Episodes

  • Storytelling through Epistolary Fiction with David Viergutz - #312
    Nov 4 2025

    Matty Dalrymple talks with David Viergutz about STORYTELLING THROUGH EPISTOLARY FICTION, including how immersive fiction can pull readers off the screen and into the story through physical letters and artifacts; the storytelling and business principles behind David Viergutz's Scare Mail and Epistolary projects; how emotion, nostalgia, and connection drive engagement; and how authors can use these techniques to stand out in today's crowded publishing world.

    Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist

    Show notes, including extensive summary, at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all

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

    https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

    David Viergutz is the founder and CEO of two groundbreaking ventures reshaping modern storytelling: The Nightmare Engine, a multi–seven-figure horror publishing and logistics company, and Epistolary, the world's first publishing house dedicated exclusively to epistolary fiction—serialized storytelling told through letters, documents, and physical media

    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. 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 has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

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    48 mins
  • What to Quit and How to Know with Becca Syme - #311
    Oct 28 2025

    Matty Dalrymple talks with Becca Syme about WHAT TO QUIT AND HOW TO KNOW, including how to recognize when a writing or publishing strategy no longer serves you, how to overcome fear-based decisions that lead to burnout, and how to build a sustainable, hope-filled author career. Becca shares insights on trusting your intuition, quitting the right things, and finding long-term satisfaction and success as an indie author.

    Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist

    Show notes, including extensive summary, at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all

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

    https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

    Becca Syme (MATL / Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership) is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and has individually coached more than 6000 authors at all levels. She is the author of the Quitbooks for Writers series and the popular Write Better-Faster course, and the host of the Quitcast for Writers podcast and YouTube channel. She also writes mystery novels and lives on one of the thousand lakes in Minnesota.

    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. 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 has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer’s Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

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    50 mins
  • Writing to Heal with John DeDakis - #310
    Oct 21 2025

    Matty Dalrymple talks with John DeDakis about WRITING TO HEAL, including how writing can help us process grief and loss, why moving toward pain rather than away from it can lead to emotional growth, and how journaling, memoir, and fiction each offer unique ways to heal through storytelling. John DeDakis shares how facing difficult experiences on the page builds authenticity, courage, and connection—insights every writer can use to turn pain into powerful, meaningful stories.

    Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist

    Show notes, including extensive summary, at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all

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

    https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

    Grief and loss are subtexts in all six award-winning mystery / suspense / thriller novels written by John DeDakis. John is a former White House correspondent and former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." John is currently a writing coach, manuscript editor, podcaster, and rank amateur jazz drummer.

    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. 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 has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

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    41 mins
  • How to Get Your Book Seen and Sold with Claudine Wolk - #309
    Oct 14 2025

    Matty Dalrymple talks with Claudine Wolk about HOW TO GET YOUR BOOK SEEN AND SOLD, including how authors can identify and reach their ideal readers, craft a clear message and compelling hook, and overcome the fear of self-promotion. Claudine shares practical, confidence-building strategies to help indie authors simplify book marketing, focus their time and budget, and get their books in front of the readers who will love them.

    Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist

    Show notes, including extensive summary, at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all

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

    https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

    Claudine Wolk is a three-time published author, speaker, columnist, book marketing expert, and podcast host of GET YOUR BOOK SEEN AND SOLD. Her latest book with co-author Julie Murkette, "Get Your Book Seen and Sold," is the go-to guide for aspiring authors to dive in to publishing and book marketing to successfully sell their books. She is a sucker for used books, lipstick, and her three kids and grandkids.

    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. 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 has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

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    43 mins
  • Writing Realistic Police Procedures with Lisa Regan - #308
    Oct 7 2025

    Matty Dalrymple talks with Lisa Regan about WRITING REALISTIC POLICE PROCEDURES, including how crime writers can find reliable sources, connect with law enforcement experts, and navigate jurisdictional differences. She discusses the impact of technology on modern investigations, strategies for balancing realism with storytelling, and the importance of consistency when portraying police characters.

    Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist

    Show notes, including extensive summary, at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all

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

    https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

    Lisa Regan is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Detective Josie Quinn series, as well as several other crime fiction titles. She is an International Thriller Writer Award nominee. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen foreign languages. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University. She lives just outside of Philadelphia with her husband, daughter, and her Boston Terrier named Mr. Phillip.

    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. 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 has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

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    48 mins
  • Crafting Stories for the Ear with Cindy Gunderson - #307
    Sep 30 2025

    Matty Dalrymple talks with Cindy Gunderson about CRAFTING STORIES FOR THE EAR, including the challenges and benefits of self-narration, how narrating your own work can improve your writing, tips for preparing a manuscript for audio, the performance skills that bring stories to life, and the impact of AI on audiobook production and accessibility.

    Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist

    Show notes, including extensive summary, at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all

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

    https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

    Cindy Gunderson is a voice actress and award-winning author. Since she has commitment issues, she writes sci-fi, fantasy, plus contemporary romance and women's fiction under the pen name Cynthia Gunderson. When she's not typing away in a quiet corner of her local library, you can find her traveling with her family, narrating audiobooks, or attempting to beat her kids at card games. Cindy's first novel TIER 1 was awarded First Place in Science Fiction at the 2021 CIPPA EVVY Awards and her women's fiction novel YES, AND was honored with the Indie Author Award's first place prize for the state of Colorado, 2023.

    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. 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 has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

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    51 mins
  • Finding Readers Through Serialization with JP Rindfleisch - #306
    Sep 23 2025

    Matty Dalrymple talks with JP Rindfleisch about FINDING READERS THROUGH SERIALIZATION, including how writing serial fiction differs from traditional novels; tips for keeping readers engaged with serialized stories; the pros and cons of platforms; and how indie authors can use serialized novels to build community, test ideas, and strengthen their overall self-publishing strategy.

    Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA306YT2

    Show notes, including sumary, at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all

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

    https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

    JP Rindfleisch IX writes cozy queer fantasy and dark paranormal academy. Best known for Mandrake Manor and Mosswood Apothecary, which started as serials and were later novelized, including a successful Kickstarter for Mosswood Apothecary's special edition. They also created the Tapas Premium serial The Greatest Storm Mage Needs a Break, co-author NRDS: A Queer Paranormal Comedy Serial, and the Leah Ackerman Dark Paranormal Academy book series. JP also founded Rockford Area Writers, an 80+ member community supporting local authors in Rockford, Illinois, and is an editor over on Dialogue Doctor with Jeff Elkins.

    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. 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 has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

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    39 mins
  • Writing for Passion, Not Platforms with John Gaspard - #305
    Sep 16 2025

    Matty Dalrymple talks with John Gaspard about WRITING FOR PASSION, NOT PLATFORMS, including why he chose to write a passion project instead of a market-driven book, how research into HAROLD AND MAUDE AT THE WESTGATE THEATER turned into a richly visual history, what indie authors can learn about marketing from a cult film's unlikely success, and why creating the book only you can write may be the most rewarding path of all.

    Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist

    Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all

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

    https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

    John is author of the Eli Marks mystery series and the Como Lake Players mystery series. He also has several other stand-alone novels, including "The Greyhound of the Baskervilles," "A Christmas Carl," "The Sword & Mr. Stone" and "The Ripperologists." He hosts "Behind the Page: The Eli Marks Podcast." In real life, John's not a magician, but he has directed six low-budget features that cost very little and made even less - that's no small trick. He's also written multiple books on the subject of low-budget filmmaking. Ironically, those books made more than the films. John lives in Minnesota and shares his home with his lovely wife, several greyhounds, a few cats and a handful of pet allergies.

    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. 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 has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

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    40 mins