Every two weeks, I host the Inspirational Indie Authors Podcast for the Alliance of Independent Authors, where I interview ALLi members to discover what inspires them and how they serve as inspiration to others. These conversations are a highlight of my month, as I get to talk to authors from diverse ages, backgrounds, and life stories. It’s always difficult to narrow down a top-ten list, as each interview is unique, but here are my top 10 Inspirational Indie Authors podcast episodes from 2024.
Douglas Vigliotti
Douglas Vigliotti
Douglas Vigliotti is the author of Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story. In this book, Douglas adapts Aristotle’s Poetics for modern novelists, breaking down the ancient principles that have shaped storytelling for over 2,000 years. He explores how these ideas apply not only to fiction but also to the stories we live every day.
Listen to the interview with Douglas Vigliotti here
Sylvia Bourgeois
Sylvia Bourgeois
A former heavy equipment operator and project manager, Sylvia uses her unique life experiences to craft compelling historical fiction. Her latest novel, Here, Now, takes readers on a journey from 1920s Seattle to a remote logging camp in British Columbia. I spoke to Sylvia about how her childhood, career, and creative process have shaped her work—and how she juggles a demanding day job with her passion for writing.
Listen to the interview with Sylvia Bourgeois here
Sally Clarke
Sally Clarke
Sally Clarke is an author and ALLi ambassador based in Singapore. Sally’s passion for Muay Thai—Thailand’s traditional martial art—inspired her latest book, which tells the story of a young fighter’s journey to overcome the odds. She’s now working to grow the indie author community in her region and support other writers in their publishing journeys.
Listen to the interview with Sally Clarke here
Phillip Mottaz
Phillip Mottaz
Phillip Mottaz is a mystery author based in Los Angeles. Phillip has a unique journey from a small town in Illinois to the sketch comedy scene in Chicago and now to writing indie mystery novels in L.A. His latest book, Deadly Maybe, reunites the famous Gallagher brothers from the band Oasis to solve a murder. We talk about how Phillip's love for storytelling began, his transition from improv to mystery writing, and what drives his independent approach to publishing.
Listen to the interview with Phillip Mottaz here
Victoria Goldman
Victoria Goldman
Victoria Goldman is an author of crime fiction who tried to go the traditional route, but her work was too difficult to categorize. So, she went indie, where her audience understands her unique voice. Part of that voice has to do with her Jewish identity and she writes with one eye on current events and the rise in antisemitism.
Listen to the Interview with Victoria Goldman here
C. Ruth Taylor
C. Ruth Taylor
C. Ruth Taylor is an authorpreneur from Jamaica who is trying to create conditions to put the Caribbean on the map for self-publishing. The trick is to convince authors that the book itself is only the beginning of their storyteller journey.
Listen to the interview with C. Ruth Taylor here
Pauline Wilson
Pauline Wilson
Pauline Wilson is an Australian author who began writing historical fiction later in life when she discovered that her own family history was filled with stories that needed to be told. From former convicts to insane asylum inmates, Pauline found a wonderful cast of characters in her own ancestors. And whatever she couldn't dig up, she fictionalized.
Listen to the interview with Pauline Wilson here
Aurora Winter
Aurora Winter
Aurora Winter is the author of several award-winning fiction and nonfiction books. She has a background as a TV executive and wrote an award-winning screenplay for a TV movie. Aurora is also a master of the career pivot, from investor to TV executive to fiction and nonfiction author. She shares her advice on how to change course wisely.
Listen to the interview with Aurora Winter here
Terry Lister
Terry Lister
Terry Lister is a seasoned solo traveler and author who, after retiring from a successful career as an accountant, has explored over 100 countries. Terry's love for travel began in Bermuda, where he dreamed of far-off places. His books capture not just the destinations but also the cultural and economic landscapes he encounters.
Listen to the interview with Terry Lister here
Delaney Diamond
Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Delaney had a career in business before transitioning to writing full-time. Since 2011, she has self-published over 50 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In our conversation, Delaney talks about how she’s managed to become such a prolific author, reveals her marketing secrets, and tells of how she helps other authors by offering consulting services.
Listen to the interview with Delaney Diamond here
Find out more
Find out moreLooking to boost your business planning in the new year? Take a look at ALLi's Monthly Business Planner (also available for quarterly planning).
This planner is available for purchase in our bookstore. Members enjoy free access to the ebook.
Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?
If you’re an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and our own ALLi team. Simply create an account (if you haven’t already) to request to join the forum and get going.
Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center.
