This week’s Indie Author Showcase is different.

In this Memorial Day special, Chad reflects on family, loss, remembrance, and the stories that outlive us. From generations of military service to personal memories of loved ones lost, this episode becomes more than a book review—it becomes a tribute.

Featured this week is After the Milk and Cookies by Russell Morgan, a historical literary novel spanning the years between World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. Through intertwined families and quiet moments of everyday life, the novel paints a portrait of a fading America and the people who built it.

Chad discusses:

📖 After the Milk and Cookies review 🎖️ Family military history and Memorial Day reflections 🧸 The real story behind the teddy bear from Fear 💔 Remembering loved ones lost this year 🚀 Intergalactic Space Force Vol. 3 update 👾 Upcoming convention appearances including Monsterpalooza & LA Comic Con

Sometimes the most important stories aren’t monsters, spaceships, or serial killers…

Sometimes they’re memories.

This week on the Indie Author Showcase, Chad dives back into the galaxy far, far away to tackle one of the biggest continuity questions in Star Wars Episode III: was C-3PO’s memory wipe a lazy fix for a plot hole… and how could it have been done better?

Plus, Chad shares his real-world experience using Book Reverb for audiobook reviews—the good, the questionable, and whether it’s actually worth it for indie authors looking to build buzz.

Then it’s time for this week’s horror spotlight: Stalkers by Michael Ralph, a brutal cult-home-invasion thriller packed with tension, violence, and a few surprises.

Also in this episode: 🎙 Thoughts on podcast clips and AI editing tools like Opus Clip 📚 Why indie authors can’t stop promoting themselves ⭐ Showcase Stalkers returns 👹 Horror, Star Wars, and indie publishing chaos

Question of the week: How would you rewrite C-3PO’s memory wipe in Episode III to make it feel earned instead of a convenient reset button?

📍 Catch Chad at Monsterpalooza in Pasadena in two weeks!

This week on the Indie Author Showcase, Chad breaks down one of the biggest storytelling debates in sci-fi and fantasy:

👉 Why did Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side feel rushed… while Maul’s new apprentice arc in Shadow Lord feels earned?

Using Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and recent Star Wars storytelling as examples, this episode dives deep into:

• How to properly build a character’s descent into darkness
• Why “earned” character turns matter
• The dangers of forcing plot over character motivation
• Small sacrifices, rationalization, and escalation in villain arcs
• Why some heel turns feel believable—and others don’t

⚔️ Plus: A showcase of A Chance Beginning by Christopher Patterson

A sprawling Tolkien-style fantasy following three farm boys thrown into war, slavers, mercenaries, and a growing mystery involving mountain trolls.

The episode also explores: 📚 Different ways to structure a fantasy series

• Standalone adventures
• Serialized storytelling
• Tolkien-style “one giant story” epics
• Why the Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone approach may work better for modern readers

🔥 Highlights include:

• Strong character development
• A standout rivalry/friendship dynamic between Eric and Brian
• Why earned emotional payoffs matter in fantasy storytelling

If you love fantasy writing, character arcs, indie books, or deep storytelling analysis—this episode is packed with material.

🎧 Listen now and decide for yourself: Was Anakin’s turn to Darth Vader actually earned?

Why do readers quit books—and how do you stop them from quitting yours?

This week on the Indie Author Showcase, Chad breaks down the biggest reasons books end up in the dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish) pile—and how indie authors can avoid those mistakes.

🔎 In this episode:

• 🚫 Common writing issues that kill reader engagement (info dumps, weak motivation, “chaff”)
• ✂️ “Killing your darlings” and tightening your story
• 🎯 Why character motivation makes or breaks your book

💭 Main Topic: Dream Sequences That Don’t Suck Dream sequences often fail because they have no stakes—but they don’t have to. Learn:

• How to make dream sequences meaningful
• Ways to give them real narrative weight
• Techniques using prophecy, alternate realities, and character discovery

💥 Featured Showcase: Punk Rock Time Machine A wild, raunchy, genre-bending graphic novel packed with:

• Time travel chaos
• Absurd humor and nonstop sex puns
• A “gather the heroes” setup with a stoner sci-fi twist
• Actual guitar riffs and songs embedded in the story

🎸 Think chaotic energy, experimental storytelling, and zero filter.

If you’re an indie author looking to level up your writing—or a reader hunting for something completely different—this episode delivers both insight and entertainment.

👉 Listen now and keep your readers hooked to the last page.

This week on the Indie Author Showcase, Chad dives into a mix of indie publishing news, a unique new discovery tool for readers, and a surreal graphic novel that blends chaos, identity, and coming-of-age struggles.

🔎 In this episode:

• 📱 Novel Nest App – a new platform aiming to match readers with indie books more intelligently than traditional algorithms
• 📚 Updates on upcoming events like Monsterpalooza and the OC Book Fair
• 🎯 Why this podcast focuses on showcases instead of reviews—and why that matters for indie authors

💥 Featured Showcase: Warhead Vol. 1 A surreal, black-and-white graphic novel following Adam—a graffiti artist with a literal atomic bomb for a head—as he struggles to get his life together… or risk the end of the world.

Expect:

• Abstract, symbolic storytelling
• Heavy coming-of-age themes
• A mix of chaos, identity, and existential pressure
• A vibe somewhere between The Wall and Euphoria

👀 Plus:

• The ongoing (and completely unresolved) question: is Chad actually Brendan Fraser?

If you’re an indie author looking for new platforms, or a reader searching for something different and experimental—this episode has you covered.

This week on the Indie Author Showcase, Chad covers a packed lineup of indie publishing insights, upcoming releases, and a brutally honest review of a dark romance that didn’t go quite as expected.

🔎 In this episode:

• Major indie book releases coming this May from Jennifer Milne, Aaron Lewis, and Raven Belasco
• The rise of social media book recs—and how indie authors can use them for visibility
• The growing backlash against AI-generated book covers… and where the line actually is
• A breakdown of real vs. assumed AI usage in indie publishing
• Whether tools like Photoshop’s generative fill “count” as AI

📚 Featured Review: Feral MF by Mila Crawford — a dark, nonlinear romance involving trauma, obsession, and complex relationships. Chad breaks down:

• What works incredibly well (character depth, cultural backstory, emotional stakes)
• What doesn’t quite land (pacing, missing story beats, tonal shifts)
• Why this book sits right on the line between recommendation and hesitation

🎧 Plus:

• A look at BookReverb and whether it’s worth it for audiobook reviews
• Updates on conventions, including Monsterpalooza
• How indie authors can get free promotion on the show

If you’re an indie author navigating marketing, AI controversy, or just looking for your next unconventional read—this episode delivers insight, nuance, and a few strong opinions.

👉 Listen now and decide for yourself: where do YOU draw the line with AI in publishing?

This week on the Indie Author Showcase, Chad sits down with guest Cynthia Diamond to talk about her journey into paranormal and monster romance—and what it’s like diving into writing full-time.

They break down:

• The reality of going full-time as an indie author (and the marketing grind that comes with it)
• Why TikTok is finally starting to click—and how she approaches content
• The surprising demographics of romance readers
• The difference between “closed door” and “open door” romance
• How (and why) sex scenes are more technical than you’d think
• Writing emotion-first vs. shock value in steamy scenes

Plus, Cynthia shares her influences—from fantasy and theater to Gargoyles—and how those shaped her unique voice in romance.

They also dive into:

• Monster romance (and why it’s more approachable than you think)
• Writing humor into romance
• Tabletop RPGs, D&D-style storytelling, and how it inspires her work

📚 Cynthia’s latest book Bardic and the Beast is available for preorder now!

If you’re an indie author, romance reader, or just curious about what really goes into writing “spicy” fiction—this episode delivers both insight and plenty of laughs.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow for more indie author interviews, insights, and book recommendations!

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, host Chad Robert Morgan dives into the realities of being an indie author in today’s market—from convention struggles to the growing controversy around AI in publishing.

We start with a candid breakdown of WonderCon, where rising costs and economic pressure are making it harder for indie authors to turn a profit—or even break even. Chad shares firsthand insights on vendor strategy, pricing, and why conventions still matter despite tightening margins.

Then we tackle a major industry topic: ⚖️ AI in publishing and the dangers of false accusations

Using the controversial case of Shy Girl, Chad explores:

• The reliability (or lack thereof) of AI detection tools
• Where AI has legitimate uses vs. where it crosses the line
• Why authors must remain accountable for their work
• The risks of “trial by internet” and how quickly reputations can be damaged

Finally, this week’s featured showcase: 📖 The Light at the End by Craig Spector & John Skipp

A gritty, fast-paced vampire horror set in the New York subway system, this novel follows a newly turned vampire unleashing chaos while a group of bike messengers bands together to hunt him down. With visceral horror, unique takes on vampirism, and a strong 1980s atmosphere, this book stands out as one of the best reads of the year so far.

If you’re an indie author navigating today’s challenges—or a horror fan looking for your next read—this episode delivers both insight and entertainment.