Well, friends, you know how it goes when you discover something good. You just can't stop! That's exactly what happened to me this month when I fell down the rabbit hole of author podcasts (and honestly, I regret nothing).

As someone juggling writing, indie publishing, and my language professional work (all while navigating life with lupus), finding resources that speak directly to my creative and entrepreneurial side feels like striking gold. Those moments when you hear someone articulate exactly what you've been struggling with? Pure magic.

Self-Publishing with Dale

The first podcast that captured my attention was "Self-Publishing with Dale." I was immediately drawn in by Dale's reassuring message that self-publishing is neither dead nor saturated. There's still plenty of room for all of us at the table!

What I appreciate most about Dale's approach is how he combines industry insights with practical advice. And personal examples, too. As someone who's walked the self-publishing path himself, he offers perspective that feels authentic and grounded in real experience. His weekly episodes cover topics relevant to the publishing community, and I found myself nodding along as he addressed many of the questions I've been thinking over in my publishing path.

The podcast reminded me why I chose to share my lupus warrior story through self-publishing in the first place. It’s because everyone has a story inside them waiting to be told. Dale seems to understand that deeply, and his enthusiasm for helping others share their stories is genuinely infectious.

Chandler Bolt's Self-Publishing School Podcast

Next up is Self-Publishing School Podcast with Chandler Bolt, which takes a slightly different angle by focusing on books that create meaningful change (something close to my heart with my lupus self-care book).

Each Wednesday, Chandler interviews (interviewed – he has stopped producing new episodes) some of the most successful authors out there, diving into their writing processes, launch strategies, and how they use their books to grow their businesses. As someone who includes personal anecdotes in practical advice in my own work, I found these conversations particularly enlightening.

What struck me most was hearing how many successful authors have used their personal experiences (sometimes challenging ones, not unlike my lupus journey) as the basis for books that genuinely help others. It strengthened my belief that vulnerability and expertise can coexist beautifully on the page.

Book Marketing Simplified

Finally, I discovered "Book Marketing Simplified" with Jenn Hanson-dePaula and her partner, Marcus. Can we just talk about how refreshing it is to find marketing advice specifically tailored for authors? (Marketing has always been that necessary evil I've struggled with. Anyone else?)

Their (short and on-point) conversations about connecting meaningfully with readers echoed with me. As someone who wrote a book to support fellow lupus warriors, building honest relationships with my readers matters more than flashy sales tactics.

What I love most about this podcast is its focus on efficiency (saving time on marketing so we can spend more time writing). Because let's be honest, between managing lupus flares, translation deadlines, and creative projects, time is perhaps my most precious resource.

Final Thoughts

Discovering these podcasts has been like finding a community of mentors who understand the unique challenges of indie authorship. They've reminded me that while writing may feel solitary at times, we're not alone in all this.

What author podcasts have you been enjoying lately? I'd love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!

Until next time, keep writing and be gentle with yourselves.

(P.S. If you're curious about my self-care book for lupus warriors, you can find more information under the Books section of this website. Sometimes the stories that emerge from our greatest challenges become our most important contributions.)