Episode 093

Released on: September 1, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we sit down with children’s middle grade mystery/fantasy author Catharina Steel to explore her journey from self-publishing to hybrid publishing. Catharina opens up about rewriting her debut novel, learning the craft through trial and error, and overcoming early doubts about legitimacy in the publishing world. We also dive into how her love of the outdoors inspired her magical forest setting, and why she chose to partner with Spark Press for her latest release. This is an encouraging and thoughtful conversation about resilience, publishing choices, and trusting your instincts as a writer.

CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist

Women’s Fantasy Writing group mentioned during the episode is now call Women Writing Other Worlds (WWOW). Join us at https://womenwritingotherworlds.com/

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CONNECT WITH CATHARINA STEEL!

🌐Catharina’s Website (+blog): https://catharinasteel.com

🌐Catharina’s Substack (+newsletter/blog): https://cathsteel.substack.com/

📸 Catharina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catharina_steel_author/

🎵 Catharina’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@catharinasteel_author

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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 092

Released 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

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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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 091

Released 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

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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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt #authortube

Episode 090

Released 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/

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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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 089

Released on: July 1, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we’re joined once again by romantasy comedy author Elaine Canyon, this time to talk all things audiobooks on a budget. Elaine shares her journey into narrating her own work and offers practical, low-cost strategies for authors who want to create professional-sounding audiobooks without breaking the bank. From essential gear and DIY soundproofing to software options and voice performance tips, we covereverything you need to know to get started. If you've ever thought about producing your own audiobook but didn’t know where to begin—or how to afford it—this episode might just be the push you need.

CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist

SOME WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🌟 New K-lytics Study: Fantasy Romance / Romantasy 2025*: https://k-lytics.com/custom/fantasy-romance-2025-04-pr/

🌟 Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org/

*Affiliate link. The price is the same to you but supports thepodcast.

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CONNECT WITH ELAINE CANYON!

🌐 Elaine's Website: https://elainecanyon.com

📚 Elaine's Books: https://cur.io/elainecanyon

🎥 Elaine's Authortube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@elainecanyon

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

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 087

Released on: May 15, 2025

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass, where we explore how this powerful book challenges writers to go beyond the surface and create stories that truly resonate. We dive into the emotional heart of storytelling, unpack key takeaways, and reflect on how Maass’s insights can transform our writing lives. Whether you're drafting, revising, or seeking deeper connection in your prose, this conversation offers inspiration and tools to elevate your craft.

📘WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK ONLINE: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/633863/the-emotional-craft-of-fiction-by-donald-maass/and https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Craft-Fiction-Beneath-Surface/dp/1440348375

YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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CONNECT WITH A ADESHILE!

🎥 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

▶Morgan’s Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt