Episode 093

Released on: September 1, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we sit down with children’s middle grade mystery/fantasy author Catharina Steel to explore her journey from self-publishing to hybrid publishing. Catharina opens up about rewriting her debut novel, learning the craft through trial and error, and overcoming early doubts about legitimacy in the publishing world. We also dive into how her love of the outdoors inspired her magical forest setting, and why she chose to partner with Spark Press for her latest release. This is an encouraging and thoughtful conversation about resilience, publishing choices, and trusting your instincts as a writer.

CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist

Women’s Fantasy Writing group mentioned during the episode is now call Women Writing Other Worlds (WWOW). Join us at https://womenwritingotherworlds.com/

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CONNECT WITH CATHARINA STEEL!

🌐Catharina’s Website (+blog): https://catharinasteel.com

🌐Catharina’s Substack (+newsletter/blog): https://cathsteel.substack.com/

📸 Catharina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catharina_steel_author/

🎵 Catharina’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@catharinasteel_author

CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli,Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi,Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 092

Released on: August 15, 2025

On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we’re joined by Derrick Jackson, a retired Air Force special agent whose real-world experience helped shape the heart-pounding events of his debut novel, Shadow One. Derrick shares how he made the leap from military investigations to storytelling, blending fact and fiction while protecting sensitive information and staying true to the spirit of his career. We talk about the challenges of writing with authenticity, navigating Department of Defense approvals, and his unique decision to work with a publicist as an indie author. This episode is a compelling deep dive into the power of lived experience and the bold strategies that can set yourbook apart.

CATCH THE FREE 2025 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE 👉 https://tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist

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CONNECT WITH DERRICK JACKSON!

🌐Derrick Jackson’s Bio: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DKYKX1JS/about?ccs_id=5f92c278-4c2f-48af-bf97-a7998e87e81f

📘 Derrick Jackson’s Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SHADOW-ONE-DERRICK-JACKSON-ebook/dp/B0DFVNN3GD

📘 Derrick Jackson’s Book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-one-derrick-jackson/1146251057

CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli,Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi,Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt