This app is a bit of a mess, and who knows if it’ll stick around, so please find me on Bluesky, Substack, & my author YouTube channel.
2025/2/1 Edited to
... Read moreHello, fellow readers and creators! Robert Collins here, your friendly neighborhood indie author. You might have seen my quick note about moving platforms, and I wanted to take a moment to dive a little deeper into why I'm so passionate about connecting with you beyond just one app. As many of you know, I immerse myself in the worlds of fantasy and science fiction, crafting stories that hopefully transport you to new realms and challenge your imagination.
Lately, I've been spending a lot of time on Bluesky, and it's become a fantastic spot for more immediate updates. Think of it as my virtual coffee shop where I share quick thoughts on writing, behind-the-scenes peeks at my current projects – like the extensive editing I'm doing on my upcoming nonfiction book – and just generally hang out with fellow book lovers. It's a great place for those spur-of-the-moment insights that don't quite fit into a long-form post.
Then there's my Substack, which is where I really get to stretch out and share more in-depth content. This is where I've been detailing my progress, including finally finishing the edits on that nonfiction book! I'm incredibly excited about its planned February release, and on Substack, you'll get exclusive updates, excerpts, and even insights into the publishing journey for an indie author. It's a place for deeper dives into my craft, my creative process, and perhaps even some musings on the broader literary landscape. If you're curious about how a fantasy and science fiction writer tackles a non-fiction project, my Substack is definitely the place to be.
And of course, my author YouTube channel serves a completely different purpose. Here, I delve into video essays and discussions, often touching on topics crucial for both writers and readers in our digital age. One recent video, "Do You Own Your Audience?", really explores the importance of building direct relationships with readers – exactly what I'm trying to do by inviting you to these other platforms. It’s a space where I can share my experiences, offer advice from an author's perspective, and engage in conversations about storytelling, indie publishing, and the future of books. You'll find a mix of practical tips, philosophical ramblings about writing, and updates on my fantasy and science fiction novels.
My decision to actively cultivate these spaces isn't just about the uncertainty of any single platform. It’s about building a resilient, direct connection with *you*, my readers. It's about creating a community where we can truly interact without intermediaries, ensuring that no matter what changes come in the digital world, we'll always have a way to connect over our shared love for stories. So, whether you're a long-time fan of my fantasy adventures or just curious about the life of an indie author balancing sci-fi and nonfiction, I genuinely invite you to join me on Bluesky, Substack, and YouTube. Let's continue this journey together!