#indie fiction

[velvettapeworm]

Some of you are familiar with my work already through itch.io or this blog, but I want to say that my book, So Sang the Riverman—a story which tells of the primordial world's destruction after the spirit of life, Fervor, makes off with the heart in Decay's grave—is now available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. If you have a soft spot for gay romance and "indulgent" prose, have yourself a look, and if you do decide to buy a copy, thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting my work!

#gothic fiction #so sang the riverman #vt writing #gothic literature #gay fiction #gay literature #queer fiction #queer romance #lgbtq books #queer literature #gay romance #lgbt literature #lgbt lit #indie fiction

[threeheartscast]

Three of Hearts Ep. 39 - Going in Blind

In episide 39, the agents attempt to complete Gamblers’ trial while living in the other’s body. Awkward hijinks ensue as Spae goes on a date as Vellum and Vellum pretends to be Spar around one of the people who knows him best!

This episode also introduces Lilith Adelia, a goth femme SUITS agent named after our lovely fan @reticulathefirst!

Enjoy! ♥️♥️♥️

#three hearts cast #lgbtq+ #queer fantasy #lgbtq #lgbtq characters #actual play #indie ttrpgs #lgbt podcast #indie actual plays #ttrpg podcast #lgbtq podcast #indie fiction #trans creator

[malcolmschmitz]

Orc lacemakers. An undead firebird. An old grudge.

Karvek, a cowardly orc lacemaker, must travel into the desert to get to a silkworm oasis. But the last caravan saw an undying, flesh-eating firebird. With a beast like that roaming the desert, there's safety in numbers. And his only traveling companion is a former friend, Alkett. She betrayed his tribe; Karvek still bears an ugly grudge. If they're going to survive the journey through the desert, Karvek must face that grudge- and the two of them must clear the air.

This short story is available on Smashwords and Amazon for less than the price of a cup of coffee.

If you like Dungeons and Dragons-inspired high fantasy, but wish it got more unusual and creative, this is the story for you. Get it now!

#orc #orcs #fantasy #dungeons and dragons #indie author #indie fiction #indie fantasy #writeblr #booklr

[nokingsonlyfooles]

Alright. Gonna set down the feed and plug the thing.

New year, new habits!

I write this travesty!

The site is in constant need of repair, so are the characters, and so is the author (me). Part 1 is steampunk, and in Part 2 we've gone diesel. It starts with a hate crime, this is not for the faint of heart, but it does get quite funny in places. The absurdity is a coping mechanism!

I've got to break my website later so I can try to fix it, but there's a new instalment this week so I'll give people time to read that, if there's any takers!

Known Readers: 2 (hi 5th and Kith!); 1st Goalpost: 10?

If you're reading, check in with me. My hit counter is buggy AF and I moved the comments offsite, to Tumblr. I won't know you're there if you don't say hi!

Known Supporters: I'm burning my Patreon to the ground because they annoyed me, give me some time to set up someplace else! 1st Goalpost: 5?

If you WANT to support, go ahead and let me know that too. I'll be working on a subscription basis in the future - you'll only pay when I publish!

#tin soldier and soldier on #free fiction #writers on tumblr #indie fiction #writblr #steampunk #dieselpunk #magic #harry potter alternatives #dramedy #anarchist fiction #socialist fiction #new reader drive #ocs #original characters #character development #potential sexymen! #if i seem desperate it's only because i am! #happy new year! #new year new story! #I hope!

[clarislam]

Did you know...

That you can check out my books on My Indie Bookshelf, a website that's basically a directory for indie books and authors?

If you ever wanted to find some cool indie reads, this place is for you! I honestly wish I found this site sooner. It has a lot of fantastic reads I would never have heard of before, if I hadn't found the site to begin with.

Indie authors, you can check out this page to submit your books to My Indie Bookshelf! You just have to fill in info about your books and it takes a little time, but it's totally worth it!

My books:

"Winner Takes All"

"Engagement To Die For"

If you found this helpful, check out more about my work through my website, newsletter and other socials. Links can be found in my Carrd!

#writeblr #indie author #indie books #my indie bookshelf #book promo #indie book promo #Winner Takes All #Engagement To Die For #claris speaks #indie writer #indie fiction #books #reading #fiction

[rubyjones]

All my books on Smashwords are 50% off in the Smashwords 'Read an Ebook Week' sale!

And as Oviposition is already as cheap as I could make it, this means that for this week only it's free! Get your hot tentacle-loving, egg-stuffing action here!

Meanwhile, if you like a bit more plot and a lot more love with your sexytimes, An Unexpected Attachment is half price! Get your soft boys falling in love robot erotic romance on the cheap this week!

Boosts very much appreciated! Support indie writers!

#tentacles #androids #robots #indie publishing #ruby jones #writing #an unexpected attachment #romance #indie fiction #smashwords #sale #smashwords sale

[writeblrfantasy]

THE LOVER WITH FIVE NAMES: a novel to come on January 23rd, 2024!

The blurb:

The emperor died six years ago—and all vie for the throne. The last of her line, Herra’s duty is to appoint an emperor. That simple task is made complicated when her past catches up to her, forcing her to rethink everything she knew about herself, the empire, and its future. For years, The Nameless Lover has used his skills of seduction to secretly determine the next emperor for Herra. His latest target is the emperor’s son—a man who threatens to blow open The Lover’s cover. Meanwhile, across the lands, Arthur is a loyal soldier who’s faced with a choice that could determine the fate of the empire. A tyrant seeks the throne. Hidden truths come to light. The empire readies for war. With the future of the empire in their hands, Appointer, Lover, and Soldier discover that they’re more closely entwined than they think.

LOVER TAGLIST (LMK TO BE ADDED/REMOVED) @magic-is-something-we-create @47crayons @ashen-crest @woodhousejay @transmasc-wizard @worldbuildng @ettawritesnstudies @mcximilians @contes-de-rheio @void-fireworks @extrabitterbrain @pressedpapyrus @willowiswriting @houndmouthed @stormharbors @snowinks

#writing #writeblr #my wip #fantasy #fantasy writeblr #my writing #original fiction #fiction #writer #the lover with five names #indie books #indie fiction #indie author

[writingonscrappaper]

“I Think My Neighbour’s A Mobster” is now available for Pre-Order!

It’s finally official! You can now pre-order my mafia rom-com “I Think My Neighbour’s A Mobster” thru Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords or Apple Books!

Amazon does not currently support PREORDERS through the publisher I use, but the book will be available on Amazon on the release date, which is JULY 21st! (Wow, that’s scarily close 😅)

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go hyperventilate in the corner!

#writing #my writing #writing community #mafia romance #mafia fiction #mafia comedy #romantic comedy #spicy fiction #writblr #writerscommunity #writing on tumblr #self publishing #indie fiction #indie books #indie author #preorder

[commedesmagazine]

Neurotic, Tabi Weiland

#horror #short film #cinemetography #coquette #female hysteria #daemonia nymphe #neurotic #tw mental illness #paranoid schizophrenic #freak out #schizo episode #indie film #indie fiction #Youtube

[gailynovelry]

#writeblr #queer fiction #indie fiction #queer fantasy #wlw fantasy #pls feel free to elaborate in the notes i wanna know #& reblog if you'd like but tbh i don't expect many folks outside my mutuals to even know who my guys are ^^' #but why not!

[rudojudo]

Next Episode Trailer

So I figured instead of looking back at the last year, I’d get more out of thinking about my plans for the next one. So here’s everything in the works from me/Rudo Judo Games in 2023! I hate being so transparent about it, but I’d love it if this got shared around a bit for the people who’d be interested.

Giant of Light

This is the big one! My love letter to the modern incarnation of the Ultraman series. This is an adventure game about being someone who either turns into a giant superhero or has access to a portfolio of kaiju. You investigate trouble and when the time comes, the action shifts to a grid-based battle system for the super-sized action. It’s probably 90% written and I want to get some more art for the interior, then it’s out there.

The Hard Way

This one’s less an adoring homage and more a shitpost that came to life. The core concept is playing through an entry in the SAW series, with the intended vibe of the table being friends watching a trashy horror movie with snacks. I thought this one was done, but then I ran a session and realized that it needed refinement, so now I’m refining! Still coming soon, though.

Santa Carla at 4AM

Another joke that possessed me suddenly (shout out to Lil), this is a short, possibly even one-page RPG about being one of the Lost Boys before/outside the narrative of the movie itself. You play as a beautiful, immortal dirtbag looking to amuse themself and help eternity pass faster. Pull big stunts, feed on tourists, get in fights, and most importantly of all, have profound homoerotic tension.

Further Down the Pike

Not projects I’m going to probably get finished this year, but here are the ideas I’m most interested in working on when those three are done:

Free Lunch for Magic Users: in a magical post-apocalypse, players are con-men and odd-jobs using their extremely limited magical powers to make a living. Think Fallout, Cowboy Bebop, and Adventure Time, but starring people on the level of Arataka Reigen or Peter Venkman.

V/H/Essence: play as a movie monster in a world that hates you for existing. Less X-Men, more a thesis statement about being Queer in America. Comes from the fact that almost all the people I know who really, passionately love horror are gay and/or Trans.

Demon Castle Dracula: a team-based game inspired by the Castlevania series. Work together to map the castle, slay the coterie of monsters from world mythology living there, then take on the dark lord and break his curse on the land.

Sentai Squad (working title): each player gets their own team of brightly-colored heroes who work together to defeat monsters, but you’re also making sure that your team is the most beloved, the most famous, and the top seller of merchandise. Maybe being a hero can get a little cutthroat.

Journey to the Quest: an adventure game inspired by Shonen Jump comics like Dragon Ball (not Z) and early One Piece. Play as a heroic child on a quest for greatness, making the world better as you pass through it.

Things That Aren't Games

As though that wasn't plenty. But I do want to try to do more, since hanging all my hopes and dreams on a single hobby/subculture is asking for trouble. But I have three other big goals, things that will probably get priority over a fourth game.

A novel: I have an idea that I've been nurturing for a while and I think it's really coming together. I think I can manage a first draft of a short novel in one year, even working around the games and day job.

A short story submission: this one's a bit fuzzier, but I'd like to have some published fiction I can point to if I'm going to be shopping a novel around for publication, so it makes sense to have more work in print.

Podcasting: I want my games played. I want people to hear how they work and I would love to connect with the massive talents out there in the Actual Play space. So I want me and/or my games to make two appearances on shows this year.

SO! High bar. I know. I didn't get a quarter this much done in 2022. I know I won't do it all unless I really put myself into it, but if I can even come close, this will be my best creative year yet. I hope you can join me.

#rudo judo at the design board #Tabletop Games #ttrpg #indie ttrpg #indie fiction #actual play

[threeheartscast]

Three of Hearts: We Agree, So We Do It

In episode 40, agents Vellum and Felspar continue their body-swap trial and are confronted with their most important question yet: “Are we boyfriends?”

This episode also features the retired pixie boxer-turned-detective, Juno Fisticuffs! He was designed using Maria Blowers’ picrew.

#lgbtq+ #lgbtq characters #queer fantasy #lgbt podcast #three hearts cast #indie ttrpgs #actual play #lgbtq #ttrpg podcast #indie actual plays #Actual #actual play podcast #indi #indie fiction #lgbt #lgbtq podcast #queer podcast #queer romance #queer ttrpg

[malcolmschmitz]

[UPDATE] The Cats and the Cockatrice: Unicorn's Beard Sequel Available ON SMASHWORDS

Want to pre-order a short story about a nonbinary plague doctor veterinarian, cats, and sorcery? Don't want to support Amazon? The Cats and the Cockatrice is now available on Smashwords (and Draft2Digital, and most ebook stores!)

After treating the Queen's pets, Sawbones wants nothing more than to put as much distance as possible between themself and Her Majesty. But when they stop in a small village to buy supplies, they're forced to to take a detour to take on another patient-- a Cockatrice in crisis! Oh, and help a family suddenly left homeless by a wild sorcerer's awakening. If they must. If there's really no one else around to handle it. ...Is there really no one else around to handle it? Nope, just one beleaguered veterinarian on the run from the law. Let's hope Sawbones gets out of town before the witch hunt turns on them.

Again, you can pre-order it here:

#the unicorn's beard #sawbones #plague doctor #veterinarian #cats #short story #the cats and the cockatrice #lgbt fantasy #lgbt writers #indie fiction

[nokingsonlyfooles]

Too Distracted. Weird day. No Feed. Just Plugging the Thing!

New instalment is up! (And somewhat apathetically-formatted, I still didn't fix "related posts." I'm sorry. I'll get it at some point.)

And this, of course, is the thing I plug:

Current known readers: 3 (hi!), 1st Goalpost: 10?

Current supporters: 2 (hi Kith and 5th!), 1st Goalpost: 5?

And I'm depressed that I can't foment lasting societal change because I'm not the sort of person society values and wants to hear from, so I'm probably gonna leave it like that today. That's not all that's goin' on - I got medical and social stuff too - and my head's not in the game. Probably just gonna stare into the void until it's time to get some dinner and maybe talk and get my thoughts better organized for later. Or drink. Or both, both is good. The spouse and I both had a rough week, drinking and talking is good!

#tin soldier and soldier on #long post #free fiction #writers on tumblr #indie fiction #writblr #steampunk #dieselpunk #magic #harry potter alternatives #dramedy #anarchist fiction #socialist fiction #new reader drive #ocs #original characters #character development #potential sexymen! #if i seem desperate it's only because i am!

[thebookbin]

Prince of the Sorrows

Kellen Graves

Publisher: indie Genre: fatnasy, romance? Year: 2022

This was a confusing story. I picked it up because I was in the mood for a romance, and this book has such little romance in it I was pretty confused, because there's not really a plot. The book blurb says its about a changeling named Saffron who wants to stay in the fairy world and needs a patron, so he makes a dark deal with a mysterious high fey. Then love, murder mystery, vague plot things in the background.

The plot is nonsensical. Saffron is part of a subjugated class: human changelings are servants to fey. For some reason this takes place at a magical college/university, but classes, education, and why this particular institution even exists is not only irrelevant to the plot, but seems irrelevant to the world. It basically is just an excuse for young hot people to be around each other? There's mention of a single professor, but that, again, doesn't have anything to do with the plot.

The way changelings are treated also makes no sense for this "romance" plot. Saffron is subjugated to slave-like conditions, extreme cruelty and indifference. At one point he is tortured and forcibly tattooed for... crying when his friend is murdered? It doesn't make sense but it doesn't have to. Cylvian is supposed to be the Crown Prince. Somehow he seems unaware of the cruelty all the changelings face, even though he himself treats Saffron with that same cruelty. Nor does he ever seem to care about the system that allows these horrors to exist in the first place.

Even their first meeting. Cylvian tells Saffron his True Name, the name that can compel him to do anything, literally on a whim. His excuse is he is trying to see if this enchanted ring will remove the power from his True Name, and to do that he tells his True Name to a random stranger. There seems to be many flaws in this plan. Despite being the Crown Prince, despite being a powerful magic-user, despite being well-versed in mystical arts that are taboo to other high fey, Saffron still ends up being the one with the... I hesitate to call it "agency." Cylvian is trapped in a loveless engagement and is confined to his house, so despite being beaten multiple times, getting sick enough to warrant the equivalent of a hospital stay, doing hard labor every day, Saffron is still somehow the one who is meant to save Cylvian. In my humble opinion, Cylvian should save himself and Saffron should be more concerned with labor rights but that wouldn't be much of a romance novel. It still might be more of a romance novel than this version of Prince of the Sorrows though.

Overall, I would say this book isn't fantasy enough to be a fantasy book and not romantic enough to be a romance book. The singular sex scene was extremely vague (maybe because Saffron is trans? I have a feeling that the author wanted to keep Saffron's specific plumbing vague, but it definitely felt like a barrier to overcome in the sex scene rather than a regular part of life). Cylvian is inscrutable as a character. There is no real reason he goes from torturing Saffron to loving him, other that just proximity. And proximity is just fine for a regular romance novel, but this is a novel showcasing extreme class difference to the point of indentured servant x royal. You can't ignore that.

Anyways, this was a confusing read. The plot was kind of all over the place, although I did enjoy Saffron's dramatique brief stint as a ghost. But it didn't deliver for me in either the fantasy or romance realms.

storygraph | bookshop.org | local houston note: this is an amazon publication, apparently so you can't buy it through Bookshop.org or local bookstores.

★★ not fantasy enough not romance enough stars

#book review #prince of the sorrows #kellen graves #indie books #indie fiction #indie #two stars #romance #queer #meh #disappointing #fantasy #fun but not profound #good but not great #iffy writing #such potential

[tartaruspod]

Trailer for Batch 2 (Eps 5-8)

The second batch of Tartarus episodes follows our skeleton crew through four new adventures, wrangling and reckoning with strange new creatures...

https://pod.link/1571079687

#tartarus #podcast trailers #sci fi trailers #spooky fiction #stories for halloween #scary monsters #audio drama #indie fiction #horror trailers