Well we all know 2020 has been a year of many bad things. But I've also found for reading it's been a great year! I decided near the start of the year that I would be mostly reading indie books (and while I did buy a few traditionally published books I'm sad to say they are still in the TBR pile where I've read many of the indie books).
A little background for you about me: I chased Traditional publishing most of my life. I wrote things I thought would be acceptable for it. Then a moment came when I lost everything. My entire life's work of writing that I'd been working so hard on for that one thing. And I followed a lot of big authors. I listened to them. I decided that what I wanted the most was my stories to be out there and seen the way I intended them. I didn't want to fight for three years with an editor to try to make my books and characters more marketable. I knew when I wrote Fading Lights it was a small niche that would not likely gather the attention of the big houses. That's why I self-published. And that's why I became curious about other self-published or indie authors.
I've always been a voracious reader though I will admit to losing that for several years to my gaming hobby. I've really discovered something this year though that's important. If you will overlook any errors (which all books have by the way, even big house published ones) you will find a wealth of unaltered inspiration in indie/self published books. With all the ones I've read this year (or attempted to read) I've discovered that I thirst for that now. I want to see the author's vision as it was MEANT by the author to be seen, not filtered through big press for marketing purposes. There is a difference and I personally think the difference is huge and important. There is one major difference I've found between indie and traditionally published books: Yes, traditionally published books are usually beautiful works of word art and close to perfection. But they can't match the raw inspiration that I've found in indie works. I crave seeing the characters and the story as the author saw it now without an editor saying 'oh that won't sell that way'. Maybe it's because I am a self-published author with a strong vision for my own work that I have decided not to change just for the sake of sales.
Indie/self published books have a bad reputation that's tarnished by unedited manuscripts that don't make sense. Or people read one they disagreed with and they don't try any more and just label indie books as terrible.
I will admit to reading quite a few this year that were not my cup of tea or that I stopped within a few chapters. But I'd like to remind everyone that you aren't meant to like every book and not every author is writing FOR you either. I've had books on my list that had all five-star reviews but I could not personally get past the glaring errors or plot holes or whatever problems stood out to me. But they have a fan base and a following that are willing to overlook those errors because their story resonated that well with their audience. That's the point I implore you to take away from this post. Give them a try. Keep giving them a try. If you don't like one it wasn't for you. That doesn't mean they are bad or even that you won't find ones you don't like. I've found books I absolutely adore that resonated with me in ways I never got from Traditionally published books. Books I am so fervently in love with that it actually drives me crazy that these authors are not famous. Because they should be. They've written brilliant gems of such dazzling inspiration that it takes my breath away and makes everything 'popular' seem glossed over.
Not to say I don't love Traditionally published books but I do find myself buying less and less of them. I don't want to come across as talking down about Traditional publishing. It's all good and fine if that's the business model you'd like to follow and there's nothing wrong with chasing making a living off your writing.
If you are an indie or self published writer reading this or even thinking about becoming one, I beg you to do so and continue to do so. The world needs your stories. I know when you aren't getting sales or likes and you didn't get instantly famous over night you start to doubt yourself. Don't. You haven't found your audience. I pray that you will because you deserve to. Also thank you to all the amazing indie authors for being brave and putting your stories out there for us to read!
But all that rambling aside my point of posting this is to shout out to the amazing indie authors I've read this year. There are so many good ones and I do have a running list I update every time I find another here: https://vnvstables.wixsite.com/authorsnkroese/post/updated-recommended-indie-author-reading-list
My top ten reads this year though are (in no particular order):
Affinity's Window by Douglas L. Wilson - this book is the ghost horror story I've been wanting to read for years! The absolute best ghost horror story I've ever read/seen and that is something I tend to gravitate toward so I've read/seen a lot of them.
Martriach by Adam Wing - this story was unlike anything I've ever read and I absolutely adored every moment of it. It's a rollercoaster ride of adventure and just brilliant.
Moon Hunters by Anya Pavelle - this is one of my favorite books I have ever read in my life. It's not even a genre I normally read. I loved everything about this imaginative story. I don't know what to say about it that won't spoil it so just trust me and pick it up.
Edge of the Breach by Halo Scot - What can I say? This book is very dark and disturbing. I have written a psychopath character since I was 10 years old and even he didn't come close to the realism Halo has achieved with hers in this. Kyder was terrifying and horrific but entirely perfect for the world he's set in. If you like things dark and gritty do not miss this one.
The Community by Jacob Klop - I love this book so much it pains me that Jacob is not a more recognized author. This book is genius. Want a horrifyingly realistic look into what a closed society could become for the 'good' of the people? It's here. Very thought-provoking.
Children of Anshar by KJ Shadmand - Another really underrated book. If you like Roman/Greek/Egyptian mythology and stories along that line don't miss this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Borderlands: Prelude by Charles Gull - Anything Charles writes is golden but this one was my favorite so far. Breathtaking adventure, heart stopping action. If you're a fan of action in fantasy settings you can't get better than this.
Dead Heads (Gloomwood Book 1) by Ross Young - I'm not usually a comedy reader. But the dark comedy in this one had me laughing. This is a brilliant book and worth giving a chance if you're into dark humor. And it's got a little bit of a mystery going on that I enjoyed as well.
The Sting by D.B. Carter - Words can't describe how good this short tale is. D.B. doesn't usually write horror but he should because this was terrifying, horrifying, and extremely satisfying to read. I'm glad he wrote some horror, I'm not much for romance but I will 100% tell you that he is a very talented writer.
In Hell's Shadow by John Coon - I read a lot of horror this year apparently. This one is a short as well but it did not disappoint. Awesome horror story by a very talented writer.
It was hard to chose my favorite ten. Do check out my full list because each and every book and author on it deserves your attention and their books deserve a read.
Looking forward to reading even more awesome indie books in 2021! Stay tuned and bookmark my list for updates!
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