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

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

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

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

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

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