The Author Next Door

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/
🎙️ Learn more about the show:
 https://theauthornextdoor.com/

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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 https://theauthornextdoor.com/

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