The Author Next Door

In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas sits down with Sam Namias and Tom Papaspyros, founders of Crewfiction, to talk about one of the biggest hurdles indie authors face after publishing their first book: marketing.
They explore why so many authors feel overwhelmed once the writing is done, how simplifying marketing systems can unlock creativity, and why connection—not complexity—is the key to long-term success. The conversation dives into email marketing, reader segmentation, collaboration between authors, and how tools like Crewfiction aim to streamline the process so authors can focus on storytelling.
In this episode, they discuss:
Why marketing is often the point where authors quit
The importance of building authentic connections with readers
How email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for authors
The value of collaboration and community among indie writers
Why simplifying marketing systems can increase creativity and consistency
🚀 To learn more about Crew Fiction, sign up here:
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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas break down marketing trends for 2026 and what authors should be focusing on moving forward. From authenticity to direct sales, they explore how the marketing landscape is shifting and what that means for indie authors.
They reflect on what worked in 2025, what didn’t, and why 2026 is shaping up to be the year of community building and direct reader relationships. The conversation covers strategic planning, content repurposing, in-person events, and practical tools that help streamline marketing without overwhelming creativity.
In this episode, they discuss:
Why 2026 is the year of direct sales for authors
How authenticity strengthens long-term reader loyalty
Repurposing content to save time and increase visibility
Leveraging in-person events to build community
Tools and strategies that simplify author marketing
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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell explore how to craft interconnected romance series that keep readers invested across multiple books. From sustaining chemistry to planning character arcs, they break down what makes a series feel cohesive without becoming overwhelming.
They discuss how world-building, setting choices, and emotional continuity shape reader loyalty, and why series don’t have to be long or complex to be effective. Whether you’re writing a duology, a friend-group romance arc, or a sprawling saga, this episode offers practical strategies for balancing interconnected storytelling with standalone readability.
In this episode, they discuss:
How to sustain chemistry and tension across multiple books
The role of world-building and setting in romance series
Designing multi-character friend groups and family dynamics
Marketing considerations for series versus standalone novels
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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas sits down with romance author Holly Lyne to discuss the continued dominance of romance in today’s publishing landscape and what that means for indie authors.
They explore why romance accounts for more than half of the most sold Kindle titles, how reader expectations shape the genre, and why understanding subgenres and tropes is essential for success. The conversation also touches on dark romance, taboo themes, and how authors should approach reviews and reader feedback.
In this episode, they discuss:
Why romance leads today’s Kindle marketplace
The importance of reader expectations in romance
What defines dark romance and its appeal
Why engaging with negative reviews can hurt more than help
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➡ Get to know Holly Lyne here: https://hblyne.com/

In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with bestselling contemporary romance author Danika Bloom to talk about her journey into romance writing, the power of representation, and why the genre deserves far more respect than it often gets.
Content note: This episode includes brief discussion of sexual assault and explicit themes in the context of romance writing and personal experience. Listener discretion is advised.

They explore how real-life experiences shape romantic storytelling, why conversations about sex in romance matter beyond the page, and how mentorship and community play a critical role in helping authors grow. The conversation also looks at how romance continues to evolve as more diverse voices enter the genre, creating space for deeper connection and empowerment for readers and writers alike.
In this episode, they discuss:
How Danika Bloom found her way into romance writing in 2020
Why romance is a powerful vehicle for representation and empowerment
The challenges and importance of writing sex scenes as part of character development
How open conversations about sex in romance normalize real-life communication
The role of mentorship and community in supporting romance authors
Why finding your niche in romance is a deeply personal journey
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💋 Check out Danika's work here: https://www.danikabloom.com/
👉 Explore Author Ever After: https://www.authoreverafter.com/