Pen to Paycheck Authors

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

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:
SAMIG: @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)
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 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

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:
SAMIG: @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)
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:
Terry Pratchett: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_PratchettMatt Dinniman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_DinnimanHearthcon: https://www.lazydragonbooks.com/hearthcon-2026Crystal Johnson’s Marketing Q&A: https://www.patreon.com/crystaljohnston/posts/august-be-sure-q-165662796Nathan 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

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:
SAMIG: @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)
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 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:
SAMIG: @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)
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:
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

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:
SAMIG: @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)
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:
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/@theflorencegivenshowSplash: 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

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:
SAMIG: @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)
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:
Edits app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.basel&hl=en_GBJosh Malerman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_MalermanAdam 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

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:
SAMIG: @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)
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:
Alex Aster’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexaster/?hl=enGabourey Sidibe: https://www.threads.com/@gabbysidibeProject 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