Episodes

  • Episode 28: Crafting Characters For Cozy Mysteries
    Jul 9 2025

    In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell chat with Lynn Bohart, a mystery author who integrates social justice themes into her work. They discuss her unique approach to character development, the influence of her theater background, and the importance of setting in storytelling. Lynn shares insights on balancing humor with serious topics, the role of interviews with real-life figures in shaping her narratives, and the significance of character motivation in engaging readers. The conversation highlights the creative process behind writing cozy mysteries and the personal experiences that inform her characters and plots.

    COMMENT: 🕵️‍♀️ What draws you most to a mystery novel?
    A) Twisty plots
    B) Compelling characters
    C) A strong sense of place
    D) Social themes woven in

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


    Find more about Lynn Bohart Here:
    🌏 website: https://www.lynnbohart-author.com/
    👉 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bohartink


    🎙️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 🔑: Lynn Bohart, cozy mysteries, social justice, character development, paranormal fiction, writing process, theater influence, reader engagement, setting as character, interviews


    #authorpodcast #bookpublishing #yournextbook

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    55 mins
  • Episode 27: July Kickoff with Our Favorite Characters
    Jul 2 2025

    In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas delve into the intricacies of character creation, discussing their favorite and least favorite characters across various media. They explore the appeal of complex villains, the evolution of female characters, and the importance of three-dimensional character development. The conversation also touches on nostalgia for strong female leads in classic films and personal updates on their writing journeys.
    Tell us in the comments 👉 Who are YOUR favorite Characters (TV/Film/Books)?

    🔔 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/


    ℹ️

    Keywords 🔑: character studies, beloved characters, villains, female characters, character development, strong female leads, media representation, storytelling, character complexity, personal updates

    #authorpodcast #bookpublishing #yournextbook

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    36 mins
  • Episode 26: Why Hockey Romance is SO HOT with Guest Ava Miles
    Jun 25 2025

    In this episode, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas engage with international bestselling author Ava Miles, exploring her journey as a writer, the themes of her latest hockey romance, and the intricacies of character development. They discuss the appeal of sports romance, the challenges of reader feedback, and the unique dynamics of female characters in literature. Ava shares insights on the emotional arcs in her stories and the importance of authenticity in writing, while also addressing the broader human experiences reflected in her work.

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

    Find more about Ava Miles Here:

    👉 Website: https://avamiles.com/

    📚 The Hockey Experiment: https://avamiles.com/books/the-hockey-experiment/

    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avamiles/

    🎙️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 🔑: Ava Miles, hockey romance, character development, author journey, sports literature, emotional arcs, reader feedback, women in literature, storytelling, writing advice

    #authorpodcast #bookpublishing #yournextbook

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    43 mins
  • Episode 25 Lessons Learned From Hosting Our Podcast
    Jun 18 2025

    In this celebratory episode marking their 25th podcast, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas reflect on their journey, sharing lessons learned, the dynamics of co-hosting, and the impact of their guests on their personal and professional growth. They discuss the challenges and joys of podcasting, the importance of guest experiences, and how their discussions have influenced their writing and publishing journeys. Looking ahead, they express excitement for future topics and guests, inviting listeners to engage with them.

    📣 COMMENT: What are some of your writing favorite podcasts?

    🔔 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/

    ℹ️

    Keywords 🔑: podcasting, indie authors, lessons learned, guest experiences, co-hosting, personal growth, writing journey, future topics

    #authorpodcast #bookpublishing #yournextbook

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    24 mins
  • Episode 24 Behind the Scenes of Audiobook Production with Guests Ashley Gatti and Jonathan Ricardo
    Jun 11 2025

    In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell explore the world of audiobook narration with guests Jonathan Ricardo and Ashley Gatti. They discuss their journeys into narration, the collaboration involved in duet narration, and the techniques used to create character voices. The conversation also touches on common misconceptions about audiobook production, the challenges of different genres, and the aspirations of narrators. Listeners gain insights into the future of audiobook narration and tips for aspiring narrators.

    Comment: What do you love or hate when listening to an audiobook?


    🔔 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/

    ℹ️


    Keywords 🔑: audiobook narration, voice acting, duet narration, character voices, audiobook production, author collaboration, narration techniques, audiobook genres, narrator tips, audiobook industry


    #authorpodcast #bookpublishing #yournextbook

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    44 mins
  • Episode 23 Kicking Off June with Hot Topics
    Jun 4 2025

    In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell discuss the challenges authors face in the writing and publishing process. They explore the reasons why some authors quit after their first book, the impact of AI on writing, and the importance of community support. The conversation also touches on post-publication burnout, finding one's voice as a writer, and the balance between passion projects and commercial success. The hosts provide valuable advice for new authors and emphasize the need for perseverance in the face of self-doubt and comparison.

    ❓👉Comment: What do you think makes authors quit?


    🔔 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/

    ℹ️

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

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    29 mins
  • Episode 22: The Realities of Police Work in Fiction with Guest Patrick O’Donnell
    May 28 2025

    In this episode, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell interview Patrick O'Donnell, a former police sergeant turned author, about his journey from law enforcement to writing crime novels. Patrick shares insights on the realities of police work, common misconceptions in crime fiction, and the importance of research for writers. He discusses the challenges faced by law enforcement families and the impact of technology on policing. The conversation concludes with Patrick's experiences in the writing community and his recent feature in the Wall Street Journal.

    🔔 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/

    ℹ️

    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

    #authorpodcast #bookpublishing #yournextbook

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    56 mins
  • Episode 021 – Choosing the Right Editor w/ Guest Alice Sudlow
    May 21 2025

    In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas discuss the intricacies of editing with Alice Sudlow, a developmental editor and book coach. They explore how writers can find the right editor, the importance of understanding one's own values and needs, and the various communication styles that can impact the editing process. The conversation also delves into the challenges of receiving feedback, the authority of the author, and the role of AI in editing. Listeners gain insights into navigating the editing landscape and making informed decisions about their writing journey.

    📣 Do you have a editor you love? Give them a shout out!


    🔔 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

    #authorpodcast #bookpublishing #yournextbook

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    54 mins