My 'Self-Published Favourites List' Continues...

The discovery of self-published works is absolutely magical! These incredible authors pour every ounce of their being into creating stories without big publishing houses backing them—just pure passion and determination bringing their vision to life.

I'm obsessed with watching new writers build their online communities as they share every step of their writing journey—the midnight oil-burning sessions, the endless rewrites, the emotional rollercoasters of doubt and triumph. This transparency creates such an intimate connection that traditional publishing could never match. The excitement of seeing an Instagram post announcing someone's first book or novella is unmatched, especially after watching them put out excerpts or character studies or their tips for writing schedules. And those cover art reveal! There’s nothing like watching an author's vision come to life visually, then seeing the fan art roll in as others fall in love with the characters too.

It feels like being part of this amazing secret club—like we've discovered this hidden gem of a story and an author who actually responds to your comments and makes you feel seen, being able to chat with your favourite author about their characters is exceptional.

When you support a self-published author, you're not just buying a book—you're becoming part of their journey and this incredible community. Your purchase, review, or share might be the very encouragement they need to keep creating!

These are three of my most recent self-published favourites:

Through the Eyes of an Absent Soul by Lex Cook

Journey through the labyrinth of human experience in Lex Cook's poignant poetry collection. These confessional verses explore mental illness, heartbreak, and trauma while capturing the raw emotions of self-discovery. With haunting imagery and evocative language, Cook transforms pain into beauty, showcasing the spirit's resilience. This collection speaks to anyone who has felt lost, offering understanding while encouraging dialogue about silenced struggles. Whether navigating personal heartache or seeking to understand others', these poems resonate deeply, leaving imprints long after the final page turns.

Symphony of the Fallen Stars by Marie Lau

When Cassiana performs for the Fae King hoping for her big break, she finds herself marked for death instead. Her unexpected saviour? The Deathbringer himself—ruler of the Dead and King of the Afterlife. With striking features, mocking attitude, and hair that shimmers like stars, he's nothing like she imagined. Now indebted to him, Cassiana fears not the debt she must repay, but her growing desire to do so. His darkness calls to her, beckoning for her touch and affection. Can she resist falling for Death himself?

Wicked is the Reaper by Nisha J. Tuli

On Hunt Day, my future will be decided—the man who brings my father the largest stag wins my hand. My oldest friend, our realm's greatest hunter, is favoured to win, and we've planned our lives together. Until the Reaper—the monster haunting our forest—arrives with the largest stag anyone has ever seen and claims me as his own. Now I face a future with the creature we've feared for generations, instead of the life I've always imagined.