iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 5h

I've been thinking about the difference between writing my previous books and my current epic fantasy work-in-progress, Sisters of the Stone Circle. One thing that struck me is that writing books with word counts of 60K to 75K versus a book with a goal of 130K words is more than just more words.

Light tan background with a square of darker red-brown. Text: Musings on writing a big book: Writing a longer book is more than just writing more words: it is...
More characters.
More Viewpoints.
More description
More narration.
More plot points.
And requires more physical, mental, and emotional Stamina.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I don't think I've shared much of my writing that highlights my sense of humor. This is a snippet from my upcoming epic fantasy novel, Sisters of the Stone Circle. If this interests you follow for more updates.

The smell of dust and mould caught the back of Rednna’s throat and coated her tongue. The sound of shrieks made the hair on her arms stand on end. Stepping forward felt like swimming through molasses, but she walked forward in the direction where the magic was emanating from. They walked through the vestibule and then turned left down a long hallway. When they reached the end of the hallway, Redenna opened the door. They were greeted by screens, blurs of white mist swooping down on them, and a whirlwind of small items spinning in the air together in the middle of the room. Past the floating items was a large vase set on an alter Redenna ducked and pursed her lips. This was like her mother trying to teach her youngest students after they had eaten some of the human sugar candies that traveling merchants would sometimes bring. She stomped her foot and, in the voice she used with her children when she was fed up with their antics, she roared, “Enough of this nonsense. Stop this right now.”

A chorus of laughter in response, then the echoes of “stop” bouncing around the room, then they were getting pelted by clothes, empty inkpots, wood figurines. Redenna threw a ward around them. They wouldn’t be able to move, but at least they were safe. The pack of poltergeists howled in anger. Good, that was fine, Redenna thought; she could hold the wards until the menaces wore themselves out.

And that would have been fine, except there was the loud sound of the air being rent, followed by a scent so noxious Redenna fought gagging. It was like skunk, rotten meat, rotten egg, and unwashed body. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Bem and Valina cover their noses and cough.

Unable to stand the stench anymore, Redenna bolted for the door leading out of the room. The sound of running footsteps followed her, followed by cackling laughter. They exited the room and slammed the door. The three of them doubled over, coughing.

Valina found her voice among the three of them; she said, “…

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I previously posted about the tools I use to draft my novels. I recently found a new tool by Hugh Howey, the author of the Silo series. I've worked with it, and here is my review. Free for Mac, Windows, and Linux. Learn more click: hughhowey.com/neo/ Watch a tutorial: youtu.be/_K-ExOiEv40?...

Light green background with an image of text in Neo Novel writing software. Text: I tried Hugh Howey's Neo

Things I liked about Neo:
Free, multi-platform, and everything saved locally.
Simple interface.
Focus on drafting.
Lots of export and import options.
Simple upload-ready formatting .

Issues I had with Neo:
Not being able to keep the chapter navigation bar open.
Having to alter an html file to change the document name.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Waves, hello, yeah, that friend is me 🤣🤣🤣. I was updating the files for my novel in progress and noticed I had changed the spelling of a character's name halfway through the book. Thank goodness for find and replace. Comment if you have done this in your writing or have seen it in a book you read.

Text: Has anyone written or read a book where the spelling of a character’s name changed? Asking for a “friend”.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, I thought I would write about why I chose the viewpoint for various series. One thing I want to note, in addition to what is in the graphic: I didn't realise at the time, but first person is a genre convention for urban fantasy

Why I wrote Dreamcatcher Codices in First Person:
I wanted to keep the story as close to Sara’s perspective as possible.
I wanted the reader to understand why Sara does what she does.
I wanted to make the action feel immediate and urgent.

Why I wrote Royal Griffin Corps in Third-person close, dual narration.
I wanted to be able to show both characters' perspectives and how those sometimes conflict.
I wanted the reader to understand why each character does what they do.
I wanted just a small bit of distance between the characters and the reader.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I've been thinking about the use of first-person point of view. I've read social media posts that some people read first person as a self-insert. I read first person as the main character telling me the story. I also know some people will not read first person. Comment with your preferences.

If you read a novel written in first person, do you:
A. Imagine yourself as the protagonist.
B. Imagine the protagonist telling you the story.
C. Eww, first-person point of view? Nope.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The leaves are changing color, the temperature is getting cooler, and pumpkin lattes are here. Are you missing a good book to cozy up with? How about a heart-pounding second-chance romance about a warrior and her diplomat mage? Check out Love's Talons: books2read.com/b/4XxLeN

Light tan background with red, orange, and yellow leaves, an acorn, a pinecone, and the cover of Love's Talons on an iPad, a phone, and a paperback. Text: Want to leaf through a good book this fall?

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Who is ready for the cooler weather, pretty colors, and pumpkin-flavored coffee? Just me? How about a good book to cozy up with? If a girl battling her nightmares sounds good, check out Dreams Call: books2read.com/b/mY2ggG

Light tan background with red, orange, and yellow leaves, an acorn, and a pinecone. Text: Want to leaf through a good book this fall?

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I wanted to share a quick unboxing video of author copies of some of my books. Click here to learn more about my books: books2read.com/ap/nAeeWP/LS...

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I wanted to share a bit about some of the character archetypes that the characters fill in my work-in-progress Epic Fantasy novel, Sisters of the Stone Circle. Follow me if you want to stay up to date when the book is available.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

I'm jumping on the "Let's normalize posting a single picture" trend. Here's a peek at my bookshelf.

Image of a bookshelf with text: Can we normalize posting a single picture again?

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

No matter your reading season, I have a fantasy book for you. Fantasy with romance? Try Love's Talons. Modern and spooky fantasy? Try Dreams Call. Like epic adventures? Sisters of the Stone Circle is coming soon. Love's Talons: books2read.com/b/4XxLeN Dreams Call: books2read.com/b/mY2ggG

Light green background with the image of a cherry blossom tree in bloom, an oak tree with red and orange leaves, and a pine tree with snow. A line from each tree, a heart with a pink line, a ghost with an orange line, and a snow-capped mountain with a blue line. Text: Choose your reader season.

Light green background. Pink line with the word romance under it. Orange line with the word spooky underneath. Light blue line with the word adventure under it.

Light green background with an orange, a blue, and a pink line.

Light green background. Orange line leading to cover over Dreams Call. Light blue line leading to the cover of SIster of the Stone Circle. Pink Line leading to cover of Love's Talons.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I thought I would post another public service announcement this time not to not read chapter eight of my contemporary fantasy Dreams Call...the betrayal will completely gut you 😭🤯😭🤯. To learn more about the book, go to: books2read.com/b/mY2ggG

Light tan background with the cover of Dreams Call by L.S. OBryan with a negation circle over it. Text: Do not read chapter eight of this book. The betrayal will completely gut you.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I thought I would post a public service announcement to not read chapter eighteen of my fantasy romance Love's Talons...unless you want to be absolutely wrecked 😭😭😭. To learn more about the book, go to: books2read.com/b/4XxLeN

Light tan background with the cover image of Love's Talons by L.S. OBryan with a Interdictory circle. Text: Do not read chapter 18 of this book unless you want to be absolutely wrecked.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I wanted to give a quick reminder that you can find all of my links in one place if you click on my Linktree. You can find my socials, learn more about my books, visit my website, sign up for my mailing lists, and find playlists for my books. Feel free to click around. linktr.ee/l.s.obryan.a...

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I'm feeling a little philosophical today. I was thinking about the idea that to be a writer, you have to bleed onto the page. I think that who I am impacts what I write in ways big and small.

Background image of pages of an open book. Text: As a writer, when I write, who I am bleeds through onto the page. My hopes and dreams. My fears and failings. My viewpoint and my experiences. My challenges and accomplishments. What I choose to write and what I choose not to.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Is it spooky season… or am I an author doing research? 🤣🤣🤣

Red-brown background. A ghost outline in the center. Three search bubbles. Text: Spooky season... or my writing search results. Types of ghosts. Difference between a ghost and a wraith. Difference between a wraith and lich.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Wanted to share a quick photo of objects that represent me. From the books I've written to my Book Devouring Horde mug, to my favorite music, to my favorite crochet hooks and yarn.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

A sneak peek of a scene I just wrote from my epic fantasy work in progress: Sisters of the Stone Circle. If you want to learn more about what I am writing, give me a follow.

Image of text in a word processing document.

The wraith gave a crow of triumph, “Yes, yes, give me everything. Become a vessel for me in the physical world.”
Lizell had nearly given up all hope when the connection between her and the wraith opened in the other direction. Abruptly, she could feel what the wraith felt. If she hadn’t been on her knees already, her legs would have given out. Under all of that anger was fear, the sting of betrayal, the thirst for revenge, but most of all the anguished guilt of failing those he cared about. Then the tears came, tracing down her cheeks slowly at first, then faster; then she was sobbing in great gulps.
The wraith looked down at her, and his visage wavered, like a pond disrupted by a thrown stone. There was a mixture of fear and wonder in his voice when he asked, “What are you doing?”
Between sobs, she gulped out, “Crying.”
Confusion crossed the wraith’s face when he asked her, “But why?”
Through her tears, she gritted out, “You were misled, manipulated, betrayed, and desecrated. You carry so much guilt.”
The wraith furrowed his brow, and he said, “But you couldn’t have known me in life. You aren’t even human.”
Lizell replied, “But I am a person who has met enough humans to understand how you might feel.”
The visage of the wraith wavered more.
Lizell said, “If you stop us from completing our mission, then many more people will suffer as you have. Your pain does not lessen by making other people suffer. The only way to stop the pain is to let it go. Please find your rest.”
The wraith stared at her for a long moment, and then he dissipated, taking the other ghosts with him.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I wanted to share a combined behind-the-scenes and software recommendation for an app called Narrativ Timeline. Here are screen captures of character cards and a connections graph from the app. This is not sponsored, just an app I found useful. To learn more, go to: https:www.writenarrativ.com/

Image showing a series of character description cards

An image of a chart showing how characters are connected.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I wanted to share a sneak peek at the logo I created for my current work-in-progress novel, Sisters of the Stone Circle. To stay up to date, give me a follow.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I realized that I have not shared a quote from my free Royal Griffin Corps short story collection. So here is a quote from the short story The First Queen of Iostal. To get the book for free, click: books2read.com/b/mdo61E

Caricanily are hechellent he mend' Hesita craw lend
large broken egg and then heard the squawk of a
hatchling. Hesia must have made a sound, because
the hatchling turned and looked at her. The
hatchling had white feathers, a yellow beak, and
yellow eyes, and velvety tan haunches. When Hesia
made eye contact with the hatchling, suddenly
suddenly
something seemed to shift in her mind. Suddenly, she
was scared and
hungry. Hesia stumbled back.
ethingwvare that the halchling, what in Testal had
just happened? Hesia was about to run off but the
check squawked, and Hesia felt a spike of terror run
through her. Was she feeling what the griffin
hatchling was feeling?
L.S. O'Bryan
Royal Griffin Corps Short Stories

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Like boxed sets? I have the three books in my Dreamcatcher Codices contemporary fantasy series. There are also the first three books in my fantasy romance Royal Griffin Corps series. Dreamcatcher Codices Omnibus: books2read.com/b/mdyQLR Royal Griffin Collection Volume One: books2read.com/b/bQ0Wk7

Background with a teal background on one half and a dark purple background on the other half. Image of the cover of Dreamcatcher Codices Omnibus on the left side, and the cover of Royal Griffin Corps Collection Volume One on the other. Text: This or That Collections.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Like free stories? Get historical fantasy stories from my Dreamcatcher Codices with a newsletter sign-up. Or download a fantasy romance collection from my Royal Griffin Corps. William Flagstaff stories: dashboard.mailerlite.com/.../12878634... Royal Griffin Corps Collection: books2read.com/b/mdo61E

Background with a blue/grey background on one half and a light purple background on the other half. Image of cover of The Journals of William Flagstaff on left side, and the cover of Royal Griffin Corps Short Stories on the other. Text: This or That Free Stories.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Today I wanted to give an update on my work in progress, since it's been a while. I decided to write a section out of order, as the heroes have now split into smaller groups. I'm starting to make some real progress on the second part of Act Two. Give me a follow if you want to stay updated.

Light green background with an image of a tablet, a phone, and a paperback book showing the cover of the Sisters of the Stone Circle.
Text: SIsters of the Stone Circle Progress Update. Opening scene rewritten. 82,200 out of 130,000 words. 41 out of 66 chapters. 296 out of 456 pages. Currently writing the part where things start to go wrong.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I thought I would have a little fun today and make a general author moodboard that includes my colors, fonts, logos, and other elements I use. If this sounds like your vibe, give me a follow

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, I wanted to share five things I discovered while writing Dream's Call that impacted the other books in the Dreamcatcher Codices series. To learn more about Dream's Call, click: books2read.com/b/mY2ggG

Light green background with image of paperback copy of Dreams Call by L.S. OBryan. Text: Things I discovered as I wrote Dream's Call. That Sara isn’t the chosen one. Luke’s backstory.The Elder’s connections. Caroline’s powers and role. Kelly’s identity and importance.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

I am a hybrid plotter/discovery writer. I use plot beats as a skeleton, then write the scenes as they come to me. Here are five things I discovered while writing Love's Talons that impacted the rest of the Royal Griffin Corps series. To learn more about Love's Talons, click: books2read.com/b/4XxLeN

Image with a tan background and paperback book of Love's Talons in the foreground. Text: Things I discovered as I wrote Love's Talons. That Zirith was neurodivergent. The importance of Battle Signs. That there is a hidden member. That Nadira is a matchmaker. That the royal tailor would be a recurring character.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

This is the third post about YouTube channels that I watch for research as an indie author. This post focuses on writing- and publishing-specific ones. Search for the channel names on YouTube to find them.

Tan Background with a dark teal YouTube video. Text: YouTube channels I watch for research: Author news and tutorials.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

This is the second post about YouTube channels that I like to watch for research as an indie author. This post focuses on graphic design channels that I follow. The first are author-specific, then Canva-specific, and then Affinity Studio (which I use for things I can do in Canva for free)

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

This is the first in a series of posts about YouTube channels that I like to watch for research as an indie author. This first post focuses on more history-related videos. To find the channels, search the channel name on YouTube.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Today, I thought I would share a short video with a quote from my noblebright fantasy work in progress, Sisters of the Stone Circle. This quote shows one part of the group reaching the river Wrynn.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Consider this permission to find a cozy spot and curl up with a good book. I hope you would consider a bundle of my first three fantasy romance books. To learn more, click: books2read.com/b/mdyQLR

Image of a postcard with the cover of Dream Catcher Chronicels Omnibus as a stamp. Postmark with L.S. O'Bryan, Author, and 00/27. To: Booklovers
Delivered to: Your coziest spot.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

I spent much of yesterday mourning a woman I never met, but who touched my life in many ways. From her music and movies to the other artists she opened doors for, to the way she quietly modeled how to be a businessperson in a creative field. Thank you for the joy you spread and the example you set.

Pink background with a black-and-white image of Dolly Parton.
Text: In Memory of Dolly. Be kind. Help others. Dream big. Be bold.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

One of the writing rules I've heard time and time again is, "Don't go back and rewrite your opening scene until you've finished the book". I broke that rule, even though I understood the advice. Here is my reason and what I changed.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

I have shared character interviews from my other books before, but this time I wanted to let the “dark lord” of my work in progress speak. Be warned, though: Death’s Vanquisher’s words are poisoned honey. Follow me if you want to learn more.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

I am probably a bit late on the "You're not nerdy enough to understand" meme, but I thought I would see if anyone understood the reference I put in my work in progress. Comment if you think you figured it out.

Background image of a river flowing through a forest. Text: I'd tell you the double reference of naming the river in my current work in progress the Wrynn, but you aren't nerdy enough to understand.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

To fellow readers, I'm considering creating non-book merch based on my writing/books. If you've bought book-related merchandise before, feel free to comment about what you've bought. Note: The mug in the image is not real; I used a Canva mock-up to create what a mug with my logo would look like.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

I'm considering creating non-book merch based on my writing/books. If any authors out there sell merch, feel free to comment. Note: The mug in the image is not real, I used a Canva mock-up to create what a mug with my logo would look like.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Today, I thought I would post about how I actually get my ideas onto paper for my novels. How I draft is often based on my mood. Sometimes putting pen to paper is what I need; sometimes a blank Apple Pages document for a chapter; sometimes I want the bigger picture in Scrivener.

Red/brown background. Ways that I write the first draft of my books. Image of a fountain pen under the text.

Red/brown background with the image of a notebook open, filled with handwriting. Longhand

Red/brown background with an image of an Apple Pages document with text. Text: Apple Pages.

Red/brown background. Image of a Scrivener file with a table of contents, text, and notes. Text: Scrivener.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Just wanted to share a quick post today about some of my favorite themes as a reader.

Light tan background with four dark teal arrows.
My favorite themes as a reader.
Found Family
Unexpected Heroes
Competent main characters
Good overcomes evil

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Yesterday I shared my go-to authors, and today I wanted to share four authors I read for the first time and enjoyed in the last fifteen months or so.

Images of book covers of Tears of the Wolf by Elisabeth Wheatley, A River of Golden Bones by AK Mulford, There Be Dragons Here by SL Rowland, and Wing Weaver by AP Beswick. New-to-me authors I’ve enjoyed: Elisabeth Wheatley, A.K. Mulford, S.L. Rowland, A.P. Beswick

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

I thought I would do a post today highlighting a set of authors that are basically automatic purchases for me as an author.

Images of book covers of The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, This Kindgom will not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, Radiance by Grace Draven, Last Guard by Nalini SIngh, and Emperors Edge by Lindsay Buroker. Authors I love as an Author; JRR Tolkien, Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, and Lindsay Buroker.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Today, I wanted to share a public service announcement about some of the scams I have heard indie authors encounter. If someone cold calls you, please be wary.

PSA - Scams that are targeting writers.
Book clubs that charge fees to feature your books.
Events that invite an author and then state there is a fee.
Emails spoofing literary agents.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I want to preface this post by saying I know this is a lot of information, so save it and come back to it. Yesterday I jokingly talked about finances as an indie author, but today I wanted to go into more detail. I tried to give exact amounts where I could rather than vague estimates.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

A book influencer got roasted for asking $1000 to promote "small authors". I've gotten DM's saying, "Pay me to share your book with my followers." Here are some things I would spend money on if I were looking to invest in my business (but not now). Follow me for more book-business-related posts.

Image with dark teal background and a tan bag with a dollar symbol. Things I would rather spend money on than pay an influencer to promote my book. A new laptop. Someone to narrate my audiobook. Special Editions of my book. Redesigned book covers. Character art.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Most writers have a set of themes that they tend to gravitate to. Sometimes it is found family, sometimes it is hidden secrets, sometimes it is the power of love. Here are some of the themes in my books. If this interests you, check out books2read.com/ap/nAeeWP/LS...

Pale sage green background with a fountain pen. Themes I return to as an author:
What it means to be a hero.
Protecting and helping others.
Sacrifice.
Good overcoming evil.
Disability Representation.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

As a reader, I have a TBR (to be read) pile. But as a writer, I also have ideas for books that I have dubbed my TBW (to be written). I picture them like a line of ducklings standing in an orderly queue waiting (this plan goes for years). If any of these interest you, follow me for updates.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

I'm jumping on the #kindachic trend with today's post. I think it's kinda chic that I have two completed book series published. If you want to check my books out, click here for my entire catalogue: books2read.com/ap/nAeeWP/LS...

Dark teal background. A tan arrow with the words: Kinda Chic...to have two completed series. Image of the covers of Dreams Call, Dreams Chase, Dreams Close. Another image with the covers of Love's Talons, Love's Draft, Love's Chords, Love's Signs, Love's Duty, and Royal Griffin Corps Short Story Collection. All books by L.S. OBryan.

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L.S. O'Bryan @lsobryanauthor.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Today, I am sharing a short video review of my experiences getting a beta read from @PeculiarStories548. If you want to learn more, their Instagram profile is: www.instagram.com/peculiarstor...

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