Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks

Episode 100Released on: March 15, 2026 On this special final episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, the hosts come together one last time to reflect on the journey that began with a simple idea and grew into one hundred conversations about writing, publishing, and building an author career. Original co-host Morgan Lee returns to join the discussion as the group looks back on the lessons they have learned, the fears they once hadas new authors, and how their perspectives on publishing have evolved over the past several years. From experimenting with marketing strategies to discovering that every author must find their own path, this heartfelt conversation celebrates the growth, persistence, and community that shaped the show. While the podcast may be ending, the writing journeys that started here are far from over. ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH US!  ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 098Released on: February 15, 2026 On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we sit down with romance author T L Russ to talk about building a feel-good brand filled with heart, heat, and unforgettable banter. From her journey into self-publishing and rapid release to the realities of time management, newsletters, and trope-driven marketing, she shares what it really takes to grow a loyal reader base in today’s romance market. We also dive into permafree strategy, series bibles, small-town worldbuilding, and how she keeps readers invested across interconnected stories. If you love swoony heroes, strong heroines, and smart business insight wrapped in real-world experience, this conversation is one you will not want to miss. Get Shanon’s 3-time award-winning romantasy book out on January 20th! A Curse of Wings & Gems 👉 https://books2read.com/A-Curse-of-Wings-and-Gems  ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH T L Russ! 🌐 T L Russ's Website: https://www.tlruss.com/📷 T L Russ's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlrussauthor/🎥 T L Russ's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tlruss  CONNECT WITH US!  ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write🌐 D.L.’s Website: https://www.authordltillery.com/ 📚 D.L.’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-L-Tillery/e/B09CRDP37H 🎥 D.L.’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AuthorDLTillery 📱 D.L.’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDLTillery/ 📸 D.L.’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordltillery/ 🐦 D.L.’s Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/authordltillery 🌐 D.L.’s Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/banongaming ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 099Released on: March 1, 2026 In this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we dive into The Relaxed Author by Joanna Penn and Mark Leslie Lefebvre and explore what it really means to build a sustainable writing life. We discuss how their perspective challenges the pressure to constantly produce, market, and optimize, and instead encourages authors to think long term, embrace flexibility, and define success on their own terms. From reframing incubation time as real creative work to shifting revision from expansion to precision, this conversation unpacks the practical and mindset shifts that can help protect your creativity for the years ahead.Note: Near the end of the episode, Shanon mentions moving her books in and out of KDP. She meant KU,which is Amazon’s exclusive ebook enrollment program within KDP Select. 📘WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK ONLINE: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/relaxed-author/ OTHER LINKS MENTIONED DURING EPISODE: 🌟Want to be an Alpha Reader for Shanon’s A Curse of Spikes & Smoke? Sign up for free here: https://tinyurl.com/ACOSAS-Alpha-Draft🌟D.L. Tillery’s Winterwolf is out now! Get your copy here: https://a.co/d/00sSX4vL🌟Want to see Shanon and D.L. talk about Winterwolf? Watch that Charmed Chat here: https://youtu.be/ZZNKxIaco9o🌟BookFunnel’s “5 Automations to Level Up Your Author Business” video: https://youtu.be/9NxaEcWs2cA  ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH D.L. TILLERY! 🌐D.L.’s Website: https://www.authordltillery.com/ 📚 D.L.’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-L-Tillery/e/B09CRDP37H 🎥 D.L.’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AuthorDLTillery 📱D.L.’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDLTillery/ 📸D.L.’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordltillery/ 🐦D.L.’s Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/authordltillery 🌐 D.L.’s Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/banongaming  CONNECT WITH US!  ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt #authortube

Episode 097Released on: February 1, 2026 On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we dive into Writing Deep Scenes by Martha Alderson and Jordan Rosenfeld. We unpack how this craft book breaks down scenes into three powerful layers, action, emotion, and theme, and explore how understanding those elements can transform revision into a process of precision rather than expansion. Whether you're a planner or a discovery writer, this conversation sheds light on practical ways to sharpen your storytelling, diagnose weak scenes, and deepen emotional impact with intention. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on crafting scenes that truly move the story forward. 📘WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK ONLINE: https://bookshop.org/p/books/writing-deep-scenes-plotting-your-story-through-action-emotion-and-theme-jordan-rosenfeld/f09c9130919305aeor https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Deep-Scenes-Plotting-Through/dp/1599638835~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH D.L. TILLERY!  🌐 D.L.’s Website: https://www.authordltillery.com/ 📚 D.L.’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-L-Tillery/e/B09CRDP37H 🎥 D.L.’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AuthorDLTillery 📱 D.L.’s Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDLTillery/ 📸 D.L.’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordltillery/ 🐦 D.L.’s Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/authordltillery 🌐 D.L.’s Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/banongaming  CONNECT WITH US!  ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt #authortube

Episode 096Released on: January 15, 2026 On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we chat with multi-genre author A. Adeshile, whose stories span everything from epic fantasy to paranormal romance to post-apocalyptic thrillers. He shares how he made the leap from firefighter to full-time writer, and how his background in psychology, anime, and tabletop gaming influences his character-driven, emotionally layered storytelling. We explore his interconnected story universe, how he juggles multiple genres, and why letting go of perfection is essential for growth. If you’ve ever struggled to finish your book or wondered how to turn life experience into fiction, this episode will leave you inspired to keep going. Get Shanon’s 3-time award-winning romantasy book out on January 20th! A Curse of Wings & Gems 👉 https://books2read.com/A-Curse-of-Wings-and-Gems ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH A. ADESHILE! 🌐 Adeshile's Website: https://adeshile.wordpress.com/ 📧 Adeshile's Newsletter: https://adeshilewrites.substack.com/ 📚Adeshile'e Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/A-Adeshile/author/B0BFRRL48X🎥 Adeshile’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adeshile.writes  CONNECT WITH US!  ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write▶Rita Slanina: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitaSlanina,Website: https://www.ritaslanina.com,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritaslanina,Twitter/X: https://x.com/ritaslanina, Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ritaslanina/ ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 095Released on: December 22, 2025 In this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we dive into The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell and explore what it means to approach writing as a strategic campaign. We discuss how Bell’s perspective on discipline, mindset, and adaptability can reshape the way writers think about their careers, from managing self-doubt to navigating feedback and an ever-changing publishing landscape. Drawing directly from Bell’s application of Sun Tzu’s wisdom, this conversation focuses on practical ways writers can strengthen their mental resilience, maintain control of their creative space, and remain flexible as both artists and professionals, all while keeping the joy of storytellingintact.  ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH A. ADESHILE! 🌐 Adeshile's Website: https://adeshile.wordpress.com/ 📧 Adeshile's Newsletter: https://adeshilewrites.substack.com/ 📚Adeshile'e Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/A-Adeshile/author/B0BFRRL48X🎥 Adeshile’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adeshile.writes  CONNECT WITH JODEE JEAN DANIELS! 🎥 Jodee’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JodeeJeanDanielsJustWrite  CONNECT WITH GWYNNA!🎥 Gwynna’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gwynnathawinna   CONNECT WITH US! ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 094Released on: September 15, 2025 On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we’re joined by Dale L. Roberts, longtime advocate for indie authors, prolific nonfiction writer, and host of the Self-Publishing with Dale YouTube channel. In this candid and high-energy conversation, Dale shares how he built a multi-book author business, why he’s shifting from nonfiction into sci-fi horror, and what lessons he's carrying with him into his first Kickstarter launch. From the early struggles of full-time authorship to his passion for ethical marketing, we explore the mindset, tools, and strategies that have helped Dale, and thousands of others, navigate the ever-changing world of self-publishing. FOLLOW DALE’S KICKSTARTER (LAUNCH ON 30 SEP) 👉https://DaleLinks.com/Final3  CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist J.M. Celi's The Unlife of Lisa Cooper on Amazon 👉 https://a.co/d/hYuFZCj ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH DALE L. ROBERTS! 🌐Dale’s Website – http://selfpublishingwithdale.com 🎥Dale’s YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/selfpublishingwithdale 🎤Dale’s YouTube Podcast – https://www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale 📚Dale’s Books – https://dalelinks.com/bookshelf 🤖Dale’s Discord – https://dalelinks.com/discord 📱Dale’s Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/selfpubwithdale 🐦Dale’s Twitter – https://twitter.com/selfpubwithdale 🎵Dale’s TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@selfpubwithdale 📷Dale’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/selfpubwithdale/ CONNECT WITH US!  ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli,Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi,Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 092Released on: August 15, 2025 On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we’re joined by Derrick Jackson, a retired Air Force special agent whose real-world experience helped shape the heart-pounding events of his debut novel, Shadow One. Derrick shares how he made the leap from military investigations to storytelling, blending fact and fiction while protecting sensitive information and staying true to the spirit of his career. We talk about the challenges of writing with authenticity, navigating Department of Defense approvals, and his unique decision to work with a publicist as an indie author. This episode is a compelling deep dive into the power of lived experience and the bold strategies that can set yourbook apart. CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist  ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH DERRICK JACKSON! 🌐Derrick Jackson’s Bio: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DKYKX1JS/about?ccs_id=5f92c278-4c2f-48af-bf97-a7998e87e81f 📘 Derrick Jackson’s Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SHADOW-ONE-DERRICK-JACKSON-ebook/dp/B0DFVNN3GD 📘 Derrick Jackson’s Book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-one-derrick-jackson/1146251057    CONNECT WITH US!  ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli,Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi,Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 091Released on: August 1, 2025 On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we sit down with multi-talented creative Rita Slanina, an actress, model, singer-songwriter, and indie author, to explore how she balances an eclectic creative career with self-publishing success. From testing the waters with poetry and facing rejection from traditional publishing to launching novella series and crowdfunding her latest release, Rita shares the ups and downs of her journey with humor and heart. Her practical approach to scheduling, willingness to leap into new projects, and honest reflections on creative burnout make this conversation both engaging and energizing. CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist  SOME WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🌟 ARMCHAIR CHATS // Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtVvpCVzJt344SruuuW9R0adm4JgPeQqv&si=67v75SxvcboUnoxD ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH RITA SLANINA! 🎥 Rita’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitaSlanina🌐 Rita’s Website: https://www.ritaslanina.com📸 Rita’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritaslanina🐦 Rita’s Twitter: https://x.com/ritaslanina📱 Rita’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritaslanina/  CONNECT WITH US!  ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli, Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi, Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt #authortube

Episode 090Released on: July 15, 2025 On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we step into the visually rich world of comics, book covers, and self-publishing with seasoned artist J.K. Woodward. From working with industry giants like Marvel and IDW tocollaborating with indie authors, J.K. shares how he brings stories to life through paint, passion, and persistence. We dig into his creative process, lessons learned from crowdfunding, and how authors and artists can collaborate more effectively, especially when timelines, vision, and mutual promotion areon the line. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the business of storytelling from the artist’s side of the table. CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist  SOME WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🌟 San Diego Comic-Con: https://www.comic-con.org/cc/  ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH J.K. Woodward! 🌐 J.K.'s Website, The Art of JK Woodward: https://www.theartofjkwoodward.com/ CONNECT WITH US!  ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli, Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi, Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt