Support Self-Published Authors This Holiday Season!

Above: A template image of books on a shelf.

Updates

Convergence of Connection: Another round of edits on book three is complete! It’s now with a beta reader, who will review it and let me know if it’s “missing anything”.

I’ve never used a beta reader before, but I feel it’s necessary with this installment. With where it falls in the overall series timeline, the first part of Convergence of Connection has less action, and a lot of world building and character development (if you’ve read Mysteries of the Material, you know why). Because of this, I’m using a beta reader. I want to get some reader insight on if it’s too slow, too descriptive, too confusing, or anything else they might think.

That’s not to say I think the story is bad as-is. On the contrary; I think Convergence of Connection is the most complex and rewarding part of the series. There’s so much character growth, and so much beauty… but that’s what I love reading, and I wrote it, so of course I’m a little biased.

I should get feedback on that sometime in January. Until then…

The Way of the Wielder, book four: I’ve started plotting what needs to happen in book four—the final installment of this series. Saying that makes my heart a little heavy, but I’ll do everything I can to make it a beautiful ending!

Unnamed Middle Grade (MG) story: This is a fun story that I’m working on between my heavier adult fantasy works. It’s full of adventure and magic, but is set in the real world, so is more magical realism than fantasy. I’m hoping to finish this within the next month, and publish next summer. Stay tuned!

Showing Self-Published Authors Some Love

Many people buy books for family, friends, and loved ones over the holidays, but most of those books aren’t written by self-published authors.

This holiday season, I encourage you to branch out and gift something a little different to the book lovers in your life. Below is a list of self-published books I’ve read this year. Take a few minutes to skim through it. Hopefully something calls out to you. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find something you’ll enjoy, too.

NOTE: Clicking on the title(s) brings you to Amazon. Clicking on the author’s name brings you to their author website (if they have one), which may have other options available for purchase.

Self-Published List for 2024

A Tyranny of Angels trilogy (Godhunter, Speak of the Devil, and The Evolution of Angels), by Isobel Lynn

It’s not a stretch to say this is one of my new favorite series of all time. A cozy romantic fantasy, pirate librarians, swoon-worthy angels, and demons who aren’t so bad. And if that’s not enticing enough, there’s wonderful character development, found families, sweet and slow burning romances, and an unexpected (but delightful) M/M romance in book three. I’ve read this series twice, and honestly can’t wait to read it again!

Wisconsin Gothic series (Dionysus in Wisconsin, Old Time Religion, and Troth), by E.H. Lupton

“A graduate student and an archivist work together to fight a god.” That’s the first line of book one’s blurb. Catchy, no? Ulysses (a grad student) is investigating some mysterious, haunting happenings across campus. His investigation leads him to Sam (an archivist). They quickly develop a relationship, despite the demon attacks, Sam’s family history, and Ulysses’ lingering angst. It’s a magical gay romance with a mystery tilt, set in the 1970s in Madison, WI. It’s been shortlisted for a few awards, and having read the first two books, I can see why.

The Wizard’s Butler, by Nathan Lowell

I adored this book. It’s a slice-of-life story about a man who takes a job as a butler for a supposedly crazy older man. “He thinks he’s a wizard,” they said. But the older man is sharp as a tack, and is more than meets the eye. There’s wit, comfort, great character development, and a cast of support characters that are just delightful. Oh, and there’s pixies. What’s not to love?

Herald Petrel, by Strange Seawolf

An experienced captain begrudgingly accepts a job on a space cargo ship. Things don’t exactly go according to plan, and the story is all about working together to survive against all odds. The characters are diverse and incredibly well developed, the plot is intriguing and action-packed, and the mystery keeps you turning the page. If you like space operas with strong characters (male, female, and everything in between), check this out now!

Wild Flowers, Electric Beasts, by Alina Leonova

A dual-society science fiction story. The world building here is outstanding, and the plot is dynamic without being too complex. There was a lot to love in this book, and it has won a couple of Indie Author awards since its publication in 2023. If you like sci-fi with diverse characters and sexualities, check it out!

Only the Living Feel Remorse, by Ash Deza

When I finished this book, I put it down and whispered, “Holy hell, what a ride.” It’s a ghost story, where the main character is haunted by his best friend’s ghost. It’s chilling and brutal, but so gripping. I’m not usually a fan of horror, but this one caught my attention right through to the end. An excellent debut!

This is How Immortals Die, by Nicole Hidalgo

I’ve never read a book quite like this one. It’s a fantasy tale that mixes Greek mythology and Gaelic culture, and it has a lot of moving parts. There’s witty banter, forbidden romances, sapphic representation, a post-apocalyptic setting, and lots of action. I found it to be a bit violent at times, but the character development is excellent. Another great debut for you to enjoy!

Ruinous Attraction, by Ruby Jones

This was my first dip into erotica, and I was pleasantly surprised that the story was so much more. A team goes on an archaeological expedition, and two men get trapped inside a sex chamber. They search for a way out, but get “distracted” by the ancient magic inside. There’s sex, of course, but there’s also a budding romance that leaves you with warm fuzzies.

Woodspell, by C.R. Collins

This book made me rethink how forests interact with society. It’s a fantasy story (the first in a series), where the female main character escapes into the woods and discovers magic all around and within her. It was a book unlike any I’ve read, so if you’re looking for a fresh take on fantasy with an environmental spin, this one’s for you!

Pride, Prejudice, and Witches!, by James Milne

This book has some really witty banter between characters, which I always enjoy. Overall, the story is enjoyable, although it’s not as aligned with the original Pride and Prejudice as other spinoffs are. If you enjoy historical fiction, witches, and wit, check this out.

Radial: The Academy and Radial: Valentine’s Day, by Pax Asteriae

These short stories focus on the same main character (Alex), but several years apart. The first one (The Academy) happens when he’s a teenager; the second when he’s a twenty-something. The first is mostly angsty character development with action, and the second is a M/M detective romance. Great stories if you like shorter fiction!

South Breaks (Winds of Destiny, #1), by Hannah Steenbock

This book (which is the first in a series) has an interesting magic framework. Essentially, humans are used by the Holy Empire as sacrifices for power. The character development is great, and the story itself showcases a strong female lead with clever and loyal animals.

Reclaiming the Forest, by Alejandro M. P.

This is a short story about one man joining forces with his childhood friend to unravel mysteries around stolen artifacts. There is a history between the humanoid races (humans and elves), and that plays a part in their collaboration. It’s an enchanting story, but it’s short, and left me wanting more. If you like stories that leave you wondering, this is for you.

The Golden Crucifix (A Matthew Cordwainer Medieval Mystery), by Joyce Lionarons

This is the first book in a string of medieval mystery novels. You meet the main character, Matthew Cordwainer, and follow him and a small cast of side characters as they investigate a murder in the city of York. It’s a well-written story, very immersive, and I felt like I really was in York in the 1300s. If you like murder mysteries, check it out.

Dragon of Earth (Dragon of the Wounded Land, #1), by Steve Turnbull

In this fantasy tale, an acrobat in a circus gets caught up in magical, treasonous dealings, and doesn’t really know why. It’s a fun journey, filled with banter, self-exploration, and a strong-willed female main character who’s not the hero you’d expect. The world building is excellent, and the magic is interesting and complex. If that’s appealing to you, check it out.

Candy Cane Wishes, by Amanda Stormwood

This is a quick holiday read with a bit of sugar, spice, and everything nice! Definitely for adult audiences, but it’s a sweet story with a strong female lead, and a hunky man who makes wishes come true.

__

That’s all for now!

Until next time, be well and stay creative—and happy reading!

~Sarah