Pen to Paycheck Authors
Episodes
How To Build Author Communities
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Sam and Matilda are talking about community and The Epiphany Engine!! Next week, they're back to discuss craft. Where to find Sam and Ma...
How We’re Planning Launches
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, it's all about launch plans for upcoming releases! Next week, Matilda and Sam are revealing the big news!! The Epiphany Engine! Don't miss ...
How Seville’s Indie Conference Changed Us
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Matilda is in Seville, and she won't let us forget it! Next week, Sam and Matilda will be rehashing their launch plans. Where to find ...
How We’ll Get Bigger and Better
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Matilda and Sam have major epiphanies about BIGGER and BETTER... Next week, Matilda is recapping the Seville author conference. Let's hope ...
How We’ve Grown in Q1
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Settle in, it's the Q1 review - how have Sam and Matilda done so far in 2026? Next week, they'll be planning how to get bigger and better!! Where t...
How Ireland’s Indie Conference Changed Us
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Matilda takes the reins as she TELLS ALL on her time at the Ireland Indie Conference. Next week, it's the Q1 review! Where to find Sam...
How We Face Challenges
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam tackle CHALLENGE WEEK! Next week, they'll be chatting about the Ireland Publishing Show. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @samm...
How We Plan Long Term
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam are discussing BIG future plans today! Next week is everyone's fave - CHALLENGE WEEK! Don't forget to pick your own challenge to tackl...
How New Ad Strategies Are Working for Us
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda have been running ads... but both VERY differently! Next week it's all about BIG future plans - what do they have up their sleeves? ...
How Working Together is the Secret to Success
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda ran their first ever online 'retreat', wanna know how it went? Tune in next week to hear all about their recent experience with runnin...
How to Relaunch a Series
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda break down series relaunches! In next week's episode, your two fave podcast hosts are going to share how their online writing retrea...
How to Plan for the Long and Short Term
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda discuss how they are planning for short and long-term success. In next week's episode, they are digging into relaunching book series...
How to Build Reader Connections
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are making MORE connections... with readers! In next week's episode, they will be discussing short-term vs long-term business goals....
How To Build Author Connections
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are making author connections! In next week's episode, it's all about making MORE connections... with readers! Where to find Sam an...
How We Finally Fixed Our Mindsets
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda have finally made mindset progress! In next week's episode, they'll be talking about the importance of writing community. Where t...
How We Set Money Goals
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda welcome in season 3... and more money? Next week, grab your emotional support notepad, we're talking MINDSET! Where to find Sam and M...
What Crises We Plan For
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda plan for problems... but do they need to? Next week, they’re talking about money goals for 2026! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM...
What We Did In Q4
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda get honest about their last quarter review. Next week, they’re talking about setting up contingency plans as they head into the new ...
What Challenges Set up Success
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda tackled some pretty BIG challenges this week... Next week, your fave podcast hosts are going to review their Q4's - so make sure to tu...
What Our Act Three Will Be
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda have predictions, and potential pitfalls, of the upcoming ACT 3!! Next week, it's challenge weeeeeek! Where to find Sam and Matilda: S...
What We've Learned From 100 Episodes
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda have officially hit episode 100!! Next week, they'll be talking about the exciting 3rd Act! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @...
What Market Research We Do and How
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are preparing for new series! If you can believe it, next week marks the 100th episode of the podcast. Tune in to reminisce on the goo...
What Craft Improvements Are For
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam want to get better... but at what cost? Drop in next week when your fave podcast hosts discuss the steps they take to research a new...
What Successful New Series Look Like
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam are future casting success?! Drop in next week to hear all about bettering craft to avoid stagnation. Where to find Sam and Matilda: S...
What Translating Really Takes
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam aren't getting lost in translation in today's episode! Tune in next week when they'll be talking about how they plan to pick what they...
What Makes Successful Year Plans
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam reveal their 2026 schedules. Next week, they will broach the trending topic of translations!! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG:...
What Strategies Lead to Success
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam chat about the strategies they want to use to succeed. Next week is all about the illusive, and exciting, 2026 schedule! Where to fi...
What Tactics Make Money
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam are determined to ensure the money keeps coming... Next week, they'll discuss the strategies to ensure this happens. Where to find Sam...
What Future Proofing We’re Doing with GEO
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam tackle the topic of GEO - but what is it, and how should authors tackle it? Tune in next week as we once again talk about tactics to...
What We Achieved in Q3
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam are discussing how they got on with their Q3 goals! Next week is all about GEO - which is a hot topic you don't want to miss out on. W...
What Challenges We Face
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam take on a brand new challenge week! Next week is the Q3 review... tune in to find out how the last quarter has gone for them. Where ...
What Retreats Do For Writers
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam went on a writing retreat! Tune in to hear all about it! Next week is a brand new challenge week - what are they tackling? You'll have...
What Authors Need to Quit
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam might need to finally stop... Tune in next week to hear all about the writing retreat they're going on! Where to find Sam and Matilda:...
What It Means to Launch Big on a Small Scale
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam discuss Sam's recent book launch. Next week, they'll be opening up about what's not paying off for them, literally! Where to find Sam ...
What Our Secret Guest Reveals
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam welcome a VERY special guest in this week's episode! Next week, your favourite podcast hosts are discussing Sam's recent book launch! ...
What Writing Routines We Need
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam take a break from their usual routines to try out something different. Next week brings a surprise guest... Tune in to find out who we...
What We AREN'T Doing
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam can't do it all... so what are they avoiding? Tune in next week when they'll reassess their writing routines. Where to find Sam and Ma...
What Our Launches Look Like
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam both have launches in September, so what are they doing to prepare? Tune in next week when they'll be talking about all the things the...
What Makes A Great Series
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam are both series writers, so they're breaking down how they do it. Tune in next week to hear about their pre-launch activities! Whe...
What Our Newsletters And Websites Do
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam broach the age old question: what are my website and newsletter supposed to do? Tune in next week as they discuss how to write a book ...
What Formats Mean Money
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matilda and Sam are digging into formats - and alternative ways to deliver books. Tune in next week as they discuss websites and newsletters! Where ...
What Improves Readthrough
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda discuss how they can optimise their back matter to help improve their read-through. Next week, tune in to hear all about their plans...
What Strengths Lead to Success
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda have taken the test... did they pass? Hear all about their Clifton Strengths! Next week, your favourite podcast hosts will be delvin...
What We Learned at SPS Live
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are debriefing after a very fun few days at SFS Live 2025! Next week they will finally be talking about Clifton Strengths. Where to...
What We Achieved in Q2
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are reviewing their Q2 goals - how did they get on? Find out in this week's episode! Next week they will be recapping all the magic th...
What Defeats Author Challenges
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda set themselves challenges... and the outcome isn't what they expected! Next week is our Q2 review... a little early, but it will be ...
What Mends Mindsets
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are skipping therapy, and trying to fix themselves instead! Next week brings them back to challenge week! What are they going to pic...
What Makes Social Posts Easy
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda started a 60 day social media challenge... and here are the results! Next week, they'll be setting themselves up for something a bit...
What Mindset Issues Hold Us Back
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are opening up about mindset; specifically, what THEY think holds them back! Next week, they'll be revisiting social objects - are you...
What To Do Between Launches
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda talk about tasks to do in between launches! Next week they're back with a conversation about what they need to go to therapy for! ...
What Retains Our Readers
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda chat about ways they can retain reader interest! Next week they'll be talking about what they can do in between launches. Where to fin...
What Resources Authors Need
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are back with another look at the resources they're still using, and new ones they love! Next week they'll be back to talk about how t...
What We Use Social Media For
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are back, discussing the merits and pitfalls of social media; from paid, to organic! Tune in next week as they reassess their resource...
What Hooks MY Readers
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are figuring out the best bait to hook readers… Next week, they will be taking sides as a discuss the merits (and pitfalls) of paid ...
What We Do That AI Can't
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda have a secret weapon against AI... and it's wrapped up in their own narrative! Next week, tune in to get HOOKED! Where to find Sam a...
What Audacious Authors Do
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda getting TOTALLY audacious in their approach to publishing... and life! Next week, they will be opening up about their author narrative...
What We Achieved In Q1
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are breaking down their Q1 wins, and making plans for Q2! Next week is all about being totally AUDACIOUS... Where to find Sam and Mati...
What We Challenge Ourselves To Do
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda accepted a challenge to finally face what they'd been putting off. Next week, it's the Q1 review! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM I...
What Switching Genres Shows Us
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are discussing what they'd do if they switched genres. Next week, they will each be facing a challenge they've been putting off for a ...
What Authenticity Does For Branding
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda get specific with social media, and how branding can make all the difference. Next week on the podcast is all about switching genres.....
What Sources of Money We Tap
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are drilling down into income diversification once more! Next week they will be talking about branding and everyone's favourite topic....
What Keeps Production Schedules Rolling
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda dig into their attempts at time management, and how rolling schedules work, or don't work, for them. Next week is all about income div...
What Post Launch Marketing Is and Isn't
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda chat about what post launch marketing is, and what it isn't! Next week is all about time management and how rolling schedules for pr...
What Opportunities Money Brings
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda dream big and reveal what they'd spend their money on, if they had bigger budgets! Next week, tune as they chat about post book launch...
What Self Publishers Should Do on a Shoe String
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda discuss the best ways to self publish on a shoestring budget! Next week they will flip the script, as they explore what they'd do if t...
What Money Mindset Means For Budgets
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are talking production and marketing budgets this week! Next week they will be discussing the best ways to spend little to no money, w...
What Financial Plans Should Look Like
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda chat with indie cozy mystery writer, Helen Golden, about financial plans! Next week we'll be delving into our budgets for production a...
What A Real Life Act Two Means
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda welcome you to act two of the podcast with this in-person recording! Let's chat 2025! Tune in next week where we will be chatting to...
When We Review 2024
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Matilda are looking back over 2024 and talking about what they learned, how they've grown, and what they hope for 2025! Tune in next week when...
When Debt Doubts are Discussed
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Enjoy this banked episode from earlier in 2024, where Samantha and Matilda talked about their money mindset! Happy New Year to all - tune in next week...
ENCORE: When Butter Makes Things Better
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Christmas to all! To celebrate the day we're gifting you with a repost of one of our favourite episodes of the year: When Butter Makes Things Be...
When We Find The Secret To Luck
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha and Matilda lean into luck, preparation, and opportunity in their new series on How to Believe in Yourself. Next week Sam and Matilda take ...
When We Hack Our Author Hang Ups
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha and Matilda lean into hyping themselves up... using some incredibly creative methods! Next week, Sam and Matilda will start a new series on H...
When We Spy Other Authors
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda talk about connecting with other authors. Next week, Sam and Matilda are going to learn how to hype the...
When We Read Our Reviews
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda get honest about reading reviews! Next week, Sam and Matilda are getting social as they talk about ot...
When We Dig Into Ads Strategies
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda talk about ads - the decisions they can make before and after running them.. and trusting them! Next ...
When We Get Results
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda drop back into a discussion about ads as they review their latest attempts, the results, and future act...
When We Suck at Selling Ourselves
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda figure out how they can be their most authentic self in their messaging. Next week, Sam and Matilda wil...
When We Put Our Money Where Our Mouths Are
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda talk about trusting the process, specifically when it comes to ads! Next week, Sam and Matilda will try...
When We Uncover Our Obstacles
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda deep dive into how contingency plans accidentally uncovered some mindset blocks that need to be dealt w...
When We Research Resistance
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda talk about R&D as indie authors: the opportunities, the set backs, and the future of their careers....
When Actions Can't Be Excused
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda talk about how they keep themselves accountable; what tactics do they use? What do they want to use in ...
When Schedules Are Strengthened
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha and Matilda have incredibly different schedules, and they're discussing what works and what doesn't in this week's episode! Next week Sa...
When Q3 Is Reviewed
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha and Matilda are wrapping up their Q3, and delving into what they have planned for the last quarter of the year! Next week Sam and Matild...
When Income Isn't Coming
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha and Matilda discuss income in this week's episode. Where it comes from NOW, and where it could come from in the future. Next week Sam an...
When Social Media Means Fun
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha and Matilda are talking SOCIAL MEDIA plans in today's episode; a topic we can all agree is forever at the forefront of our minds! Next w...
When Launches Look Easy
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha and Matilda talk to guest Christa Bakker about launch plans - what's worked for them, and what hasn't! Next week Sam and Matilda will br...
When Production Plans Pivot
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha and Matilda discuss their publishing production plans! Next week Sam and Matilda will continue looking at plans, with an episode on laun...
When We Need Other Authors
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha and Matilda share the best places to find other authors: your anchors in the stormy seas of self publishing! Next week Sam and Matilda w...
When Cowriting is King
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha and Matilda invite their very first guest, Jen Booker, onto the pod to talk about her cozy cowriting journey. Next week Sam and Matild...
When We Hire Professionals
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda realise they have very different ways of finding and hiring professionals to help in publishing. ...
When Secrets Are Shared
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda spill the tea on their Mastermind meetings - how they started, what they talk about, and more importan...
When We Try But Don’t Succeed
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda open up about things that they've tried that didn't quite work, or at least not in the way they expect...
When Day Jobs Teach Us Tricks
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda are taking the positives from their day jobs - discussing what skills they've picked up from the 9-5, ...
When Q2 is Reviewed
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda review Q2!! Next week Sam and Matilda will reveal the day-job skills that help self publishing. ...
When We Wish We Had...
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode Matilda and Samantha play a little game of 'shoulda, woulda, coulda'. What would they change, or not change, about their pub...
When Setbacks Need Solutions
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda chat about the setbacks they have experienced, and still do... and the best ways to overcome them. ...
When Finances are Frightening
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda open up about their current financial states, and their relationship with money and business. Ne...
When Routines Become the Dream
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda talk about the differences between their writing life dreams... versus REALITY! By next week Sam a...
When Processes are Practised
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda FINALLY talk about their writing process... and see how different they really are! Next week Sam a...