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.

That’s Awesome

Kat's CougarI’m a purist in every sense of the word. I like things just so…or in my eyes, how they were meant to be: correct. Being that way could be construed as a bit silly or stubborn at times, but it is what it is and I am what I am.

That said, it drives me up a wall when words are misused, misspoken, or misspelled. Language is very important to me, and it’s already been adulterated enough by internet speak and colloquialisms, etc.

So when I came to realize that I was contributing to the dumbing down of our language, I was mortified. Yes, it’s true. I was and am one of the billions of people who, frankly, misuse the word “awesome.” Continue reading “That’s Awesome”

Amazon.com: Use the Monster Part 1

Whether you think Amazon.com is too big for its own good, or not, doesn’t matter. As Indie authors, we’re all on it, and we all need it. One thing Amazon does do well is providing authors with tools to get the word out about their work(s). You’ve got to give them that.

But not all authors are taking advantage of the free tools offered by Amazon.com. Today, we’re going to start with Amazon Author Central pages – because this is the FIRST thing an author should do.

One way Amazon makes Author Central pages convenient is that you don’t need to set up a special author account. You can use your existing customer account log-in (if you’re already a customer). If you’re not, you can set up an account. This account is NOT linked to your Kindle Direct or Createspace accounts, if you have those. This is completely separate.

Before I show you how to claim and set up your author page, you’d probably like to know why you need one. #1 – they’re free. It’s like having your own multi-media website from which people can also buy your books. #2 – you can post your biography, video trailers and even rss feeds from your blog(s) and twitter there. #3 – you can post upcoming events, signings, appearances, etc. #4 – potential readers can post questions directly to you in the “discussions” forum. And lastly #5 – All your books will be linked to one page where people can see everything: how many books, how many reviews, and the cost. Here’s a screen shot of my Amazon.com Author Central page to give you an idea (click on it to enlarge): Continue reading “Amazon.com: Use the Monster Part 1”

Indies Unlimited Press Release

We here at Indies Unlimited are beginning a national and regional media blitz.  It is all part of Evil Mastermind Hise’s plan for world domination.  You may see the following press release floating around the internetosphere.  Then again, you may not.  Either way, you heard it here first.  Or, I guess, you read it here first.  Our fearless leader Mr. Hise would have posted this message himself, but he was too busy gleefully rubbing his hands together whilst emitting an evil laugh.   Oops, now he’s choking.  I need to get him a glass of water.

STEPHEN HISE LAUNCHES INDIES UNLIMITED

New Web Site Will Be A Resource for Indie Authors and Readers

Phoenix, AZ – 05 Jan 2012 – Indie Author Stephen Hise has launched a new website called Indies Unlimited.  The goal of the site is to celebrate, educate, and promote independent authors. Content includes interviews, articles, links, video book trailers, contests, reviews, industry news, tutorials and recommendations.

“We are at the beginning of a technological revolution in how books are written, published, marketed, purchased, and read,” Hise explains. “I started Indies Unlimited to showcase the amazing amount of talent in the indie author community. I hope to connect authors with each other and with readers as well.” Continue reading “Indies Unlimited Press Release”

A Serving of Payback.

Lust for Danger by K.S. Brooks
She's ready to dish out payback!

Mean people suck. They really do. But that’s okay, I’m coming to the conclusion that it’s a good thing. Because…honestly…if there were no mean people I’d have no one to passionately torture and kill off in my novels.

Whoever said “Revenge is a dish best served cold” wasn’t altogether with it. Take that quote, add a whole lot of “The pen is mightier than the sword” and you have a winning combination.

Yes, I believe in what goes around comes around…and, if I can help it get around any faster, I’m all for it. And yes, I will go completely out of my way to write a scene that may not be related in any way to my project just to give my enemies their come-uppance. That, my friends, is my right. Continue reading “A Serving of Payback.”