Show overview
Pen to Paycheck Authors has been publishing since 2024, and across the 2 years since has built a catalogue of 105 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 95 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 50 min and 59 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Arts show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 days ago, with 19 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 53 episodes published.
From the publisher
Welcome to pen to Paycheck Authors podcast. We’re two indie authors; Matilda Swift, author of quintessentially British Cozy Mysteries, and Sam Cummings, author of Young Adult books about magic, myths, and monsters.With over a dozen books between us, and still a long way to go towards the ‘quit the day job’ dream, we’re here to write our way to financial success.Listen along for our mastery through missteps journey
Latest Episodes
View all 105 episodesHow Working Together Means Working Better
How to Take Your Writing to the Next Level
How To Build Author Communities
How We’re Planning Launches
How Seville’s Indie Conference Changed Us
S3 Ep 13How We’ll Get Bigger and Better
This week, Matilda and Sam have major epiphanies about BIGGER and BETTER... Next week, Matilda is recapping the Seville author conference. Let's hope she brings the sunshine with her! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast CeCe Lyra’s courses: https://learn-with-cece.thinkific.com/ OLD version of CeCe Lyra’s Hacking Writing on a Line Level course (not currently available): https://cecilialyra.com/courses/ Draft2Digital’s Self Publishing Insiders Podcast: https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/category/self-publishing-insiders-podcast/ Revenge: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenge_(TV_series)
S3 Ep 12How We’ve Grown in Q1
Settle in, it's the Q1 review - how have Sam and Matilda done so far in 2026? Next week, they'll be planning how to get bigger and better!! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Ines Johnson’s substack: https://ineswrites.substack.com/ Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZZCSYXJ/ The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TWSRMCB/ Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BKGYQXW/ Florence Given - The Good Girl Wound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=32uLLwtiiVueXQao&v=x6yc9imZcaQ&feature=youtu.be
S3 Ep 11How Ireland’s Indie Conference Changed Us
This week, Matilda takes the reins as she TELLS ALL on her time at the Ireland Indie Conference. Next week, it's the Q1 review! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Indie Network Ireland conference: https://www.indienetworkevents.com/events/indie-network-in-ireland-2027
S3 Ep 10How We Face Challenges
Matilda and Sam tackle CHALLENGE WEEK! Next week, they'll be chatting about the Ireland Publishing Show. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast The Fairy Plotmother: https://www.fairyplotmother.me/ Ink in Your Veins (WE’RE IN THIS ONE!): http://www.howdoyouwrite.net/episodes/552 Dear Writer, You Still Need to Quit by Becca Syme: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beccasyme/dear-writer-you-still-need-to-quit Scribeshadow: https://app.scribeshadow.com/ Mailerlite: https://www.mailerlite.com/ Mailchimp: mailchimp.com/ Squarespace: www.squarespace.com Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/
S3 Ep 9How We Plan Long Term
Matilda and Sam are discussing BIG future plans today! Next week is everyone's fave - CHALLENGE WEEK! Don't forget to pick your own challenge to tackle, and join us in our misery... Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Pascify reader event: https://pascify.com/ David Gaughran’s Facebook Ads for Authors [2026] Ad Creation Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYacxyQJPxM
S3 Ep 8How New Ad Strategies Are Working for Us
Sam and Matilda have been running ads... but both VERY differently! Next week it's all about BIG future plans - what do they have up their sleeves? You'll have to tune in to find out! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Author Ads & Marketing Mastery with Melissa Storm Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorads Novel Publicity’s Facebook ads management: https://www.novelpublicity.com/facebook/ David Gaughran’s Facebook Ads for Authors [2026] Ad Creation Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYacxyQJPxM
S3 Ep 7How Working Together is the Secret to Success
Sam and Matilda ran their first ever online 'retreat', wanna know how it went? Tune in next week to hear all about their recent experience with running Facebook ads. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Tim Ferriss’s Fear Setting: https://tim.blog/2017/05/15/fear-setting/ Millionaire Author Mastermind group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/millionaireauthormastermind/ VE Schwab’s podcast episode with Kennedy Ryan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dhzfyDSCWKwrqfcmdtqzy
S3 Ep 6How to Relaunch a Series
Sam and Matilda break down series relaunches! In next week's episode, your two fave podcast hosts are going to share how their online writing retreat went! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Bookbub’s New Release for Less: https://www.bookbub.com/partners/new_releases_for_less Novel Publicity’s Facebook ads management: https://www.novelpublicity.com/facebook/
S3 Ep 5How to Plan for the Long and Short Term
Sam and Matilda discuss how they are planning for short and long-term success. In next week's episode, they are digging into relaunching book series. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast How to Create a Social Media Signature Series & Style by Kayleigh: https://youtu.be/AiL3v2x4aLQ?si=SXNm4D_3a91Q5Yzs Florence Given: https://www.youtube.com/@theflorencegivenshow Why You Should Disappoint Your Fans by Becca Syme: https://youtu.be/mtc5qSXBByU?si=hGuy-DqJIOrrAGLu
S3 Ep 4How to Build Reader Connections
Sam and Matilda are making MORE connections... with readers! In next week's episode, they will be discussing short-term vs long-term business goals. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Kevin Kelly’s 1000 True Fans: https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/ Superfans by Pat Flynn: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Superfans-Capture-Attention-Community-Following-ebook/dp/B09LRRQ1XF/ Vlogbrothers (John and Hank Green): https://www.youtube.com/vlogbrothers
S3 Ep 3How To Build Author Connections
Sam and Matilda are making author connections! In next week's episode, it's all about making MORE connections... with readers! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/MuchAdoAboutStuffing (book #6 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast SPS Live: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spslive The Cozy Mystery Clubhouse Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cozymysteryclubhouse/ Seville’s Global Publishing Summit: https://www.lantia.com/en/gps Ireland’s Publishing Show: https://www.indienetworkevents.com/general-8
S3 Ep 2How We Finally Fixed Our Mindsets
Sam and Matilda have finally made mindset progress! In next week's episode, they'll be talking about the importance of writing community. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheCatcherInThePie (book #4 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast
S3 Ep 1How We Set Money Goals
Sam and Matilda welcome in season 3... and more money? Next week, grab your emotional support notepad, we're talking MINDSET! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheCatcherInThePie (book #4 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Denise Duffield Thomas’s Money goals workbook: https://www.denisedt.com/jan
S2 Ep 52What Crises We Plan For
Sam and Matilda plan for problems... but do they need to? Next week, they’re talking about money goals for 2026! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheCatcherInThePie (book #4 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Ebb and Flow by Tiffany Francis-Baker: https://www.amazon.com/Ebb-Flow-Guide-Seasonal-Living/dp/1399405748/
S2 Ep 51What We Did In Q4
Sam and Matilda get honest about their last quarter review. Next week, they’re talking about setting up contingency plans as they head into the new year! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: Curse of the Wild - https://books2read.com/curseofthewild (Moons & Magic Book 1) Most recent book: The Moon Is a Door - https://books2read.com/The-Moon-Is-A-Door (Deighton Academy Book 1) MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: www.MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/TheCatcherInThePie (book #4 of The Parchment Paper Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: JOIN THE PEN TO PAYCHECK DISCORD: https://discord.gg/w7BjxmeXfF Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/pentopaycheckauthorspodcast Novel Publicity’s Manuscript to Marketing report: https://www.novelpublicity.com/m2m/ Canva: https://www.canva.com/ Chocolate wine recipe: https://www.tastinghistory.com/recipes/chocolatewine Seville’s Global Publishing Summit: https://www.lantia.com/en/gps