Indie Authors Tell All

Celebrating the Divine in Daily Life - Interview with Susan Kirsch

In this episode of Indie Authors Tell All, host Judy Ann Baker sits down with poet and creative practitioner Susan Kirsch to explore an unconventional path to creativity, mindfulness, and spiritual reflection. Susan shares how her unique process—combining intuitive coloring with short-form “praise poems”—helps quiet the critical mind and unlock authentic expression.
The conversation dives into her upcoming book Simply Go*d: Praise Poems Celebrating the Divine in Daily Life, a collection rooted in finding meaning, joy, and presence in everyday moments. Drawing from decades of journaling and a background in civic engagement, Susan reflects on shifting from public service to a more personal, artistic calling.
Listeners will discover the concept of Ekphrastic poetry, the power of simple creative rituals, and how reconnecting with “source”—whether defined as God, goodness, or nature—can offer a grounding antidote to modern stress and uncertainty.
This episode is a thoughtful invitation for writers, creatives, and seekers alike to embrace simplicity, creativity, and mindfulness as tools for both personal healing and meaningful expression.
#IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #PraisePoetry  #MindfulCreativity 
 
Susan Kirsch: https://susankirschcreates.com/
Buzzworthy Books: https://buzzworthybooks.com/
Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA): https://baipa.org

Interview with John Byrne Barry

In this episode, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with indie author John Byrne Barry for an engaging conversation about the realities of independent publishing, creative persistence, and the evolving journey of a small, indie writer.
John shares how he transitioned from a lifelong background in nonfiction and professional writing into crafting mystery novels with substance—what he calls “page-turners with a conscience.” From early rejections to embracing the freedom of independent publishing, his story highlights the resilience and adaptability that define so many indie authors.
They dive into the challenges of being a small, independent creator—from marketing struggles and self-promotion discomfort to the importance of producing professional-quality books in a competitive landscape. John also reflects on the value of indie publishing communities, where connection, shared knowledge, and mutual support help authors navigate an often solitary path.
Listeners will also get a behind-the-scenes look at John’s novels, including Bones in the Wash, Wasted, When I Killed My Father, and The Pirates of Sausalito, along with insights into his creative process, recurring characters, and genre-blending storytelling style.
This episode is a must-listen for independent and indie authors looking for an honest, thoughtful perspective on writing, publishing, and finding fulfillment in the creative journey—no matter how small or unconventional the path may be.
Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA): https://baipa.org

Judy Baker’s Indie Author Journey

In this episode co-host Mike Van Horn turns the spotlight on co-host Judy Baker—author and branding strategist— as she steps into the guest seat. Judy shares her journey from supporting writers as a marketing and branding expert to embracing her own creative voice through nonfiction, memoir, poetry, and magical realism.
Listeners will gain insight into Judy’s client process, including her “book buzz” strategy, her focus on authentic visibility, and how authors can align their personal identity with their platform. She also discusses the powerful connection between nonfiction books and business growth, along with practical advice on productivity, creativity, and choosing the right tools for writing and publishing.
The conversation explores Judy’s work as an anthology editor, her evolving nonfiction projects, and the inspiration behind her company, Buzzworthy Books. She candidly reflects on challenges like maintaining focus and offers actionable strategies for authors navigating marketing, mindset, and creative flow. Judy delivers thoughtful guidance on building your voice, your brand, and your community.
Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA): https://baipa.org
Buzzworthy Books: https://buzzworthybooks.com/
 

Becky Parker Geist's Indie Author Journey

Join us on this episode as we delve into the inspiring journey of Becky Parker Geist, President of the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA). From writing her first "book" at age six to leading a thriving organization for indie authors, Becky shares her path through the ever-evolving world of independent publishing.
Discover Becky's early love for writing, her experience in audiobook narration and production, and the pivotal moments that led her to BAIPA. Learn about her entrepreneurial spirit, her diverse writing genres, and the development of AMPlify Audiobooks, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect authors, narrators, and listeners.
Becky offers invaluable advice for new authors, emphasizing the importance of community and continuous learning. She also reflects on her leadership role at BAIPA and her passion for fostering a supportive and empowering environment for indie publishers.
Tune in to hear real stories, real challenges, and real inspiration from a true leader in the indie publishing world.
Key Highlights:
Becky's early experiences with writing and her journey to becoming an author
Her background in audiobook narration and the evolution of the industry
The story of how she got involved with BAIPA and her role as president
Insights into her diverse writing genres and her creative process
The development of AMPlify Audiobooks and its community-focused approach
Advice for new authors and the importance of finding a supportive community
Reflections on leadership and fostering a culture of generosity and collaboration at BAIPA
Resources:
Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA): https://baipa.org
AMPlify Audiobooks: https://amplifyaudiobooks.com/
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Mike Van Horn's Indie Author Journey

In this episode of Indie Authors Tell All, Becky Parker Geist interviews co-host Mike Van Horn about his journey as an indie author in multiple genres. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted world of independent publishing as Mike shares his experiences and challenges in self-publishing, including the strategic use of pen names and maintaining distinct author platforms.
Discover how Mike balances his writing pursuits, from creating practical tools for small business owners to crafting captivating science fiction tales, and even co-authoring a romance novel as a tribute to his late wife.
This episode offers valuable insights for small publishers and indie authors looking to navigate the complexities of the publishing landscape, manage multiple genres, and effectively market their work. Learn from Mike's journey, including his involvement with the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) and the support he's found within the indie publishing community.
https://baipa.org
 

Welcome to the Indie Authors Tell All Podcast

Welcome to Indie Authors Tell All, where authors take the mic. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) members and those who help us publish and sell our books. We dig into the challenges and successes of independent publishing—writing, publishing, and promoting—from the people making it happen. We're a community that can help you along this path, avoiding expensive mistakes, and becoming successful authors.   We’re here to shine a light on the real-world challenges and successes in independent publishing — straight from the people making it happen. We know from our collective decades of experience, that indie publishing may be independent but it requires a team effort. Finding your resources — like this podcast or like Independent Book Publisher Associations, can save you years of time and thousands of dollars.Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (or BAIPA) members and industry professionals who are shaping the future of publishing and redefining what it means to go indie.