The best way to earn money as an indie fiction author is with a series, but how do you keep that series fresh over the long term? I discuss this topic and the importance of setting with Hawaii-based author, Toby Neal in today’s show.
In the introduction, I mention that Sainsburys in the UK has shut down their ebook business and handed their customers to Kobo (which is what Nook should have done in the first place!).
Also, there are two books you should get this week: Productivity for Creative People by Mark McGuinness which is free on all ebook stores, and The 9 Worst Provisions in your Publishing Contract by David P Vandagriff, who also runs The Passive Voice. I also mention Dealbreakers by Kristine Kathryn Rusch (recently updated on her blog series on contracts) and How Authors Sell Publishing Rights by Orna Ross and Helen Sedwick.
Today’s show is sponsored by my own course, How to Write a Novel: From idea to finished manuscript.
Toby Neal is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of mysteries, contemporary romance, YA and non-fiction. She is also a mental health therapist, a career that has informed the depth and complexity of the characters in her stories.
You can listen above or on iTunes or Stitcher or watch the video here, read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below.

* On Toby’s dual careers as a social worker and a writer, and whether she uses a pen name.

* How she integrates her shadow side into her writing.

* Writing about a place you’re passionate about and using local experts to glean information about that location.

* Tips for authors who want to maintain their interest in a long-running series.

* Toby’s thoughts on how long it takes to make a living as an author.

* Using a $0.99 marketing strategy when launching a new book in a series.

* Kindle Worlds: What it is, how it works, how Toby got involved and how she works with the authors who write in her world.

* Suggestions for sticking with writing for a long-term career and for dealing with writer’s block.

You can find Toby at www.tobyneal.net or on twitter @tobywneal

Transcript of Interview with Toby Neal
Joanna: Hi, everyone. I’m Joanna Penn from thecreativepenn.com. And today I’m here with Toby Neal. Welcome, Toby.
Toby: Hi, I’m so happy to be speaking with you and seeing you sort of in person.
Joanna: Yes, very cool. Just a little introduction.
Toby is an award winning USA Today Bestselling Author of mysteries, contemporary romance, YA, and nonfiction. She is also a mental health therapist, a career that has informed the depth and complexity of the characters in her...