harbinger Arc 1 and 2 are now live on Apocalyptiverse (formerly The Last Day Comics Substack). As he transitions everything under the new banner, Shae debates whether to continue serializing Harbinger or release it later as a full novella.(00:05:25–00:06:45)

5. Support Our Savior (S.O.S.) Schedule

The Valorcat storyline — centered on a lioness-themed heroine named Valerie — is running every Monday and Wednesday. Eight “drops” complete her arc this month, after which Shae will shift focus to finishing Harbinger and releasing S.O.S. Arc 3 next month. He’s proud to be building rhythm with side characters before tackling flagship heroes.(00:07:00–00:08:40)

6. Iron Knight & The Birth of Kokutetsuki

Shae introduces his flagship hero’s Japanese codename — Kokutetsuki (黒鉄騎) — and discusses future stories exploring darker cyberpunk themes. He outlines a thrilling new concept: a drug called “Stardust” made from pieces of the captured Sandman, used to erase memories and manipulate soldiers. On the streets, the drug is personified as “Prince Nemo,” blending mythology with sci-fi noir.(00:09:10–00:13:40)

7. Story Development & Creative Process

He describes brainstorming with ChatGPT to merge supernatural and scientific ideas, then pitching them to his wife — who jokingly asks if she should be worried about how detailed his lore has become. The exchange reveals his process: rapid ideation, deep world-building, and an unfiltered look at how his imagination runs wild during commutes.(00:13:40–00:15:10)

8. Closing Thoughts

The episode wraps with updates on Harbinger’s final arc, hints at a possible new series, and lighthearted teasing toward his collaborator Hannah for writing “too much Batman fan fiction.” Shae signs off optimistic, energized, and ready to keep creating.(00:15:10–00:16:04)

🕒 Timestamps Summary:00:00 – Intro & productivity reflections00:52 – KDP frustrations and Adobe Acrobat talk04:36 – Bookstore collaboration05:25 – Harbinger serialization07:36 – Support Our Savior updates09:15 – Kokutetsuki and the Stardust concept13:40 – Brainstorming with ChatGPT15:20 – Outro & shoutouts

Thanks for reading The Xeroforhire Podcast! This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit xeroforhire.substack.com/subscribe