Happy Anniversary to IU

Ah, yes. It’s been a year since the inception of Indies Unlimited and nearly that long since I joined as co-conspirator…I mean co-administrator. So here I recline, upon a body pillow stuffed with the money I’ve made here, and showered with Canadian dollars (I prefer those because they’re colorful) by handsome hockey players I was able to hire cheaply because of the NHL lockout. Oh, wait. I guess that’s just in my mind.

After all, Indies Unlimited is staffed completely by volunteers. Any money I’ve made is thanks to Rich Meyer whose recent tutorials about how to make book covers gave me the brilliant idea to start printing money on my inkjet. Of course, I haven’t tried to spend any yet. Do you think they’ll pass?
In Hise We TrustOf course, I’ve never been in this thing for the money. I’ve been in it for the fame and adulation. Money usually follows that. I like that my weekly tutorials help people. But what I really like is that people now consider me an industry expert. Ha! People will believe anything, won’t they? But I digress. This isn’t about me. But what the hell, let’s talk about me some more anyway. Or not.

We should be talking about Stephen Hise. Indies Unlimited (also referred to as IU) was his brain child. I’ve never met anyone with his vision, determination, creativity, or altruism. He’s also quite good at extortion. I don’t want to talk about that anymore.

How amazing is it that Hise could create a one-man-show blog in October of 2011 that within six months would grow to a staff of over 20 international authors – and win a position as finalist in the Independent Book Blogger Awards?

As I look back over the past year, it’s sort of a blur. That might have something to do with the after effects of the ether. At least my hair grew back where the duct tape pulled it out. In any case, of all my IU memories, I’d have to say my favorite was the April Fool’s joke when Hise touted his novel Upgrade as the World’s Most Expensive eBook. (Article here.) Only three people were in on this prank – me, Hise, and believe it or not – the one and only Mark Coker. How cool is that?

That was fun. Indeed. The best thing about Indies Unlimited, though, is not the fun, or the great tips, like-fests, interviews and articles. The best thing, in my eyes, is the sense of community this site has forged. I feel like I’m a part of something meaningful, helpful and global. IU has been instrumental in building my confidence and boosting my book sales. Hise says the latter is due to racy photos of me that someone posted online with a link to my Amazon.com author’s page. Somehow, I don’t think so.

So today I’d like to thank Stephen Hise, that guy I initially thought was creepy for stalking me, for inviting me to be his co-blogger. All hail the Evil Mastermind!

Author: K.S. Brooks

K.S. Brooks is an award-winning novelist, photographer, and photo-journalist, author of over 30 titles, and executive director and administrator of Indies Unlimited. Brooks is currently a photo-journalist and chief copy editor for two NE Washington newspapers.  She teaches self-publishing and writing topics for the Community Colleges of Spokane, and served on the Indie Author Day advisory board. For more about K.S. Brooks, visit her website and her Amazon author page.

28 thoughts on “Happy Anniversary to IU”

  1. I am delighted to find a site that is dedicated to promoting Independent authors. I was pleased with the manner in which my first book was featured on your site and I am helping to spread the word on LinkedIn.
    Thanks for all you do,
    Pat Frayne

  2. Thank you Kat for sharing some many new things. I kid on comments about being a dummie, but I really struggle with technology. You have been a wonderful teacher and you’re funny too! I don’t remember how I found IU, a stroke of luck, or the IU fairy smacking me in the head? Who knows, but I am grateful to you and Stephen. I agree, all hail the Evil Mastermind! Here’s to another year…no many years.

  3. Kat, you are an awesome co-blogger, mentor, teacher, blurb doctor, photographer, and a very kind and patient person with us indies. I am so glad Stephen started this blog and that you are a huge part of it. Thank you for being there and wishing much success for the coming years of Indies Unlimited.

  4. I totally agree, hail to the Evil Mastermind and his stroke of genius: involving the talented and sexy K.S.Brooks early in his world domination plan. You both totally rock. All the very best for the coming years, Kat, and I hope, in my stumbling way, to lend my support for a long time to come.

  5. Kat, you are the most wonderful blog partner imaginable. Thanks for all you do and for the huge role you have played in helping IU become what it is today. So glad I had plenty of chloroform and duct tape when we met.

    1. Chloroform? I thought that was your cologne. 😉 And thank you so very much for inviting me to be your blog partner. You are a Mastermind, indeed.

  6. Congrats to all the Indies. (why does that sound like clothing?) I had to look up laws on scanning and use of scanned images of money. Thought I had ya, but no, you’re completely legit on using the money with Stephen’s picture. My only question now is where did you find a $100 bill? I don’t get paid that much.

  7. Community is right. And I’m so pleased I was given a job here. No pay, but it allows me to share what skills (and disasters) I have learned and hope it will help others along the rocky road of self-publishing.

    Happy Anniversary!

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