Pen to Paycheck Authors

Welcome to pen to Paycheck Authors podcast. We’re two indie authors; Matilda Swift, author of quintessentially British Cozy Mysteries, and Sam Cummings, author of Young Adult books about magic, myths, and monsters.

With over a dozen books between us, and still a long way to go towards the ‘quit the day job’ dream, we’re here to write our way to financial success.

Listen along for our mastery through missteps journey

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English

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S3 · E33
August 26 · 1 hr 13 min
How We Critique for Success
Samantha and Matilda are still focusing on their craft, turning a critical eye to our own writing and that of others. Next week, Matilda and Sam are talking about how they plan all elements of a new series and its books, down to the craft level. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Substack: https://samwritesbooks.substack.com/ Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0765387573/ Katabasis by RF Kuang: https://www.amazon.com/dp/006302148X/ Gothikana by RuNyx: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6XMCCG2 The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R King: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250055709/ Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250886104/ Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett: https://www.amazon.com/Guards-Discworld-Novel-ebook/dp/B00354YA5E/ Perdido Street Station by China Mieville: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345443020/ Cargoes by John Masefield: https://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/cargoes The Princess Bride: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/ Columbo: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1466074/ Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E32
August 19 · 56 min
How We Build Bestselling Craft Skills
Samantha and Matilda are working on their craft, sharing their tactics for improvement and the resources they use. Next week, Matilda and Sam are doing a craft critique of their own and other writing. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: The Descent: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/ Jennifer Lynn Barnes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Lynn_Barnes Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E31
August 12 · 51 min
How Our Genre Networks Grow
Samantha and Matilda are reaching out to authors and readers in new genres…yes, it feels uncomfortable, but they’re doing it anyway! Next week, Matilda and Sam start a mini-series on craft, sharing what they’ve been focused on and their favourite resources. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Terry Pratchett: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Pratchett Matt Dinniman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Dinniman Hearthcon: https://www.lazydragonbooks.com/hearthcon-2026 Crystal Johnson’s Marketing Q&A: https://www.patreon.com/crystaljohnston/posts/august-be-sure-q-165662796 Nathan C Ashford’s threads account: https://www.threads.com/@nathancashford Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E30
August 5 · 1 hr 3 min
How We Get Help
Samantha and Matilda are getting better at asking for help, and they’re making plans to improve even more. Next week, Matilda and Sam are finding ways to build contacts in new genres. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E29
July 29 · 1 hr 2 min
How We Stop a Series
Samantha and Matilda are ending series and discussing how to do it well. Next week, Matilda and Sam are working on asking for help. They’re not good at it, but they’re making plans to get better. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Working on a Song by Anaïs Mitchell: https://www.amazon.com/dp/059318257X/ The Truth About Lisa Jewell by Will Brooker: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L48PW5D/ Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BKGYQXW/ Willow Winters: https://www.instagram.com/willowwintersshouldbewriting/?hl=en Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E28
July 22 · 56 min
How We Launch with Success
Samantha and Matilda are preparing to launch their next series, and they’re thinking big! Next week, Matilda and Sam are planning the ends of their current series and how to do this successfully. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Ride or Die: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30494226/ The Odyssey: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33764258/ Good Girls: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6474378/ The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TWSRMCB/ Breanne Randall: https://www.breannerandall.com/ Florence Given: https://www.youtube.com/@theflorencegivenshow Splash: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088161/ Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E27
July 15 · 52 min
How We Challenge Quitting
Samantha and Matilda have just finished challenge week, and they’re figuring out how not to quit the things they ought to be doing. Next week, Matilda and Sam are planning new series launches and considering all the things they can do for them. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: Star Crossed Curses - https://books2read.com/Star-crossed-curses (Deighton Academy Book 2) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Edits app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.basel&hl=en_GB Josh Malerman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Malerman Adam Beswick: https://apbeswickpublications.com/ Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E26
July 8 · 1 hr
How Q2 Has Changed Everything
Samantha and Matilda are looking back over the months in which everything has changed! Next week, join Matilda and Sam for challenge week. What are you challenging yourself to? Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Alex Aster’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexaster/?hl=en Gabourey Sidibe: https://www.threads.com/@gabbysidibe Project Hail Mary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12042730/ Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E25
July 1 · 59 min
How to Reach Readers Without Ads
Samantha and Matilda are talking through allll the options for reaching readers, searching for the ones that suit their skills. Next week, Matilda and Sam are reviewing Q2! Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Jen dePaula: https://www.instagram.com/jenndepaulabookmarketing/?hl=en The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944751343/ Steve Aitchison’s episode of Pen and Prosper: https://penandprosper.substack.com/p/episode-70-selling-more-books-with Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E24
June 24 · 59 min
How SPS Live 2026 Helped Us
Samantha and Matilda are back from SPS Live 2026, and they’re sharing all the details of how it helped. Next week, Matilda and Sam are talking about alternatives to ads - how else can they get their books out there? Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: 5 Steps to Author Success by Rachel McLean (turns out it doesn’t have ‘Bestseller’ in the title, but Matilda was close): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MG97Q15/ Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E23
June 17 · 1 hr 2 min
How Our Mastermind Really Works
Samantha and Matilda are walking you through their most recent Mastermind Day, sharing all the inside details on what they discuss, so you can set up your own sessions with writing peers. Next week, Matilda and Sam are sharing what they learned at SPS Live 2026. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Obsidian: https://obsidian.md/ Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E22
June 10 · 1 hr 4 min
How Best to Learn from Business Books
Samantha and Matilda aren’t just reading resources and hoping they sink in. They’re figuring out how to get the best out of tools and sharing the results with you. This week, they’ve read Claire Taylor’s Reclaim Your Author Career, and they’re talking through what they can take away. Next week, Matilda and Sam are pulling back the curtain on their mastermind partnership and sharing all the details of what they discuss. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Sell More Books Show: https://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/ What If? For Authors podcast: https://www.whatifforauthors.com/ Reclaim Your Author Career by Claire Taylor: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFB5QKP4/ Becca Syme’s London workshop: https://betterfasteracademy.com/events/ Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E21
June 3 · 52 min
How Collaboration Creates Success
Samantha and Matilda are looking back on their first month of building up our community, sharing what works and why. Next week, Matilda and Sam are reading Claire Taylor’s Reclaim Your Author Career and practising action points from the business books they read. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Cursed Cocktails by SL Rowland: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BT8S49LX/ Mythcreants: https://mythcreants.com/ Reclaim Your Author Career by Claire Taylor: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFB5QKP4/ Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E20
May 27 · 52 min
How Rewriting Books Changes Careers
Samantha and Matilda are rewriting books…or are they? They talk through the reasons to publish new versions of old books and share their experiences with the process. Then they make some big decisions about what to do next. Next week, Matilda and Sam are reflecting on their community building experience so far. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Marlowe: https://authors.ai/marlowe/ Pro Writing Aid Manuscript Analysis: https://prowritingaid.com/features/manuscript-analysis Becca Syme’s London workshop: https://betterfasteracademy.com/events/ Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E19
May 20 · 1 hr
How Good Books Go Bad
Samantha and Matilda have written good books…so why don’t they sell? Are they somehow also bad? Next week, Matilda and Sam are talking about when and how to rewrite published books. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Fuzzy-Felt: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuzzy-Felt All Creatures Great and Small: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Creatures_Great_and_Small_(2020_TV_series) The 3 Keys to Writing Lovable Side Characters episode of the Kate and Abbie Show: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5m54VX6ruFne4my5sjH9kd Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E18
May 13 · 43 min
How Working Together Means Working Better
Samantha and Matilda are sharing their insights into coworking - how to set it up and how it supercharges your writing time! Next week, Matilda and Sam are pushing themselves to level up by critiquing each others’ book 1s. They’ll be looking at everything from the cover to the contents, and comparing these to comps. Fingers crossed this doesn’t end in tears. Support the podcast by buying us a coffee (and a slice of cake if you’re feeling generous): https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast/ Join us for more mastery through missteps…en masse. Yes, we’ve got a DISCORD, and you’re invited: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheTamingOfTheStew (book #7 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: London Writers’ Salon Writers’ Hour (options in lots of timezones): https://writershour.com/ Our appearance on Self Publishing Insiders with Draft2Digital: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mastery-through-missteps-demystifying-the-quit-the/id1512791697?i=1000766583690 Other podcasts you can hear us on: Self Publishing Insiders (with Draft to Digital) Episode 274: Mastery Through Missteps: Demystifying the Quit the Day Job Dream Ink in Your Veins (with Rachael Herron) Episode 552: On Being Precious About Nothing Wish I’d Known Then for Writers (with Sara Rosett and Jami Albright) Episode 254: From Mastermind to Discord: The Power of Community with Samantha Cummings Episode 249: Matilda Swift on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Innovative Reader Magnets
S3 · E17
May 6 · 1 hr 1 min
How to Take Your Writing to the Next Level
This week, Matilda and Sam are talking about CRAFT, and how they plan on improving theirs. Next week, tune in to chat about co-working, both on and offline. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT514XBT/ Writing Excuses Podcast: https://writingexcuses.com/ Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GUSDIG/ CeCe Lyra’s courses: https://learn-with-cece.thinkific.com/ Dungeon Crawler Carl: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BKGYQXW/ Lindsay Buroker: https://lindsayburoker.com/ What If? For Authors podcast: https://www.whatifforauthors.com/ Writing Iconic Chatacters by Claire Taylor: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FRV351Y8/ Creating Unforgettable Characters by Linda Seger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00723803W/ The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0553378201/ The Science of Writing Characters by Kiri Anne Pelican: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B09KS9D93T/ Into the Woods by John Yorke: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADNP2P2/ Opening Lines with John Yorke: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001hny4 Trip to the Moon by John Yorke: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDQ4T6DD/
S3 · E16
April 30 · 1 hr 1 min
How To Build Author Communities
This week, Sam and Matilda are talking about community and The Epiphany Engine!! Next week, they're back to discuss craft. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Dungeon Crawler Carl: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BKGYQXW/ 20BooksTo50k Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/20Booksto50k/
S3 · E15
April 22 · 1 hr 2 min
How We’re Planning Launches
This week, it's all about launch plans for upcoming releases! Next week, Matilda and Sam are revealing the big news!! The Epiphany Engine! Don't miss out - tune in next week for more... Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op: https://victoryediting.com/services/netgalley-co-op/ David Gaughran’s Promo Site Info: https://davidgaughran.com/best-promo-sites-books/ Booksirens: https://booksirens.com/ Booksprout: https://booksprout.co/
S3 · E14
April 15 · 1 hr 1 min
How Seville’s Indie Conference Changed Us
This week, Matilda is in Seville, and she won't let us forget it! Next week, Sam and Matilda will be rehashing their launch plans. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Meta’s AI: https://meta.ai/ Manus: https://manus.im/ Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/ J ungian character archetypes: https://www.novel-software.com/jungian-character-archetypes/ Suzy K Quinn: https://www.suzykquinn.com/ Deany Ray: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deany-Ray/author/B018S6XPAE Janet Evanovich: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APXTY4 Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT514XBT/

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