MY FAVORITE INDIE AUTHORS

Ok, so the big announcement has been made. I'm going Indie! And, although there are so many people I have to thank for their aid on the road to this wonderful decision, a large chunk of that gratitude goes to my favorite Indie Authors.

Though it's doubtful they will ever read this post dedicated to them, it is a necessary one. Not just because their stories whisked me away from life and stress and heartache at the times when I needed it most, but mostly because of how much they inspired me.

Due to the authors listed below, I feel like I have finally found my author home. The place where I belong. The place where my work, and my character babies, can shine at full potential.

These workers of some of my most beloved literary pieces have made me want to be just like them. Creative. Fun. Down to earth. Silly. Joyful. Uplifting.

I have been changed by these women, and they have no idea. Crazy how that works, right? I guess it just shows we never know the influence the Lord will allow our actions and words to reach. We better watch them 😉

So, clearly, these writers need to be celebrated for all that they have done for me. But also, you guys deserve to know them. You need a list of them so you can fall in love with the worlds and the characters they've created, as much as I have. Everyone deserves that, even if you'll never be able to quite reach my level of adoration 😉

So, without further ado, here is a list of my favorite Indie Authors and why I'm obsessed with them.

Also, there is no ranking in this list. All are equal in my devotion. I tried to go chronologically, as in when fate stepped in to bring me the books of my dreams.

In addition, and FYI, with all of these authors, I can't pick a specific book from their catalog with which to recommend you. Pick any, and you will be happy. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Emma St Clair

This is going to sound crazy, but I assure you that Emma St. Clair is an answer to my prayers. After just being rejected by a boy, I was looking for a book to take me away from the reality that was my life. Enter, The Bluff, and with one look at that grump we love, James, I was in. For all of St. Clair's books. All of them.

I don't know what it is about St. Clair, but she gets me. Like, on a soul level, or something. Reading her books feels like talking to a friend, almost. A hilarious friend. I don't know how to describe it, just that it just feels right.

It sounds like I'm talking about a romantic partner, doesn't it? Well, I can assure you I am not. This is more of a soulmate scenario. St. Clair's books are my soulmates, and no can convince me otherwise.

Haley Zaragoza

Domestic. That is the word that comes to mind when I think of Zaragoza's books. Home. Whether it be in the town of Waverly, or in the lives of the Barker sisters, Zaragoza’s book boyfriends have the ability to make you believe they could easily slip into your daily life. And with the Christian values, Zaragoza's stories just feel good.

They are comforting and warm and fuzzy. Like a good cup of soup on a cold Winter day. Which might sound gross in the middle of Summer when this is posted, but I can assure you, that is not the right adjective. If you are looking to feel right at home, Zaragoza is the writer for you.

Julie Christianson

Christianson has written one of the characters I relate to the most, Emmy Jones. So, if you want a better glimpse into your favorite spinster, pick up My Own Worst Enemy.

Where Zaragoza's books remind me of snuggling under a blanket, Christianson's make me think of sunshine and summertime. Her writing is bright and fun, and one of my favorite aspects, silly. Christianson's characters get into some pretty wacky scenarios, and it is just the pick me up we all need now and again. A little dose of brightness to light the way.

Kortney Keisel

Keisel has a very special place in my heart, and not just because she has the ability to create men you cannot help but fall in love with. No, Kortney's first Romantic Comedy Series, The Sweet Rom “Com” Series, directly impacted mine. Just as in my upcoming Young Family Love Stories, each sibling gets a love story, and each book starts with the same first syllable. I can only hope my stories will be as beloved as Keisel's.

Now, back to the men. Keisel's men leeeeeaaaakkkk charm. They could charm the pants right off anyone. Knowing in real life I'd probably be hook, line, and sinker for any MMC she creates, I'm glad I can stay safe on the sidelines in reality.

Ok, not really. I'd take them all in a heartbeat.

Also, Keisel creates the best playlists for her books! You have to check them out!

Jess Maskaratos

Charlotte Oaks is another place I would pack up and move to if given the chance. Sorry, NM. If you get some of the men Maskaratos creates, maybe I could be persuaded to stay. Maybe.

Honestly, the antics displayed in Charlotte Oaks reminds me a lot of my hometown. In a little piece of paradise where everybody knows everybody, hilarity is bound to ensue, along with love, support, and the feeling of community.

I also really enjoy the military aspect Maskaratos brings to her books, and not just because we all love a man in uniform. It gives me a peek into a life I've never lived, and makes for very grounded storytelling.

Savannah Scott

The kisses, guys. That is one of the things that drew me into Scott right away. That woman knows how to write a kiss. And, as a Rom Com author myself, I deeply appreciate her craft 😉

Scott's attention to detail is also incredible. She writes characters from lots of different backgrounds, career choices, life stages, and seems to be an expert on each and every variation. Her dedication to research bleeds through. And when she is describing a topic that is applicable to you, you cannot help but be seen and understood.

Jenny Proctor

Irritation is one of the words that comes to mind when I think of Jenny Proctor, but I swear, that is the highest of compliments. Her characters can be so, so frustrating, because they are so, so human. They make mistakes! And I really enjoy that.

Why? Because, one, it makes the story more believable. But also, because some have felt the need to inform us hopeless romantics that what we pine for us unrealistic. Not possible. A man would never act like that.

Proctor begs to differ! When you see her characters selecting choices that make you want to scream, you can’t help but think, “Why does this have to be so realistic?!?”. It gives you hope, because you know if the not so lovable actions are plausible, so are the lovable ones.

Annah Conwell

If I wasn’t already a Southern Girl at heart, Conwell’s books would have made me so. Give the peaches. Give me the sweet sayings. Give me the accents, I’m moving to Atlanta. (For someone who hates moving, I sure am declaring that a lot in this post 😂)

Along with Conwell’s characters having so much Southern Charm, they are real. Like, really real. For instance, in One Last Play, I might have seen just a tad too much of myself in MJ. I can vividly remember thinking, “I would do that.” 😬

Which in that instance might be keeping me from opening myself up to love, but in other ways, is keeping me safe. And I’m all about safety!

But, either way, Conwell’s characters are one’s you can see yourself in, which only engrosses one in the story more.

C.F.E. Black

Fantasy can sometimes be a tricky genre for me to enjoy. The world building, and the understanding of that world it takes to enter the novel can sometimes throw me for a loop. Overwhelmed by the information, I often opt for a contemporary piece that is in a space I already inhabit.

Black is one of the expectations to that. From the first page of Blade of Ash, I was hooked. I appreciated so much that she spread the details of her creation throughout her novel, allowing the reader to sink into it slowly.

I also enjoyed the fact that she created characters that reacted honestly in difficult situations, and grew and changed before our eyes. Her series was one I was sad to part with when it was over, and if that isn't an indication of a good author, then I don't know what it is.

So, there you have it! My favorite Indie Authors. I feel honored to one day share a spot beside them in this world, even if I will never reach their level of awesomeness.

If you are looking for some incredible reads, seriously, check out their catalog. You will not regret it! And remember, support Indie 😉