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As we celebrate Indie Author Month this April, I find myself reflecting on the most vital component of my writing journey—one that isn't about word counts, cover designs, or marketing strategies. It's about you: the readers who bring stories to life.
The Unique Reader-Author Relationship in Indie Publishing
Traditional publishing places several layers between authors and readers: editors, marketing teams, publicists, and retail channels. As an indie author, I have the extraordinary privilege of...
As we celebrate Indie Author Month, I wanted to pull back the curtain and give you an authentic glimpse into what life as a self-published author actually looks like. Unlike traditionally published authors who can focus primarily on writing while publishers handle everything else, indie authors wear many hats—sometimes all in the same day!
Morning: Creative Time
My most productive creative hours are in the morning. With coffee in hand, I dive into my current manuscript before the distractions...
April marks Indie Author Month, a time to celebrate the creative spirits who forge their own paths in publishing. As an indie author myself, this month holds special significance—it's our time to shine and connect with readers who appreciate authentic storytelling free from corporate constraints.
Why Indie Authors Matter
We indie authors are the risk-takers of the literary world. Without the safety net of traditional publishing houses, we pour our hearts, souls, and often our savings into...
I love getting such amazing reviews for any of my books and when another author reads and reviews them - well, it's honestly incredible for me.
Julia Blake is an author and she did just that recently for my newest book 'Just One More'.
Check out her glowing five star review below!
5.0 out of 5 stars A bittersweet and compelling read of a mother's strength and love
'What a refreshing change this book was. Amid the recent tidal wave of romantasy novels with flawless heroines, moody a-hole heroes,...
Just One More did not disappoint I couldn’t put it down. I had so many feelings overtake me reading this & the tissues were most definitely needed.
Beautifully written with so much depth & emotion this story held me from the very first page.
With wonderful characters you get to know & love this beautifully told story will break your heart.
In amongst all that heartache though there is some heartwarming moments. I think this could be this authors best book yet & her debut takes...
As an author, I pour my heart and soul into every book I write, hoping to connect with readers on a profound level. But the journey doesn't end once the book is published. Your feedback, in the form of reviews, plays a pivotal role in this ongoing dialogue between writer and reader.
Why Are Reviews So Important?
- Guiding Fellow Readers: Your insights help others decide whether a book aligns with their interests. A thoughtful review can illuminate aspects of the story that resonate deeply,...
In my novel, Quiet Whispers, I explore the complexities of love, family, and self-discovery through the journey of Kitty, a woman whose life is centered around caring for her beloved Nanna. When Kitty crosses paths with Fred—a charming yet unpredictable man whose initial attempts at flirting are less than conventional—she's both intrigued and cautious. Despite her reservations, Fred's unwavering spirit and zest for life begin to challenge Kitty's perceptions and the protective barriers she's...
As an author, I understand the emotional rollercoaster that comes with publishing a book. My novel, Behind The Stars, delves into this journey, blending personal experience with suspenseful fiction.
The story follows Tara Alexander, a debut romance novelist whose book rapidly climbs the bestseller lists. However, her excitement is short-lived as she becomes the target of relentless one-star reviews that feel more personal than critical. These attacks threaten not only her career but also her...
Some stories come to us in a whisper, while others demand to be told. Just One More was one of those stories that gripped my heart and wouldn’t let go until it was written.
At its core, Just One More is about love, loss, and the desperate wish for just a little more time. Grace, a devoted single mother, pours everything into creating beautiful memories with her five-year-old daughter, Ruby, but, when Ruby is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, Grace's world is shattered. Instead of...
Book festivals are a paradise for book lovers. They offer the chance to meet authors, discover new stories, and immerse yourself in the literary world. But if you’ve never attended one, you might wonder—what’s so special about them?
For one, book festivals provide a unique opportunity to connect with authors on a personal level. You can hear about their writing process, ask questions, and even get signed copies of their books. Plus, many authors offer exclusive deals or special editions only...
There’s something incredibly powerful about a book that provides comfort during difficult times. Whether it’s a heartwarming story that lifts our spirits or a deeply emotional novel that helps us process our own feelings, fiction has a way of healing us.
Some books remind us that we’re not alone, offering characters and experiences we can relate to. Others provide an escape, allowing us to lose ourselves in a world that feels safer than our own. No matter the genre, a good book can be like a...
Becoming a self-published author is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and countless learning experiences. From the moment an idea takes root to the day a book is in readers’ hands, the process is both thrilling and rewarding.
For me, writing has always been about storytelling—creating characters that feel real and stories that evoke emotion. Self-publishing has allowed me to connect directly with readers, bringing my books to life in a way that traditional publishing might not...
There’s something irresistible about a good psychological thriller. The twists, the suspense, the unreliable narrators—it’s the kind of genre that keeps us up late at night, unable to put the book down. But why do we love mind games in fiction so much?
Psychological thrillers tap into our natural curiosity and love for puzzles. They make us question everything, keeping us engaged as we try to piece together the mystery before the big reveal. We love the adrenaline rush that comes with a...
Books have a unique way of touching our hearts and staying with us long after we’ve turned the last page. Whether it’s a novel that provides comfort during a tough time or a story that shifts our perspective, literature has the power to shape lives.
Some stories make us laugh, others make us cry, and some even change the way we see the world. I still remember the first book that made me truly feel something beyond the words on the page. It was the kind of story that lingered in my thoughts and...
For self-published authors, book reviews are more than just a collection of opinions—they are a crucial element in an author's success. Unlike traditionally published writers who have the backing of a publishing house, marketing team, and established distribution networks, self-published authors must rely on word-of-mouth, personal marketing efforts, and—perhaps most importantly—reviews to build credibility and reach new readers.
Here’s why book reviews matter so much and how they can shape an...
FREE ENTRY FOR ALL VISITORS
I am exhibiting at my first Indie Book Festival - Wanna meet me?
If you would like to come along and say hi to myself and 44 other indie authors, we will be at The lovely Commemoration Hall, on the High Street in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire on Saturday 3rd & 4th of May, from 10am - 4pm.
It's FREE for all visitors to attend and you will be meeting some fabulous indie authors who will be happy to chat and show off their books to you.
I will have my whole collection of...
Audio Books cost 1000's of 's to have made so I was thrilled to be asked to try out AI audiobooks with the Draft2Digital platform who also make my ebooks and paperbacks available to loads of book outlets.
I thought I would see how Behind The Stars would be and honestly, it's quite cool.
So if you love to listen to books, please check it out and let me know what you think.
Smashwords Read an Ebook Week Has Begun
The 16th annual Smashwords Read an Ebook Week super sale is now underway! Join in this global celebration of indie ebooks and the readers who love them! The sale runs now through March 8.
Discover the Next breakout Indie Author!
Have you noticed? Indie authors [like me], and their trend-setting books [like mine], are having a moment, so don’t miss out on your chance to discover some of today’s hottest and most buzzworthy indie authors who have their books...
So, over the past 11 days, my new book has been on a virtual tour on Instagram and boy, what amazing reviews it's been getting.
- An emotional page turner
- You won't be disappointed
- I had to take some time after reading
- It will rip your heart out
- What a poignant story
- What a roller coaster of a book
- Beautifully written
- A book that will stay with you
- I'm in bits
- My dog thinks I'm having a breakdown
- Emotional Journey
I would like to thank all my readers and reviewers for taking the time to read...
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