Pen to Paycheck Authors

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

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

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

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: @sammowrimoWebsite: 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: @matildaswiftauthorWebsite: 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/

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: @sammowrimoWebsite: 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: @matildaswiftauthorWebsite: 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/

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: @sammowrimoWebsite: 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: @matildaswiftauthorWebsite: 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/
 

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: @sammowrimoWebsite: 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: @matildaswiftauthorWebsite: 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/

How We’ll Get Bigger and Better

This week, Matilda and Sam have major epiphanies about BIGGER and BETTER...
Next week, Matilda is recapping the Seville author conference. Let's hope she brings the sunshine with her! 
Where to find Sam and Matilda:SAM IG: @sammowrimoWebsite: 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: @matildaswiftauthorWebsite: 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 
CeCe Lyra’s courses: https://learn-with-cece.thinkific.com/
OLD version of CeCe Lyra’s Hacking Writing on a Line Level course (not currently available): https://cecilialyra.com/courses/
Draft2Digital’s Self Publishing Insiders Podcast: https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/category/self-publishing-insiders-podcast/
Revenge: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenge_(TV_series)

How We’ve Grown in Q1

Settle in, it's the Q1 review - how have Sam and Matilda done so far in 2026? 
Next week, they'll be planning how to get bigger and better!!
Where to find Sam and Matilda:SAM IG: @sammowrimoWebsite: 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: @matildaswiftauthorWebsite: 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 
Ines Johnson’s substack: https://ineswrites.substack.com/
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZZCSYXJ/
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TWSRMCB/
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BKGYQXW/
Florence Given - The Good Girl Wound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=32uLLwtiiVueXQao&v=x6yc9imZcaQ&feature=youtu.be

How Ireland’s Indie Conference Changed Us

This week, Matilda takes the reins as she TELLS ALL on her time at the Ireland Indie Conference. 
Next week, it's the Q1 review! 
Where to find Sam and Matilda:SAM IG: @sammowrimoWebsite: 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: @matildaswiftauthorWebsite: 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 
Indie Network Ireland conference: https://www.indienetworkevents.com/events/indie-network-in-ireland-2027