🎙️ Why do so many authors quit after their first book—and how do you make sure you’re not one of them?
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell tackle the tough (and very real) challenges authors face after publication—burnout, self-doubt, comparison, and the pressure to keep producing in an ever-changing industry.

We dive into:

Why some writers walk away after book one—and how to avoid it

The emotional toll of post-publication burnout

Navigating the rise of AI in the writing world 🤖✍️

How to balance creative passion with the push for market success

The importance of community support and writer friendships

Honest advice for new authors on perseverance, purpose, and perspective

This one’s for the writers who are in it for the long haul—even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

👇 What’s kept you going in your writing journey? Let us know in the comments!

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🎙️To Find More About The Author NextDoor➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS
Choose your own adventure 
🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL
Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/ 
Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/ 
Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/ 

Keywords 🔑: writing, publishing, author challenges, AI in writing, post-publication burnout, community support, self-doubt, new authors, passion projects, commercial success

🎙️ Writing crime fiction? Here’s what TV gets wrong and what real cops wish you knew.

In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Patrick O’Donnell, former police sergeant and crime novelist, to explore how real-life law enforcement differs from what we see on screen and how writers can get it right.

We cover:

Patrick’s journey from police work to publishing 📝🚔

The most common mistakes authors make in crime fiction

How to research police procedure the right way

The emotional toll of the job and how it affects law enforcement families

The evolving role of technology in modern policing

What it’s like to be a part of the writing world after years in uniform

Plus: Patrick’s recent feature in the Wall Street Journal and what it means for crime writers today

Whether you're working on your first detective novel or want a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of policing, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and grounded storytelling advice.

👇 Are you writing a crime story? Drop your burning questions about police work in the comments!

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor 

Find more about Patrick O’Donnell Here:

Patrick has spoken at the 20 Books to 50K conference in Vegas in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
 
 👉Tubi TV show, Ms. Murder, Julene Simko, where I was an expert contributor. https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/200102287/s01-e02-julene-simko

📺British TV Show, Cops Gone Bad, Valerie Cincinelli where I was an expert contributor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xj8KVgMKxk&t=258s

🗞️Wall Street Journal (Front Page) https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/crime-writers-live-in-fear-of-a-fatal-error-these-cops-are-here-to-help-ebce1901

📰Local newspaper articles about my life after law enforcement.  https://www.gmtoday.com/the_freeman/news/retired-milwaukee-police-sergeant-takes-up-writing-podcasting-and-more/article_3652f131-6717-5c2f-bcc8-311360222922.html

https://www.gmtoday.com/the_freeman/news/book-signing-held-at-lake-country-cigars-in-delafield/article_a0bdb079-dfb5-5dc8-a2b5-6d3c17b3ec2f.html?=/&subcategory=28%7CArts

🎙️To Find More About The Author NextDoor➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:

ANGELA HAAS

Choose your own adventure 

🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL

Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/

Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/

Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

Keywords 🔑: Patrick O'Donnell, crime writing, police procedurals, law enforcement, writing research, author interviews, crime novels, writing tips, technology in policing, family dynamics in law enforcement

🎙️ Finding the right editor isn’t just about fixing words, it’s about finding the right partner for your story.
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with Alice Sudlow, a seasoned developmental editor and book coach, to unpack what really goes into a successful author–editor relationship.

We explore:

How to find the right editor for your personality, process, and goals

Why understanding your values as a writer helps guide editorial decisions

The emotional side of editing—especially when receiving tough feedback

How different communication styles can shape the editing experience

When (and how) to stand your ground as the author ✍️

The growing role of AI tools in editing—and where human judgment still reigns

Red flags, green flags, and what to ask before hiring an editor

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the editing process or unsure how to choose the right collaborator, this episode offers guidance, encouragement, and real-world advice to help you move forward with clarity.

👇 What’s been your biggest surprise (or challenge) during the editing stage?

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor 

Find more about Alice Sudlow Here:

👉  https://alicesudlow.com/

🎙️ https://alicesudlow.com/podcast/

🏠 To Find More About The Author NextDoor➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:

ANGELA HAAS

Choose your own adventure 

🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL

Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/

Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/

Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑: editing, writers, editors, communication, feedback, author authority, AI in editing, manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, editing process

🎙️ Finding the right people to support your writing career shouldn’t feel like a guessing game.
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas break down how to build a reliable, empowering support team—from editors to cover designers to coaches—without getting burned or overwhelmed.

We explore:

How to vet publishing professionals with confidence

The importance of writer’s groups and word-of-mouth referrals

Why self-esteem and boundaries matter when you’re hiring help

The roles of editing, design, and coaching and when you might need each one

What it means to create a community, not just a freelance roster 💬✨

Whether you're preparing for your first launch or leveling up your author career, this episode will help you make smarter decisions—and build a team that truly has your back.

👇 Tell us: Who’s been the most valuable pro in your author journey so far?

🏆RESOURCES Mentioned:

➡️    ALLI: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org

➡️ Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/

➡️ Author Accelerator: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/

➡️ Red Leaf Word Services: https://www.redleafwords.com/

➡️ Better Faster Academy https://betterfasteracademy.com/ 

➡️ Joanna Penn: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/

➡️ Jane Friedman: https://janefriedman.com/

➡️ Book Brush: https://bookbrush.com/

➡️ Jeff Brown Graphics: https://www.jeffbrowngraphics.com/
➡️ Enni at Yummy Book Covers: https://yummybookcovers.com/
➡️ Dialogue Doctor (Jeff Elkins): https://dialoguedoctor.com/
➡️ Dan Willcocks Devil's Rock Publishing: https://www.devilsrockpublishing.com/

➡️ Superstars Writing Seminars: https://www.superstarswriting.com/

🎙️To Find More About The Author NextDoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:

ANGELA HAAS

Choose your own adventure 

🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL

Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/

Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/

Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑: writing, editing, book covers, coaching, self-publishing, author community, professional services, indie authors, finding editors, design tips

🎙️ Ever wonder how your personality type influences your writing process or your characters?

So did we! In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell dive into the power of personality tests like CliftonStrengths, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram and how they can deepen your writing, strengthen your characters, and improve your creative collaboration.

We explore:

How knowing your type can help you write smarter, not harder 🧠✍️

The surprising ways personality tests shape character development

Using self-awareness to prevent burnout and boost creativity

How understanding your strengths improves co-writing and collaboration

Why embracing your natural tendencies is a career game-changer

Whether you're an INFJ, an Enneagram 7, or still figuring it all out, this episode is packed with aha moments and practical tips to help you write (and live) with more clarity and confidence.

👇 What’s your favorite personality test—and how has it helped you as a writer? 

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor 

🏆RESOURCES Mentioned:

➡️ https://www.16personalities.com/

➡️ https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/

➡️ https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253676/how-cliftonstrengths-works.aspx 

➡️ https://www.truity.com/

🎙️To Find More About The Author NextDoor➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:

ANGELA HAAS

Choose your own adventure 

🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL

Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/

Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/

Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ Keywords 🔑:  personality tests, Clifton Strengths, Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, author journey, self-discovery, writing process, character development, collaboration, personal growth

🎙️ What does it really take to write a romance readers fall in love with?
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with award-winning romance author Paula Judith Johnson for a deep dive into the craft, heart, and hustle of writing romance, especially in the historical space.

We talk about:

Paula’s path to becoming a romance author—and what she’s learned along the way

Crafting emotionally rich, fully dimensional characters readers root for

The unique challenges and joys of writing historical romance

How to approach intimate scenes with authenticity and nuance 🔥

The role of tropes in romance—and how to keep them fresh

Common struggles romance writers face (you’re not alone!)

Plus: insights from Paula’s courses and resources for aspiring authors

Whether you’re writing your first love story or polishing your tenth, this episode is filled with practical tips, encouragement, and craft wisdom to help you deepen your romance writing journey.

👇 What’s your favorite romance trope to read or write? Drop it in the comments! 

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor 

Find more about Paula Judith Johnson Here:

👉 http://paulajudithjohnson.com/ 

🎥  https://www.youtube.com/@PaulaJudithJohnson

📸  https://www.instagram.com/paulajudithj/

🎙️To Find More About The Author NextDoor➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:

ANGELA HAAS

Choose your own adventure 

🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL

Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/

Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/

Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️Keywords 🔑: romance writing, character development, historical romance, emotional depth, intimate scenes, writing tropes, romance novels, author coaching, writing courses, storytelling

🎙️ Writing book one is hard, but book two? That’s a whole new beast.
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with bestselling author Suzy Vadori about the unique challenges (and surprising rewards) of writing the second book in a series.

We explore:

Why the transition from book one to book two can feel overwhelming

How to manage reader expectations—without losing your creative spark

The delicate art of recaps, cliffhangers, and keeping the momentum going

Suzy’s process for outlining sequels and planning long-term story arcs

Why consistency in messaging matters more as your series grows

Building a community of readers who stick with you from book to book

Whether you're drafting your second novel or building a full-blown series, this episode offers smart strategies, mindset shifts, and encouragement to help you keep going and growing.

➡️ QUESTION: If you've written a series, which was the hardest book in the series to write? 1st? 2nd? 3rd? 

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor 

Find more about Suzy Vadori Here:

👉  https://suzyvadori.com/about/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:

ANGELA HAAS

Choose your own adventure 

🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL

Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/

Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/

Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

Keywords 🔑: writing, book series, author tips, marketing, reader expectations, book coaching, writing craft, storytelling, book two, cliffhangers

🎙️ First person? Third? Omniscient? Let’s talk about the POV choices that shape your entire story.
In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell unpack writing in different points of views. What are they, how they work, and why choosing the right one matters more than you think.

We explore:

The pros and cons of first, second, and third person POV

Why head hopping confuses readers (and how to avoid it)

How genre expectations influence POV choices

Tips for deepening reader connection and immersion

The personal challenges we’ve faced when switching perspectives

How to experiment with voice while keeping clarity front and center

Whether you’re outlining your next novel or revising your current draft, this episode offers practical guidance and thought-provoking insights to help you master one of the trickiest tools in your writing toolkit.

👇 What POV do you love writing or reading in the most?

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🏆RESOURCES Mentioned:
➡️ Great article on POV: https://kindlepreneur.com/point-of-view/

🎙️To Find More About The Author NextDoor➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS
Choose your own adventure
🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL
Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/
Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

ℹ️ keywords🔑 writing, point of view, head hopping, genre expectations, reader engagement, writing challenges, storytelling, narrative techniques, fiction, authorship

🔥📣Great article on writing POV

🎙️ Struggling to write natural, engaging dialogue? Jeff Elkins is here to help.

In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas talk craft with Jeff Elkins, award-winning author, editor, and the brilliant mind behind The Dialogue Doctor. Together, they unpack what makes dialogue really work—and how to avoid the most common pitfalls.

We dive into:

The biggest dialogue mistakes writers make (and how to fix them)

Balancing inner thoughts and spoken words on the page

How to handle conversations with large casts (without confusing your reader)

Making your side characters stand out with just a few lines

Writing effective dialogue in short stories vs. novels

And how community and feedback can sharpen your storytelling

If you’ve ever cringed at your own dialogue, overwritten a scene to death, or struggled to make characters sound distinct—this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh inspiration.

👇 What’s your biggest dialogue dilemma? Drop it in the comments and let’s talk it out!

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

To find and learn more about The Dialogue Doctor, Jeff Elkins via his website: https://dialoguedoctor.com/ 

Join The Dash: https://dialoguedoctor.com/the-dash-spring-2025/

🎙️ To Find More About The Author NextDoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS
Choose your own adventure 
🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL
Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/ 
Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/ 
Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/ 

keywords writing, dialogue, characterization, authors, storytelling, prose, editing, coaching, dialogue doctor, Jeff Elkins

🎙️ Ready to level up your writing? Let’s talk tools, techniques, and a few fun surprises.
To kick off Craft Fair Month, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas dive into their favorite writing craft resources, sharing the books, tools, and strategies that have helped shape their storytelling and might just change yours, too.

We explore:

Go-to guides and must-read craft books on character and story structure

How we each approach character development and world-building 🌍📝

Tools that support focus, flow, and consistency (hello, post-its and plot boards)

Personal writing process quirks—and what’s working now

A behind-the-scenes peek at our current projects

Lighthearted moments and writer-to-writer encouragement

Whether you're looking to grow your craft or just want some fresh inspiration, this episode is a fun, practical celebration of all the resources that help writers write better.

👇 What’s one writing resource YOU can’t live without?

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

Links & References in Episode:
https://storygrid.com/

https://sachablack.co.uk/

https://onestopforwriters.com/emotions
https://wonderbooknow.com/
https://www.bryndonovan.com/

Gwen Hayes: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B003372AFU
Deborah Chester: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IO9W38

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:
ANGELA HAAS
Choose your own adventure
🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL
Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/
Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/
Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

Keywords: craft fair, writing resources, character development, world building, writing process, storytelling, author tips, creative writing, writing community, personal updates