The Indy Author Podcast

Matty Dalrymple talks with Gala Russ about BOOK MATH: BUILD A WRITING PLAN BASED ON REALITY, including estimating a book's length and a realistic writing speed; calculating what a fixed deadline requires or when a comfortable pace will produce a finished draft; building in a 25 percent buffer and planning for real-life "orange days"; and estimating editing separately. We also discuss deadlines, accountability, body doubling, Pomodoro timers, and habit stacking—and why book math should remain a tool rather than a rule.

Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA361YT

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (Substack subscribers get exclusive content)

If you find the information in this episode useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author!

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

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Gala Russ is a novelist, book coach, and publishing strategist who helps adult and teen long-form fiction writers identify what's missing in their stories. She teaches how to turn knowledge about writing into the on-the-page skill through live one-on-one and small-group sessions that work for plotters, pantsers, and everyone in between.

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Jeff Elkins about WRITING EMOTION: SHAPING THE READER'S EXPERIENCE, including how trajectory, vector, alignment, saturation, pressure, velocity, and altitude shape a reader's emotional experience; when grounded writing or emotional distance best serves a scene; and how dialogue, internal thought, body language, cast size, and sensory detail change emotional intensity. We also discuss editing character interactions and evaluating seemingly confident but conflicting advice from AI editing tools.

Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA360YT

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (Substack subscribers get exclusive content)

If you find the information in this episode useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author!

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Jeff Elkins coaches authors, edits, and podcasts at the Dialogue Doctor. He is the author of 19 novels and 4 works of non-fiction.

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with John DeDakis about TURNING LIFE'S PLOT TWISTS INTO A POWERFUL MEMOIR, including how a universal theme turns personal memories into a story readers can enter, how a life narrative and timeline reveal pivotal moments, and how beta readers help identify what does not serve the book. We also discuss balancing insight with entertainment, staying truthful when memory is imperfect, and respecting the people whose lives overlap with your own.

Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA359YT2

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (Substack subscribers get exclusive content)

If you find the information in this episode useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author!

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis, a former White House correspondent, is the author of six traditionally published novels in the award-winning Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series. DeDakis is a motivational speaker, podcaster, one-on-one writing coach, manuscript editor, and regularly teaches novel and memoir writing at literary centers, bookstores, and writers' conferences nationwide and abroad. He is also a Grief Educator, certified by world-renowned grief expert David Kessler of Grief.com. John's newest book is Plot Twists: A Memoir on Writing and Living. Website: www.johndedakis.com

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Dan Blank about BUILDING CONNECTION THROUGH LONG-FORM CONTENT, including why audiences are seeking greater depth, how authors can use long-form and less-polished content to create genuine connection, and why practice matters more than natural ease on camera. We also discuss choosing platforms, finding content in your interests and creative process, and setting personal boundaries that support authenticity without oversharing.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (Substack subscribers get exclusive content)

If you find the information in this episode useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author!

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Dan Blank is the founder of WeGrowMedia, where he helps writers develop their author platforms, connect with readers, and launch their books. He is the author of the book BE THE GATEWAY: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SHARING YOUR CREATIVE WORK AND ENGAGING AN AUDIENCE. He has worked with thousands of writers and organizations who support creative people such as Penguin Random House, Sesame Workshop, Hachette Book Group, Writer's Digest, and Library Journal.

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Dale L. Roberts about ONLINE COMMUNITY ETIQUETTE FOR AUTHORS, including how to ask focused questions, respond with empathy, and choose communities that match the kind of help you need. We also discuss moderation, respecting other people's time, and sharing expertise without turning every answer into a sales pitch.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (Substack subscribers get exclusive content)

If you find the information in this episode useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author!

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Dale L. Roberts is a bestselling author, award-winning content creator, and trusted voice in self-publishing. He's written more than 50 books, earned 44 literary awards, and founded the Self-Publishing with Dale YouTube channels, reaching more than 132,000 subscribers. Through his videos, podcast, books, and online community, Dale has helped thousands of authors navigate publishing, marketing, and growing an author business with practical, no-nonsense guidance.

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Pamela Fagan Hutchins about FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY TO CREATIVE POWER: PLANNING A SERIES, including how three-book arcs can grow into six-book roadmaps; why character wounds, recurring antagonists, and a unifying crime narrative keep readers moving through a series; how varied settings can preserve plausibility; and why every outline needs enough flexibility to follow a better creative idea.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

If you find the information in this episode useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author!

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Thriller writer. USA Today bestseller. Silver Falchion winner. BVI catamaran. Wyoming lodge. Maine lake camp. World traveler. Alaskan malamutes. Draft crosses. Believer in soul mates. Joy seeker.

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Claire Taylor about WRITING ICONIC CHARACTERS WITH ENNEAGRAM, including how core fears and desires shape memorable characters, how to deepen an existing series, and how to build protagonist-and-villain chemistry. We also discuss character growth, choosing meaningful tropes, and planning spinoffs that meet reader expectations.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

If you find the information in this episode useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author!

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Claire Taylor is a humor and mystery author and certified Enneagram practitioner. Through her courses, coaching, and community, she helps authors alchemize fear and master their attention to build sustainable careers aligned with their personal values and dreams.

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Dan Blank about SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY FOR AUTHORS, including why fragmented platforms need not mean the end of social media, how human stories stand out amid AI-generated content, why simple narratives and imperfect presentation can build trust, how writers can define core messages and learn directly from readers, when to reset an uninspiring feed, and why choosing one comfortable home base—especially a newsletter—creates room to experiment and learn what resonates.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

If you find the information in this episode useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author!

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Dan Blank is the founder of WeGrowMedia, where he helps writers develop their author platforms, connect with readers, and launch their books. He is the author of the book Be the Gateway: A Practical Guide to Sharing Your Creative Work and Engaging an Audience. He has worked with thousands of writers, and amazing organizations who support creative people such as Penguin Random House, Sesame Workshop, Hachette Book Group, Writer's Digest, Library Journal, and many others. You can find Dan on at https://WeGrowMedia.com, his weekly newsletter at https://danblank.substack.com or on social media @DanBlank.

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Bruce Robert Coffin about WRITING THE STORIES ONLY LIFE CAN TEACH YOU, including how Bruce's police career supplied the lived experience behind his fiction, what writers can learn by reading analytically, how mystery authors guide and misdirect readers, the common creative ground shared by writing and painting, and why an unrealized creative dream may simply be waiting for experience and craft to catch up.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

If you find the information in this episode useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author!

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

BRUCE ROBERT COFFIN is an international bestselling novelist and retired detective sergeant. He is the author of the Detective Byron Mysteries and Detective Justice series, and co-author (with LynDee Walker) of the Turner and Mosley Files. He has won Killer Nashville's Silver Falchion for Best Procedural and Best Investigator and the Maine Literary Award for Best Crime Fiction, and been a finalist for the Anthony, Agatha, and Barry Awards.

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Meg Casebolt about BUILDING AI TRUST TO IMPROVE BOOK DISCOVERABILITY, including how AI tools are changing book discovery, why keywords need support from consistent online signals, the value of relevant links and reader recommendations, and why sustained marketing builds more trust than a short promotional spike. Meg also discusses using tropes and trend research to clarify what makes a book distinctive without sanding away the creative edges that make it memorable.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

If you find the information in this episode useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author!

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Meg Casebolt is a romance author, AI discoverability strategist, founder of Love At First Search, creator of Happily Ever Indie, and co-host of the First Dates & Soulmates podcast.

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.