The Inspiring Journey of Indie Author EA Hunt
The indie publishing world is filled with passionate storytellers, each carving their path in an industry that thrives on creativity and perseverance. Among them is EA Hunt, a writer whose journey into self-publishing was anything but conventional. What started as a contractual setback soon became a fortuitous twist of fate, leading her to the fulfilling world of independent authorship.
EA Hunt’s Facebook
EA Hunt never set out to be an indie author. Initially, she signed a traditional publishing contract, eager to see her stories brought to life. But she was at a crossroads when things didn't work out as planned. She had countless stories, some typed on her computer and others scrawled on paper, waiting to be shared. One day, while browsing Amazon, she stumbled upon the 'Self-Publish with Us' option. Taking a deep breath, she thought, Why not? She had taken a chance with traditional publishing; why not take one on herself?
Of course, the road wasn't always smooth. One of the biggest hurdles she faced was finding the right editor. "You can have what you think is the greatest story ever told, but without someone to help refine and structure it, there's no point in publishing," she admitted. Fortunately, she found an editor who understood her voice, and their collaboration has flourished ever since.
Marketing her books was another challenge. Unlike traditional authors with entire teams handling promotion, EA had to take charge of spreading the word about her work. She threw herself into every opportunity she could find, posting on Facebook book blogs, giving interviews, maintaining a personal website, and jumping on any promotion that came her way. It was a learning curve, but one she embraced with determination.
What EA loves most about being an indie author is the freedom. She can write what she loves, publish at her own pace, and stay true to her vision. She encourages aspiring indie authors to do the same: "Know your audience. Know what you want to say and how you want to say it. And if it takes five drafts to get it right, that's okay sometimes it takes me four!"
When it comes to the writing process, EA prefers to write freely. She lets an idea take root and follows where the story leads her. A single thread emerges as she writes, guiding her along the way. Inspiration is everywhere, from the world around her to the colorful personalities of her friends and family. She refines the structure once her initial draft is complete before sending it to her editor. The process is a dance between creativity and refinement, one she has mastered over time.
While she relies on a professional editor, EA takes cover design into her own hands. She attempted to outsource, but the results didn't match her vision. Now, she embraces the creative control that indie publishing allows.
The joy of storytelling fuels her motivation. "Something in me keeps pushing me to tell these stories, "She said. Each book holds a special place in her heart, and while she doesn't play favorites, every hero and heroine she crafts is part of her journey.
Being an indie author is not without its struggles. The balance between writing and managing the business side of publishing can be tricky. "I know this is a business, but I blow my editor budget every time," she laughed. Marketing often takes a back seat to writing, but she does her best to keep up with both.
Her dreams extend beyond the written page. Like many indie authors, she hopes to one day see her work adapted into a TV series or streaming movie. In the meantime, she continues crafting compelling love stories inspired by the classic romance films she grew up watching with her parents.
Romance, for EA, is about more than just passion it's about connection. To make her characters' chemistry feel real, she acts out their conversations, ensuring authenticity in their dialogue. Her stories blend romance with elements of drama, mystery, and even paranormal twists, reflecting the complexity of real-life relationships.
Second chances love over forty, African American/Black romance, biker romance, paranormal romance, and mafia romance EA explores them all. Her characters don't just fall in love; they navigate life's challenges, making their stories more prosperous and more dynamic.
Negative reviews? She tries not to let them get to her. "I rant for about five minutes, then move on," she joked. Ultimately, it's the connection with her readers that keeps her going. She responds to every fan email, cherishing the relationships she's built through her work.
As she looks ahead, EA Hunt remains focused on telling the stories that speak to her heart. Whether set in Highland country or a pre-digital world, her romances continue to captivate readers, proving that love and indie publishing know no boundaries.
EA Hunt's journey is a testament to the resilience and passion that defines indie authors. From an unexpected start to a flourishing career, she has embraced the challenges and triumphs of self-publishing, leaving her mark on the literary world one book at a time.
