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For a long time, I tried to convince myself that the difficulties indie authors face in South Africa were simply part of the job. That if we loved our stories enough, if we were resilient enough, if we kept our heads down and worked harder, things would eventually balance out.

Well, guess what? They don’t, and more importantly, they shouldn’t have to.

This is why I have co-founded the South African Indie Author Association, launching at the end of this month.

Not as a reaction.

Not as a...

The world had grown dim long before the final sun slipped beneath the horizon.

Cities had gone quiet. Forests stood still, their leaves brittle as ash. The oceans, once wild and untamable, moved only when the wind remembered to breathe. Somewhere, in what had once been a thriving coastal village, a woman named Mara guarded a lantern, the last known source of natural light.

It wasn’t fire in the usual sense. The flame glowed softly blue, like moonlight caught in a jar. Her grandmother had called...

The publishing world has undergone a seismic shift in the last decade, one that has opened doors, challenged old systems, and given writers more power than ever before. Once upon a time, authors had only one path to legitimacy: land an agent, hope for a traditional deal, and pray their book survived a crowded marketplace. Today, self-publishing stands shoulder-to-shoulder with traditional publishing as a valid, respected, and often wildly successful alternative.

And at the heart of this...

In the last few years, independent publishing has exploded into a powerful, creative movement. Thousands of writers, dreamers, storytellers, mothers, business owners, and night-shift scribblers have taken control of their craft and put their books into the world on their own terms. And readers have embraced them with open arms.

Yet, amid this incredible growth, another trend has been rising just as quickly:

Unnecessary, aggressive, and often deeply misinformed negativity toward indie authors on...

There’s something magical about curling up with a good book, that feeling of being wrapped in a story and leaving the world behind for a while. Now imagine doing that in a beautiful setting, surrounded by other women who feel the same way. That’s exactly what women-only reading retreats are all about: peaceful, cozy spaces where you can rest, read, and simply be.

In a world that often feels loud and demanding, more women are craving a pause, a place to breathe, reconnect with themselves, and...

In a world that often moves at lightning speed, where algorithms and trends can overshadow heartfelt stories, indie authors and bookshops stand as quiet beacons of creativity, resilience, and connection. Each book written, every independent store opened, and each community formed is an act of courage and love for storytelling.

But what if we could bring all of these sparks together and build something luminous?

A Global Circle for Indie Voices

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to create a ...

For indie authors, the journey of bringing a story into the world isn’t just about writing the book; it’s about finding the right people who will help polish, strengthen, and share it. Two of the most important allies on this path are beta readers and ARC (Advanced Review Copy) readers.

Why Beta Readers Matter

Beta readers are the author’s first true audience. They dive into early drafts before the book is finalised, offering feedback on pacing, plot, character development, and overall flow....

There is a quiet kind of magic that happens when pen meets page, when thoughts that have lived only in our hearts spill into words we can see, touch, and hold. Writing is not just a craft; it is a mirror, a release, and a way back to ourselves. For many, it becomes a companion on the journey of healing. When life leaves us carrying wounds, whether from loss, trauma, illness, or the slow wear of unspoken struggles, those feelings often remain buried. Writing gives them form. In naming what...

Some stories begin with heroes chosen by prophecy.

This isn’t one of them.

Elira has round ears in a world of pointed ones. For nearly 350 moons, she has been the wrong shape for everything. The Seer’s words have haunted her since childhood:

“She does not belong. No thread for her in the loom of destiny.”

But the Seer was wrong. Elira does have a thread, one spun by gods who see her not as a halfling, but as the perfect vessel for their power.

Stolen Memories, Burning Truths

Silver wings....