Why do readers quit books—and how do you stop them from quitting yours?

This week on the Indie Author Showcase, Chad breaks down the biggest reasons books end up in the dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish) pile—and how indie authors can avoid those mistakes.

🔎 In this episode:

• 🚫 Common writing issues that kill reader engagement (info dumps, weak motivation, “chaff”)
• ✂️ “Killing your darlings” and tightening your story
• 🎯 Why character motivation makes or breaks your book

💭 Main Topic: Dream Sequences That Don’t Suck Dream sequences often fail because they have no stakes—but they don’t have to. Learn:

• How to make dream sequences meaningful
• Ways to give them real narrative weight
• Techniques using prophecy, alternate realities, and character discovery

💥 Featured Showcase: Punk Rock Time Machine A wild, raunchy, genre-bending graphic novel packed with:

• Time travel chaos
• Absurd humor and nonstop sex puns
• A “gather the heroes” setup with a stoner sci-fi twist
• Actual guitar riffs and songs embedded in the story

🎸 Think chaotic energy, experimental storytelling, and zero filter.

If you’re an indie author looking to level up your writing—or a reader hunting for something completely different—this episode delivers both insight and entertainment.

👉 Listen now and keep your readers hooked to the last page.

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!

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, host Chad Robert Morgan dives into the realities of being an indie author in today’s market—from convention struggles to the growing controversy around AI in publishing.

We start with a candid breakdown of WonderCon, where rising costs and economic pressure are making it harder for indie authors to turn a profit—or even break even. Chad shares firsthand insights on vendor strategy, pricing, and why conventions still matter despite tightening margins.

Then we tackle a major industry topic: ⚖️ AI in publishing and the dangers of false accusations

Using the controversial case of Shy Girl, Chad explores:

• The reliability (or lack thereof) of AI detection tools
• Where AI has legitimate uses vs. where it crosses the line
• Why authors must remain accountable for their work
• The risks of “trial by internet” and how quickly reputations can be damaged

Finally, this week’s featured showcase: 📖 The Light at the End by Craig Spector & John Skipp

A gritty, fast-paced vampire horror set in the New York subway system, this novel follows a newly turned vampire unleashing chaos while a group of bike messengers bands together to hunt him down. With visceral horror, unique takes on vampirism, and a strong 1980s atmosphere, this book stands out as one of the best reads of the year so far.

If you’re an indie author navigating today’s challenges—or a horror fan looking for your next read—this episode delivers both insight and entertainment.

In this special on-location episode of Indie Author Showcase, host Chad Robert Morgan sits down with Josh and TT, the creative team behind Hal-Lore-Ween, at the horror-themed venue Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales in Costa Mesa.

From building one of the most eye-catching booths on the convention circuit to landing a TV appearance, this episode breaks down what it really takes to grow as indie creators.

We cover:

• How Hal-Lore-Ween evolved into an award-winning indie series

• The role of community, networking, and collaboration in success

• How they landed a TV spot through authentic outreach

• Strategies for building ARC teams and growing a fanbase

• The mindset needed to push through rejection and keep creating

TT also dives into her hand-drawn charcoal illustration process, keeping the project fully human-made, while Josh shares insights on marketing, conventions, and building a creative team around the brand.

We also get into:

• Getting books into Barnes & Noble (and why “returnable” matters)

• Convention strategy and booth design

• Expanding into audiobooks, merch, and a growing creative universe

All recorded on location at Slashers Axe Thowing and Ales at Costa Mesa, a horror fan’s dream environment that perfectly matches the spirit of the conversation.

If you’re an indie author, artist, or creator trying to build something real, this episode is packed with practical insight and inspiration.

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, host Chad Robert Morgan revisits the mission behind the podcast: giving indie authors a platform to share their work and helping readers discover great books they might otherwise miss.

With WonderCon just weeks away—the convention that originally inspired the creation of the show—Chad reflects on the power of indie authors supporting one another and why the podcast focuses on context rather than harsh criticism when discussing books.

The episode then dives into a craft discussion on conflict in storytelling. What exactly counts as conflict? Chad breaks down the three major types writers use to drive stories forward:

• Character vs. Character • Character vs. Environment • Character vs. Self

Using examples from films, TV, and literature—including A Few Good Men, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Martian, and the Cormoran Strike novels—he explores how conflict creates stakes, tension, and momentum in storytelling.

Finally, this week’s indie showcase features the unsettling horror novella:

📖 I Found Puppets Living in My Apartment Walls by Ben Farthing

When a man discovers one of his grandfather’s old puppets crawling through the walls of an apartment built on top of a former television studio, the mystery quickly spirals into something far stranger. Beneath the building lies a maze of hidden spaces, duplicate sets, and seemingly endless layers of reality—all tied to a bizarre and creeping puppet apocalypse.

Short, eerie, and imaginative, this novella blends claustrophobic exploration with childhood fears in a way that makes it perfect for a quick but memorable horror read.

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, host Chad Robert Morgan shares:

• The real results of using Book Reverb for reviews • How paid reader platforms can impact your Amazon profile • Convention season strategy and vendor realities • Behind-the-scenes updates during a difficult personal season

Plus this week’s horror showcase:

📖 Cracked Altar by David Viergutz (Book One of The Otherworld Archives)

A disgraced homicide detective in a Texas ghost town is stalked by something unnatural — including an abandoned church that appears to follow him. Blending police procedural realism with creeping cosmic horror, this novel delivers atmosphere, dread, and unsettling time distortions.

If you love indie horror, writing discussions, and honest publishing talk, subscribe and join us.