M.G. Hunt's Blog
October 9, 2025
It’s an Ill Wind That Writes a Mystery - Author Chat with Pam Keevil
After a long and fulfilling career as a primary school teacher and head teacher, Pam Keevil is turning the page to begin an exciting new chapter as a writer. Having experimented with romance and erotica, she’s now found her stride in the gripping world of thrillers and mysteries.
Sprinkles of romance are remain as through-lines throughout her work, however. Her latest release in the DS Mulroney Mystery series, It’s An Ill Wind, poses this question: What do you do when you discover the man you’re falling in love with is the same person who tried to kill you?
Speaking with Pam was an absolute delight. She shared how pivotal her writing group has been. Not just in honing her craft, but in helping her stay on track with her annual publishing goals. Pam also spoke passionately about her love for character development, revealing that inspiration often strikes in unexpected places, like spotting stylish concertgoers who spark entire storylines!
Join us for a thrilling ride through Pam Keevil’s creative process and her journey into crime fiction.
Timestamps:00:00 Introduction
1:16 Pam Keevil’s background, teaching and past writing experiences
6:46 A day/week in Pam Keevil’s current life
11:06 Daily and weekly writing habits
16:37 Necessary marketing
25:42 Discussion around It’s An Ill Wind
30:30 a doomed romance?
32:31 How long Its an Ill Wind took to write and the research behind it
38:25 The meaning of the titles chosen for this series.
40:04 Looking to the future book
44:01 How to connect with Pam Keevil and where to purchase her books
Pam Keevil LinksMG Hunt LinksWhere to purchase Still Waters Run Deep by MG Hunt Follow Indie Author Life on Instagram!Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
September 25, 2025
Ghostly Tales & Love Stories: Exploring the multi-genre world of Madeline Nixon
Self-published author Madeline Nixon is no stranger to paranormal activity. Her latest publication, Robins the sequel to her debut Feathers, draws inspiration from her own ghost stories. While she could easily establish herself in the captivating genre of paranormal fiction, Nixon chooses to explore various genres, following wherever her creativity leads her.
When she’s not creating content for children’s educational literature on topics like sharks, natural disasters, or dance, she’s immersed in writing her latest romance novel. A self-proclaimed lover of ‘banter’, she enjoys crafting tension-filled, dialogue-driven romance stories. One of Nixon’s most compelling and popular works is the quirkily titled Last Christmas I Love Spelled Us Apart - a blend of Halloween and Christmas perhaps? I’m here for it!
Madeline Nixon’s extensive literary experience makes her an inspiring and intriguing storyteller in the indie author space.
Timestamps00:00 Introduction
00:48 Madeline Nixon’s background
05:39 What writing life routine looks like
08:58 Pantser or Plotter
11:54 Current project: Small town romance
15:22 Hardest vs enjoyable part of writing
21:30 Madeline nixon’s diverse genres: Ghost stories
30:40 Latest release: Robins
32:19 Educational writing
36:20 Romance books
43:15 Community helping each other
50:03 Looking ahead future plans
Madeline Nixon links:MG Hunt links:Follow Indie Author Life on Instagram!
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September 21, 2025
Introducing Darkness in the Flesh: The story of Gatira.
The official title of my 2026 literary release.I’m a fiend for an origin story, especially if it’s one about a villain. I’ve always had a soft spot for a story’s antagonist, wanting to know more of what makes them so audacious, diabolical, or only human.
That is why I have thrown all my writing energy into bringing to life a project dear to my heart. Introducing to you all, Darkness in the Flesh - The backstory of Gatira, the antagonist from Still Waters Run Deep.
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Who is Gatira?Gatira has been a character I resonated with in some ways. Those ways may not be familiar or admirable, especially in the way she is presented as the villain in Still Waters Run Deep, my debut novel. But there has always been a deep yearning and curiosity to explore more of her psyche, and the mysterious dark elemental powers she wields.
Behind her formidable and stoic exterior, was a young girl struggling to make sense of the world she lived in. She was never welcomed in her home, and had to fight for her right to respect and peace. The story I wanted to tell shows her journey navigating key moments of her adolescence. It is full of emotion, all the painful and joyous facets of it. It is perhaps a cautionary tale of the human experience too, as not all that people present themselves to be is who they really are.
So, let’s talk timelinesWriting this post in mid-September 2025, I am currently sitting at approximately 82,000 words. Not bad considering I started writing this end of 2023… yes I am a self proclaimed writing slow-poke. Not wanting to rush quality, I promise you all it is worth the wait. My aim is to reach 100k words in November this year. My hope is by then the story will be finished, but will see how I go with that.
My next steps will be to finish my manuscript, self edit, engage Alpha and Beta readers late 2025 or early 2026. I will be sending to my editor June 2026, and from there, the release will be imminent. I do not have an exact date yet, but the timeline is set.
Some FAQsWhy write a backstory for Gatira, rather then focusing on getting Still Waters Run Deep Book II out?
Short answer: Because I want too! The longer answer is that inspiration hit me, hard. I originally wanted to write another short story, similar to Elara and the Passing. I had envisioned approximately 10k words, written as diary entries. But as I explored Gatira’s story, I realised I wanted to delve deeper into her character. This is my first attempt at writing in first person, which has been an enjoyable exercise so far.
Will we be getting Still Waters Run Deep Book II?
Yes. Timewise, I cannot tell you when this might be released. I would love to say end of 2027, but that might be ambitious. Good things take time, and I promise I will put my all into this project.
Setting the moodIf you would like to add Darkness in the Flesh to your ‘Want to Read’ shelf on Goodreads, you can by visiting this link.
There will be some graphics, illustrations and general promo being revealed soon, but there is a playlist if you would like to get an insight into the mood and vibes of this tale.
Finally, I will leave you with this illustration I created back when I wanted to write a short story instead. It was a trial front cover. Still, I think it represents a good visual ‘tone’ of the story overall. Bring on Darkness in the Flesh, coming 2026.
Trial cover for Darkness in the Flesh, illustrated by me. Check out more of my illustration work on my instagram @ismoniaThanks for reading Indie Author Life! This post is public so feel free to share it.
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September 11, 2025
Dark Retellings & Happily Ever Afters: K E Barden’s Fairytale Rise
Indie author K E Barden wrote her first draft entirely on her mobile phone. That’s not just commitment, it’s creative grit at its best.
A seasoned storyteller in the realm of fairytale retellings, Barden has spent years weaving magic into her stories. With a successful series re-release behind her, she’s turned every setback into storytelling gold. Proof that resilience and imagination make a powerful combination.
Barden’s ‘Finding Ever After’ series is already three books in, with book four and five scheduled to be released 2026. The series is an exploration into commonly familiar fairytales with a dark, YA twist to them. It is also an exploration into how far one would go to find their ‘happily ever after’.
The momentum doesn’t stop there. Barden’s indie journey is on an impressive trajectory. She was recently invited to pitch the ‘Finding Ever After’ series for a film/TV adaptation. It’s a bold reminder that indie authors aren’t just keeping up, rather, they’re redefining an industry once ruled by traditional publishing.
Timestamps00:00 Introduction
02:01 K E Barden's background
07:51 Writing routine
16:14 What K E Barden's writing process looks like
21:39 Hardest vs. Most Enjoyable part of writing
31:37 The Finding Ever After Series
38:16 Publishing Timeline for Finding Ever After Series
45:39 Latest publication: Book 3, A Glass Darkly
56:31 Future for K E Barden
K E Barden’s LinksMG Hunt’s LinksFollow Indie Author Life on Instagram!
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August 30, 2025
Happy 1st Anniversary, Elara and the Passing
Before my debut full-length novel was published this year, there was Elara and the Passing (EATP). This short story was born out of frustration. I was dealing with a publisher who promised Still Waters Run Deep (SWRD) the world, only for it to succumb to financial ruin. A complete fault of their own, but that is a story for another day.
Front cover of my first ever publication, Elara and the Passing. This was the first book cover I created as well.While waiting for the outcome of Still Waters Run Deep (SWRD), I was itching to promote myself in the online indie author world. EATP was a short story I wrote in the same elemental magik universe as SWRD. It was written in early 2023, and sparked a passion for me to expand the stories in the fantasy universe I’d created.
After online stalking, and then getting the courage to seek advice of fellow Aussie indie authors, I decided to give self publishing a go - with EATP as the trial run. Make no mistake though, EATP was not going to be just a test, it was to be my formal introduction into the indie author community. And the experience I had with releasing EATP would be one I will never forget.
Me with my first book baby ☺️There has been no greater (and surreal) feeling than first receiving praise for your writing. The knowledge that someone, maybe on the other side of the world, has read and enjoyed your story is a feeling I will cherish forever. I will always be incredibly thankful for all that read my debut short story, for the experiences gleaned in that moment gave me the encouragement to throw my everything into SWRD.
To all my ARC readers, my indie author friends, my personal and work friends, family: thank you SO much for the support not only for EATP, but for also the support shown to SWRD and future projects to come.
Here’s to Elara’s 1st birthday 🥳
To celebrate the anniversary of Elara and the Passing, I am offering a 25% discount on signed copy bundles via my Etsy store.
Elara and the Passing is available on Etsy, Amazon and selected bookshops. Visit my website for more information.Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
August 28, 2025
Secrets and shifter romance: Author Chat with A L Rojo 🐺
From shifter paranormal romance to getting lost in the “Darkwoods”, author A L Rojo’s writing has invited readers into rich shifter-themed worlds. Based in Sydney’s western suburbs, A. L. Rojo always finds time to dream up her next writing project- even if it’s while driving the kids to netball practice!
I deeply admire A L Rojo’s dedication to her writing, with four books out of a planned seven (yes, seven) published in her series ‘The Pack of Farrowline’ Series. She’s also recently published a new novel titled ‘The Lady of the Darkwoods’ which marks the beginning of an entirely new series. A L Rojo is certainly on a roll. She has spun gold, making her daydreams a reality.
If you are a fan of shifter romance, found family and fated mates, please check out A L Rojo.
Episode timestamps00:00 Introduction
04:02 About A L Rojo
09:25 Getting the confidence to self publish
12:34 Street team
14:56 A day in the life of A L Rojo
21:16 Hardest vs enjoyable parts of writing
30:54 The Lost Lady of the Darkwoods
42:09 Multiple series writing
46:59 Comparing 'The Pack' and 'The Darkwoods'
50:44 Potential character art
A L Rojo’s LinksMG Hunt’s LinksFollow Indie Author Life on Instagram!
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August 14, 2025
Challenging the Indie Author stereotypes
Content warning: this episode includes discussion of mental health topics, depression, anxiety, self-harm and other similar themes.
My friends, do I have a fabulous episode for you all! Fellow indie author Jess McFarlane sat down with me to discuss the range of stereotypical opinions that exist with indie publishing.
To many of us, traditional publishing is considered or perceived to be the ‘gold standard’ for literature. But the rise of indie authors and the growing accessibility in self-publishing is steadily changing the current preconceptions of the community.
In this episode, author Jess McFarlane and I discuss the stereotypes around self-publishing and being an author. We touch on topics such as author wellbeing, finding your community, marketing, and topical debates in the indie author sphere.
Of course, we also get into Jess’s upcoming literary release Man of Bears (scheduled for 16th September 2025). It is the sequel to Woman of Wolves, and book to in the medieval Irish historical fiction series, Arasgain Rule.
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Topics discussed with timestamps:00:00 Introduction
02:21 Reacting to assumptions about self-publishing
15:10 The mental load of being an indie author
19:01 Discussing Audra Winter
26:46 Ratings and opinions
32:02 Reflecting on how far you’ve come
41:15 Reacting to @authortuesdayyjames Threads post
48:18 Man Of Bears and Jess’s future work
58:44 Including spice
1:06:00 Looking to the future
Media and services quoted in this episodeEnfant Terrible - Remy Bazerque:
Enfant TerribleTraditional Publishing vs Self-PublishingA New Path for Me…Read morea year ago · 123 likes · 87 comments · Remy BazerqueThreads post by @authortuesdayyjames
Artist @miajoanart
Jess McFarlane’s LinksMG Hunt’s LinksFollow Indie Author Life on Instagram!
Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! This post is public so feel free to share it.
July 24, 2025
Fractured Pieces and Faded Fragments: Mandi Kontos discusses her indie author life.
Content disclaimer: This episode discusses topics related to mental health and serious physical illness. We understand these subjects can be sensitive and potentially triggering. Please take care of yourself and feel free to pause or skip ahead if needed.
Mandi and I sat down to record our interview after a long work day doing our other non-writing jobs. Both days spent in offices wishing we could be at home working on our lists of manuscripts and ideas. Even after long days at the office, we logged into Zoom full of energy, and I was fascinated by what Mandi shared about her life as an indie author.
Growing up in Adelaide, Australia, Mandi has taken a lot of her writing inspiration from popular movies and TV shows of her youth. Shows like ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Charmed’, as well as ‘The Mummy’ movie series, are clearly influenced by her latest Egyptian Historical Urban Fantasy, ‘The Nexus Series’.
Mandi now calls Melbourne home, and steadily works between not only a 9-5 full time job, but also writes, runs her own podcast and operates her Writing Mindset Mentor business as well. Indie authors certainly do have to wear many different hats.
Enjoy the latest episode of Author Chat!
Mandi’s linksDreaming Fully Awake - Mandi’s website
The Writing Apocethary - Podcast
MG Hunt’s linksWhere to purchase Still Waters Run Deep:Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
July 18, 2025
The Indie Industry - A Breakdown | All Booked Out Fest 📕
Held in the InterClub Ballarat Drop In Centre, Coven Press had organised an indie literary festival delight!
Along with many local self published authors, the festival ran a few other insightful panels. The panel I spoke on was a chance for me to talk about my own experience being a self published author, and also hear from other well regarded professionals in the Australian publishing space.
Enjoy this presentation where we talk about our experience in the indie author and book publishing industry.
Thank you so much for Coven Press for an amazing weekend!
Featured guests from left to right: MG Hunt, Paula Gleeson, Laura (Hardy Audio) and Stef (Coven Press).Featured guests from left to rightMG Hunt (me)
Paula Gleeson (Author of Original Twin and Boney Creak)
Lauren from Hardy Audio
Stef from Coven Press
Panel moderator: Liz McCracken from Coven Press
Questions askedQuestion 1I’d love to hear from everyone with this question: What got you interested in the publishing industry, whether as an author or professional?
Question 2Paula, can you share your experience as a traditionally published author? What was the process of securing a publishing contract like, and what has your experience been with distribution and marketing?
Question 3MG and Stef, this one’s for you: In your view, does indie publishing offer a difference in accessibility or inclusion compared to a traditional route, such as what Paula has done?
Question 4Lauren, a question specifically for you: With your work at Hardy Audio, how have you seen indie authors approach audio production? What other possibilities are out there in the audio realm for authors to take advantage of?
Question 5While we're on the topic of audio, MG, you're the host of the podcast Indie Author Life, where you speak with authors and vendors in the independent publishing space. How has this medium helped you build connections, and how do you think audio can be a valuable tool in an author’s toolkit?
Question 6Stef, could I ask what advice do you have for indie authors trying to establish a brand or identity in such a saturated market? Market?
Question 7A question for the entire panel: How much of your time is actually spent writing (or doing the fun stuff) vs marketing or managing the business side of your work?
Quick fire questions (this or that)Okay, that’s the end of our structured questions, here’s a list of quick fire this or that questions to get to know our panelists:
Early mornings or late nights?
Quiet workspace or background noise?
Coffee or tea while working?
To read: Fiction or non fiction?
To read: Print books, ebooks or audiobooks?
MG Hunt’s links 📚 Where to purchase Still Waters Run Deep 📚Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
July 10, 2025
Films Have Given Me Trust Issues | Author Chat with Ben Tobler 📚
In this episode of Author Chat, I speak with contemporary fiction writer Ben Tobler, who has a passion for fantasy.
Residing in the Tablelands of NSW, Ben often turns to writing as a form of escapism from his day job as a teacher, dedicating his weekends to exploring the world he has created for the protagonists in his stories.
His debut novel, Films Have Given Me Trust Issues, represents a complete escape into a new creative endeavour, contrasting sharply with his usual reading preferences (which include Brandon Sanderson and J.R.R. Tolkien). This novel marks his entry into contemporary fiction, and reviewers have compared it to Bridget Jones’s Diary.
Ben's writing highlights his diverse interests and his willingness to explore new genres, allowing him to create something unique and exciting.
Here’s the blurb of Films Have Given Me Trust Issues
No self-belief, no direction, a job she hates and a love life comparable to that of a dead fish...Hannah feels like a red-hot mess.
At forty, Hannah lives alone, depends far too much on booze and prescription painkillers, and has her mother breathing down her neck about 'finding the perfect son-in-law'. Her love for Hollywood happy endings is her only source of comfort in the chaos of reality.
That is until serendipity brings beautiful, mysterious, and seemingly perfect Katie into her life.
A fast friendship forms over drunken escapades, weekends away and shared demons. Despite her new lease on life, Katie's friendship forces Hannah to confront all that she knows - about herself, her past and her world.
Hollywood happy endings may not be all they seem...
Enjoy this episode of Indie Author Life!
Ben Tobler’s links:Where to read Films Have Given Me Trust Issues:MG Hunt’s links:Where to purchase Still Waters Run Deep:Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
