Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill Rice cover art

Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill Rice

Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill Rice

Written by: Mica Merrill Rice
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About this listen

Traditionally Self-Published is the podcast tailored for indie authors who want to learn how to self-publish using the strategies, tips, and tricks like traditionally published authors. Hosted by author Mica Merrill Rice, each episode features real talk with industry professionals (editors, cover artists, narrators, etc.) and actual indie authors who are flipping the script and publishing on their own terms. Whether you are plotting your first or publishing your fifth, here you will learn how to write smart, publish like a pro, and keep your readers turning those pages.

© 2026 Traditionally Self-Published with Mica Merrill Rice
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Episodes
  • The Voice Behind the Bestsellers: A Conversation with Robb Moreira
    Jan 20 2026

    In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, we sit down with professional audiobook narrator Robb Moreira to talk about what it really takes to bring stories to life in audio—and what authors and aspiring narrators need to know before stepping behind the mic. Robb has recorded for authors like Rebecca Yarros, James Patterson, Megan Lally, Frieda McFadden, Mica Merrill Rice, and so many more!

    Robb shares how he got started in audiobook narration, the project that helped define his career, and why audiobook narration is about far more than having a good voice. We also dive into the realities of audiobook production, self-narration, and how AI is impacting the voice narration space.

    We Discuss:

    • How Robb got started in audiobook narration
    • The book that helped put him on the map
    • What makes a manuscript work (or struggle) in audio
    • Why audiobook narration is performance, not just reading
    • When authors should, and shouldn't, narrate their own books
    • The realities of production, stamina, and consistency
    • AI narration: limitations and listener trust

    We conclude with the INK STARTER LIGHTNING ROUND and Robb’s 5 Best Tips for Authors and Aspiring Narrators.

    About Robb:

    Robb Moreira is a Bilingual Voice Actor and audiobook narrator with over a decade of experience behind the microphone. With 7 years of Conservatory Acting training and over 10 years of stage experience, Robb was looking for something different. A chance conversation with a fellow actor changed his theater trajectory to one of voiceover and Robb never looked back.

    With over 200 audiobook credits and several voice award nominations (and wins!), Robb continues to venture further into the audiobook world and sees a very busy future in the genre. Keep an eye out for future titles!

    Where to find Robb:

    Socials: @robbmorieravo

    Website: https://www.robbmoreiravo.com/

    You can also catch his voice on audiobooks via most major retailers!

    Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com

    Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

    Website: micamerrillrice.com

    Instagram: @micamriceauthor

    Facebook: @micamriceauthor

    TikTok: @micamriceauthor

    "Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ


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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Creating the Rules with Ania Ray: Why Women Writers Thrive in Community
    Jan 6 2026

    In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, we discuss Creating the Rules, a women's fiction novel by Ania Ray, and explore why women writers thrive when they choose community over isolation.

    Ania shares the inspiration behind the book, her journey as an indie author, and how building intentional writing spaces changes the creative process.

    We Discuss:

      • Her latest release, Creating the Rules, the 3rd and final book in the Cromwell Rules series
      • Her process for writing the craft
      • The Quill and Cup Writing group and the importance of community in this industry
      • We conclude with the INK STARTER LIGHTNING ROUND and Ania’s 5 Best Tips for Authors!

    About Ania:

    Ania Ray is a mama, author, and CEO of Quill & Cup, a fiercely supportive community of women who are committed to prioritizing progress on their novel and making rest a non-negotiable. When she’s not curating curriculum, hosting events, or teaching research-backed mindset tools to empower women, she’s hanging out with her family. To fill her cup, catch her hiking, planning her next trip, or enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.

    The Cromwell Rules is her debut women’s fiction trilogy, where each woman must face the worst of herself before she becomes the hero of her story.

    Where to find Ania Ray:

    Instagram: @theaniassey

    Books: https://www.thecromwellrules.com

    Writing group, Quill & Cup: www.quillandcup.com

    Ania's podcast : Her Life, Her Rules

    Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com

    Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

    Website: micamerrillrice.com

    Instagram: @micamriceauthor

    Facebook: @micamriceauthor

    TikTok: @micamriceauthor

    "Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ


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    55 mins
  • Writing Historical Fiction with Truth and Tradition: A Conversation with Catherine Astl
    Dec 16 2025

    In this episode of Traditionally Self-Published, I sit down with historical fiction author and English Literature teacher Catherine Astl to talk about her novel Christmas Serenades—a deeply rooted Smoky Mountain Christmas story filled with truth, tradition, and meticulously researched history.

    Catherine shares how her lifelong connection to the Great Smoky Mountains shaped her storytelling, why she stays fiercely committed to historical accuracy, and how she weaves real events and family stories into engaging fiction. We discuss the simple but meaningful holiday traditions of Cades Cove, the importance of preserving the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, and the delicate balance between factual research and narrative imagination.

    We Discuss:

    • How Christmas Serenades brings Smoky Mountain history to life
    • The simple holiday traditions of Cades Cove and why they matter
    • Catherine’s extensive research process using family stories and university archives
    • Why historical fiction should never “correct” or soften difficult truths
    • How she balances teaching full-time with a consistent writing practice
    • The power of small details, authentic dialogue, and writing with passion
    • Catherine’s “Five Best Tips” for authors of any genre

    Where to find Catherine and her book:

    • Christmas Serenades: A Novel
    • Instagram: @catherineastl
    • Catherine on Facebook

    About Catherine:

    Catherine Astl, a Florida-based English Literature teacher, holds a Master’s in English-Literature and Curriculum from Southern New Hampshire University, a Bachelor’s in English-American Literature from the University of South Florida, and is a graduate of the International Summer Schools Shakespeare and Literature program at the University of Cambridge. She also has an Associate of Science in Legal Assisting and spent 27 years as a civil litigation trial paralegal before transitioning to education. Catherine has published a trade magazine column, two non-fiction books, and six Smoky Mountain Historical Fiction novels.

    Deeply connected to the Great Smoky Mountains—where her North Carolina roots lie—she devotes her work to preserving the stories of the people who once lived there. Inspired by childhood visits and personal ties to the region, Catherine is passionate about bringing the area's history to life, honoring the resilience and spirit of those who built communities in the park's now-preserved landscapes.

    Have a publishing question? Email me at mica@micamerrillrice.com

    Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter

    Website: micamerrillrice.com

    Instagram: @micamriceauthor

    Facebook: @micamriceauthor

    TikTok: @micamriceauthor

    "Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ


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    35 mins
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