Imagine never losing momentum on a story again.
This week Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari sits down with Michael Stewart, Head of Community at Sudowrite, to explore how AI tools are helping authors overcome writer’s block, stay organized, and focus on the creative work that truly sparks joy.
Michael shares insights on Sudowrite’s evolution, its supportive 15K+ author community, and how features like Story Bible and voice modeling are giving writers more time to create and less time managing the busywork.
🖊️ Check out Sudowrite here: sudowrite.com
🌐 Connect with like-minded authors and access free resources in our online community here: community.authornation.live
💬 Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here: https://discord.gg/KqFFwb6ATv
🎟️ Don’t miss out on Author Nation 2025! Secure your spot here: authornation.live
AI narration isn’t the future — it’s already here.
In this week's episode, Joe Solari talks with Phil Marshall, founder of Spoken, about how his platform is transforming audiobook creation for indie authors. Phil shares how Spoken’s AI lets writers design custom voices, produce full-cast audiobooks in hours, and distribute affordably — all while keeping creative control.
🎧 Check out Spoken here: spoken.press
🌐 Connect with like-minded authors and access free resources in our online community here: community.authornation.live
💬 Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here: https://discord.gg/KqFFwb6ATv
🎟️ Don’t miss out on Author Nation 2025! Secure your spot here: authornation.live
What does it take to build lasting visibility as an author in a constantly changing world?
In this episode, Joe Solari talks with Desireé Duffy — founder of Black Château, Books That Make You, and The BookFest — about how to think strategically, stay agile, and integrate your marketing to reach readers in meaningful ways.
Desireé shares how she built a multi-channel ecosystem connecting authors and readers through PR, events, and media—and why chasing trends like TikTok isn’t nearly as powerful as understanding your unique creative path.
Listen in to learn how to future-proof your marketing, build long-term visibility, and connect authentically in today’s crowded publishing landscape.
Episode Resources:
🏰 Learn more about Black Château here: blackchateauenterprises.com
📚 Visit Books That Make You here: booksthatmakeyou.com
🏆 Check out The BookFest here: thebookfest.com
🌐 Connect with like-minded authors and access free resources in our online community here: community.authornation.live
💬 Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here: https://discord.gg/KqFFwb6ATv
🎟️ Don’t miss out on Author Nation 2025! Secure your spot here: authornation.live
Audiobooks are now the fastest-growing format in publishing, expanding more than 25% each year. Are you in the game?
This week, Joe Solari is joined by Madeline Shue, Head of Author Growth at ElevenLabs, to discuss the launch of ElevenReader, a new publishing model that lets you create and sell audiobooks directly to your readers — with full control, fair royalties, and no unnecessary barriers.
Madeline breaks down how ElevenReader is helping authors earn more with audio through its AI-powered app, all while tracking real-time analytics like drop-off rates and completion percentages. Listen in to learn why this free tool is shaking up the audiobook world, and how authors like you can use it to access brand-new readers.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out ElevenReader here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.
Your next big launch doesn’t need to start with Amazon.
This week, Joe Solari is joined by Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, to explore how authors are taking control of their publishing futures—one campaign at a time.
You’ll hear how our Kickstart Together cohort has launched over 30 author-led campaigns and raised more than $179,000 in its first year. Whether you’re a debut author funding your first book or a seasoned pro offering exclusive rewards to your superfans, crowdfunding can help you grow your audience and build a sustainable author business.
Learn what’s working, what to avoid, and how to tap into a platform built for storytelling.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Kickstarter here.
📚 Join the cohort here.
🤝 Support live projects here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.
What if you could make money with your voice while you sleep?
In this week's episode, Joe Solari talks with UK narrator and audio innovator Simon Patrick about how he turned voice licensing into passive income with ElevenLabs—and how it all started by helping his teenage daughter publish her first book. You’ll hear about AI-powered audiobook production, author-narrator collaboration, and how Simon’s family turned publishing into a creative business.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Novel Productions here.
🎤 Check out ElevenLabs here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.
What does it look like to build a writing career before you can even vote? In this inspiring episode, Author Nation's Joe Solari sits down with 22-year-old indie author Abby Patrick to explore her journey from homeschooled teen with a story idea to multi-published author, Instagram bookfluencer, and playwright.
Whether you’re an emerging author, a parent of a creative teen, or a veteran writer curious about the next generation, this episode is a must-listen.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Abby Patrick's work here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.
Marketing as an author isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building lasting reader connections. This week, indie author and marketing expert Bonnie Paulson joins Author Nation's Joe Solari to explore community-driven marketing and how indie authors can foster long-term engagement. Learn how to scale your efforts, automate smartly, and create a marketing strategy that grows with your career.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Bonidi here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.
The future of book sales is evolving, and direct-to-reader strategies are at the forefront. This week on State of the Nation, Joe Solari is joined by Curios Founder Grant Powell and SVP of Customer Success Greg Keogh to discuss how their platform is revolutionizing direct sales for authors. Learn how indie authors can use Curios to sell books, offer exclusive content, and build stronger reader relationships—all without relying on traditional retailers.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Curios here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.
How do you turn casual readers into lifelong fans? This week, Joe Solari sits down with bestselling horror author David Viergutz to explore how indie authors can go beyond books to create immersive reader experiences. From building direct sales funnels and leveraging ScareMail to crafting high-engagement content, David shares how he’s transformed his brand into a thriving, reader-focused business. Whether you write horror or any other genre, this episode is packed with insights on audience engagement, marketing, and authorpreneurship you won’t want to miss.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out David Viergutz's work here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.
How can indie authors build sustainable careers in today’s ever-changing market? This week onState of the Nation,Joe Solariis joined bySean Platt, founder of Sterling & Stone and co-author of Write. Publish. Repeat. They discuss the evolution of indie publishing, the rise and fall of algorithm-driven strategies, and why direct sales are becoming more critical than ever. From Kindle Unlimited to Hollywood adaptation deals, this episode breaks down what’s next for self-published authors.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Sean Platt'swork here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in ouronline community here.
💬Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in ourDiscord group here.
🎟️Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spothere.
What does it take to thrive as an indie author in today’s fast-changing landscape? This week on State of the Nation, “The Voice of Author Nation” Kevin Tumlinson joins Joe Solari to explore the shift from rapid release to artisan storytelling, why strong author communities are the key to long-term success, and how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping indie publishing.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Check out Kevin Tumlinson's work here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.
What separates hobbyist writers from successful, long-term authorpreneurs? In our Season 2 opener, renowned sci-fi author and Professional Conduct Committee Chair Jonathan Brazee sits down with Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari for a candid discussion on crafting a career in indie publishing, navigating industry shifts, and treating writing like a business.
Episode Resources:
🚀 Explore Jonathan Brazee's work here.
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.
In Episode 51, Managing Director Joe Solari chats with the Western Empire queens, Jocelyn Lindsay, Elaine Canyon, and Amber Washer. They dive into CrossWrite, our exciting new accountability and goal-tracking system designed to help authors stay on track and reach their goals. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about community, collaboration, and making big creative moves!
Episode Resources:
🌐 Join the Author Nation Community: Connect with like-minded authors and access exclusive resources in our online community here.
💬 Join Our Discord: Dive into real-time discussions and connect with authors across the globe in our Discord group here.
📊 Explore CrossWrite: Ready to take your author goals to the next level? Learn more about our accountability and goal-tracking system, CrossWrite here.
🎟️ Buy Show Tickets: Don’t miss out on the next Author Nation event! Secure your spot here.
In Episode 50, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari welcomes back Elizabeth Ann West, CEO of Future Fiction Academy, for the Q4 2024 AI update. They dive into the latest advancements in AI, how major tech players like Amazon and Anthropic are shaping the future, and what these shifts mean for indie authors. Tune in to discover how AI tools can streamline your business, boost creativity, and keep you competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Join us live in November at www.authornation.live or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive.
In Episode 49, Author Nation Managing Director Joe Solari is joined by indie author Lula White. Lula shares practical self-publishing strategies from her journey as a former trial lawyer turned author of angsty, climactic romance and historical fiction that keeps readers up at night. Tune in for insights on leveraging wide and direct sales strategies to reclaim creative control and foster deeper reader engagement.
Join us live in November at www.authornation.live or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive.
In Episode 48, Author Nation's Joe Solari sits down with author and educator Troy Lambert to explore the intersection of storytelling and career-building. Troy shares his expertise on plotting, audience engagement, and the importance of knowing your “why” as an author. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this episode offers actionable insights to help you craft stories and a career that lasts.
Join us live in November at www.authornation.live or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive.
In Episode 47, Author Nation's Joe Solari sits down with cozy mystery author Diana Xarissa to discuss her journey from hobbyist to six-figure indie author. Diana shares her unique approach to writing multiple series, maintaining a year-ahead schedule, and building a loyal readership that spans over 150 books. Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or looking for inspiration to sustain a long-term writing career, this episode is packed with insights and strategies.
Join us live in November at www.authornation.live or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive.
In Episode 46, Author Nation's Joe Solari is joined by Bookvault's Alex Smith and Curtis Roberts-Argrav to discuss how their platform is changing the game for indie authors. From innovative features like sprayed edges and bespoke editions to seamless direct sales integrations, Bookvault offers tools to help authors elevate their books and connect with readers. Whether you’re considering Kickstarter campaigns or exclusive collector editions, this episode is packed with insights into how print-on-demand can support your author career.
Join us live in November at www.authornation.live or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive.
In Episode 45, Author Nation's Managing Director Joe Solari with Chelle Honiker and Alice Briggs, co-founders of Indie Author Magazine, to explore how their publication empowers independent authors. They share the magazine’s origin story, its role as a trusted resource for indie authors, and how it blends timeless principles with modern tools to help authors thrive. The discussion also covers trends in publishing, the resurgence of print, and actionable insights for building sustainable, creative careers.
Join us live in November at www.authornation.live or suggest a topic or host at www.authornation.live/deepdive.