Bestselling author Nick Thacker swaps explosions for emotions in this lively and insightful episode. Known for his action-packed thrillers, Nick opens up about his unexpected dive into the world of hockey romance—and what surprised him most along the way. From crafting compelling, authentic characters to navigating the nuances of writing from new perspectives, Nick shares the highs, the challenges, and the hilarious in-betweens of switching genres.

Join us as we unpack what makes romance resonate, how to balance structure with intuition, and why character-driven stories are the heart of every great book—no matter the genre. We also explore reader expectations, trauma in fiction, and smart marketing strategies that make your story stand out. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just romance-curious, this episode is full of practical insights and plenty of laughs.

📣 Question:
What’s a book you loved that surprised you by being outside your usual genre?
🧠 Let us know in the comments—what drew you in?

🔔 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/

ℹ️

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

#authorpodcast #bookpublishing #yournextbook

In this episode, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas explore the intricacies of character creation in writing. They discuss their favorite characters, the challenges of writing female leads, the importance of side characters, and the processes they use to develop their characters. The conversation also touches on the significance of character arcs, themes, and the quirks that make characters memorable. They provide insights and advice for aspiring authors on how to create compelling characters that resonate with readers.

Comment 👉 Authors, what are your favorite characters that you've written? And how did you go about creating them?

🔔 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 development, writing process, side characters, female characters, character arcs, writing advice, author insights, storytelling, character quirks, writing challenges

#authorpodcast #bookpublishing #yournextbook

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