Indie Reads – October 2016

Indies Unlimited does not review books, but we do have a couple of renowned reviewers on staff. We thought a great way to celebrate indie writing would be to ask those reviewers for their top indie picks of the month. Here are this month’s top picks from our experts:


love-story-for-a-nationLove Story for a Nation by Mark W. Sasse

“…this tapestry is very cleverly woven and blended.”

Read the rest of the review by Cathy Speight.

Love Story for a Nation is available through Amazon.com.


players-by-mike-markelPlayers by Mike Markel

“…I’ve raved about the characters of Seagate and Miner as well as the story. Consider this another rave.”

Read the rest of the review by BigAl.

Players is available through Amazon.com.


ginos-law-by-candace-williamsGino’s Law by Candace Williams

“… a satisfying read for a typical mystery reader…”

Read the rest of the review by BigAl.

Gino’s Law is available at Amazon.com.


way-out-west-by-frank-tuttleWay Out West by Frank Tuttle

“There are delightful surprises among the darkness of this tale … I was enthralled through the whole story.”

Read the rest of the review by ?wazithinkin.

Way Out West is available at Amazon.com.


scar-by-caitlin-oconnorScar by Caitlin O’Connor

“… Scar has it all: a smart, intriguing plot, physical battles between light and dark, internal conflicts, excellent dialogue, and a bit of romance.”

Read the rest of the review by ?wazithinkin.

Scar is available at Amazon.com.

2016 Nightlight Readings Short Story Writers Contest

2014 Nightlight Readings Short Story Writers ContestThe 2016 Nightlight Readings Short Story Writers Contest is open to short stories up to 5000 words. Stories should appeal to at-risk boys in the 10-12 year age group who often stop reading for pleasure. This year’s theme is mystery.

Prizes: First, second, and third place winners will receive prizes of up to $1,000 award plus certificate and publication of the story. All award winners will be publicized nationally by Nightlight Reading.

Entry fee: FREE

Deadline: Entry must be postmarked December 31, 2016.

For more information, please visit their website.


Indies Unlimited is pleased to provide this contest information for the convenience of our readers. We do not, however, endorse this or any contest/competition. Entrants should always research a competition prior to entering.

A. L. Kaplan Wins Flash Fiction Challenge

A. L. Kaplan is the Readers’ Choice in this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge. The winning entry is decided by the popular vote and rewarded with a special feature here today. (In the case of a tie, the writer who submitted an entry first is the winner per our rules.) Without further ado, here’s the winning entry:

Continue reading “A. L. Kaplan Wins Flash Fiction Challenge”

Flash Fiction Writing Prompt: Solo

flash fiction writing prompt celebrity-carribean-windjammer
Photo copyright K. S. Brooks. Do not use without attribution.

Use the photograph above as the inspiration for your flash fiction story. Write whatever comes to mind (no sexual, political, or religious stories, jokes, or commentary, please) and after you PROOFREAD it, submit it as your entry in the comments section below. There will be no written prompt.


Welcome to the Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge. In 250 words or less, write a story incorporating the elements in the picture at left.  The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced.

Please keep language and subject matter to a PG-13 level. Continue reading “Flash Fiction Writing Prompt: Solo”