iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 06/08/2026

#IAS Author members--if your account role shows as "Author" in your profile you have been selected to pilot the Mastodon Newsletter feature! Here, your non-Mastodon superfans can subscribe and receive a newsletter of your #IAS posts. You can enable this […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 29/06/2026

And when you think today's book reviewers / critics are tough... Jenner, Charles. Bell and CO.'s Pocket Novelist, Placid Man, &c. .... United Kingdom: Bell, 1770. www.google.com/books/edition/Placid… #BookReview #Bookstodon

Age-weathered image of a book page that reads:
CHAP. I.
An Apology for Novel Readers ; which may also serve for Novel Writers.

"IN this trifling novel reading age--at a time when the press groans under the weight of so many ridiculous notions--when a heap of trash in the form of novels turned the brains of our young people----" Such, my good reader, as I dare say you can bear witness, are the reflections which every sour critic is daily, weekly, and monthly throwing out against this species of writing; and numerous as the authors in it are, I do not recollect that any of them have ever taken upon them to bestow even a chapter upon the defence of that branch of authorship, to which they owe all their reputation, if they have any to boast of, and, it may be, all their bread, if they have any to eat."

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 09/05/2026

I am starting to wonder if there are AI bots flaming Fedi users for using AI based on an AI's opinion....?????

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 17/02/2026

I always find this interesting: how we can best reach readers looking for the next good read. Source: Written Word Media’s “Reader Survey 2026” (published Feb 2, 2026). Page (dataset/article): www.writtenwordmedia.com/reader-sur… The […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 06/02/2026

@authorhelp I like the "more pen names" part. I have been thinking about this. But, I am curious: does their pricing assume that--at least by the names of plans--that the more successful an author is the more pen names they will have? I wonder if this generally true or not?!

First-Time Author (annual plan)
* $30/year (previously $20/year)
Includes 1 pen name
Mid-List Author (combined plan)
* $20/month or $200/year
* Integrations included
« Supports up to 4 pen names
Bestseller Author
« $30/month or $300/year
« Supports up to 6 pen names

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/01/2026

Some Indie Pub news highlights for 2026 (so far): KDP: DRM kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GDD… TechCrunch: KDP DRM […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

o o o
Top 2026 Indie Self-Publishing
News
The highest-impact platform changes to protect your revenue, improve
reader experience, and expand library discoverability.
~~
) Amazon KDP Jan 20, 2026 2) Draft2Digital Feb 1, 2026
DRM-free ebooks can be downloaded Print costs rise: revisit your price + ad
as EPUB + PDF math
Re-check DRM per title: better portability/ Update margins before promos, ads, and bulk
accessibility vs. increased file sharing risk. author-copy orders.
~~
8 IngramSpark Feb 1, 2026 a IngramSpark 2026
POD cost changes: some formats Fee/revision policy updates: time file
shift more changes
Run new print + compensation calculators Bundle corrections and schedule revisions to
(especially color/hardback). reduce paid file updates.
5 Libraries Apr 1 - May 31, 2026
Indie Author Project contest: free, librarian-judged, major visibility
New Children's Picture Book category (ages 2-8). Winners: $2,500; runners-up: $500.
Do next Audit margins + choose DRM stance + submit library-facing titles.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 14/01/2026

[part 1 of 6] It's not until you look at the end-to-end self-publishing workflow for that the immensity of it is realized. #selfPublishing #indieAuthor #AmWriting #Author #writing #writingCommunity Act I Plan

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 05/11/2025

Reading is a helpful anti-depressant / anti-anxiety medication (IMHO). #Books #AmReading #Bookstodon #Book

Prescription bottle with label "To treat anxiety read one book after stressful event or more as needed."

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 07/10/2025

Sharing the love to all of the indie authors out there! Thank you for the tales you tell! :boostRequest: Please boost to let them feel the love :boostRequest: #IndieAuthor #Indie #SelfPublishing #Author #Bookstodon #Books

A cheerful 3D illustration showing two cartoon indie authors standing beside an open book with "Indie Authors" written in gold lettering. The character on the left wears glasses and holds a quill pen, while the character on the right holds a blue notebook. Three red hearts float above them, and white sparkles dot the light blue background. Small book icons appear in the corners, symbolizing the supportive and loving community of independent authors.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/07/2025

"You gotta be scared to be brave"--Pete the Cat. S104 E5. www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B086… If you've never done it before, the idea of writing a novel can be terrifying. All of the "What if"'s and "How do I"'s can stifle the wonderful […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

Scene from Pete that Cat, where Pete's mom is consoling grumpy toad who is hiding under their bed.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/07/2025

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” --Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot) Steaphan's 2-cents: break free the chains of author stereotypes and let loose the writer within without shame or apology. #quote #quotes #Author #Writers #WritersOfMastodon #AmWriting #books

A meme with the text “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” With an image of Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot)

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/07/2025

People of this blue rock can be so shortsighted. The great Alexandria library is believed to have held up to 700,000 scrolls. Ships docking in Alexandria were sometimes required to allow any scrolls they carried to be copied in order to drop anchor. A […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

Statue in front of the Bibliotheca Alexandria library in Egypt

Ancient scripting across the Bibliotheca Alexandria library in Egypt

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/07/2025

I love it in Egypt. Everywhere I go here,.there are ancient stories to be told. Even picking up a handful of desert rubble: who walked upon that soil? What structures did its mortar hold together? Who's ancient flesh long eviscerated? #history #ancientegypt #historicalficton #Story #AmWriting

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 03/07/2025

I realized I am a tool hoarder. I loves my writing tools. Minimal text editor, thesaurus, dictionary, research databases, grammar checker, book layout formatter, book cover ruler/guide, document converter, marketing genre/keyword checker and on and on […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

A person is shown from the shoulders down wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans. Around their waist is an oversized tool belt filled with office, art, and writing supplies instead of tools. The belt holds items such as pens, pencils, scissors, notebooks, sticky notes, ruler, binder clips, and a compass. The person stands with their arms relaxed by their sides.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 06/06/2025

Genre Popularity Among Self-Published Authors - Romance dominates, making up 27% of self-published books on Amazon, followed by fantasy, thrillers, and sci-fi. - Audiobook and ebook consumption are growing rapidly with 1.1 billion readers expected to […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

Illustration of two women relaxing on a couch. One woman with long dark hair is sitting upright and reading a tablet, while the other woman with light hair is lying down with her head resting on the first woman's lap, wearing headphones and appearing to enjoy music. Both are in comfortable, casual clothes and the setting is bright and cozy, with cushions around them.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 23/05/2025

The Cimmerian space pirates from In the Arms of the Void have a DNA-handled dagger logo now!

A close-up, high-contrast graphic novel illustration in stark yellow and black, featuring heavy inking, thick lines, and a halftone dot pattern. It shows a section of a uniform or jacket. On the left, a circular patch displays a stylized yellow symbol: a DNA double helix intertwined with a blade, set against a solid black background. To the right, a rectangular pocket or patch area is visible, also outlined in yellow with a black interior. The fabric shows folds and seams rendered with strong lines.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 23/05/2025

[1 of 2] "TO A DOG. DEAR faithful object of my tender care, Whom but my partial eyes none fancy fair ; May I unblamed display thy social mirth, Thy modest virtues, and domestic worth : Thou silent, humble flatterer, yet sincere, More swayed by love than […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

A vintage illustration shows a shaggy, light brown and gray terrier-like dog sitting patiently on a wooden floor, looking up and out a diamond-paned window. To the left of the dog is a portion of a pink upholstered armchair with a wooden frame. Sunlight streams in through the window, casting shadows on the floor.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 12/05/2025

For this week: If the doubting echoes start to haunt. Breathe. Pick up your pen/typewriter/keyboard and let the words flow. #Writing #WritingCommunity @indieauthors #SelfPublishing #Author #authors

Poster that reads "Stay Calm and Write On" with typewriter keys in the background, line art of a quill, an inkblot, and an open book.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 10/05/2025

#PennedPossibilities 666 Does your MC believe in a higher power? Yes,. And Alyssalee has met the higher power and the lower powers too.

A digital painting shows a dramatic scene with a woman in a red hooded cape and a tall, muscular man with large curved horns. The woman stands confidently with arms open, wearing tight pants and boots, and has red glowing objects sticking out of her chest. The man beside her has dark skin, red glowing eyes, an open coat, and a mischievous expression. Behind them, a giant stone hand rises among swirling flames and reddish-orange light, while shadowy figures run in chaos in the foreground. The image evokes a sense of power and destruction.

A person with short dark hair, dressed in a sleeveless top and tight pants, stands at the bottom of stone steps in a glowing purple and orange-lit cathedral-like hall. They hold a glowing blue sword and face a robed, hooded figure seated on a large throne at the top of the stairs. Above the throne, a fiery magical orb floats, casting dramatic light. Stained glass windows and gothic architecture fill the background. The cover displays the title "Of Evil & Angels Book III" at the bottom and the author’s name, Steaphan Kay, at the top.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 21/04/2025

I feel like we are in an era where people really need authors to carry them away to other lands. Other times. Other realities. We aren't merely in the entertainment business. We provide therapy. Medicine. A salve for the soul. @indieauthors #AmWriting #AmReading #Books #Bookstodon

The image shows a grand, multi-story library with ornate railings, filled with books from floor to ceiling. People are scattered throughout, some sitting comfortably and reading, while others stand or browse the shelves. What makes the scene magical is that many of the bookcases have large, glowing portals or windows embedded in them, each depicting different fantastical scenes—lush landscapes, star-filled galaxies, people in otherworldly settings, fairy-tale gardens, and daring adventures. These portals suggest the limitless adventures and worlds that books can transport readers to, underscoring the imagination and escapism found within literature. The mood is warm, cozy, and wonder-filled, inviting viewers to imagine stepping into the stories themselves.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/03/2025

#Queerprompts 29/March/25: If you took a picture of your book, what setting would you choose for the background? Of Evil and Angels is in the distant future where the oceans have overtaken many of the large population centers. Also, the world is […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

Aerial view of an abandoned island with dilapidated buildings surrounded by the ocean. The island is fortified with sea walls, and there are additional land masses in the distance.

Aerial view of a historic prison with a radial design, surrounded by urban buildings. The prison is characterized by stone walls and a central hub with multiple connecting corridors.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 27/03/2025

The Orson Welles War of the Worlds broadcast in 1938 that caused a small panic among listeners due to its newsflash format has always been fascinating to me. (re: what we as a society are willing to believe). What if AI imaging existed back then? Never […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

A sepia-toned photo is shown being held by a hand. The image depicts a humanoid figure with an alien-like appearance, including large eyes and a hairless head, standing in front of a crashed, dilapidated spaceship. The background is scattered with debris and rocks.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 19/03/2025

The Bible may have cost around $1,000,000 to print in today's USD (4000 florins)????? Palmer, Samuel. A General History of Printing: From the First Invention of it in the City of Mentz, to Its Propagation and Progress Thro' Most of the Kingdoms in […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

Image of the 1733 text that reads "It is certain this art met with no small difficulties from the beginning of its invention, as I heard 30 years ago from the mouth of Peter Schoeffer de Gernsheim, citizen of Mentz, and Son-in-law to the first Inventor of the Art. For when they went about printing the Bible, before they had work'd off the third quire, it had cost them already above 4000 florins."

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 13/03/2025

#WordWeavers 13. If your MC was a music genre, what genre would they be? Alyssalee would be gothic metal all the way. She is dark, introspective, and a force to be reckoned with. #nxm

Illustrated scene of a woman crouching behind a tall stone monument in a fantasy setting, holding a curved sword in her right hand. She wears a pink tank top and brown pants, with a gothic-style building and warm pinkish light in the background.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 12/03/2025

For an author to craft a story is to fit the plot together like crosswords, assemble the narrative vision like a jigsaw puzzle, and align it all together to form a coherent tale like the blocks of a Rubik's Cube. #ScribesAndMakers #Writing […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

An intricate cube puzzle depicting fantasy imagery, reminiscent of a crossword-style arrangement with letters on each piece. The cube surface features a mystical castle under a moody sky on the left side, a verdant landscape with a mythical dragon in the center, and golden-hued earth on the right. The design connects across all visible sides, creating a cohesive scene with interlocking puzzle shapes, detailed artwork blending seamlessly with the puzzle structure.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 11/02/2025

Indie Authors Social, connecting the community of independent, self-published authors for going on three years now. indieauthors.social : * Provides full access to Mastodon / Fediverse * Filters-out of non-author noise. IAS does not trend […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

An ornate, golden, shield-shaped emblem with intricate detailing. The emblem features the year "2022" prominently displayed at the top. The bottom portion includes the words "INDIE AUTHORS SOCIAL," encased in a decorative ribbon-like design. The central part houses an illustration of a fox's face, conveying the theme "AUTHORS HELPING AUTHORS" above it.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 30/01/2025

In this time, it's critical to remember this truth: the author's power is a mighty one. #Author #Writing #WritersCoffeeClub #WritersOfMastodon #AmWriting

Image depicts an open book on a wooden surface. A red feather quill pen and a breaks the tip of a sword before it pierces the book's pages. The quill's impact causes cracks and small fragments to fly off the paper. The background is a blurry mix of dark blues, browns, and hints of orange.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 19/01/2025

"The praise of ancient authors proceeds not from the reverence of the dead, but from the competition and mutual envy of the living."--Thomas Hobbes #indie #SelfPublishing #Writing #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #authorquote

A group of solemn figures gathered around a lit lectern in a dimly lit, graveyard-like setting. In the foreground, a woman in a richly decorated, flowing dress reads from a large book illuminated by candlelight. Shadows cast by the flickering candles enhance the mysterious atmosphere, with ancient stone monuments and statues in the background. The faces of the onlookers express intense curiosity and concentration, as they lean in closer to listen. Several books scattered across the ground add to the scholarly ambiance. A full moon is visible in the sky above.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 13/01/2025

#WordWeavers 1/13 If you met a person like your antagonist in real life, what would you do? If I met Clyrinth IRL, her siren-like alure and Atrium-borne darkness would leave me even more hopelessly lost than Viper. Demiromantic kicking hard!

A digital portrait of a pale-skinned woman with long, braided white hair and striking red eyes. She wears a white dress and a dark fur coat, with her arms raised above her head. A silver arm cuff adorns one arm, and a small peach-colored flower is tucked into her hair. The silhouette of man standing behind her in a fur-trimmed coat.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 08/01/2025

For the dragonrider who has everything. Because you wouldn't believe what you might find stuck between their molars. #dragons #dagger #books #dragonrider #fantasy #nxm

A dagger with a wire-bristled toothbrush at end of the hilt.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 25/12/2024

When I sit down to write, my goal is to achieve the same flow state as when I'm riffing on the guitar. Easier said than done, but it's glorious when it happens. Without the flow state, writing feels like hammering out the words on a stone tablet […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

The image depicts a surreal blend of two creative processes. On the left, a pair of hands is engaged in chiseling detailed characters into stone tablets with tools scattered around. On the right, another pair of hands is skillfully playing a blue electric guitar, with vibrant, swirling colors emanating from it, suggesting music and creativity. The scene artistically merges the tactile and auditory art forms, showcasing the contrast and connection between the crafts of stone carving and music.

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Author Steaphan Kay @steaphan.indieauthors.social.ap.brid.gy · 17/12/2024

Tip of the day: When the lights flicker, your spidey senses tingle, and noises growl from the darkness... head to the cargo hold? said no one ever. In The Arms of the Void (Helen Corvis & Steaphan Kay), On Kindle Vella, soon to be released as a novel […] [Original post on indieauthors.social]

An atmospheric sci-fi scene depicting a mysterious figure holding a glowing blue energy sword, confronting a large, beastly creature mid-leap. The creature has a furry, menacing appearance with sharp claws, and is set within a dimly-lit, industrial cargo hold filled with boxes and cables. The lighting creates dramatic shadows, enhancing the tension of the encounter.

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