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The Self Publishing Show

SPS-434: The Big Reveal! with James Blatch & ?

·54 min·5 clips
James Blatch is about to reveal his new co-host after receiving many applications and knowing quickly who would work well.
The episode begins with James Blatch announcing the new co-host, Cecilia 'Sissy' Mecca, after much speculation. Mecca explains her background as a historical romance author who pivoted to paranormal and contemporary genres under various pen names. She details how she discovered indie publishing through Emma Prince at an RWA conference and followed the SPF course roadmap, leading her to leave her education career within months. The conversation explores the trade-offs between sticking to one genre for potential breakout success and pivoting for creative joy, with Mecca emphasizing crafting a fulfilling life over pure income growth. Blatch and Mecca then shift to discussing AI in publishing, referencing a New York Times article about author Coral Hart using AI to write dozens of romance novels. Mecca describes the intense backlash in romance communities, including reader boycotts and witch hunts against AI users. Blatch argues for adaptation over resistance, comparing AI's disruption to 3D printing in other industries. They share personal AI use cases, such as Mecca's daughter using Google Notebook LM for college notes and Blatch's experiments with AI for translations and editing. The episode concludes with light banter about travel plans and TV shows, reinforcing the podcast's casual, friend-like tone.

As heard by us

A grounded co-host reveal about genre pivots, income goals, and the daily routine behind an indie author career.

The Self-Publishing Show uses episode 434 to frame the economics of an indie writing career through James Blatch's introduction of Cara Clare as the new co-host.

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Why you'd press play

Want to sit with an indie author weighing the vampire pivot she would still choose again?

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