Once again, this year a number of books published through Author Solutions imprints received recognition from Kirkus Reviews as the best books of 2014 on their Indie list. Those titled honored were:

• “Stein House” by Myra Hargrave McIlvain (iUniverse)
• “Tales of a Country Doctor” by Paul Carter (Xlibris)
• “Whirlwind & Storm” by Charles E. Farnsworth (iUniverse)
• “An Adirondack Life” by Brian M. Freed (AuthorHouse)
• “ A Century on New Brunswick’s N.W. Mmichiira” (Xlibris)
• “Playing Until Dark” by John R. Alberts (AuthorHouse)

Each book has been awarded with the Kirkus Star from Kirkus Reviews, which is arguably one of the most trusted and respected sources for book discovery since 1933. The Kirkus’ Indie program began in 2005, when the editors wanted to expand their coverage to include the fastest-growing segment in the book industry—self-publishing. The program gives self-published authors the opportunity to earn critical acclaim from one of the most prestigious reviews…

While self-publishing has gained popularity in recent years, it remains a mysterious process to many authors. Outskirts Press, the fastest-growing self-publishing service provider, has released a free, downloadable white paper designed to help new and traditionally published authors decide whether self-publishing is right for them.

Getting a book to publication is a complex process, one that has driven many talented authors to solicit traditional publishing houses to publish their works, or has kept already published authors from considering independent publishing. Often, it’s fear of the unknown and a desire for author support that keeps traditional publishers in business. But there are distinct advantages to self-publishing that new authors – or authors who are currently traditionally published – should consider: With self-publishing, authors enjoy much higher royalties, greater creative control and as much or as little support as they feel they need during the publication process.

Outskirts Press has released…

The Monday Finish the Story flash fiction challenge, 100 – 150 words based on the following picture–

and the initial sentence “They say that life is a game of chess…”

I noticed something about the picture and went with it….

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“They say that life is a game of chess,” said the Black Queen.

“Yes,” replied the White King. “Order, hierarchy, everyone in their place, according to their assigned roles. “

“And, then,” said the White Queen, “the clash of opposing forces, the constant of competition, the subtle machinations of the powerful, the maneuverings that produce victory or defeat….”

“It is how life itself is,” the Black King intoned. “We are but its noble reflection.”

“Let us begin the battle…,” said the Black Queen.

“Wait just a minute!” cried the White King.

“What is it, my lord?” said the White Queen.

“Where the bloody hell is my knight?” the White…