The Indy Author Podcast

Matty Dalrymple talks with Jeff Elkins about WRITING EMOTION: SHAPING THE READER'S EXPERIENCE, including how trajectory, vector, alignment, saturation, pressure, velocity, and altitude shape a reader's emotional experience; when grounded writing or emotional distance best serves a scene; and how dialogue, internal thought, body language, cast size, and sensory detail change emotional intensity. We also discuss editing character interactions and evaluating seemingly confident but conflicting advice from AI editing tools.

Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA360YT

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (Substack subscribers get exclusive content)

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

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Jeff Elkins coaches authors, edits, and podcasts at the Dialogue Doctor. He is the author of 19 novels and 4 works of non-fiction.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with John DeDakis about TURNING LIFE'S PLOT TWISTS INTO A POWERFUL MEMOIR, including how a universal theme turns personal memories into a story readers can enter, how a life narrative and timeline reveal pivotal moments, and how beta readers help identify what does not serve the book. We also discuss balancing insight with entertainment, staying truthful when memory is imperfect, and respecting the people whose lives overlap with your own.

Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA359YT2

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (Substack subscribers get exclusive content)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis, a former White House correspondent, is the author of six traditionally published novels in the award-winning Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series. DeDakis is a motivational speaker, podcaster, one-on-one writing coach, manuscript editor, and regularly teaches novel and memoir writing at literary centers, bookstores, and writers' conferences nationwide and abroad. He is also a Grief Educator, certified by world-renowned grief expert David Kessler of Grief.com. John's newest book is Plot Twists: A Memoir on Writing and Living. Website: www.johndedakis.com

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Dan Blank about BUILDING CONNECTION THROUGH LONG-FORM CONTENT, including why audiences are seeking greater depth, how authors can use long-form and less-polished content to create genuine connection, and why practice matters more than natural ease on camera. We also discuss choosing platforms, finding content in your interests and creative process, and setting personal boundaries that support authenticity without oversharing.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (Substack subscribers get exclusive content)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Dan Blank is the founder of WeGrowMedia, where he helps writers develop their author platforms, connect with readers, and launch their books. He is the author of the book BE THE GATEWAY: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SHARING YOUR CREATIVE WORK AND ENGAGING AN AUDIENCE. He has worked with thousands of writers and organizations who support creative people such as Penguin Random House, Sesame Workshop, Hachette Book Group, Writer's Digest, and Library Journal.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Dale L. Roberts about ONLINE COMMUNITY ETIQUETTE FOR AUTHORS, including how to ask focused questions, respond with empathy, and choose communities that match the kind of help you need. We also discuss moderation, respecting other people's time, and sharing expertise without turning every answer into a sales pitch.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (Substack subscribers get exclusive content)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Dale L. Roberts is a bestselling author, award-winning content creator, and trusted voice in self-publishing. He's written more than 50 books, earned 44 literary awards, and founded the Self-Publishing with Dale YouTube channels, reaching more than 132,000 subscribers. Through his videos, podcast, books, and online community, Dale has helped thousands of authors navigate publishing, marketing, and growing an author business with practical, no-nonsense guidance.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Pamela Fagan Hutchins about FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY TO CREATIVE POWER: PLANNING A SERIES, including how three-book arcs can grow into six-book roadmaps; why character wounds, recurring antagonists, and a unifying crime narrative keep readers moving through a series; how varied settings can preserve plausibility; and why every outline needs enough flexibility to follow a better creative idea.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Thriller writer. USA Today bestseller. Silver Falchion winner. BVI catamaran. Wyoming lodge. Maine lake camp. World traveler. Alaskan malamutes. Draft crosses. Believer in soul mates. Joy seeker.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Claire Taylor about WRITING ICONIC CHARACTERS WITH ENNEAGRAM, including how core fears and desires shape memorable characters, how to deepen an existing series, and how to build protagonist-and-villain chemistry. We also discuss character growth, choosing meaningful tropes, and planning spinoffs that meet reader expectations.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Claire Taylor is a humor and mystery author and certified Enneagram practitioner. Through her courses, coaching, and community, she helps authors alchemize fear and master their attention to build sustainable careers aligned with their personal values and dreams.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Dan Blank about SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY FOR AUTHORS, including why fragmented platforms need not mean the end of social media, how human stories stand out amid AI-generated content, why simple narratives and imperfect presentation can build trust, how writers can define core messages and learn directly from readers, when to reset an uninspiring feed, and why choosing one comfortable home base—especially a newsletter—creates room to experiment and learn what resonates.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Dan Blank is the founder of WeGrowMedia, where he helps writers develop their author platforms, connect with readers, and launch their books. He is the author of the book Be the Gateway: A Practical Guide to Sharing Your Creative Work and Engaging an Audience. He has worked with thousands of writers, and amazing organizations who support creative people such as Penguin Random House, Sesame Workshop, Hachette Book Group, Writer's Digest, Library Journal, and many others. You can find Dan on at https://WeGrowMedia.com, his weekly newsletter at https://danblank.substack.com or on social media @DanBlank.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Bruce Robert Coffin about WRITING THE STORIES ONLY LIFE CAN TEACH YOU, including how Bruce's police career supplied the lived experience behind his fiction, what writers can learn by reading analytically, how mystery authors guide and misdirect readers, the common creative ground shared by writing and painting, and why an unrealized creative dream may simply be waiting for experience and craft to catch up.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

BRUCE ROBERT COFFIN is an international bestselling novelist and retired detective sergeant. He is the author of the Detective Byron Mysteries and Detective Justice series, and co-author (with LynDee Walker) of the Turner and Mosley Files. He has won Killer Nashville's Silver Falchion for Best Procedural and Best Investigator and the Maine Literary Award for Best Crime Fiction, and been a finalist for the Anthony, Agatha, and Barry Awards.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Meg Casebolt about BUILDING AI TRUST TO IMPROVE BOOK DISCOVERABILITY, including how AI tools are changing book discovery, why keywords need support from consistent online signals, the value of relevant links and reader recommendations, and why sustained marketing builds more trust than a short promotional spike. Meg also discusses using tropes and trend research to clarify what makes a book distinctive without sanding away the creative edges that make it memorable.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Meg Casebolt is a romance author, AI discoverability strategist, founder of Love At First Search, creator of Happily Ever Indie, and co-host of the First Dates & Soulmates podcast.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Patrick O'Donnell about HOW TECH IS CHANGING CRIME FICTION, including the camera footage that cracked his first homicide case; why smaller police departments sometimes have better equipment than big cities; the real legal limits on drone surveillance and monitoring suspects on social media; and where he believes AI can genuinely help detectives, and where it never will.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Patrick O'Donnell is proof that there is life after retirement. He was a City of Milwaukee police sergeant with 25 years of street experience, where he supervised various special units and investigated major felonies. He's the author of eleven books, including his newest Police Stories: The Rookie Years https://a.co/d/08a5IRlp. He hosts the popular Cops and Writers Podcast and founded and runs an 8,500-member Facebook group for crime writers that was featured in the Wall Street Journal. He has also hosted true crime television documentaries and has consulted with crime writers for their books and screenplays. O'Donnell lives in Wisconsin, where he enjoys working out, riding his Harley, and spending time with family.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Jeff Elkins about BEYOND THE LAUNCH: REVIVING YOUR BACKLIST, including how to give a never- or lightly-marketed backlist titles a second life; why a book's launch no longer has to determine its fate; finding readers one at a time, in the places they actually are; marketing yourself as an author rather than marketing individual books; and redefining what success looks like for your writing career.

Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA350YT

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

Jeff Elkins is the author of 13 novels and has coached over 400 authors 1-on-1 as The Dialogue Doctor.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Kris Austin about WHAT DRAFT2DIGITAL'S NEW FEES MEAN FOR INDIE AUTHORS, including how the new $20 activation fee and $12 annual maintenance fee are designed to break the business model of scammers and bad actors; why AI-generated spam pushed Draft2Digital and retailers to act; why Amazon distribution is now invite-only; how print-on-demand change tokens and the 90-day rule work; why the maintenance fee is waived for authors earning over $100 a year; and the new Bookshop.org partnership that lets indie bookstores sell indie ebooks.

Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA349YT

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content and benefits)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

Kris Austin is the co-founder and CEO of Draft2Digital, one of the world's largest digital publishing and distribution platforms for self-published authors and independent publishers. Since its founding in 2012, Draft2Digital has grown to support over 300,000 authors from around the globe who have collectively released over 1 million titles.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Jane Friedman about LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR BOOK RIGHTS DEALS, including why publishers are increasingly licensing selected rights from successful indie authors, the sales and reader-engagement signals that attract their attention, how to build a business that creates future opportunities, what to negotiate in a rights contract, and how to recognize scams or partners who offer too little value.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content and benefits)

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

https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

Jane Friedman has spent her entire career working in the publishing industry, with a focus on business reporting and author education. Established in 2015, her newsletter The Bottom Line provides nuanced market intelligence to thousands of authors and industry professionals; her book, The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition (The University of Chicago Press), is used as a classroom text by many writing and publishing degree programs and received a starred review from Library Journal.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Jessie Kwak about USING MAGPIE MODE TO GATHER AND CONNECT IDEAS, including collecting creative sparks before you know exactly where they belong, finding patterns among seemingly unrelated notes, building a practical system for capturing and reviewing ideas, applying the process to both fiction and nonfiction, and knowing when a shiny object enriches the book rather than distracting from it.

Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA347YT

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content and benefits)

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

https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple

https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor

Jessie Kwak is an author, book coach, and nonfiction book ghostwriter living in Portland, Oregon. When she's not writing, she can be found sewing, mountain biking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest (and beyond). She has written over 20 books, including thriller novels, two series of space scoundrel sci-fi crime novels, and a handful of productivity books including FROM CHAOS TO CREATIVITY and FROM BIG IDEA TO BOOK.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Mark Leslie Lefebvre about BUILDING AN AUTHENTIC AUTHOR BRAND, including how your brand already exists whether or not you have consciously shaped it, using reader feedback and comparable authors to identify your strongest brand signals, balancing consistency with experimentation, and connecting authentically with readers without sharing more of your personal life than feels comfortable.

Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA346YT

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content and benefits)

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

Mark Leslie Lefebvre's first short story was published in 1992, the same year he started working in the book industry. He has published over thirty-five books under the name Mark Leslie that include thrillers and fiction, paranormal non-fiction and anthologies. Under his full name, Mark Leslie Lefebvre, he writes books to help authors navigate publishing. His industry experience includes President of the Canadian Booksellers Association, Director of Author Relations and Self-Publishing for Rakuten Kobo, Director of Business Development for Draft2Digital, and Professional Advisor for Sheridan College's Creative Writing and Publishing Honours Program. Mark lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Kevin Hall about BOOK MARKETING ON A BUDGET, including how to pitch print publications, radio stations, and libraries with a brief, targeted email; why alumni associations are an overlooked goldmine for book exposure; how to navigate paid media opportunities; and the three Cs—collaboration, community, and consistency—that underpin sustainable, low-cost author marketing.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/ (subscribers get exclusive content and benefits).

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

Kevin M. Hall is a memoirist, storyteller, and independent author of four multi-genre, non-fiction books, including his latest: Book Marketing on a Budget – Simple Steps for New Authors. After a 40+ year career in corporate America he began writing, inspired by his grandchildren's questions about what it was like when he was growing up. He favors lived experience over theory and steady progress over hype, sharing practical, low-cost strategies that help authors reach readers through outreach, relationships, and consistency.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Frankie Blooding about FINDING YOUR AUTHOR ARCHETYPE TO AVOID BURNOUT, including the four archetypes and the distinct burnout patterns and red flags tied to each one, why matching your personality type to your business model reduces wasted energy, how to uncover the authentic "why" fueling your writing, and how your archetype shapes the way you connect with your ideal reader.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all and on Substack at https://theindyauthor.substack.com/

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

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Frankie Blooding is a USA Today bestselling author of 24 books and the founder of Real Indie Author. After burning out and leaving publishing, she spent several years as a growth strategist where she doubled a construction company's revenue. She returned to indie publishing with a new framework — the Story Stamina System — which maps authors into four creative archetypes and builds production systems around how their brains actually work. She's on a mission to burn the bookmill and help indie authors build sustainable careers.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Kat Caldwell about WRITING BETTER CHARACTERS WITH THE BIG FIVE PERSONALITY, including what the five traits are and how they function as a spectrum rather than fixed categories; why a character's "need" is really about the unconscious ways their personality causes hurt to the people they love; how to use the Big Five as a diagnostic tool when your story feels like something's off; and why a satisfying character arc means growth and not a 180-degree reversal.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all and on Substack @TheIndyAuthor.

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

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Kat is a novelist and short story writer and loves to teach fiction. She writes love stories in several genres including historical romance, contemporary romance, and contemporary fiction. Kat is the creator of the Pencils&Lipstick podcast, a podcast for writers with author interviews, craft talk and insight into the publishing world. In between conducting interviews for her podcast and writing, you can find Kat traveling the world, reading, or volunteering with her church—always with a cup of cold brew close by.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Gordon McClellan about HYBRID PUBLISHING: GREEN FLAGS, RED FLAGS, AND WHAT TO EXPECT, including the key difference between a genuine hybrid publisher and a publishing mill, why a publisher saying "not yet" is actually the green flag authors should be looking for, how to evaluate a hybrid publisher's marketing commitment before you sign anything, red flags in contracts, and AI-generated scam solicitations.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

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

Gordon McClellan is a publisher and communications leader with 20+ years of experience building mission-driven publishing and content organizations. As Founder of DartFrog Books, he leads editorial strategy, author development, and innovative initiatives focused on authorship, ownership, and the future of publishing. His work spans books, digital media, and audience-building systems designed to support long-term author success. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles in churches, shaping communications around governance, stewardship, and organizational change—experience that informs his focus on clarity, credibility, and trust in publishing.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Austin S. Camacho about CONFLICT, CHARACTER, AND MOTIVATION, including why conflict is about opposing goals rather than violence, how to find conflict in every scene including ones between characters who agree, how internal conflict distinguishes heroes from villains, why motivation has to be personal to feel real, how to make large-scale stakes relatable by grounding them in a character's specific fears, and why ROCKY is the perfect example of a protagonist who states his true goal out loud.

Interview video at https://www.youtube.com/@TheIndyAuthorPodcast/podcasts

Show notes, including extensive summary and transcript, 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

Austin S. Camacho is the author of eight novels about Washington DC-based private eye Hannibal Jones, five in the Stark and O'Brien international thriller series, the detective novel Beyond Blue, and the action thrillers True Target and Mirror Target. His short stories have been featured in several anthologies and he is featured in the Edgar nominated African American Mystery Writers: A Historical and Thematic Study by Frankie Y. Bailey. He is a past president of the Maryland Writers Association, past Vice President of the Virginia Writers Club, and one of the creators of the Creatures, Crimes & Creativity literary conference.

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. More at mattydalrymple.com. 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 writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.