Jess L.M. Anderson's Blog

It was a record low book sales year for this indie author, mostly because no new books came out in 2024, and 2025 became the year of a prequel no one asked for. But numbers alone do not tell the whole story. So... This was the year I showed up anyway. I went to 25 events in 2025. I vended my first real convention. I broke personal sales records multiple times at in person events. I learned how to talk about my books out loud, to strangers, with confidence. And somehow, unexpectedly, I...

The Scottsboro Ren Faire lit a fire under me. I am already planning new displays, new merch, new costume pieces, and maybe an even bigger banner that says: “Come get emotionally destroyed by The Source Keepers.”

Let’s talk about pity marketing. That awkward cousin of authenticity who shows up uninvited and eats all your credibility snacks.

Dragon Con 2025 was, as always, a whirlwind of magic, chaos, and community. It’s the kind of weekend that leaves you both exhausted and recharged, somehow at the same time.

Wow. Just… wow. InfinityCon Tallahassee 2025 will forever be a core memory for me as an indie author and artist.

If you’re at the point where you’re thinking about bringing people onto your creative team, here’s what I’ve learned: the pros, the cons, and how to find the right fit before things go sideways.

Not all events are created equal. Some are built with authors in mind. Others are just looking to cash in on our hustle. Let’s break down the difference.

JordanCon has a reputation for being a warm, vibrant gathering of storytellers and fans, and this year was no exception.

Being an indie author and artist is an incredible journey, but it’s also filled with trial and error.

Bringing Zero’s Solace into the world has been one of the most intense, exhilarating, and rewarding experiences of my career as an indie...