Which Indie Author inspired you?

[Iffix]

Hi, all.
We all spend so much time talking about the struggles and challenges of writing Indie novels. I thought for a change we could talk about the Indie novels that inspired us, the ones that said, "It's okay to be Indie. This book is amazing!" Who have you read by way of Indie authors who you were blown away by? How has their writing affected you? (If they simply changed your views of Indie authors, that's okay too. But if there's something deeper, please share it.)
I hope you will enjoy this thread as much as I plan to. Perhaps a positive thread like this to refer to might be the start of what we've been talking about, a distinction between the hobby writer and the Indie writer.

[Iffix]

The book: Exile's Journey by Evelyn Baldwin
Okay, I had a writer friend growing up. I've known her all my life and when I found out she had written a book I had to find out about it.
She also wrote speculative fiction. I would consider her work Science Fantasy, since it was really Epic fantasy until the aliens showed up.
Her writing style was more serious and realistic than my own. But it was tremendous, and it made me realize that I wanted to write science-fantasy myself.
She gave me a copy of her book for my graduation 10 years ago, and I was immediately engrossed in the story. It was on par with many mainstream fantasy novels out there, and I was surprised she chose to self-publish, which at that point meant selling the book herself out of her garage.
So I understood that self-publishing didn't mean that a book was trash. And I thank her for reshaping my thinking on self-publishing.

[Anita]

Everyone who posted on my discussion topic today about a particular review - you have all inspired me - I am editing a book that will be released on Kindle in June, and I was feeling so bad about the bad review that it was hard to keep up the work.
Now I am inspired to keep going because of some wonderful friends I am making here. Thank you all for being such considerate, passionate Indies. A.

[Iffix]

Agreed, this is one awesome group.

[Ann, Supreme Overlord]

While it was my husband who inspired me to self publish (and he's not an author), there were two Indie Authors who befriended me and kept me moving in the right direction. One is Shawn Wickersheim and the other (I don't think he knows this) is our very own VM.

VM has been an inspiration to me since I "met" him on Twitter prior to this group's formation.

So thank you, VM. You are an excellent gentleman indie author.

[Iffix]

Ann, do you mind if I ask which books these two wrote?

[Jenycka]

Tracy St. John has built an amazing career writing wonderful erotic scifi. Her first few were written under a traditional publisher, and then she went indie, and has just gotten better and better.

[Ann, Supreme Overlord]

Not at all. Sorry for leaving that out!

I read The Penitent Assassin and The Rush of Betrayal: Deception (Book 1) by Shawn. And I've read Cinders and Hontas (Good Tales for Bad Dreams Books 1 and 2) by VM. All four are excellent.

[Christina]

I can't point to just one because there are so many! Under the "Who are you reading?" folder I posted a link to my reviews. That's probably the best place to start because I only review the authors who I can give a solid four or five star to and I only read and review indie at the moment.

But I will say that this community here on Goodreads has been a huge inspiration. Back when I started out, I'd heard (on other boards) how Goodreads was a wretched hive of scum and villainy. About how everyone here was awful and out to get authors. I have never seen anything farther from the truth than those tales. Goodreads has been nothing but supportive for me and the folks I've met here continue to blow me away with how awesome they are.

[Bruce]

It isn't a novel, but Ann Livi Andrews inspires me. Her support of authors in general and indie authors in particular is astounding. I only hope I can be as helpful to others.

[Iffix]

I'm glad I asked. I'm loving these answers.

[Charles]

I haven't read many indie authors yet, but each one has made me a better writer by reminding me there are more unique styles out there than the mainstream offers.

[G.G.]

The first author who inspired me was Tara Elizabeth, author of Zoo. I was still working on my books at the time and she gave me great advices. She was patient with all my questions too.

Since then I've met lots of authors who, I can proudly say, inspire me every day. I don't think it would be fair to name names because I'd be afraid to miss some in the process. There are so many. Some I'm sure know who they are, or at least I hope they do since they are in this group. :P

[Virginia]

There are a few, but here are my top six:

Hugh Howey's Silo Saga, A.G. Riddle's Atlantis Trilogy, A.E. Marling's Enchantress Series, Holly Lisle's Cadance Drake series, Elizabeth Hunter's Elemental Mysteries series, and Nick Bryan's Hobson & Choi books.

These are all indie authors who are writing great stories, that I really enjoy, and that are indistinguishable from traditionally published books. In addition they're all having a lot of success with their work.

[Iffix]

Nice list Virginia. Thanks for sharing.