The Author Next Door

• Episode 38: Exploring the Depths of Dark Fiction with Daniel Willcocks

  🎙️ What makes dark fiction unforgettable? It’s not the monsters, it’s the emotions they uncover.In this episode of  @TheAuthorNextDoor   Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Daniel Willcocks, bestselling dark fiction author, to explore his ten-year writing journey and the craft of writing horror that hits you in the gut—not just with fear, but with feeling.In this episode you'll find: Daniel’s evolution from solo writer to collaborative creator and coachThe psychological layers of dark fiction and horror 🧠🕯️How to build suspense and dread that keeps readers flipping pagesWhy relatable characters make fear more powerfulThe fine line between reader expectations and genre-breaking risksMaintaining boundaries when collaborating creativelyThe importance of loving the process, not just chasing outcomesWhether you’re writing horror, dark fiction, or just looking for deeper creative insight, this episode will leave you thinking about fear in a whole new way.Answer in comments 👇 What’s your favorite horror novel that made you feel something real?Where to find Daniel: https://www.danielwillcocks.com/Support 🔊  @myNoiseDotNet   https://mynoise.net/   A great resource for sounds to help you write! 🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor    🎙️For 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 🔑 Daniel Willcocks, dark fiction, horror, writing, author, collaboration, boundaries, storytelling, suspense, reader expectations, monsters, post-apocalyptic novels, goosebumps for grownups#theauthornextdoor #horrorauthor #indieauthors

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• Episode 37: Short Stories, Satire and Writing with Humor and Heart with David Hankins

  🎙️ From short stories and satire to sci-fi, fantasy and rubber duckies? Meet David Hankins.In this episode of  @TheAuthorNextDoor Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with David Hankins, award-winning author of fantasy and sci-fi, to talk about storytelling, writing rituals, and how a sense of humor can be a superpower.In this episode we explore:How David’s writing journey began with bedtime stories for his daughterThe transition from short stories to full-length novelsCrafting effective humor, satire, and heart into speculative fictionThe impact of his military background on character and worldbuildingWhy rest and creative recovery matter (especially for productivity)Practical tips for pitching stories with clarity and confidenceAnd of course… his very unexpected love of rubber duckies 🐥This is a lively, insightful, and delightfully quirky episode perfect for writers who want to explore the balance between structure and spontaneity. Answer in Comments 👇 What's your favorite way to unwind after a big creative push?Find our more about David Hankins here 🐤 https://davidhankins.comhttps://www.facebook.com/DavidHankins.Authorhttps://www.instagram.com/_davidhankins/https://www.tiktok.com/@_davidhankinshttps://bsky.app/profile/davidhankins.bsky.socialKickstarter for Murder Fish 👇 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikejackstoumbos/murderfish-a-wonderbird-press-anthologySupport 🔊  @myNoiseDotNet   https://mynoise.net/   A great resource for sounds to help you write! 🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor    🎙️For 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 🔑 David Hankins, writing, fantasy, sci-fi, humor, short stories, novels, military influence, writing advice, author journey, avoid burnout#authorjourney #writingcommmunity #authorsuccess

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• Episode 36: September Kickoff: Discussing Different Genres

  🎙️ From romance to horror, and everything in between, this month we're talking genres!In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas open up about the genres they write in and what draws them to each one. From first loves in storytelling to current favorites (and guilty pleasures), this conversation is both craft-focused and full of personal stories.We explore:Why we love writing in young adult and fantasy (and the freedom it brings)The unique challenges (and joys) of romance writing 💕Where we draw the line in horror and speculative fictionWhy romance and escapism remain timeless storytelling forcesHow our writing styles have evolved across genresPersonal insights and fun facts you might not know about usA sneak peek at upcoming guests and conversations 🎉If you’ve ever genre-hopped, or wondered how writing in different spaces shapes your voice, this episode is a mix of reflection, craft talk, and a little author fun.👇 What genre do YOU love writing or reading most? Drop it in the comments!🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor  🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/  Goodreads article on cross-genres:  https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2889-17-new-cross-genre-book-trends-we-re-spotting-in-2025🗺️ 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 🔑 : genres, writing, romance, young adult, fantasy, horror, speculative fiction, cross-genre, storytelling, escapism#genres #writingprocess #theauthornextdoor 

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• Episode 35: How to Approach Indie Booksellers and Other In-Person Selling Tips

  🎙️ Want to see your book on bookstore shelves or sell more at live events?  Angela has some advice!  In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell break down the nuts and bolts of selling books in person, with a special focus on indie bookstores and live events.Angela shares insider tips from her years in retail, including:How to approach indie bookstores with confidence (and professionalism)The difference between wholesale vs. consignment—and what works bestWhy merchandising and presentation matter as much as the book itselfPricing strategies that set you up for success 💵How to make the most of book conventions and author fairsRed flags when researching events—so you don’t waste time or moneyThis episode is packed with practical, real-world advice to help indie authors thrive outside the digital marketplace and build lasting relationships with booksellers and readers.👇 Have you tried selling your book in person? Share your best (or funniest!) experience with us!🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor 🎙️For More About The Author Nextdoor ➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/ 🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:ANGELA HAASChoose your own adventure 🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/CASSIE NEWELLRomance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/ Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/ Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/ ℹ️ Keywords 🔑: author business, indie bookstores, book marketing, selling books, merchandising, wholesale, consignment, book conventions, author events, creative marketing

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• Episode 34: The Secrets to Growing Your Author Business with Sacha Black

  🎙️What happens when you blend creative freedom with smart business strategy? In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas talk with Sacha Black—author, entrepreneur, and writing mentor—about how she’s grown a thriving author business while staying true to the stories she loves to tell. We explore:Sacha’s shift from nonfiction to fiction—and what she learned along the wayBalancing reader expectations with your own creative instinctsHow to build a loyal reader community that feels like familyBranding basics every author should know (and actually use)Creating accessible content that invites readers inThe role of e-commerce, merchandise, and direct sales in an author businessWhy community engagement isn’t just nice—it’s necessaryDefining yourself as an author entrepreneur and owning that identity If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your reach without losing your creative spark, this conversation is packed with both practical strategies and inspiring mindset shifts. 👇 How do you balance creativity with business in your author career?  🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡  https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor   Find more about Sacha Black (aka Ruby Roe) Here:✍️ Sacha Black: https://sachablack.co.uk/💜 Ruby Roe:  https://www.rubyroe.co.uk/  🎙️To Find More About The Author Next Door➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/   🗺️ Other places to find us and connect: ANGELA HAASChoose your own adventure 🚀💕  https://ahaaswrites.com/ CASSIE NEWELLRomance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/Young Adult 🧚  https://authorcmnewell.com/Writing Coach 📚  https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/   ℹ️ Keywords 🔑: author growth, writing journey, reader engagement, branding, marketing, e-commerce, merchandise, community, author entrepreneur, creative writing#TheAuthorNextDoor  #WritingPodcast  #IndieAuthorTips

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