Hey.

I’m J. B. Velasquez, author of the metaphysical portal fantasy Tourist Trapped and the dystopian sci-fi novel Every Last One: The Rise of Sylvia Boone. I also write short stories. Some say they aren’t half bad. It’s not much, but if the universe keeps me here long enough, I plan to do a whole lot more. So stick around for that.

This is what I look like.

Oh, you play?

Not really. But I look so much cooler holding a guitar than I do clacking away on my laptop. Don’t you think so?

Anyway, why should you subscribe? Good question. Having self-published a total of two whole books, I can’t say I’m much of an expert in anything. Don’t ask me how to write. Hell if I know. What I hope to offer is a glimpse into my journey as an indie author in real-time. I’m not a “commercial success” and maybe I never will be. But that’s never been my goal. I just want to write and I want to be read. Period.

I found my thing. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than crafting a story from start to finish and putting it out in the world. And that’s what I hope to share in this newsletter—my journey. Maybe that’s something that interests you, whether you’re an indie author yourself, or a reader who’s curious about how the sausage gets made. (That’s a weird thing to say.)

Here’s what you can expect. I will send out an Author Update every other Friday, including a snippet about how my work is coming along, any publishing news, and what I’m currently reading. I also share articles I’ve read that have been helpful to my writing journey.

In addition to these bi-weekly updates, you’ll also get a monthly Indie Author Spotlight, where I interview other indie authors I follow online. Occasionally, I write blogs, book reviews, and short stories, too.

So that’s the deal. At least that’s what it is now. Who knows how this thing will evolve? Maybe I’ll start a podcast or something ridiculous like that. We’ll see. Thanks for reading. You’re the best.