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Some of the best new books are now written by Indie Authors. Frustrated by the rank-and-file method of mainstream publishing and with the onset of print-on-demand, Amazon’s KDP, and many other innovative publishing resources, writers are increasingly opting out of the slow and time-worn traditional publishing path. Without the checks and balances of the extensive editorial process, and the bottom-line mentality which can gridlock creativity in the traditional publishing world, some authors are publishing less-than-quality products. But for the most part, we can all be grateful and celebrate the Indie Author.

Indie publishing is not a new phenomenon. You might have heard of Andy Weir, Margaret Atwood, Mark Twain, or Beatrix Potter to name a few who have been at one time or another self-published. One of the most clever memoirs I have ever read is The Boy Who Lived with Ghosts by John Mitchell, a very skilled Indie author.

And while the numbers soar, the big five traditional publishers only account for 16 percent of the eBooks on Amazon, it is still sometimes a hit-or-miss proposition when you read an Indie Author for the first time.

One of the people I have most enjoyed working with is Jeyran Main of Review Tales. She has recently released a new magazine, the Book Review Magazine, and my book Jaxyl Warrior Princess is featured in it. It is always a pleasure when a reviewer “gets you��, and Jeyran has done a great job of conveying the work to readers. You can check it out here at this link:

“Use the right word, not its second cousin”�� Mark Twain

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Okay the trenches in the ground where I have dug my heels in to NOT write an email newsletter are now filling in, as the planets have aligned.

You heard me right and I am very excited about the title DENY CONVENTION.

Let me explain--After digging into who my readers are, I see in their acceptance/enjoyment/comments on my fantasy books, reveal they are authentic individuals wary of convention.

Whoohoo! me too. As our world becomes more and more "connected" we, as individuals are becoming more homogenized and less unique, less our authentic selves.

One of my favorite quotes from Oscar Wilde is "Be yourself, everyone else is taken.

So, if you want to take a look at the very first edition of Deny Convention click on this link and let the journey begin.

As I bring a close to the third and final book, Return to Merth , of the Tales of Merth Trilogy, I am greatly saddened to say goodbye to all my wonderful characters. In the end Xyantuli has been tasked by Yez to translate the ancient text, Phlycin austo Wylsyn of Hostlin Gravas, also known as Prayers and Wisdom of Holy Grace, and once he does, he will have to return to the Time of Ancient Thoughts and opinions.

One of the highest compliments I am getting from readers is that my characters are authentic, and each has their own distinctive voice. I am also pleased to find so many male readers are diving into my books with strong female characters.

Love in the Time of the Coronavirus

by Victor Lana

The title Love in the Time of the Coronavirus by Victor Lana is an interesting play off of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s well-known book Love in the Time of Cholera. But that’s where the similarities end.

The story takes place in a diverse Brooklyn neighborhood during the year 2020, and is written in the first person POV of the main character Vinny Russo, who grew up in the same house he is now living in.

This ‘slice of life�� or slow-burn tale details how the many neighbors interact and persevere in this strange time in history. I was curious to read it, knowing the New York City area was especially hard hit by the global pandemic.

Vinny, once living a flashy Wall Street existence, goes into a long-lasting mourning when his father dies while on the job as a New York Firefighter. He lets his hair grow, quits his job, disappoints his fiancé, and returns home to his Brooklyn neighborhood to live with his mother where the story begins.

We get a real sense of the isolation of the quarantine lifestyle, and while there is mention of bodies with no place to go, I never felt the horror of the real-life experience, the state of New York, and the rest of the country were experiencing.

A 35-year-old, single man, Vinny struggles with finding love, but he is rather passive about it and accepting of the complex situation.

We follow the ups and downs of the neighborhood, including the difficulties of the restauranteurs and shop owners. After being so careful not to expose his mother to the virus and going so far as to let it inhibit his relationships, Vinny’s mother succumbs to the disease and dies.

By then Vinny has found a love interest in Vermont. He packs up the house, sells it, and begins a new life with his girlfriend Daphne.

I recommend reading this book. I give this book a 4 out of 5 rating. There were many good things about it, but I found the dialog heavy at times, and the book could benefit from more editing.

Life gets easier for readers with links to purchase directly from the author. For a bit of a savings you can purchase directly from me with this link

Just one month into the launch of Jaxyl and there's so much more to do. If you are reading this, please check it out and I would really appreciate reviews. This fun adventure tale is on Kindle Unlimited. Hope you are having a great Labor Day

As I prepare for the launch of Jaxyl Warrior Princess in a few weeks, I had a great interview with Thereviewuniverse on Instagram and just wanted to share it. to read it.

Came across this great article on how to improve your ŷ������ Experience.

I never ever, in my long-legged life thought I would write a book series, but the world of Merth and her exotic characters just wanted their story told.

The reception of Two Moons of Merth has been wonderful, one kind reviewer even described it as a "masterpiece of fantasy literature."

But Jaxyl Warrior Princess has personally taken me by storm. When asked what literary character I would invite to a dinner party, she would definitely be on the list.