In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell host a special panel from Superstars Writing Seminars focused on what it really means to build community in the writing world.

Featuring Mark Leslie Lefebvre, Todd Fahnestock, Steve Ruskin, and James A. Owen, this conversation explores how Superstars began as a small gathering and grew into a conference people return to year after year because of the relationships, generosity, and sense of belonging it creates. The panel also dives into practical networking advice for authors, from making genuine connections at conferences to maintaining those relationships long after the event ends.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How Superstars Writing Seminars grew into a thriving author community
• Why genuine relationships matter more than transactional networking
• How authors can make meaningful conference connections
• Ways to maintain relationships beyond events and social media
• Why bravery, generosity, and vulnerability matter in author networking

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
Superstars Writing Seminars: https://www.superstarswriting.com/
Mark Leslie Lefebvre: https://markleslie.ca/
Todd Fahnestock: https://toddfahnestock.com/
Steve Ruskin: https://www.steveruskin.com/
James A. Owen: https://jamesaowen.com/

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Kara Infante of Bookish Flights and Gigi Howard of Drinks in the Library to talk about how they built thriving book communities around their podcasts and platforms.

They share what it takes to grow a community both organically and intentionally, how authentic engagement creates trust, and why connection matters more than perfection. The conversation also explores podcasting, social media, live events, and the ways authors can better connect with readers, creators, and community builders in the literary space.

In this episode, they discuss:

•  How Kara and Gigi built their communities over time 
•  Why authentic connection matters more than polished perfection 
•  The role of social media and live events in community growth 
•  How authors can approach podcasters and creators more effectively 
•  Why your unique voice is one of your strongest assets 

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 Bookish Flights Podcast: https://www.bookishflights.com/podcast
Drinks in the Library: https://www.drinksinthelibrary.com/

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell explore the difference between having an audience and building a real community as an author.

They talk about why so many authors chase visibility instead of connection, how social media can distort our sense of progress, and why newsletters often become a stronger long-term tool for reader engagement. The conversation also dives into super fans, authenticity, consistency, and the kinds of relationships that support both creativity and career longevity.

In this episode, they discuss:

•  The difference between audience, visibility, and true community 
•  Why social media can create burnout and distorted feedback loops 
•  How newsletters help authors build deeper reader relationships 
•  What turns casual readers into long-term super fans 
•  Why consistency and authenticity matter more than chasing metrics 

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 Jenn DePaula Marketing: https://jenndepaula.com/
J.R. Ward: https://jrward.com/
Rebecca Yarros: https://rebeccayarros.com/
Emily Henry: https://www.emilyhenrybooks.com/books

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell kick off Networking and Community Month with an honest conversation about what authentic networking really looks like for authors.

They explore why networking is really relationship-building, how reciprocity shapes healthy author communities, and what they’ve learned from both strong and disappointing connections in the writing world. The conversation also dives into confidence, consistency, community fit, and how the right support system can sharpen your perspective and help you avoid costly mistakes.

In this episode, they discuss:

•  Why networking is about relationships, not using people 
•  How reciprocity and trust shape healthy author communities 
•  What to look for when choosing the right writing spaces 
•  Why consistency matters when building real connections 
•  How community can strengthen both confidence and creativity 

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 CliftonStrengths by Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
Superstars Writing Seminar: https://superstarswriting.com/
Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast: https://www.savannahgilbo.com/podcast
Dialogue Doctor Community: https://dialoguedoctor.com/
Becca Syme – Write Better Faster 101: https://betterfasteracademy.com/wbf101/

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell close out Business Month with an honest conversation about the parts of author business that rarely make it into the polished success stories: money, brand behavior, and the pressure to publish faster than your life or creativity can actually sustain.

They talk about why money conversations matter, how every public move becomes part of your author brand, and why publishing cadence needs to be based on your actual capacity rather than industry pressure. The conversation also highlights Becca Syme’s strengths-based perspective on burnout, plate size, and the danger of forcing someone else’s system onto your own writing life.

In this episode, they discuss:

•  Why money conversations are essential in an author business 
•  How brand behavior shows up in everything from reviews to social media 
•  The risks of oversharing and comparison when you are the brand 
•  Why rapid release is not the right strategy for every author 
•  How to define a sustainable publishing cadence without burning out 

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 Better-Faster Academy: https://betterfasteracademy.com/
QuitCast for Writers: https://betterfasteracademy.com/podcast/
Dear Writer, Are You in Burn Out?: https://betterfasteracademy.com/books-by-becca-syme/dear-writer-are-you-in-burn-out/
Gallup CliftonStrengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Nicole Fronek to talk about what it really takes to balance creativity with strategy in an author business.

Nicole shares practical insights on building a roadmap, managing time and resources wisely, and creating systems that support both the creative and operational sides of a writing career. The conversation also explores mindset, burnout prevention, confidence, and the importance of community and partnerships for long-term growth.

In this episode, they discuss:

•  How authors can balance creative passion with business thinking 
•  Why strategic planning and roadmaps matter for long-term success 
•  The role mindset and self-awareness play in decision-making 
•  How community and partnerships support sustainable growth 
•  Why rest and reflection are part of the process, not a distraction from it 

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 Sheconomy: https://www.sherisesstudios.com/
Corporate Coach Approach: https://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Coach-Approach-Systematic-Development/dp/1952465575 

🔗 Connect with Nicole Fronek: https://twohorseproductions.com/about/
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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with award-winning author and military veteran Zac Diamanti to explore how personal experience, storytelling, and strategic thinking can shape a successful author career.

Zac shares how his background influences his fiction, why storytelling can be a cathartic process, and how he approaches author business decisions with clarity and intention. The conversation also dives into Kickstarter strategy, social media marketing, and the importance of testing what works while building a loyal community around your books.

In this episode, they discuss:

•  Zac Diamanti’s journey from military service to publishing fantasy fiction 
•  How personal experiences and catharsis shape stronger storytelling 
•  What authors need to know about running a successful Kickstarter 
•  Why social media matters for building visibility and reader trust 
•  How community and business decisions work together in author growth 

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 Zac Diamanti’s Website: https://zsdiamanti.com/
Kickstarter – Mages & Mayhem - Deluxe Edition: Cozy Fantasy Book: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zsdiamanti/mages-and-mayhem-deluxe-edition-cozy-fantasy-book
Free Fantasy Fiction: https://freefantasyfiction.com

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell kick off May by breaking down the business decisions they’ve made over the past year and the core essentials every indie author needs in place to build a sustainable career.

They discuss the mindset shifts that come with treating writing like a business, along with practical systems for banking, bookkeeping, planning, marketing, and reinvestment. From email lists and backlist strategy to professional production and multiple revenue streams, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it really takes to run an author business with intention.

In this episode, they discuss:

•  Why indie authors need a business mindset, not just a creative one 
•  The importance of a separate bank account, bookkeeping, and understanding your business structure 
•  Why your email list is one of your most valuable assets 
•  How publishing plans, backlist strategy, and multiple revenue streams create stability 
•  The tools and systems that help authors stay organized and professional 

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview
Vellum: https://vellum.pub/
Atticus: https://www.atticus.io/
World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/
Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with thriller author Marc Avery to talk about how he built book-signing momentum across the country by starting small, staying persistent, and learning how to connect with readers in person.

Marc shares how he approaches bookstores, plans signings, and uses authenticity, conversation, and consistency to turn casual interactions into loyal readers. 

In this episode, they discuss:

•  How Marc Avery built success through bookstore visits, tours, and in-person events 
•  Why persistence matters more than rejection in author marketing 
•  How introverted authors can get more comfortable talking to readers 
•  Using Threads to grow visibility and community 
•  Why authentic connection and local relationships help sell more books 

🔗 Connect with Marc:
 Website: https://linktr.ee/authormarcavery
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@author_marc_avery
 

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 Threads: https://threads.net/
Discipline: https://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Marc-Avery-ebook/dp/B0DG6TDGMF
 

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Shamayne Olivia to explore creativity, self-discovery, and what it truly means to embrace your voice in midlife.

Shamayne shares her powerful journey through loss, reinvention, and personal awakening, offering insight into how women over 50 can reconnect with their creativity and step fully into their second act. The conversation dives into intuition, resilience, identity, and the importance of protecting your creative energy while navigating life’s responsibilities.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Shamayne Olivia’s journey through grief, reinvention, and creative awakening
• The symbolism of “shoes” as a framework for self-awareness and growth
• How to protect your creative energy and avoid burnout
• Why community, mentorship, and support systems matter
• Trusting your intuition and embracing imperfection in the creative process

🚀 Connect with Shamayne Olivia:
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shamayneolivia/
 https://shoesthatfithersoul.com/

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