Indie Reads – July 2016

Indies Unlimited does not review books, but we do have a couple of renowned reviewers on staff. We thought a great way to celebrate indie writing would be to ask those reviewers for their top indie picks of the month. Here are this month’s top picks from our experts:


When Churchyards Yawn 120x177When Churchyards Yawn by Cathy Vasas-Brown

“Vasas-Brown does everything to perfection: she develops her characters, structures a faultless plot, creates the right emotions for any scene…”

Read the rest of the review by Cathy Speight.

When Churchyards Yawn is available through Amazon.com.


Havoc Rising 120x177Havoc Rising by Brian S. Leon

“I would highly recommend Havoc Rising to any reader who enjoys mythology … that includes epic battles between good and evil. ”

Read the rest of the review by ?wazithinkin.

Havoc Rising is available through Amazon.com.


FindingTravis3D-2-medFinding Travis by Melissa Bowersock

“This was an enjoyable kickoff to this new series. I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.”

Read the rest of the review by BigAl.

Finding Travis is available at Amazon.com.


turtle's weir 120x177Turtle’s Weir by Lynne Cantwell

“This book was a roller-coaster ride of action and heartfelt emotions. The path Ms. Cantwell took us on was well envisioned, deliberate, and developed.”

Read the rest of the review by ?wazithinkin.

Turtle’s Weir is available at Amazon.com.


sparrow 120x177Sparrow by Grace Jelsnik

“I think this story would appeal to those readers who enjoy a suspenseful romance without any gore or gratuitous sex—a great holiday read IMO.”

Read the rest of the review by Pete Barber.

Sparrow is available at Amazon.com.


5 Reasons to Be a Flash Fiction Junkie

author rb frankGuest Post
by R.B. Frank

I’m addicted to flash fiction. I like reading it; I like writing it. Writing flash fiction is a quick hit and an adrenaline rush for those who crave immediate satisfaction. I can jump from website to contest to blog. I can submit and move on at lightning speed. And if that’s the case, then do I have another issue? Could you say I have FF-Induced ADD? When I read Top-Reasons-Why-yada-yada-yada, if there are more than five I zone out. Forget about 100 Places to Visit Before You Die. I’m dead before I finish the list. So for those of you who stare at the kettle willing it to boil, your wait time is over. Here are 5 great reasons to spend available nano-time writing nano-fiction. Continue reading “5 Reasons to Be a Flash Fiction Junkie”

Stacie Haas Wins Flash Fiction Challenge

Stacie Haas is the Readers’ Choice in this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge. (Lance’s piece was 278 words, and therefore disqualified.) The winning entry is decided by the popular vote and rewarded with a special feature here today. (In the case of a tie, the writer who submitted an entry first is the winner per our rules.) Without further ado, here’s the winning entry:

Continue reading “Stacie Haas Wins Flash Fiction Challenge”

Flash Fiction Writing Prompt: Deadwood

deadwood at night 101408
Photo copyright K. S. Brooks. Do not use without attribution.

Use the photograph above as the inspiration for your flash fiction story. Write whatever comes to mind (no sexual, political, or religious stories, jokes, or commentary, please) and after you PROOFREAD it, submit it as your entry in the comments section below. There will be no written prompt.


Welcome to the Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge. In 250 words or less, write a story incorporating the elements in the picture at left.  The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced.

Please keep language and subject matter to a PG-13 level. Continue reading “Flash Fiction Writing Prompt: Deadwood”