This week on the Indie Author Showcase, Chad dives into a mix of indie publishing news, a unique new discovery tool for readers, and a surreal graphic novel that blends chaos, identity, and coming-of-age struggles.

🔎 In this episode:

• 📱 Novel Nest App – a new platform aiming to match readers with indie books more intelligently than traditional algorithms
• 📚 Updates on upcoming events like Monsterpalooza and the OC Book Fair
• 🎯 Why this podcast focuses on showcases instead of reviews—and why that matters for indie authors

💥 Featured Showcase: Warhead Vol. 1 A surreal, black-and-white graphic novel following Adam—a graffiti artist with a literal atomic bomb for a head—as he struggles to get his life together… or risk the end of the world.

Expect:

• Abstract, symbolic storytelling
• Heavy coming-of-age themes
• A mix of chaos, identity, and existential pressure
• A vibe somewhere between The Wall and Euphoria

👀 Plus:

• The ongoing (and completely unresolved) question: is Chad actually Brendan Fraser?

If you’re an indie author looking for new platforms, or a reader searching for something different and experimental—this episode has you covered.

This week on the Indie Author Showcase, Chad covers a packed lineup of indie publishing insights, upcoming releases, and a brutally honest review of a dark romance that didn’t go quite as expected.

🔎 In this episode:

• Major indie book releases coming this May from Jennifer Milne, Aaron Lewis, and Raven Belasco
• The rise of social media book recs—and how indie authors can use them for visibility
• The growing backlash against AI-generated book covers… and where the line actually is
• A breakdown of real vs. assumed AI usage in indie publishing
• Whether tools like Photoshop’s generative fill “count” as AI

📚 Featured Review: Feral MF by Mila Crawford — a dark, nonlinear romance involving trauma, obsession, and complex relationships. Chad breaks down:

• What works incredibly well (character depth, cultural backstory, emotional stakes)
• What doesn’t quite land (pacing, missing story beats, tonal shifts)
• Why this book sits right on the line between recommendation and hesitation

🎧 Plus:

• A look at BookReverb and whether it’s worth it for audiobook reviews
• Updates on conventions, including Monsterpalooza
• How indie authors can get free promotion on the show

If you’re an indie author navigating marketing, AI controversy, or just looking for your next unconventional read—this episode delivers insight, nuance, and a few strong opinions.

👉 Listen now and decide for yourself: where do YOU draw the line with AI in publishing?

This week on the Indie Author Showcase, Chad sits down with guest Cynthia Diamond to talk about her journey into paranormal and monster romance—and what it’s like diving into writing full-time.

They break down:

• The reality of going full-time as an indie author (and the marketing grind that comes with it)
• Why TikTok is finally starting to click—and how she approaches content
• The surprising demographics of romance readers
• The difference between “closed door” and “open door” romance
• How (and why) sex scenes are more technical than you’d think
• Writing emotion-first vs. shock value in steamy scenes

Plus, Cynthia shares her influences—from fantasy and theater to Gargoyles—and how those shaped her unique voice in romance.

They also dive into:

• Monster romance (and why it’s more approachable than you think)
• Writing humor into romance
• Tabletop RPGs, D&D-style storytelling, and how it inspires her work

📚 Cynthia’s latest book Bardic and the Beast is available for preorder now!

If you’re an indie author, romance reader, or just curious about what really goes into writing “spicy” fiction—this episode delivers both insight and plenty of laughs.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow for more indie author interviews, insights, and book recommendations!