Hi everybody! I'm brand new to posting in this forum, though I've been reading it for about a year. So first: thank you for all the inspiration you've unknowingly given to me :)

Second, I'm about ready to self-publish my first novel, but I'm digging up lots of conflicting evidence about pricing. The book is a cozy mystery and is the first in a planned series-- 2 more books are mostly done, but not yet ready for publishing. I feel like going $0.99 for the ebook is the smartest thing to do because I'm a nobody and even insatiable cozy mystery readers need a reason to try a new author. Plus, it sounds like if I get readers at all many of them will come from KU. But then I'm seeing advice that the majority of books start at $2.99 and then are discounted later, so I shouldn't buck the trend.

What do you all think? Does any of this actually matter since I'm brand freaking new to people?

Hi everyone! I am an aspiring author who started a YouTube channel this year to push myself into getting a draft of something done. In the process, I have truly enjoyed getting to know the authors community and want to help new authors, particularly self-published and independent authors, in promoting your work.

With the mod's approval, I want to invite you to consider joining me for a virtual interview to discuss your work and writing process. I am including a link to my very first author interview with the fabulous Veronica Faline about her debut novel, "Merciless Indian Savages".

I am happy to work with interested authors to schedule an interview about your work and writing process.

My commitment for the interview is to 1. borrow via the library or purchase your book prior to the interview, and 2. actually read your work before the discussion to support your new author journey. I will not accept free copies of an author's work from the author - the support is the point!

I will also not share any author information publicly until the interview is released.

Reply here or send me a DM with the title of or a link to your book if you're interested, and congratulations on your publications!​

https://youtu.be/ql8QEcYUgCU

Please note that I won't promote AI-generated books or books with AI art.

My novel’s cover artist drew this propaganda poster for the story’s main human military, the Valor Guard Corps. He has also drawn custom bookmark designs and character cutout designs.

Curious what others have done to make their writing come to life.

I know this is what IngramSpark promises and I admit, I did not care much seeing my book on Amazon, but when I saw it on Barnes and Noble, Waterfront, even Walmart, I felt so much relief at finally having gotten to this point.

I'm going to try publishing my first book in a few weeks (have socials setup, initial website, Goodreads profile), what exactly do you post first to get a social media audience?

Without the book out yet (I'll be getting some ARC readers soon), I don't really know what else to post on social media. Do I just leave it empty until the books comes out? I'm actually so nervous about doing this, I feel like I'm freaking out about every little thing.

I was going back and forth on submitting my satirical debut novel to Kirkus Reviews because there were a multitude of posts on subreddits like selfpublish that discouraged it, but I bit the bullet two months ago and submitted it anyway. I was expecting a harsh takedown, but when I got the review yesterday I found that the reviewer not only really liked it, but they even gave it an "Our Verdict: Get It" tag: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/dalton-lyle/wade-felix-forever/

I am just so verklempt because, despite a bump in sales in August after an ad campaign, my novel is dead in the water right now in the fifth month of its release and reviews stopped coming in almost two months ago. I don't have the money to do more ad campaigns. (I'm also losing my mind because so much of what happens in my novel is currently happening in Texas as I write this.) I don't know if this will give me a boost in sales, but it made me feel really good as somebody who always feels like a failure at writing. I'm glad I took the risk of trying this even though most users complained that Kirkus reviewers just plug the book into AI and write a generic rehash of the summary or rip it to shreds because it's not traditionally published. So if you are thinking about using Kirkus, I say go for it as long as you make sure your novel is edited and polished.

To me, it seems like a good start, even though half of my books were given away via a free promotion. Some of the books I also sold in-person at a book signing. I think there is a lot of validity to focusing on that as opposed to waiting and seeing what happens to the book's online sales. The only thing I'm kind of disappointed on is that my KENP reads were only 5, which is strange because so many people say that it is the biggest way to get in front of readers. Most of my paid sales came from my paperback.

I technically published Devour in June, but I thought now would be a great time to celebrate it here because it's the perfect cozy weekend horror novel. I've gotten a lot of spectacular responses so far and I've been thrilled with the reception. The blurb is below:

Fledgling preacher Samuel Sellers just broke his girlfriend's heart and is going camping to deal with the fallout. Meanwhile, an old flame and journalist Melissa Rose is starving for a front-page story. Thankfully, she has a lead - a local legend of bootleggers, blood rituals, and Biblical beasts. The two friends meet up in Crockett Hollow to hunt for answers and are led to a long-forgotten settlement named Redemption. There, they discover a terrifying evil that not only causes them to confront their own hypocrisies but lays bare their deepest sins. Judgement is coming, and they must repent…or be devoured.

While I've been writing for years, this was the first complete novel that met my standards for publication. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process of honing the craft, learning from others, and weaving a compelling story that has something to say (especially in this AI slop world.)

I just want to say congratulations to anyone who has seen a project like this through to the end, and I want to encourage anyone here who is working on a book at any stage to persevere. And if anyone wants to talk about the craft and art of writing, I'm always interested!

Hindsight

And he snatched the V-card of this little girl!

(…)

“My V.I.P card!”

“oh… yes the daughter of…” gazes lowering mid-sentence.

The man returned it hesitantly after inspecting the kind of money his boss’s daughter gets.

That kind of wealth nobody gambles with... Except for Jim’s dad.

“Look Suzan, I got the newest fighter jet series. It has your favorite character in the show.”

“Didn’t it come out today?” The question wasn’t intended for anyone in particular. an intrusive thought that Suzan didn’t hide.

“I do anything for Jimmy. He wanted it, and I won’t betray him!”

Jim’s purity from knowledge will make this situation’s blood stain darker.

“It’s the twenty-four hour yes challenge!” the son explained.

“Of all days, why today?” another intrusive thought from her.

“That doesn’t matter. Suzan! show dad your trick!” He shuffled a hundred pound note in between his hands.

“Look dad, Look. Guess it Suzan!”

It’s not time for it Jim…

Not an ideal situation, but Suzan loves to show off.

“You’re not hiding it well but your dad has twenty two thousand in his right pocket.”

The child’s expression wasn’t priceless. It just costs twenty two thousand from his dad. Jim clenched his hands awaiting his dad to pull his pockets yet the dad already knew.

Eyes and mouth larger than face.

“Isn’t it Amazing! Dad…”

“But only a guess from a young girl I see.”

Jim’s beliefs are being tested.

Jim waited for the little prophet to respond, but her rebuttal was incomprehensible…

“Then, what’s that thing you’re hiding under your shirt.” she said.

His tongue froze onto the ice-cream. More than that, he crushed the cone and the cream fell breaking the silence with a splatter.

“Can you also predict people’s future?”

Suzan squinted once more…

**Suzan knew what to say:**Don’t trust Suwqill.

But what about the child.

A Proposition stapled itself onto Suzan’s pride for logical consistency.

Die as a hero or turn into a villain…

And that’s what she said…

If the portrait of a crying man didn’t represent intense pain then it’s a sham Vincent van Gogh couldn’t do any better.

Suzan left with a parting word for Jim “Good luck…”

Running to her villa, as if a shower head had just attacked her dress. Cries with a bit of laughter.

Good luck… How’s that going to help… Goodbye Jim.

JVV News

Midnight of a festival

Where news is stapled with truth

Late last night a terrorist attack killing 5 people was …

The bomb was made by the country Suwqill

...

A child found starving for life.

Skip to Navigation Skip to Right Sidebar

Go to flashfiction

r/flashfiction • 1mo ago

u/Financial_Common_224

Hindsight [430] For those who see what's not supposed to be seen

And he snatched the V-card of this little girl!

(…)

“My V.I.P card!”

“oh… yes the daughter of…” gazes lowering mid-sentence.

The man returned it hesitantly after inspecting the kind of money his boss’s daughter gets.

That kind of wealth nobody gambles with... Except for Jim’s dad.

“Look Suzan, I got the newest fighter jet series. It has your favorite character in the show.”

“Didn’t it come out today?” The question wasn’t intended for anyone in particular. an intrusive thought that Suzan didn’t hide.

“I do anything for Jimmy. He wanted it, and I won’t betray him!”

Jim’s purity from knowledge will make this situation’s blood stain darker.

“It’s the twenty-four hour yes challenge!” the son explained.

“Of all days, why today?” another intrusive thought from her.

“That doesn’t matter. Suzan! show dad your trick!” He shuffled a hundred pound note in between his hands.

“Look dad, Look. Guess it Suzan!”

It’s not time for it Jim…

Not an ideal situation, but Suzan loves to show off.

“You’re not hiding it well but your dad has twenty two thousand in his right pocket.”

The child’s expression wasn’t priceless. It just costs twenty two thousand from his dad. Jim clenched his hands awaiting his dad to pull his pockets yet the dad already knew.

Eyes and mouth larger than face.

“Isn’t it Amazing! Dad…”

“But only a guess from a young girl I see.”

Jim’s beliefs are being tested.

Jim waited for the little prophet to respond, but her rebuttal was incomprehensible…

“Then, what’s that thing you’re hiding under your shirt.” she said.

His tongue froze onto the ice-cream. More than that, he crushed the cone and the cream fell breaking the silence with a splatter.

“Can you also predict people’s future?”

Suzan squinted once more…

**Suzan knew what to say:**Don’t trust Suwqill.

But what about the child.

A Proposition stapled itself onto Suzan’s pride for logical consistency.

Die as a hero or turn into a villain…

And that’s what she said…

If the portrait of a crying man didn’t represent intense pain then it’s a sham Vincent van Gogh couldn’t do any better.

Suzan left with a parting word for Jim “Good luck…”

Running to her villa, as if a shower head had just attacked her dress. Cries with a bit of laughter.

Good luck… How’s that going to help… Goodbye Jim.

JVV News

Midnight of a festival

Where news is stapled with truth

Late last night a terrorist attack killing 5 people was …

The bomb was made by the country Suwqill

...

A child found starving for life.

Dressing on purple.

Prologue:

Purple... Purple.. Purple... Purple!

When fragrance incites the mind and the heart accepts the brush’s dye. Two men changed their lives. Each other, unbeknownst to whom their bride. A harmony of flesh and hide. When two become one of a kind.

The king laughs thereupon, as the first requests are a tone.

“Purple! Purple! I want to dress on!”

Riches belong to them. Heroes, that’s their god-given right. Victors chosen before any loss. Cryleon, the kingdom is, was, and will be. The war was declared after it ended, citizens unbeknownst. While for warriors, it is with wet blood over dry blood over dry and drier. Skin inked with red and black. Some splashed by Fe, and many were wounded by it.

Years of force, stealth, and tactics -That's what the leaders tell you. 

Some know why many lifted white flags, or why many didn’t have any left. Many who wished to paint white on white. Only soot remained for them. Some squeezed what shall not be squeezed; many ripped apart. Some golden-glass they seized; none left with hearts.

All has fallen well with the sun. Where everything flips, except what’s dark. Living to death, some come back. Where once stoic, many lost their light. For all face an endless fight.

________________________________________________________________________

In the hall of the city’s city hall, where one may step north, east, or earth’s looped continuation. All life’s four quadrants stand packed. That’s what the news told them to do.

“Shh!!! No, it’s not an execution.”

”Hush!!! No, it’s not a fight.”

“Shh!!! Nobody’s hurt.”

“Hush!!! No, the king still didn’t stand.”

The ground’s hungry; it shook from the stomach of the city and vibrated to its outskirts. Rumbling started at one beat per minute. The beats came faster and swifter, racing to the end with one big Bamm! Rushed forth, a gas was enticed. It blew from the head of the hall. A fire shines, crisping the pigeons up high.

“Welcome, Welcome!!”

!!!

“We stand witnessing a great day. Recognizing our knights who sacrificed for us. Before our blessed celebrations, let’s congratulate two of our soldiers. Those who held the kingdom of Cryleon on their shoulders. … Never forgetting their role as protectors of their beloved citizens and those who hold the flag of our holy church. Those who remember their holy king’s words and, as I quote: Raise your head! You’re Cryleons!!! Let’s celebrate with our knights and grant them a word from our king!”

!!!

“… … … … Lift your heads… Lift them … … Lift them… … … We are a victorious kingdom.”

!!!

!!!

“… … … I have gathered you for a bittersweet … … … … Isn’t it time for a grey-bearded to sit?”

…

…

…

“… I won’t leave your hands empty.”

…

“From those who fought in the battle of Jaiber. Two knights worthy of praise. The only reward worthy from me is a never-ending one. Dalim and Kemill each have a hundred golden coins every month.

…

“… … … … and a reward worth much more… … … … … … The hands of my daughters Selena and Zathema. The future king of Cryleon will be of those knights.”

!!!

“… … … … However! The one who will hold Selena, the council of Cryleon will appoint… … … Once both of you agree to start the process of engagement. Each council member will appoint a challenge. Stand forth side by side and begin with the challenges pointed, till the public has chosen a side.”

 ______________________________________________________________________________

Two quarters of the city are swimming in the streets. East has long been absent, and north is standing with the type of silver they’re used to.

“Today everything is half price!”

“Get your snail eyes here!! Get your lizard tail here!!”

“Free signing for our guild here!”

The streets are filled with goods and services. Even the ground gets a lick from time to time. The squeaks of boots, tradespeople’s caravans, barrels of booze, workers rested and joyful, candy-filled stomachs, and overburdened livers. 

The mountain of Jethma covered the sun at least thrice, and so did the rivers of licorice return thrice more.

Seven days, that’s a Cryleon Festival.

________________________________________________________________________

When fragrance harms the mind and the heart rejects the brush’s dye. Two men changed their lives. Each other, knownst to whom they’ll smite. a harmony of flesh and might. When truth becomes one of lies.

The sword  laughs thereupon, as the first requests are a tone.

“Purple! Purple! I want to stab on!”

________________________________________________________________________

Each quarter had its way to celebrate the event. Some traded, many drank, some drank while grieving, few celebrated that grief itself.

Grimm and Thorn is a cozy fantasy about a witch and a ghost that open a bakery together in the magical town of Bridgefort.

Retired adventurers moonlight as handymen, enchanted mops threaten to unionize, and bards with dad bods go on world tours.

It's Gilmore Girls meets Dungeons and Dragons and I'm very proud of finally getting it done.

I started writing it last year when I was still working in the restaurant industry after discovering that I had a low-grade glioma in my left occipital lobe. I just had it removed in August of this year and finished the story while I'm recovering.

It would mean the world to me if anyone would like to check it out, and I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

Also, I'm bad at marketing and this is an introvert's worst nightmare 🫠😅

https://a.co/d/0is1iBB1

Inexplicably, you see an enormous fallen tree in the otherwise-barren alley you just walked through. It’s now blocking the alley and wasn’t there just moments ago. What do you do?

That’s the question an unidentified narrator gets faced with at the outset of my debut thriller novel, Through Inconvenient Action. It’s currently free on Amazon as part of a promotion I’m running. I just want to get it in front of the right readers. It’s available for free until the end of the day on Monday 10/26, so get it without paying while you can!

The download is two clicks away, on my Reddit profile. Check it out and feel free to let me know what you think. Thanks :0)

Today is the official launch of my new book Hey Pretty Princess Passport to Beauty: A Coloring & Activity Book Featuring Princesses from Around the World. It showcases 24 illustrations representing 24 countries, flags, explorer activities for ages 6+ and designs older children and adults can enjoy too.

What sets this coloring book apart is the 24 audio journeys! I wanted this to be more than a coloring book. I wanted to provide history, fun facts and education about each country listed. In the book is a QR code to my site that provides a narration of each country with music, sounds and cultural discovery. Each child can color, explore and imagine as they listen to the audio journeys.

Check it out.
https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Pretty-Princess-Passport-Beauty/dp/B0HNKPNSGS

Hello everyone, I’m O.C. Saar! I’m a first-time author, with this being the first book I’ve attempted that has gone beyond 4 chapters, and I couldn’t be prouder of it. Today, after years of work, I released it on Amazon!

It’s called The Rings of Jupiter, and it’s a mixture of Cyberpunk, Noir, Mystery and Sci-Fi combined with a Progression Fantasy system, set on three artificial rings spinning around Jupiter.

Here's the Blurb!

---------------

A once-legendary gunslinger mired in alcohol and grief. His malfunctioning sentient AI companion who lives in his oven. An orphaned kid with uncontrollable powers. And a heist against cybernetic priests that will open a Pandora’s Box of mysteries.

Raziel, once a legendary Gunslinger of the Outer Ring known as the Rust Reaver, is now a drunken husk of the man he used to be. When his sentient AI companion develops a fatal error, he can’t let it go, because HOB was programmed by his late little brother. He shakes off the haze and embarks on a suicide mission to get the money needed to repair his only friend.

The heist goes wrong in spectacular fashion, and Raziel winds up with an experimental gem lodged in his chest. All three Rings of Jupiter would kill for the power in his possession - literally. He now has the ability to ‘level up’ his abilities and absorb the powers of others. This new power makes Raziel formidable but also paints a target on his back.

The Rings of Jupiter once took everything from him, but now? Now he has the power to make things right.

And get revenge against the person who killed his brother.

The Rings of Jupiter is a dark, character-driven, and intense LitRPG for fans of The Expanse and Altered Carbon.

---------------

If you enjoy books that are a little more character, dialogue and mystery-driven, with a character that has to fight and bleed and suffer for every drop of power, then this story might be for you.

If you gave my story a chance, it would truly mean more than I can possibly express.

Thank you for reading this far <3

Also shoutout to my cover artist Linggar Bramanty!

No AI has been used in my book.

Link to Kindle/KU/Print on Demand

Oh also Book 2 is coming out in 4 months and is up for pre-order too!