Indie Writers Club

James and Cissy unpack two major controversies affecting authors this week: a traditionally published author dropped over AI writing accusations, and a literary agent’s viral TikTok telling writers to stay away from the London Book Fair. Together, these stories highlight growing tensions around AI, gatekeeping, and who the publishing industry is really for. Alongside the debate, the episode blends in personal reflections on writing routines, burnout, and the realities of balancing creativity with business, offering a grounded look at what it means to be an author in today’s rapidly shifting landscape.Key Talking Points- The fallout from a publisher cancelling an author over suspected AI use and what this means for trust in the industry.- A literary agent’s controversial TikTok telling writers not to attend the London Book Fair and the wider issue of gatekeeping.- Why authors are increasingly feeling “under attack” from multiple directions, including AI scrutiny and industry attitudes.- The ongoing challenge of balancing writing time with business demands, stress, and productivity.- Personal insights into author life, including burnout, routine disruption, and staying consistent in a demanding creative career.Links & Resources MentionedProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.comFrom learnselfpublishing.com

James and Cissy discuss new marketing insights and mindset strategies for indie authors navigating an increasingly complex publishing landscape. From experimenting with BookBub ads and improving AI-assisted translations to analysing breakout success in romance adaptations, the conversation explores how authors can stay competitive in a crowded market. Cissy also shares a creative direct-to-reader marketing tactic, sending postcards to readers, as a way to build stronger audience relationships beyond digital platforms. The episode concludes with the hosts’ “Three Things” mindset practice, a simple daily habit designed to help authors maintain perspective, gratitude, and motivation in a challenging creative career.Key Talking PointsHow BookBub ads and promotional pricing strategies can create long-tail sales effects beyond the initial campaign.Lessons learned from improving AI-assisted translations and the impact of higher-quality translations on international book sales.Why certain romance stories and adaptations suddenly explode in popularity — and what authors can learn from those breakout successes.Creative marketing experiments, including sending postcards and physical mail to readers to build stronger audience connections.The “Three Things” daily mindset practice: identifying something that made you happy, something that moved your work forward, and something you’re looking forward to.Links & Resources MentionedProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions)https://prowritingaid.comAI Translations Course https://learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslationsBookBub Advertising Platform https://bookbub.com/adsJames Blatch's donation link: http://jamesblatch.com/marathon The Self Publishing Show 2026 https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spsliveHeated Rivalry: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35495073/

James and Cissy dive into the evolving AI conversation, reacting to viral commentary about whether artificial intelligence will truly replace white-collar jobs and what that means for writers. They explore the difference between superficial and deep AI usage, the economics behind tech industry messaging, and how authors can adapt rather than resist. They also discuss the irreplaceable value of in-person author events, relationship building, and why conferences continue to be career accelerators in an increasingly digital industry.Key Talking Points- A viral “Stay Human” TikTok challenges the narrative that AI will eliminate white-collar jobs, reframing it as investor-driven hype rather than economic inevitability.- Why authors won’t be replaced by AI but may be replaced by authors who use AI effectively and strategically.- The difference between shallow AI use and deep, professional integration (including translation workflows and creative production).- Why in-person events accelerate learning, build trust, create lifelong industry friendships, and often spark the biggest career breakthroughs.Links & Resources MentionedProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.comSocial Media Examiner – AI Explored Podcast: https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/ai-explored/https://www.tiktok.com/@kelly_boesch_ai_art?_r=1&_t=ZN-94CQZzFmP4g Author Nation (conference referenced): https://authornation.liveSelf-Publishing Show Live (London conference): https://learnselfpublishing.com/spsliveIrelands Publishing Show: https://www.indienetworkevents.comFrom learnselfpublishing.com

Robin Bennett Freebairn, non-fiction author of the 'What a Year to Be Born' gift books who now runs a family publishing business. He talks about turning birth-year books into a thriving Etsy retail operation. Short takes cover rapid organic growth on Etsy, the shift from author to retailer, stock and fulfilment realities, personalised upsells, and building direct customer relationships.

Cecilia Mecca (Sissy Mecca), a romance author who writes historical, paranormal and contemporary love stories, shares her indie publishing journey and why she consolidated pen names under Mecca Romance. They talk genre pivots, building a sustainable author career, the Coral Heart AI controversy, and why direct reader platforms and community matter more than ever.

A relaunch chat about why the show paused and how it will return leaner and more community-driven. Discussion of AI in publishing, ethical concerns, and practical uses like translations. A deep dive into a multi-pass AI translation workflow and upcoming courses, events, and a new co-host reveal.

In this heartfelt exit interview, Cara Clare reflects on her journey as a co-host of the Indie Writers Club alongside James Blatch. They discuss the significance of the podcast in their personal and professional growth, the exciting announcement of the Novel Beginnings contest aimed at supporting new writers, and the transition to the Self-Publishing Show. The conversation also delves into the nuances of writing spice, the complexity of emotions in storytelling, and the challenges of exploring different genres. As they wrap up, both express gratitude for their time together and the friendships formed through the podcast.USEFUL LINKS:PWA Novel Beginnings: https://prowritingaid.com/novel-beginningsGet 15% of annual plans at our sponsor ProWritingAid by using code IWC15https://www.prowritingaid.com Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportTakeawaysThe Indie Writers Club has reached its final episode after 73 episodes.Novel Beginnings contest offers significant funding for new writers.AI struggles with writing spice, leaving room for human creativity.Emotions in writing should reflect complexity, not just surface feelings.Navigating genre challenges can be daunting for writers.The podcast has been a journey of personal growth for Cara.Writing requires balancing showing and telling emotions effectively.Friendships formed through the podcast have been invaluable.Transitioning to the Self-Publishing Show marks a new chapter.The importance of investing in craft alongside business in writing.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Exit Interview Context02:59 Novel Beginnings Contest Announcement05:39 Transition to Self-Publishing Show08:41 Writing Spice and Emotional Depth11:33 Show vs. Tell in Writing17:25 Balancing Emotion and Plot17:41 The Nature of Writing Questions18:40 Exploring Genre Preferences19:55 Challenges in Writing Crime Thrillers21:22 Creating Your Own Rules in Fiction22:57 The Role of AI in Writing24:11 Reflections on Personal Growth and Writing26:14 The Impact of Podcasting on Confidence28:11 Feedback and Future Directions29:26 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club podcast, James Blatch and Cara Claire discuss the transition of Cara's writing project, 'The Chatterley Affair', into the marketing phase. And delve into a detailed critique of the film adaptation of 'Hamlet', comparing it to the original book. The conversation highlights the importance of character development, emotional engagement, and the role of directors and authors in film adaptations, culminating in a discussion about audience reactions and the overall impact of the film.USEFUL LINKS:Hamnet 5 Star Review from The i: https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/sobbed-through-hamnet-gut-wrenching-4104154 ($)I Hated Hamnet (Review) also from The i: https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/i-hated-hamnet-4167808 ($)Get 15% of annual plans at our sponsor ProWritingAid by using code IWC15https://www.prowritingaid.com Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support

In this third-to-last episode of the IWC Podcast, we will look at the Anthropic (Claude AI) settlement on offer to some authors. We'll explain what needs to happen by you if your name is on the official list and what your options are.This is the link I refer to in the show:https://www.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/ - this is the only official settlement website. USEFUL LINKS:Get 15% of annual plans at our sponsor ProWritingAid by using code IWC15https://www.prowritingaid.com Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, Cara talks us through her launch strategy for a standalone book (a Chatterly retelling with vampires and spice!).This is one of the toughest challenges for indies. Our process generally relies on series and readthrough, but with the many options emerging for exploiting your book (translations, special editions etc) might this be a future strategy we can all follow?**** WARNING - NSFW - WE DO DISCUSS SPICE SCENES ****USEFUL LINKS:Join the AI Translations course waitlist:https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/aitranslationsGet 15% of annual plans at our sponsor ProWritingAid by using code IWC15https://www.prowritingaid.com Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support