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.

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, host Chad Robert Morgan returns after a brief personal hiatus and shares an honest update about life behind the mic. From navigating loss to upgrading podcast equipment and preparing for WonderCon, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.

Then we dive into a timely and controversial topic: the legal and ethical use of AI in indie publishing. Chad breaks down what generative AI should not be used for (ghostwriting and copy-paste content), and where it may have legitimate value—editing assistance, research, brainstorming through writer’s block, and workflow refinement. It’s a nuanced, practical conversation aimed at indie authors trying to navigate a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Finally, this week’s featured showcase highlights 📖 The Handler’s Gambit by Ingrid Moon

A militaristic sci-fi novel set in a vast alien-controlled universe, the story follows Commander Boone, a tactician caught between loyalty, survival, and a larger plan unfolding beneath the surface. Tasked with managing a genetically engineered alien assassin known only as “the weapon,” Boone must balance covert ambitions while serving under a volatile warlord. Fans of immersive world-building, political maneuvering, and military science fiction will feel right at home.

If you love indie books, thoughtful craft discussions, and honest takes on publishing realities, this episode delivers.

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, host Chad Robert Morgan sits down with Doug Brode, award-winning indie author and veteran Hollywood storyboard and concept artist whose credits include Star Trek, Iron Man, Thor, Harry Potter, and more.

Doug joins us to talk about Shelli, his breakout sci-fi mystery featuring a synthetic detective navigating government conspiracies, political intrigue, and the uneasy evolution between humans and machines. The novel earned 2nd Place Book of the Year honors and has become a Kindle Unlimited standout with over a million pages read.

We dive deep into:

• How Shelli evolved from an unproduced TV pilot into a bestselling indie novel

• Doug’s crisp, dialogue-driven writing style and why it mirrors his android protagonist

• Lessons learned from decades in Hollywood about why creators should own their work

• The realities of indie marketing, Amazon ads, Kindle Unlimited, and convention sales

• What actually works (and what doesn’t) when promoting books in today’s market

This is a must-listen episode for indie authors, sci-fi fans, and creators navigating the crossroads of storytelling, technology, and independence.

To see more of Doug Brode's work, visit https://tinyurl.com/2z9bpjer

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, host Chad Robert Morgan digs into the realities of indie publishing—creative freedom, marketing risks, convention life, and the constant balance between writing for passion and writing for survival.

We open with an honest conversation about resisting trends, writing the stories you actually want to tell, and why indie authors often have more creative control—but also more responsibility—than their traditionally published counterparts. Chad also shares updates on upcoming conventions, vendor opportunities, and why sometimes breaking even is still a meaningful win.

We also make a special announcement for fans of Erin Louis, revealing her upcoming book There’s No Grave Like Home, and giving listeners an early heads-up on what promises to be another bold, unapologetic release.

The discussion then shifts into book marketing, where Chad breaks down his real-world experiment using Book Reverb, examining the potential benefits, costs, and risks of paid review platforms for indie authors trying to gain visibility in an overcrowded marketplace.

Finally, we move into this week’s featured showcase: 📖 The Witch of Blackwood Hollow by B. Humphrey

A classic haunted house horror with sharp pacing and a no-frills plot, the novel follows Eleanor Frost as she inherits a decaying Victorian manor steeped in ritual, curses, and something ancient that refuses to stay buried. Chad praises the book’s visceral witch encounters, escalating tension, and satisfying payoff, while offering thoughtful critique on character depth and why the story truly shines once its most compelling figures step into the spotlight.

As always, every book featured on Indie Author Showcase meets a quality bar—this episode isn’t about tearing stories down, but helping readers decide if a book belongs on their TBR pile.

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, host Chad Robert Morgan dives into a wide-ranging conversation that blends industry insight, personal reflection, and a chilling book spotlight.

We kick things off with updates on upcoming conventions, including last-minute headliner changes, event prep, and what it’s like navigating the unpredictable nature of fandom and live appearances. Chad also shares behind-the-scenes podcast updates, including new audio gear and plans to expand into more on-location interviews as the show continues to grow.

From there, the conversation turns reflective, exploring what it means when a phrase you’ve used for years suddenly shows up in popular culture, and whether writers ever truly own their words once they enter the world. That naturally leads into a thoughtful discussion on separating the art from the artist, touching on controversial creators, public scandals, and how personal actions can reshape how audiences engage with creative work—especially for indie authors trying to build a business.

Finally, we move into this week’s featured showcase: 📖 Dead Friends by Jason R. Davis, an award-winning horror novel about loss, curses, and the terrifying idea that the dead don’t always stay gone. When Lizzie inherits her uncle’s secluded estate, she expects solitude—not murder. As her friends begin dying and returning as haunting apparitions, Lizzie must uncover the dark secrets buried in her family’s past before everyone she loves becomes another dead friend.

The episode offers an honest, spoiler-free critique, praising the novel’s gripping opening, eerie atmosphere, and core mystery, while thoughtfully examining where the story could have been tighter. As always, the discussion comes from a place of respect—because books featured on this podcast are here for one reason: they’re worth your time.

The new year is here, and Indie Author Showcase is kicking things off with reflection, intention, and a powerful book spotlight.

In this episode, host Chad Robert Morgan shares our New Year’s resolutions for the podcast, including plans to improve the show, refine our format, and research new and better marketing methods to help indie authors reach wider audiences. We talk openly about growth, experimentation, and what’s next for a podcast built by indie authors, for indie authors.

We then shift into our featured showcase: The Favorite Girl by Monica Arya. This intense psychological thriller dives into themes of manipulation, exploitation, and survival, delivering a story that’s gripping, uncomfortable, and impossible to ignore. Arya’s novel reminds us why fearless storytelling matters—and why indie voices continue to push boundaries mainstream publishing often avoids.

A thoughtful, forward-looking episode that blends industry insight with unforgettable fiction.