Pen to Paycheck Authors

Samantha and Matilda are closely looking at the comps for their new books, and they’re analysing what works in their craft and why.
Next week, Sam and Matilda are returning to a favourite topic - audacity! How can they think bigger for their author careers?
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:
SAMIG: @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)
MATILDAIG: @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:
Katabasis by RF Kuang: https://www.amazon.com/dp/006302148X/Starchaser by RM Grey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316583391/Nightweaver by RM Grey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6DMR7G1/Blood & Betrayals by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668230399/Modern Divination by Isa Agajanian: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1035049988/Boys with Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250334594/The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250324602/There be Dragons Here by SL Rowland: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1964567289/Fables of Finlestia series by ZS Diamanti: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDJSHNGSBookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250886104/Audacious by Mark Schaefer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTNCH18YBristolCon: https://www.bristolcon.org/Buffy the Vampire Slayer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer
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
Write it Scared (with Stacy Frazer)
Episode 119: The Power of the “Right” Writing Community: Find Your Folks and Keep Going

Samantha and Matilda are exploring all the options they can add to Amazon POD books to make them look as fancy as a special edition.
Next week, Sam and Matilda are examining the comps for their new books and picking out some useful craft tips.
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:
SAMIG: @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)
MATILDAIG: @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:
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250751365/-The Fellowship of Bakers and Magic by J Penner: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1464243751/The Hedgewitch series by Skye McKenna: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QPYN5TSTiffany Aching series by Terry Pratchett: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063444291/Don’t Let the Forest In by CG Drew: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250895642/The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250343186/
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

Samantha and Matilda are looking back on their most recent series and learning from the mistakes they made (and making sure to keep the good parts too).
Next week, Sam and Matilda are talking about Amazon POD paperbacks and how to upgrade them to something special.
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:
SAMIG: @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)
MATILDAIG: @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:
Ines Johnson’s book club (read the info at the top): tinyurl.com/RLAWBCThe House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250394546/Kindle Storyteller Award: https://www.amazon.co.uk/b?ie=UTF8&node=12061299031Seurat (the dot painting artist Sam mentioned): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_SeuratOlivie Blake: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Olivie-Blake/author/B01MS0CF5GT Kingfisher: https://www.amazon.com/stores/T-Kingfisher/author/B00LBKVU3EMichael Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mevansinked
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

Samantha and Matilda plan life and their writing in VERY different ways, but each way works. Listen in on their different tactics.
Next week, Sam and Matilda are reflecting on their most recent series, making sure they learn lessons before moving on.
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:
SAMIG: @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)
MATILDAIG: @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:
Bluemoose Books: https://bluemoosebooks.com/Haworth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HaworthPlum Paper: https://www.plumpaper.com/Good Tuesday Year Planner: https://goodtuesday.com/collections/wall-planners/products/2026-2027-academic-year-wall-planner-landscape-boho-archesWordle: https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.htmlFramed: https://framed.wtf/Martin Lewis: https://www.moneysavingexpert.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

Samantha and Matilda are looking back on Q3 and all that they’ve achieved.
Next week, Sam and Matilda are talking about the many different types of planning they do and the tools they use for this.
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:
SAMIG: @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)
MATILDAIG: @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

Samantha and Matilda are fending off the mindset blocks that might hold back their new series’ success.
Next week, Sam and Matilda are doing their Q3 review!
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:
SAMIG: @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)
MATILDAIG: @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:
K-lytics: https://k-lytics.com/Tempest by Victoria Aveyard: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063451360/Matt Dinniman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Dinniman
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

It’s challenge week! Find out if Samantha and Matilda succeeded in their tasks to prepare for their new series.
Next week, Sam and Matilda continue getting ready for their new series by fending off the mindset issues around 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:
SAMIG: @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)
MATILDAIG: @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/K-lytics: https://k-lytics.com/The Honest Authors Podcast: http://hollyseddon.com/about-me/the-honest-authors-podcast/Plot Twist Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/plot-twist-podcast
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

Samantha and Matilda are challenging each other to stretch their creative muscles with craft exercises.
Next week, it’s challenge week. Join Matilda and Sam to strike down the least inviting items on their to-do lists.
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:
SAMIG: @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)
MATILDAIG: @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 Five-Minute Writer by Margret Geraghty: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1845283392/CAConrad’s [Soma]tics: https://www.caconrad.com/somaticThe Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R King: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250055709/Modern Divination by Isa Agajanian: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1035049988/
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

Samantha and Matilda are still focusing on their craft, talking through their process for planning whole series and books, from the biggest arc to the smallest word.
Next week, Matilda and Sam are sharing the results of a day of craft exercises.
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:
SAMIG: @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)
MATILDAIG: @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:
Save the Cat by Blake Snyder: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00340ESIS/Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078VWDNKTShonda Rhimes Masterclass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/shonda-rhimes-teaches-writing-for-televisionKim Boo York podcast episode example: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2024/07/15/intuitive-discovery-writing-and-serial-fiction-with-kimboo-york/The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944751343/Holly Black podcast example: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VItEPB1gyQeKfaCFySgwyRomancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes: https://www.amazon.com/Romancing-Beat-Structure-Romance-Kissing/dp/1530838614/Jennifer Lynn Barnes Id List podcast example: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/using-the-id-list-to-enhance-fiction-with-jennifer-lynn-barnes--16495640
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

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:
SAMIG: @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)
MATILDAIG: @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/B0H6XMCCG2The 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/cargoesThe 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