My Favorite Indie Writer
Under Witch Moon
Every time I cross the state to visit my parents, I see a billboard with the slogan, "Be a Published Writer!" The advertiser is a 'vanity press' - that is, a publisher who will put any manuscript they receive into print. There was a day when I scorned authors took those measures to become published. But not any more!
A few months ago, I bought an e-reader, and since independently-published e-books tend to be cheaper than the traditionally-published ones, I have gobbled up these indie novels. To my delight, many of them are excellent.
One series, however, has stood in particular. 50 Shades aside, not every indie novel is on the spicy side. The Under Witch Moon series is considered cozy. That is, light in tone, fast-paced, and rated PG. To understand Witch Moon, think of earth magic, supernatural creatures, and mystery all with a southwest flair.
Under Witch Aura
The quality of these books is what makes them stand out among the other indie novels I've read. This goes beyond the issues of copy-editing that (alas!) many indies suffer from. No, Under Witch Moon and Under Witch Aura are tightly-written mysteries with interesting characters. Although the plots are easy to follow, they still keep you guessing. From the beautiful covers to the compelling stories, Witch Moon is a professionally-written and edited series that just so happens to be the work of independent writer, Maria Schneider.
I still chuckle whenever I pass that billboard on the highway, but it's no longer at the writers who take advantage of the vanity press. No, it is at readers who have yet to discover the amazing gems buried in the indie world.
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About Michelle
I'm both a traditionally published and an indie author who writes YA and adult paranormal romances. My short stories have appeared in over a dozen magazines and e-zines including Orson Scott Card's Intergallactic Medicine Show and Tales of the Unanticipated...
Connections
Causes Michelle Scott Supports
Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity
Michelle’s Favorite Books
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, Mrs. Quent and the Magicians, Wicked, The Accidental Tourist, Cat's Eye, Possession, The Stand, The Tortilla Curtain
Michelle is a fan of
Indie Writers and Self Publishing
I agree with you whole heartedly! I also used to get a giggle when I saw advertisements about self-publishing. Thankfully, my husband bought me an iPad and I began downloading and reading eBooks, some of them free and some of them low priced, and found an amazing wealth of great talent at my finger tips. It actually is what gave me the final push to finish my first novel and self-publish it. The literary world is a fascinating place to be right now with traditional and self-publishers and I consider myself lucky to be able to experience such great talent and literature as a result. I look forward to reading the books you have mentioned as well! :)
Congratulations on your
Congratulations on your recent book, A.J.! There re a lot of terrific indies, and I love reading those on my Kindle, too. It's like discovering a whole new world, lol.
Kudos
Kudos, Michelle, for digging into the indie trove. The big challenge for the self-pub/indie phenomenon now seems to be a process of how the cream might rise above the rest. Or do you see that as necessary? Is discovery part of your pleasure with these books?
Discovery is a Thrill
Yes, Bob, discovery is definitely a part of the thrill, and it is definitely a big challenge. Someone once told me that with the indie craze, the editor's slushpile has been moved to Amazon, lol. I love digging through the many indie titles and finding one that I love. Generally, I pick my reads based on the blurb and a sample chapter.