Best Indieauthor Podcasts (2025)

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#290 – Building the Lucas Literacy Lab: One Writer’s Journey from Home Classroom to School Founder 1:23:31

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1h ago1:23:31

1:23:31

Welcome back to the Spun Today podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Tony Ortiz sits down with returning guest Amanda Lucas—educator, writer, and now founder of her very own microschool, the Lucas Literacy Lab. Amanda shares her incredible journey of resilience, starting from homeschooling her daughters during the pandemic to navigating the bure…

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SPA Girls Podcast EP518 - Sarra Cannon talks organisation for authors 1:01:15

3h ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Feel like a hamster on a wheel trying to get ALL THE THINGS accomplished but never quite managing to do the important stuff? This is your episode! A classic replay from 2023 that's well worth a relisten! Self-publishing since 2010, Amazon top 100 best-selling Amazon author with 1million books sold, Sarra writes magical contemporary fantasy novels w…

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#289 – Voices of 9/11: Recounting Stories from New Yorkers (Re-release) 2:23:45

7h ago2:23:45

2:23:45

Welcome to Episode 269 of Spun Today, where we dive deep into personal stories of resilience, reflection, and creativity in the face of one of the most transformative events in modern history—the 9/11 attacks. Today, we are honored to have a plethora of voices sharing their firsthand experiences, each providing a unique lens on that tragic day. Fro…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP517 - The Reality Of Being An Author Today - with Mark Leslie 1:02:36

13h ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Mark Leslie (Lefebvre) is an author, professional speaker and bookseller with more than thirty years of experience in the publishing and bookselling business. In this episode, he brings a wealth of experience and reassurance to those of us somewhat battered by the realities of author life! This is more than a “mindset” episode, it’s a reality check…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP516 - Selling Film Rights with Michele Scott (Classic Replay) 54:06

14d ago54:06

54:06

Like most of our guests, NYT Bestseller Michele Scott's success didn’t happen overnight and there were huge ups and downs. She shares her journey towards finding the right agent, having books optioned, marketing plans, upskilling yourself and writing in different genres. This is a classic replay, well worth a relisten for Michele's fantastic advice…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP515 - What's New in Publishing? Our Conference Debrief! 38:58

22d ago38:58

38:58

It's conference debrief time! We’re here with all our best writer tips and reflections from the recent Romance Writers of New Zealand annual conference! Links mentioned: Sadie King talks series planning : https://selfpublishingauthorspodcast.com/spa-girls-podcast-ep409-six-figures-with-short-romance-with-sadie-king/ AK Mulford talks TikTok : https:…

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#288 - Daredevil’s Gray Morality and Emotional Hooks: Storytelling Insights for Writers 1:03:49

26d ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Welcome to Episode 288 of the Spun Today Podcast with Tony Ortiz, where creativity takes the spotlight and storytelling is always at the heart of the conversation. In this episode, Tony dives deep into the writing brilliance of the Daredevil TV series, exploring seasons one through four and unearthing valuable insights every writer and creative can…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP514 - Interview with Annika Martin (Classic Replay) 1:10:28

1M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

Writing bestselling romance with incredible character chemistry is something that NYT Bestseller Annika Martin excels in. Annika, who also publishes romantic suspense as Carolyn Crane, has seen incredible success writing two books a year (on average) and publishing wide. This is a classic replay episode (originally recorded in 2021) where Annika re…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP513 - Interview with Anya Mora: Writing Through Tough Times 1:02:20

1M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

When the going gets tough, it can be really hard to get (or keep) going. Today's episode has empathetic and practical advice from the incredible Anya Mora about working through life challenges, recovering from burnout, trusting your instincts and dealing with things that often throw us “off course” from our author life. About Anya Anya Mora is the …

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP512 - Manifesting Success with Renee Rose (Classic Replay) 56:54

1M ago56:54

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You're worth it and your work is worth it. 15-time USA Today bestselling romance author Renee Rose is passionate about helping other authors find and maintain an abundance mindset to catapult their careers and create their best future. She employs energetic tools and techniques to help her clients clear resistance and money blocks, access their inn…

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#287 – Creative Accountability, AI Tools for Writers, Insights from Ta-Nehisi Coates and More! (Free Writing Session) 51:34

2M ago51:34

51:34

Welcome back to the Spun Today podcast! In this episode, Tony Ortiz dives deep into the creative process, taking you behind the scenes of his own writing journey. This is a special “free writing session” episode, where Tony shares his candid writing stats—celebrating the progress, confronting the setbacks, and reflecting on what it really takes to …

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP511 - Reader Events - Tips For Authors Attending 54:58

2M ago54:58

54:58

Wendy, Cheryl and Trudi are off to RARE Melbourne in October 2025 and busy organising ALL the things! So this episode we share all our BEST TIPS (merchandise sourcing, what works, what doesn’t), table set up, what to wear, how to approach reader events, how many books to take (or offer on preorder) and how to calm the nerves / talk to strangers (ha…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP510 - Writing Paranormal Romance with Lilian Lark (Classic Replay) 58:16

2M ago58:16

58:16

Wondering how to write a great paranormal romance? What's the difference between paranormal and monster romance and what are readers looking for? And how to connect with readers on tiktok and other social media? This is a replay of a fun episode we recorded a few years ago with the awesome author, Lillian Lark. It's well worth a listen no matter wh…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP509 - The Artisan Author with Johnny B. Truant 1:04:05

2M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Tired of chasing the "Amazon Algorithm"? We’re delighted to welcome Johnny B. Truant to the SPA. Johnny is here to discuss the alternatives to “rapid release / fast publishing” mindset to one of an artisanal author and publisher. We always try to emphasise there is NO ONE RIGHT WAY to approach your self-publishing business and writing, and we think…

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#286 - Finding Inspiration Through Loss, Pandemic Reflections and Honoring Pablo 1:39:53

2M ago1:39:53

1:39:53

Welcome to Episode 286 of the Spun Today Podcast, the show anchored in writing but truly unlimited in its scope. I’m your host, Tony Ortiz, and today we’re diving into something both personal and nostalgic: a throwback tribute episode to my good friend and Spun Today alum, the late, great, Pablo Mosquera Jr. In this heartfelt installment, we revisi…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP508 - Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance with Keri Arthur (Classic Replay) 47:19

2M ago47:19

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Keri Arthur is a NYT Bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Initially traditionally published, she is now fully self-published, and in this episode she talks to us about that transition and shares tips and processes from her writing journey. This is a classic replay, originally recorded in 2020. About Keri Arthur Keri Arthur, t…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP507 - Publishing Wide Strategy and Tips with Erin Wright 1:14:09

3M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

USA Today Bestseller, Erin Wright, is the Queen of Publishing Wide and shares with us fantastic advice on: direct sales, AI audio and human narration, AI translations, woo commerce v shopify, kickstarter and platform specific tips. About Erin Wright USA Today Bestselling author Erin Wright has worked every job under the sun, including library direc…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP506 - Bestselling MM Romance Author, Jay Hogan (Classic Replay) 51:36

3M ago51:36

51:36

BEST SELLING ROMANCE AUTHOR JAY HOGAN is a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense, primarily set in New Zealand. This is a fantastic episode, well worth a replay, with Jay's unique insights into writing MM romance, marketing, craft and the writing life. About Jay Heart, Humour, & Keepin' It Real Jay is a two-time Lambda Literar…

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#285 – Turning Real Life into Art: Writing Takeaways from Standup, Storytelling, and Politics 1:03:03

3M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Welcome to another episode of the Spun Today Podcast with your host, Tony Ortiz—the show anchored in writing and limitless in scope. In this episode, Tony dives deep into the creative process and storytelling power behind Andrew Schulz's latest Netflix comedy special, "Life." You'll hear how Schulz's masterful blend of vulnerability, humor, and inn…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP505 - Sierra Simone - Writing to your own beat 1:12:50

3M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Writing To Your Own Beat - with USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Sierra Simone We’re delighted to welcome bestselling author, Sierra Simone, to the SPA today! Our topic is “Writing To Your Own Beat” and Sierra generously shares how she’s leaned into writing forbidden, atmospheric romance that has built a rabid fandom. This is a…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP504 - SF Romance with Tamsin Ley (Classic Replay) 47:08

3M ago47:08

47:08

This episode with Alaskan author, Tamsin Ley, is one of our most popular and well worth a replay! We talk about Tamsin's writing journey, marketing strategies, paranormal romance quirks and her fantastic advice for all self-publishers. You can find Tamsin here: https://www.tamsinley.com/ Tamsin Ley builds worlds full of sexy heroes who don't know t…

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#284 - Sinners: Creativity, Symbolism, and Storytelling Insights from Ryan Coogler’s Latest Film 1:00:33

3M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Welcome back to another episode of Spun Today. In this episode, I dive into a creative review and breakdown of the film Sinners, written and directed by Ryan Coogler. I pull out writing insights, character craft, and the power of blending personal history with big genre themes—sharing lessons any writer or creative can use to fuel their own work. B…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP503 - Co-Writing Success with Molly O'Keefe and Stephanie Doyle 1:01:30

4M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Molly and Stephanie are two writing besties who launched an incredibly successful pen name, Hailey Shore, writing romantic comedy. Romantic Comedy | Hailey Shore Author This episode we dig into how they intentionally set out to create this pen, their advertising and launch strategy, things they’ve learned along the way, and a few snafus too. These …

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP502 - Book Launch Strategies with Janie Crouch (Classic Replay) 1:02:07

4M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

USA Today Bestseller, Janie Crouch, shares amazing tips and advice on how she built her readership, launched her romantic suspense, and how she approaches the Business of Authoring and separates it from the creative side of writing. This is a classic replay of a fantastic episode we recorded originally in April 2021. Janie's writing journey began i…

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#283 – Cycles of Life, Loss, and Stories: Honoring Friendship and Remembering Pablo Mosquera Jr. 1:34:17

4M ago1:34:17

1:34:17

Welcome to Episode 283 of the Spun Today podcast—the only podcast anchored in writing, but unlimited in scope. I’m your host, Tony Ortiz, and in this deeply personal and heartfelt episode, I invite you to join me as I honor the memory of my dear friend and Spun Today alumni, Pablo Mosquera Jr., who tragically passed away earlier this year. This epi…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP501 - Virtual Assistants for Authors - Interview with Kevin Tumlinson 51:45

4M ago51:45

51:45

Who doesn't want to hand off their least-favorite tasks to a trusted assistant? So how do you go about finding the right person? And what's the cost? Kevin Tumlinson is an award-winning and bestselling author, known as “the Voice of Publishing” for his work as a podcaster and speaker, helping thousands of authors to start, build, and grow their aut…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP500 - Behind The Mics 58:00

4M ago58:00

58:00

We’re celebrating 500 episodes of the SPA Girls - from our baby podcaster days back in 2015 to today, we share some BEHIND THE MICS stories. How we met, why we started and why we’ve last this long (almost ten years so far, publishing an episode weekly). Plus our vision for the future and selfpublishing :) Thank you so much to all those who've liste…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP499 - Interview with Ana Huang: Multi-Million Copy Bestselling Author (Classic Replay) 58:19

4M ago58:19

58:19

A SPA Girls Classic Replay. This episode features an interview with the incredible Ana Huang, multi-million copy bestselling author of new adult and contemporary romance! Ana is a super-smart, hardworking author with a tonne of great advice that she generously shared with SPA Girls Podcast listeners in this information-packed episode. We range in t…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP498 - When To Pivot 36:26

5M ago36:26

36:26

What happens when your books don’t sell? When is it time to end a series? Or Pivot to a new penname? Wendy, Cheryl and Shar are here to give their advice and (strong!) opinions on when it’s the right time to pivot and the steps writers should take to make that decision. We’ve collectively written and published almost 200 books over the past 15 year…

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SPA Girls Podcast- EP497 - Writing The Black Moment with Rachel Bailey (Classic Replay) 43:22

5M ago43:22

43:22

One of our most popular writing craft episodes deserves a replay: Writing the Black Moment with USA Today Bestseller, Rachel Bailey. NB re audio quality, we apologise that this isn’t to our current standard (despite new editing), but we’re sure you’ll find the content worth listening to nevertheless! A fantastic tutorial on how you can take your wr…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP496 - Using Tropes Effectively with Jennifer Hilt 1:03:44

5M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Jennifer Hilt is a USA Today Bestselling author urban fantasy and non-fiction creator of The Trope Thesaurus series. She joins us this episode to really dig into how to use tropes in your fiction (no matter the genre), practical ways of applying them, how to use them to amp up the emotion and characterisation, and your characters' GMC (goal, motiva…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP495 - Advertising Secrets with Nicholas Erik (Classic Replay) 1:17:56

5M ago1:17:56

1:17:56

This is a classic replay of one of our most popular advertising episodes, with guest Nicholas Erik, science fiction author and marketing expert. Whilst the facebook ad dashboard will have changed since we recorded this a few years ago, the strategy, tips and best practices discussed are just as relevant today. Well worth a relisten /rewatch! You ca…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP494 - How To Strengthen Your Story Structure 54:33

6M ago54:33

54:33

🎙 Welcome back to the SPA Girls Podcast! Today, we’re diving into one of the most powerful tools in your writer’s toolkit—story structure! Whether you're a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between, a strong story structure is the secret sauce that keeps readers turning the pages. In this episode, we’ll dive into chapter “rules”, beats,scenes and s…

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#282 – Journey from Freelance Writing to Teaching: Insights from Amanda Lucas 1:48:44

5M ago1:48:44

1:48:44

Welcome to another episode of the Spun Today podcast! In this captivating session, host Tony Ortiz sits down with Amanda Lucas, a middle school ELA teacher with a rich tapestry of experiences in both education and writing. Amanda shares her journey from being an aspiring writer and journalist to embracing her role as an educator. As an insightful s…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP493 - Edit Like A Pro, interview with Mary-Theresa Hussey 1:19:00

6M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

What ten editing tips should all authors know? We share in this classic replay of our interview with Editorial Consultant, Mary-Theresa Hussey. Prior to becoming a freelance editorial consultant, Mary-Theresa (known as Matrice) worked at Harlequin for more than 25 years, editing nearly a thousand titles. As editor, senior and executive editor, she …

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The Power of Focus: Why I'm Pressing Pause to Level Up My Author Career 27:24

6M ago27:24

27:24

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s solo episode, I’m sharing a big decision I’ve made for my author career and why sometimes stepping back is the key to moving forward. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin juggling your writing with life’s demands, this episode is for you. I’ll be diving into the power of focus, the importance of…

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#281 - Crafting Suspense: From Writing Exercise to Short Story 52:54

6M ago52:54

52:54

Welcome back to the Spun Today Podcast with your host, Tony Ortiz. In this special throwback episode, we dive into Episode 281, where Tony revisits one of his earlier works, a riveting short story titled "Ball and Chain." Originally recorded as an audiobook and first shared in Episode 14, this tale explores the unique perspective of a female serial…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP492 - Writer Roundtable with the SPA Girls 54:50

6M ago54:50

54:50

The SPA Girls get down and personal with a Q1 2025 catchup! From surprising successes, unexpected writing tips, hybrid publishing adventures to mindset resets, we Keep It Real in this wild author life. Links mentioned: Wendy Vella website , CA Phipps website, Trudi Jaye website www.theauthorhelper.com Vinci Books https://www.vinci-books.com/ Dragon…

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SPA Girls Podcast - EP491 - Maximize Your Backlist Book Sales with Laurelin Paige 1:01:19

6M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

A Classic Replay of an episode we recorded with the fabulous NYT Bestseller, Laurelin Page, a few years ago. Her advice is just as relevant today to invigorate sales on your backlist books. Laurelin defines a backlist as a book that's more than 12 months old. Top tips she discussed in this podcast CRAMMED with amazing advice: 1. Keep a calendar for…

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Turning Resistance Into Your Creative Compass 47:23

6M ago47:23

47:23

Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! Do you feel the pull to write your book but find yourself procrastinating, doubting your abilities, or waiting for the perfect moment to start? What if the very resistance you're facing is a sign you're on the right path? In this episode of Alchemy for Authors, I'm diving into the hidden messages behind creative…