Meet My TEAM!

by Syreeta Benjamin on July 21, 2024

Naomi Lundy is an artist, photographer, and currently finishing her undergrad degree in graphic design. She has many roles in Journey2Altruism Studios, such as photography, illustrating, and being part of my Beta Team. She loves anime, Tekken, and will do just about anything for a McCafé Caramel Frappe.

Milton Benjamin is a mixing engineer and consultant, among many other important roles. He is the creator behind most audio in my videos, brand designing, and he has a keen eye for details. His company, Drift Swift, has become my favored choice for timely deliveries.

LIGHT AMIDST THE SHADOWS

Updates

by Syreeta Benjamin on July 15th

Since the books release July 1st, 2024, it has been a whirlwind of emotions, work, and chaos. As an indie author, I am a one woman team regarding this book. Illustrating and designing the cover myself has been tough. As you can see, the cover has had a new makeover since its launch. I am truly pleased with it, but I would love your thoughts. Comment below or leave me a message.

Before the launch, I honestly thought that I would breathe easier after publishing, but I found that the pressure to make sure this book does well and to get the second one finished has put an inferno under me. That’s okay, though. If you ask anyone who knows me—I work best that way.

I picked KDP Select for my ebook, but it’s too early to say if it was the right choice. For those wondering what the heck KDP Select is, it is a 90 day program under Kindle Direct Publishing that basically says only Kindle can distribute your ebook for that time. The plus side is that it reaches Kindle Unlimited subscribers (the die hard readers), and you can opt in to special promotions. The downside is that you can’t sell your ebook on other platforms like Draft2Digital, BookBub, or Ingram Sparks until the 90 days are over.

I also went the extra step and made my book available to prime readers, too. With a prime membership, you can select two free books on Kindle each month. Hopefully, mine will be one of them. You’re welcome!

Other indie authors say their ebook does well in the Kindle Unlimited market. As a debut author, it made perfect sense for me to target enthusiastic readers who would give my book a chance, especially considering that it would be free for them. So I will keep you updated on this in future newsletters. In the meantime, I am branching out to different platforms and channels with my paper and hardback. BookFunnel, Draft2Digital, BookBub, as well as organic growth through social media, book fairs, and word of mouth.

Don’t ask me what I am doing for marketing, cause I can honestly say “I don’t know.” I had everything planned out for my book launch, and like everything else in my life, something turns my life on its head and changes all my plans. Good thing I know how to adapt and move with the flow, cause whew!

Anywho, in my upcoming newsletter, I plan to discuss the inspiration behind my book, LIGHT AMIDST THE SHADOWS. I will also delve into why I chose to write in an under-explored market and the personal significance of seeing myself and my children represented in the books I read. Keep an eye out for it!

Recommended Read and Review

by Syreeta Benjamin on July 16, 2024

“So Let Them Burn (The Divine Traitors Book 1)” by Kamilah Cole

I am an avid reader of fantasy fiction and I read at least 2-4 books a month for myself. In addition, I am a Beta Reader for other authors and give reviews. Each month, I will feature one book I read from the previous month from either my personal list or an author I Beta read for (I am all about helping my fellow authors).

This month, I came across a personal read that had a profound impact on me as both a person and an author. It’s a Young Adult Fantasy Fiction titled “So Let Them Burn (The Divine Traitors Book 1)” by Kamilah Cole, which was published on January 16, 2024.

Right from the start, the striking title and cover captivated me. I knew the protagonist was a woman and somebody was about to get it—my kind of book. Faron, a mischievous girl with god powers, has been chosen as a champion for her people. Her sole purpose was to defend against the antagonizing colonizers who rode ancient dragons, but that war ended years ago. What’s a girl to do now?

Her character resonates with me on multiple levels, particularly because of her mischievous nature, which often leads her into trouble. Hands down, my favorite line in the entire book: “But Faron had never met trouble that she didn’t want to get into.”

Despite her cunning, she acts immature in her utilization of her god-given power and as the story progresses, Faron finds herself at a crossroads. She must decide whether to defy the very gods who bestowed upon her these powers or to save her sister, Elara. Both Faron and Elara embark on their own journeys, and the love between the sisters is written so beautifully that it made my heart do all kinds of acrobats throughout the book.

The world building in the story is truly remarkable, paying homage to the author’s Jamaican roots. The descriptions are vivid and unique, immersing the reader in a rich setting. I felt as if I knew each character personally. Cole vividly portrayed their personalities, conflicts, and journey.

I must say, this was one of my favorite books of all time, and I can’t wait for the release of the second book. If you’re a fan of ancestral magic, dragons, and a love between sisters that defies time and space, then this book is an absolute must-read.