In The Curses We Keep by Dakota J. Miller, a family fleeing witchcraft accusations finds no refuge in the Charleston wilderness, where a wendigo, a grieving specter, and a town hunting for scapegoats close in on their daughter, Cassandra. A devastating time-loop reveals that her own attempt to save her family may cause the tragedy instead, and the novel’s immersive prose and inventive structure earn it a 5-star rating as a standout entry in dark historical horror.
Tag Archives: indie publishing
Editorial Book Reviews: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Make Yours Work Harder
This guide walks through what an editorial review is, why many authors find it useful, how to make the most of one once you have it, how to add it to your Amazon page, and — since several of you have asked — how to request the Just Reading Nook seal and use the seal card effectively.
Elegant, Brooding, and Philosophical, The Shattered Way by Adam Caisse
“Memories live longer than anything if we preserve them. They die the easiest of anything if we choose not to.” This statement is true. But are all memories worthy of being kept alive? Or are some best left to be forgotten? This question and many more are explored in The Shattered Way, a novel by Adam Caisse.
Walking A Tightrope (Without a Net)
While it’s true that not all authors share the same goals when they embark on their journey, enough commonalities exist for every author to face the same challenges. Publishing, covers, editing, and marketing are all functions that must be addressed in one way or another. This, in turn, means resources must be allocated, whether it’s time or, for many of you, cash.
A Changing Environment: The Indie Publishing Quality Crisis
A seismic shift has impacted the publishing industry over the last few years, with traditionally published books now accounting for only 13-25% of new titles. While these figures vary by genre and region, and publishing houses still retain an advantage for print books, the repercussions for the industry cannot be ignored.
The Book-Reader Buying Cycle: A Strategic Framework for Authors in the Modern Publishing Landscape
Every product has a buyer. Every buyer has a journey. In the consumer goods world, marketers have long relied on the Product-Consumer Buying Cycle, a structured map of how a stranger becomes a loyal customer, from the first flicker of awareness to the passionate endorsement of a brand advocate.
Book Review: Hanneh by author Gabriella Nøhr
Clever and sharp, Hanneh by Gabriella Nøhr is an original, and uniquely relevant tale of modern day dystopia disguised as a gilded cage.
Tyler Kirk – The Cloak Man of Indie Dark Fantasy
Known online as #TheCloakMan, a nod to his penchant for cloaks and his enigmatic, engaging online persona, Kirk is not just a writer but a creative storyteller who weaves grit, heart, and gothic beauty into every narrative. His work, whether it’s the hauntingly immersive Children of Strife series or the warm historical novel The Vitamin Kid, strikes a chord with readers who crave stories that explore the raw, messy complexities of the human condition. With a unique voice that blends poetic prose, emotional depth, and a touch of dark whimsy, Kirk’s books linger in readers’ minds long after the final page, offering not just entertainment but a strong connection to the characters and worlds he brings to life.
S. A. McNutt and Her Illuminating Collection, Lamplighter: Poems
In poetry, words evoke emotion and imagery, and these are tools S. A. McNutt wields masterfully. Her collection Lamplighter: Poems reflects two decades of observation, offering a reflective journey through memory, nature, and quiet truths.
Lights Over Phoenix
While skipping class one day, seventeen-year old Daisy finds a mysterious message in the girls’ bathroom. Though she’s not sure if it’s meant for her, she’s determined to find the sender. Every message has a sender. Soon she begins witnessing strange lights in the desert surrounding the small Arizona town from which she’s determined to escape. Before she can go far, however, she must face the parts of herself she wishes to rewrite. Inspired by the Phoenix Lights phenomena of the late 1990s, Terrestrial explores themes of isolation, communication, place, and the desert as both a home and a questionably inhabitable environment.