Interviewing self-published authors on how they got their start in writing, where their brilliant ideas come from, and all about the journey that led to a printed book.
emilyebaker.substack.com (https://emilyebaker.substack.com/s/odyssey-of-a-novel?utm_medium=podcast)
Welcome back to another episode of the Odyssey of a Novel pod, the podcast where I sit down with indie authors to learn all about the journey and the work that led to their completed novel. Today I’m joined by Heather McMahon!
Heather McMahon is an indie author and typewriter poet residing in Columbus, Ohio. Her debut book, I Was Always Worthy, came out in June 2025. It is a collection of poetry that explores themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and healing, emphasizing that worthiness comes from within. Perfect for those trying to find their way back to themselves.
Heather is currently working on her first novel, which will become a complete fantasy trilogy.
To keep up to date on this and other projects, check out Heather on Instagram @heathermcmahonwrites
If you’re in or around Ohio, you can see her in person at Big Ohio Book Con, the first weekend of June in Medina, Ohio.
Highlights:
* What is typewriter poetry?
* Working with writers’ groups
* Process for poetry
* The challenge of formatting e-books
* An inside look at KDP
Get full access to The Writer on the Water at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe (https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
6 Mar 2026
Kristie Wolf: The Working Life of a Bestselling Indie Author
Welcome to another episode of The Odyssey of a Novel pod, the podcast where I sit down with self-published authors to learn about the journey and the work that led to their published novel. Today’s episode is part two of my conversation with Kristie Wolf, the Amazon best-selling romance author.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who is currently an indie author and trying to build their business, or anyone who is thinking about being an indie author. Kristie is a wealth of knowledge on how to streamline your process, how to drum up business, and why to publish indie. Not to mention, she’s just a delight to talk to.
Highlights:
* Kristie’s publishing process
* Why Kristie chose to publish indie (and you might just too)
* New outlets for selling your book
* When spending money helps you make money
* Countless anecdotes from her author life
I learned so mcuh from Kristie and I know you will too!
Get full access to The Writer on the Water at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe (https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
27 Feb 2026
Kristie Wolf: The Making of a Romance Author
My guest today is Kristie Wolf, an author four times over who is known for her heat-packing romance novels, including the Project Viper series and the Blood Snow series. I believe that you, like me, will be obsessed with Kristie after this conversation and also be a romance novel convert.
Award-winning author Kristie Wolf weaves tales about fearless heroes and badass heroines who fight for justice and love while burning up the pages. As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, wife of a Marine, and Navy mom, she enjoys writing happily ever afters for not just military heroes, but for all the brave, loyal, and selfless men and women who serve and protect our country in every capacity. Kristie resides in Maryland with her husband - aka her tech support - and her two teenagers.
Highlights:
* Kristie’s childhood as an avid reader
* The inspiration for her storylines
* A unique planning process involving Excel spreadsheets and voice memos
* Kristie’s tips for conferences and author events
* More
A quick note about the recording. My internet was struggling during this, but it gives the illusion at times that I can read Kristie’s mind- I respond to her a little too quickly. Instead of covering it up in audio editing and sacrifice the video, I didn’t want to deprive followers of the visuals, so please try to overlook the imperfections and enjoy listening to (and watching) Kristie! This is part one of our chat, so be sure to tune in next week for more.
Get full access to The Writer on the Water at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe (https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
19 Feb 2026
Priscilla Zorrilla, Author of The Quiet Awakening: Dare to Dream
BIG NEWS: This is our very first video episode! If you want to watch the conversation, head over to our YouTube page, or you can watch it on Substack. All episodes are still available in audio format on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
My incredible guest today is Priscilla Zorrilla. Priscilla is a writer and coach focused on the moment people know what’s true and choose to move past it anyway.
After a decade in the tech industry, she self-published her debut poetry collection, The Quiet Awakening: Dare to Dream, written in real time while stepping away from a career that no longer fit. Her work centers on self-trust, inner authority, and the quiet decisions made without an audience.
She writes to interrupt self-betrayal and give language to what people already know but haven’t named. In the chat, Priscilla and I have a lot of fun while also discussing some pretty big topics that will resonate deeply with a lot of aspiring authors, but also those of us who have faced a challenge in life and recognized that what’s waiting on the other side just might be the best version of ourselves.
Get full access to The Writer on the Water at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe (https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
20 Jan 2026
All About Hybrid Publishing
Host Emily Elizabeth interviews Kristin Mitchell, owner of Little Creek Press, about hybrid publishing as a viable route for aspiring authors.
14 Jan 2026
Happy 2026! Exciting Updates for the New Year
Emily Baker shares exciting updates and previews upcoming episodes for her novel project in the new year, offering insights into her writing process.
24 Nov 2025
Sarah Razner: On Writing and Publishing
Author Sarah Razner discusses her writing process, including cover design and overcoming challenges as an introverted writer, in an interview with host Emily Elizabeth.
17 Nov 2025
Sarah Razner, Author of In Name Only
Author Sarah Razner discusses her debut novel, *In Name Only*, and the challenges of being a full-time writer with host Emily Elizabeth in this interview.
25 Aug 2025
Elle Wither (Part Two: Writing Process)
Host Emily Baker interviews author Elle Wither about her writing process, finding community, and the opportunities in self-publishing.
18 Aug 2025
Elle Wither (Part One)
Host Emily Elizabeth interviews author Elle Wither about her journey and the Romantasy novel "City of Skies".
23 Jul 2025
Angelina Kelly (Part Two)
Author Angelina Kelly discusses her writing process, self-marketing strategies, the role of music in her inspiration, and the importance of taking breaks, in this interview about writing.
10 Jul 2025
Angelina Kelly (Part One)
Author Angelina Kelly discusses her fantasy novel, *The Source of Storms*, inspired by mythology and her Alaskan upbringing, focusing on themes of romance and human connection in this interview.
12 May 2025
Daniel Firth Griffith
Thanks for tuning into Odyssey of a Novel, the podcast where I chat with self-published authors about the journey that led to their finished book. Today, I talk with Daniel Firth Griffith, author of five self-published novels: four nonfiction and his most recent book, The Plain of Pillars, a Celtic myth retelling.
My conversation with Daniel spanned almost an entire afternoon and was so chock-full of great stories and wisdom that I’ve decided to split it into two episodes. Today, we talk about how writing can change your day and even mindset, the beauty of oral storytelling, the unique nuance of language, and how Daniel’s writing simultaneously won him awards and enemies.
An Independent Writer's Survival Guide and Odyssey of a Novel are subscriber-funded! To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Get full access to An Independent Writer's Survival Guide at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe (https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
26 Mar 2025
Jules Dyrud Author of Majesties
In the first episode of Odyssey of a Novel Podcast, I sat down with Jules Dyrud, the author of Majesties, the first in a four-part fantasy series. Jules is a self-published author and also a full-time Middle School Language Arts Teacher. She tells me all about what writing means to her, why she thinks her writing routine is crazy, and how a difficult moment in her classroom was the impetus for her now-published book.
Majesties tells the story of Kwyn, a former slave turned Finder. She’s been given the task of finding the very first Melder to exist in over 200 years. The reward will be enough money for Kwyn to buy the life she’s always wanted and live out the rest of her days in peace. But when she finally finds the Melder, they are just a six-year-old girl. Kwyn must decide whether or not she will turn the child in to give herself the future she always wanted at the cost of the child’s own, or defy the realm to try and save them both.
Paid Subscribers who are interested will have the opportunity to win a FREE copy of Jules’ book. Become a paid subscriber for a chance to win a free copy of every book featured on the pod.
Get full access to An Independent Writer's Survival Guide at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe (https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
25 Feb 2025
Welcome to the Odyssey of a Novel!
As I navigate the waters of publishing, I am torn between the traditional publishing route and self-publishing. But every time I speak to a self-published author, I find myself inspired by their story, their belief in themselves, and always wanting to learn more.
One night, in a deep slumber (when all my best ideas come to me and also when I find solutions for all of the world’s problems), I had a thought. What if I tapped into the audio post feature on Substack to interview self-published authors? I could ask them how they got their start in writing, where their brilliant ideas come from, and all about the journey that led to a printed book. Thus, the Odyssey of a Novel podcast was born.
Please enjoy this short intro episode while I interview my very first author, Jules Dyrud (https://www.instagram.com/julesdyrud/)!
Get full access to An Independent Writer's Survival Guide at emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe (https://emilyebaker.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
Who has been a guest on Odyssey of a Novel
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Kristin Mitchell
Sarah Razner
Elle Wither
Angelina Kelly
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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2 ratings
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