🎙️ Want to grow your author career without burning out? It starts with mindset, community, and a plan. In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Bryan Cohen—author, coach, and host of The Sell More Books Show—to talk about what it really takes to build a thriving author business.

We explore:

· Why mindset is the foundation of long-term author success

· How to build a supportive network that fuels your growth

· Common book marketing pitfalls—and how to avoid them

· Brian’s journey from indie author to respected writing coach

· Why patience and persistence beat quick wins every time

· The role of routine in boosting both creativity and productivity

Whether you’re launching your first book or scaling your backlist, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and a reminder that you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

👇 What’s one new strategy you’ve tried to grow your author business this year?

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

Find more about Bryan Cohen Here:

👉 https://learn.bestpageforward.net/

📚 https://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/

🎙️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 🔑: author growth, mindset, community, writing routine, marketing strategies, Bryan Cohen, BestPage Forward, ad school, coaching, patience

#authorpodcast #bookpublishing #yournextbook #mindsettips #bryancohen #indieauthors

🎙️ Is your author brand doing the heavy lifting or holding you back?

In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas dive into the world of author branding what it really means, why it matters, and how to make yours stand out in a crowded market.

We cover:

How to build an author brand readers instantly connect with

Why emotional resonance matters more than just aesthetics

The biggest author branding mistakes (and how to fix them)

Rebranding: when to do it and what to consider

What indie authors can learn from top consumer brands

Visual branding tips—from color palettes to typography to logo design

How to create reader trust (and actually deliver on your brand promises)

Whether you're launching your first book or giving your author brand a much-needed glow-up, this episode is packed with practical tips and real talk to help you attract readers who stick around for the long haul.

👇 Tell us in the comments: What’s your author brand and does it truly reflect who you are as a writer?

🔔 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/

Keywords 🔑: author branding, emotional connection, visual consistency, reader engagement, brand voice, rebranding, typography, logo design, marketing strategies, indie authors

How do you write romance characters readers actually care about?

In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with story revision coach Sue Brown-Moore to unpack the art of character development in romance writing and why transformation is everything.

We dive deep into:

How to write compelling romance characters that feel real

Common tropes (and how to make them fresh)

The balance between creative freedom and market expectations

The role of reader feedback in shaping your story

Why authenticity matters more than ever

And how to avoid cookie-cutter characters in your manuscript

Sue also shares insights on the business side of romance: how marketing, community, and mindset impact your success as an author.

Whether you’re just starting out or revising your tenth draft, this conversation will inspire you to rethink your characters and your storytelling approach.

👇 Let us know in the comments: What’s your biggest struggle with writing romance characters?🔔

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

🏆EXCLUSIVE FOR AUTHOR NEXT DOOR PODCAST: Free Build Your Character ARC Worksheet

More about SUE BROWN-MOORE Here:

👉 https://www.suebrownmoore.com/

📚 https://suebrownmoore.kit.com/sss

➡️ EXCLUSIVE OFFER LINK: https://www.suebrownmoore.com/free-character-arc-worksheet/?utm_source=referral-AuthorNextDoorPodcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=20minuteheromakeover&utm_content=20250722

🎙️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/

Keywords 🔑: character development, romance writing, author tips, story arcs, reader engagement, writing advice, character transformation, romance tropes, marketing for authors, writing community

🎙️ From Action Thrillers to Hockey Romance?!

Bestselling author Nick Thacker joins The Author Next Door to talk about his wild genre jump—from high-octane explosions to heart-fluttering emotions. 💥💘

In this refreshingly honest (and hilarious) conversation, Nick opens up about:

Swapping plot-driven thrillers for character-driven romance

What surprised him most about writing love stories ❤️

How to balance emotional arcs with genre expectations

Writing through trauma and writing it well

Navigating reader expectations when you switch lanes

And why romance is harder—and more rewarding—than he thought

Whether you’re a thriller writer toying with a rom-com idea, a romance author refining your character arcs, or just love hearing how authors stretch their creative muscles—this one’s for you.

📣 Stick around for writing insights, big laughs, and behind-the-scenes moments from Nick’s publishing journey.

👇 Drop a comment: What’s a book you loved that surprised you by being outside your usual genre?

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

Find more about Nick Thacker Here:
👉 https://www.nickthacker.com/
📚 https://learn.bookcareerinayear.com/

🎙️To Find More About The Author NextDoor➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find Angela & Cassie 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/

Keywords 🔑: character development, hockey romance, thrillers, writing tips, author success, dialogue, female characters, male characters, sports romance, storytelling, writing, romance, character development, marketing, storytelling, point of view, trauma, reader expectations, genre crossover, intuitive writing

🎙️ What makes a fictional character unforgettable? Let’s break it down.

In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas unpack the art and heart of character creation in fiction—from crafting unforgettable protagonists to elevating side characters that steal the show.

We dive into:

The secret to writing memorable female leads 💪

Why side characters matter more than you think

The power of strong character arcs and themes

How quirks and flaws create emotional resonance

Personal faves—and least faves—from fiction and film 🎬📚

Whether you’re building your cast from scratch or polishing up a WIP, this conversation is packed with writing tips, inspiration, and a few hot takes you won’t want to miss.

👇 What’s one trait that makes YOU instantly love a character? Let us know in the comments!

🔔 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/

Keywords 🔑: character development, writing process, side characters, female characters, character arcs, writing advice, author insights, storytelling, character quirks, writing challenges

🎙️ What happens when a mystery writer brings social justice, and a little theater flair, into the mix?

In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with mystery author Lynn Bohart, whose cozy mysteries weave together rich characters, real-world themes, and just the right touch of humor.

We explore:

How Lynn blends social justice into twisty, page-turning plots 🔍

Why setting and character motivation matter more than ever

Using interviews with real people to fuel authentic storytelling

Balancing serious topics with warmth, wit, and heart

The creative freedom (and structure) behind cozy mysteries

Lynn also shares personal stories that have shaped her work—and her unique take on how crime fiction can entertain and enlighten.

👇 Writers, readers, and mystery lovers: What themes do YOU love to see layered into a good whodunit?

🔔 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/

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

🎙️ What makes a character unforgettable and what makes us roll our eyes?

In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas dive into the craft of character creation, unpacking what makes some characters leap off the page (or screen) and why others fall flat.

We dish on:

Our favorite (and least favorite) characters from books, TV, and film

The secret sauce behind writing compelling villains 🖤

How female characters have evolved and what we miss from the classics

Why nostalgia plays a role in character connection

How to write three-dimensional characters readers truly care about

Plus: Personal updates from our current writing projects ✍️

If you're trying to craft memorable protagonists, nuanced antagonists, or just love geeking out over great storytelling, this one's for you.

👇 Who’s YOUR all-time favorite fictional character and why?

🔔 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/

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

🎙️ What do hockey, heartbreak, and healing have in common? A really good romance novel.

In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Cassie Newell and Angela Haas sit down with international bestselling author Ava Miles to talk about her latest hockey romance, her writing journey, and how she crafts deeply emotional, authentic stories that resonate with readers.

We explore:

The irresistible appeal of sports romance (yes, even if you don’t love sports 🏒❤️)

How Ava builds layered, powerful female leads

The emotional arcs that drive her stories—and how they reflect real life

The joy and challenge of writing for a passionate audience

Why authenticity is at the heart of every great love story

What reader feedback has taught her about courage, connection, and craft

If you love character-driven romance with heart, heat, and healing—or want a behind-the-scenes look at the emotional depth of storytelling—this episode will hit you right in the feels.

👇 What’s your favorite sports romance trope? Drop it below!

🔔 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/

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