Inside The First Chapter Bookshop | A chat with Jess Weber

Inside The First Chapter Bookshop | A chat with Jess Weber

I always feel like I’m spinning plates: 9–5 graphic designer, 5–9 author/illustrator/podcast host. But then I look at Jess Weber: mum of three, bookshop owner, and the event‑planning force behind Adelaide’s iconic A Romantic Affair (ARA) [https://aromanticaffair.com.au]. Suddenly I realise I’m in good company. This non‑stop, multi‑job hustle is the creative reality for so many of us in the indie author space. Chatting with Jess, it was immediately clear how deep her love of books, especially romance, runs. After visiting a quaint small‑town bookshop, she felt inspired to create one of her own, and that desire became The First Chapter Bookshop [https://www.thefirstchapter.com.au]. She laughed as she told me how her husband was convinced they didn’t need to order more stock for opening day… until hundreds of people lined up outside. With around 400 visitors walking through the doors - yeah, they definitely needed more books! It was inspiring to listen to Jess talk about her zest for life and all things bookish. Though firmly not interested in writing herself, the work she does in the indie author space, but particularly in the Aussie indie romance space. If you’re based in Adelaide, South Australia or visiting the city, you must check out The First Chapter Bookshop [https://www.thefirstchapter.com.au], located Upstairs - Unit 2, 15 Sturton Road, Edinburgh, SA 5112, Australia. Enjoy the episode! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 04:05 Jess’s background 10:40 A day in Jess’s life 15:10 ARA27 Event? 16:30 Adelaide is the secret no one wants to share 18:44 3 highlights from Jess’s bookshop journey 26:00 How important indie authors are for Jess’s bookshop 32:09 ARA26 Event Behind the Scenes 45:16 What inspired Jess to run a book event? 50:58 Has Jess considered writing a book? 53:26 Exciting future plans for The First Chapter! 56:29 Where to find The First Chapter Bookshop Jess Weber Links The First Chapter: * Website [https://www.thefirstchapter.com.au] * Instagram [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjM3Pzp84qVAxUKaPUHHXOxEBYQFnoECBcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fthefirstchapterbookshop%2F&usg=AOvVaw3ZxJeu7QAuU3SBORnoQOOO&cshid=1781583545047719&opi=89978449] * Facebook [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjM3Pzp84qVAxUKaPUHHXOxEBYQFnoECBYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthefirstchapterbooks%2F&usg=AOvVaw2g5chQ2vMZ4zZnLd3nr6Ea&cshid=1781583545047719&opi=89978449] A Romantic Affair (Convention): * Website [https://aromanticaffair.com.au] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aromanticaffair] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2544976785676762] MG Hunt Links * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mghunt.author] * Linktree [https://linktr.ee/Mghunt] * Threads [https://www.threads.com/@mghunt.author] * Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51228189.M_G_Hunt] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mghunt.author] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mghunt.author] * Website [http://mghunt.com] * Amazon [https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/MG-Hunt/author/B0DBQS869T] Thanks for tuning in to the Indie Author Life show! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop [https://ko-fi.com/mghunt/] has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com [https://mghunt.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Writing full-time as an Indie Romantasy Author | Author Chat with Demi Clorissa

Currently living in Malaysia, proud Wiradjuri woman, Demi Clorissa [https://www.demiclorissa.com], grew up in Kempsey, New South Wales. Growing up in a small town, reading was her safe haven. And even in times of growing up and coming of age, when priorities shifted from books to reckless social behaviours, rediscovering her passion for writing and literature transformed her life. She even described it as something akin to ‘saving’ her from a path she didn’t envision for herself. Her writing journey has taken her to amazing places. Although she studied and practiced nursing in the mental health field, she now does what a lot of indie authors aspire to do, write full-time. It was Demi’s husband who encouraged her to do so. As they were going to uproot their lives and move to Malaysia, he suggested she take the plunge and give it a go. If it didn’t work out, Demi could always go back into the mental health medicine space. But from talking with Demi, I get the sense she isn’t slowing down anytime soon with her writing, and it is taking her to new and exciting places. Fortune favours the bold, as the saying goes, and I know that we are only seeing the beginning of how Demi Clorissa’s The Divine Bride Series [https://www.demiclorissa.com/thedivinebrideseries1] will have a great impact in the romantasy genre. Enjoy the episode! Timestamps 00:00 introduction 03:38 Demi’s background 11:17 Importance of working with people you trust 16:20 The art of critiquing 17:52 Book 2 feedback 21:37 Hardest vs most enjoyable part of writing 33:55 Writing a plus size FMC and exploring different bodies in writing 44:12 Exploring complex friendships/family dynamics in writing 46:12 Mia’s character development 53:03 The Rose and her Warrior Novella 59:47 What’s next for Demi Clorissa Demi Clorissa Links * Website [https://www.demiclorissa.com/new-page-1-1] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/demiclorissawrites/] * Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@demiclorissawrites] * Threads [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiW9YWare-UAxXzlq8BHS60CksQFnoECBgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.threads.com%2F%40demiclorissawrites&usg=AOvVaw1L2txnH-EXMXuFq1BoCpRR&opi=89978449] * Amazon [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiW9YWare-UAxXzlq8BHS60CksQFnoECB8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com.au%2Fstores%2Fauthor%2FB0C3G8ZSB5&usg=AOvVaw3R3hfMejASjPF4xQRPIzfX&opi=89978449] * Goodreads [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiW9YWare-UAxXzlq8BHS60CksQFnoECBcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fauthor%2Fshow%2F25305665.Demi_Clorissa&usg=AOvVaw2TJTfj5xw1EmbrT4T71mld&opi=89978449] * Linktree [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjywParre-UAxXClK8BHd4jHK8QFnoECBkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fdemiclorissa&usg=AOvVaw2gSt2axl4lKefi9pV0_2U6&opi=89978449] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Demi-Clorissa-Author-100087958577522/] MG Hunt Links * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mghunt.author] * Linktree [https://linktr.ee/Mghunt] * Threads [https://www.threads.com/@mghunt.author] * Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51228189.M_G_Hunt] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mghunt.author] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mghunt.author] * Website [http://mghunt.com] * Amazon [https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/MG-Hunt/author/B0DBQS869T] Thanks for tuning in to my segment on the Indie Author Life show! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop [https://ko-fi.com/mghunt/] has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com [https://mghunt.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How Travel and Spiritual Signs Influenced Julie Kay’s Writing Journey

Author Julie Kay has dived head first into the self-publishing world. Inspired by the places she’s visited, her family experiences and a nudge from a clairvoyant, she’s embraced her passion for writing. First seen with her debut novel, ‘Not My Father [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44098771-not-my-father]’ was inspired by Japanese travel and her father’s war time experiences. But she is not limited by genre, and her next few books have shifted in theme and age range. Crikey Roo and the Riddler, [https://www.amazon.com.au/Crikey-Roo-Riddler-Julie-Kay/dp/1763831329] her latest middle-grade publication, was a creation from her classroom. With the help of the brilliant minds of her primary school class, they helped her craft the story of the five children in Crikey Roo. It has now become a fixture in the local school library. We also talk about the importance of the book community. Julie both engages with others on social media, but also stresses the importance of in-person events, such as writing groups and supporting local libraries. Enjoy the episode! Timestamps 00:00 introduction 02:51 Julie Kay’s Background 09:13 About ‘Not My Father’ 10:43 Career changes and pivoting to self publishing 12:33 Julie’s writing routine 14:33 Clairvoyant message 17:04 Getting out of your comfort zone 22:50 Crikey Roo, Julie’s next book 24:50 On changing genres 25:52 Most enjoyable vs hardest parts of writing 31:42 Importance of writing communities 36:48 How travel has inspired Julie’s writing 41:45 Middle Grade writing 48:45 What’s next for Julie Kay Julie Kay Links * Instagram * Website MG Hunt Links * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mghunt.author] * Linktree [https://linktr.ee/Mghunt] * Threads [https://www.threads.com/@mghunt.author] * Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51228189.M_G_Hunt] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mghunt.author] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mghunt.author] * Website [http://mghunt.com] * Amazon [https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/MG-Hunt/author/B0DBQS869T] Thanks for tuning in to my segment on the Indie Author Life show! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop [https://ko-fi.com/mghunt/] has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com [https://mghunt.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Art of World-building, before your book is published | Author Chat with E.J. Riley

Growing up in rural Victoria, then spending time with First Nation’s communities in Central Australia, E.J. Riley [https://www.ejrileyauthor.com] has always carried a passion for storytelling close to her heart. Throughout her adolescence, her concept for her debut book series, The Seekers Guild, was a lifeline that carried her through multiple schools and ups and downs of tertiary education. E.J. Riley has always valued the art of storytelling. From her childhood immersing herself in the rich storytelling culture of First Nation Australian’s, to following her passion for archaeology at University - one thing that never left her was her deep desire to craft a story of her own. She even has the map of the world she made for her universe from when she was 13 still next to her on her desk! I adore the way E.J. Riley’s mind works, and with several anthology submissions [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243939770-state-of-mind] under her belt, it won’t be long until her debut saga is released. Enjoy the episode! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:30 The Botched State of Mind Girl Dinner Anthology 06:00 About E.J. Riley and her background 15:03 Life changing moment: deciding to write 20:55 Travel inspiring your story ideas 23:00 EJ Riley’s approach to writing 30:15 The Seekers Guild map 30:45 Developing unique stories 36:09 Unpacking the Romantasy term 43:50 All about The Seekers Guild 52:02 The plans to release The Seekers Guild 57:06 Where to connect with EJ Riley E.J. Riley Links * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ejrileyauthor/] * Linktree [https://linktr.ee/ejrileyauthor?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnPL51KRF-DeUIT-MVIiIvF1SFOTywPykgeyh3KgIrtIbK_MAUwY8Lx_1b34k_aem_mK6dHT8TD2fHrhE2QjSE4A] * Threads [https://www.threads.com/@ejrileyauthor?xmt=AQG0wJ1-Do7OrFU2kLYeQiMgzGPgpiKsiPeCg7SqyShrU8U] * Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61941217.E_J_Riley] * Website [https://www.ejrileyauthor.com] MG Hunt Links * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mghunt.author] * Linktree [https://linktr.ee/Mghunt] * Threads [https://www.threads.com/@mghunt.author] * Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51228189.M_G_Hunt] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mghunt.author] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mghunt.author] * Website [http://mghunt.com] * Amazon [https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/MG-Hunt/author/B0DBQS869T] Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop [https://ko-fi.com/mghunt/] has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com [https://mghunt.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

International Book Signings & Special Editions as an Indie Author | Author Chat with Rachel O'Rourke

Once again, I had the pleasure of chatting with MM romance author and friend of the show, Rachel O’Rourke [https://rachelorourke.com.au/pages/abouthttps://rachelorourke.com.au/pages/about]. From our first episode recorded together in 2025, it felt like Rachel had a clear vision for what she wanted her author career to look like: ambitious and always moving forward. Her dreams have become a reality and more, with the release of her light-hearted MM romance ‘Pretending in Paradise [https://rachelorourke.com.au/products/pretending-in-paradise]’, along with the spectacular special edition versions of some of her pivotal titles - please visit her website [https://rachelorourke.com.au/collections/shop-all?page=2] to check these gorgeous books out. With an international signing under her belt, Rachel is ready to embrace whatever comes next. Her attention to detail is clear in the curation of her social media accounts, as well as her in-person book events set ups. If you want to know how to sell yourself as an author, a self-published one at that, look no further than Rachel for inspiration. Enjoy the episode! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:11 A look back at Rachel’s journey since we last chatted 04:55 Pretending in Paradise 10:19 Writing comedy 13:15 Rachel’s foray into the Omegaverse 24:11 Curating your social media 32:42 The differences between social media platforms and posting content 39:47 Special Editions of Rachel O’Rourke’s books 53:31 Book Signing Events - An international book signing 01:06:29 What is next for Rachel O’Rourke Rachel O’Rourke Links * Website [https://rachelorourke.com.au/pages/about] * Instagram [https://rachelorourke.com.au] * Linktree [https://linktr.ee/rachel.orourke] * Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@authorrachelo] * Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/164481.Rachel_O_Rourke] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558444390970] * Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rachel-ORourke/author/B0C32ZXHLL] * Threads [https://www.threads.com/@rachelo.rourke] MG Hunt Links * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mghunt.author] * Linktree [https://linktr.ee/Mghunt] * Threads [https://www.threads.com/@mghunt.author] * Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51228189.M_G_Hunt] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mghunt.author] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mghunt.author] * Website [http://mghunt.com] * Amazon [https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/MG-Hunt/author/B0DBQS869T] Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support my work, my Ko‑Fi author shop [https://ko-fi.com/mghunt/] has signed copies of my books and a range of bookish goodies, including pins, bookmarks, and art prints. Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com [https://mghunt.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]