blog
sapphic dystopian books and self-publishing
I’m Kelly K. Branyik, author of the sapphic feminist dystopia Shadows in Dream Stone. I write book lists for readers who loved The Handmaid’s Tale and share what I’ve learned as an indie author.
10 Dystopian Novels Based on Real Life (and the Issues Behind Them)
Dystopian novels based on real life, including Red Clocks on abortion bans, Chain-Gang All-Stars on private prisons, and Fahrenheit 451 on book bans.
Love in the Dark: 11 Dystopian Novels with Romance That Will Wreck You (in the Best Way)
The best dystopian novels with romance include An Ember in the Ashes, Delirium and We Set the Dark on Fire. Here are 11, with sapphic and YA picks.
8 Books Like “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Including Queer & Sapphic Dystopias)
If you loved The Handmaid’s Tale, read Red Clocks, Vox and When She Woke next, plus sapphic picks like An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon.
Shadows in Dream Stone: A Dystopian Romance Book with a Slow Burn
Shadows in Dream Stone is a sapphic dystopian romance with a slow burn between Abaddon and Kila, in a world where miscarriage is a crime.
Dystopian Novel ‘Shadows in Dream Stone’ Explores Grief, Rage, and Resistance in a World Where Miscarriage Is a Crime
In a world where miscarriage is a crime, one...
16 Quotes to Inspire Your Resistance to U.S. Fascism
We’re at the start of a United States Civil War....
On Writing “Shadows in Dream Stone”
Before I talk about Shadows in Dream Stone, I...
Dissolution
Sensitive Note: Story contains mentions of death...
Writing Female Rage and Resilience in a Dystopian World
In today's world, women are still punished for...
9 Indie Sapphic Romance Books You Should Be Reading
Nine indie sapphic romances to add to your TBR, including Match to Love by Johana Gavez and The Forever Factor by Melissa Brayden.
How to Market Your Self-Published Book (Like a Pro)
The two most cost-effective ways to market a self-published book are SEO and consistent social media. Here’s how I used both to grow my traffic.
5 Relaxing Spotify Playlists for Writing To Help Keep You Focused
Do you love listening to music when you write?...
Thoughts on Mass Shootings in America
To those deeply maddened by the empty and...
7 Reasons I Unpublished My First Novel: A Journey of Growth and Realization
Unpublish a book? But you worked so hard on it!...
What is a Book Hangover? 3 Ways to Get Over It
Reading any book by by Sarah J. Maas tends to...
My Newest Novel Touches on Reproductive Rights and Justice
****Possible Trigger Warnings Ahead.**** I've...
Why You Need To Hire An Editor For Your Next Book
I published my first book back in 2017 after I...
How Elephant Journal Cured My Writer’s Block & Boosted My Creativity
I started seriously writing about my emotions...
If You Don’t Create Purpose, Are You Really Living?
When I was a teenager, I definitely had a deep...
Mark of the Maker: About Sharon K. Angelici’s Bi / Lesbian Romance Series
"There are more than just ghosts in Bannock." -...
How to Write a Novel in 5 Simple Steps
I've only just finished writing my first novel,...
How to Improve Your Writing Skills in 5 Ways
One of my favorite quotes on writing was out of...
Writing & Successfully Finishing Your Novel Using NaNoWriMo
Back in 2017, a friend of mine, Randy Wiafe,...
Top 3 “Write For Us” Platforms To Publish Your Writing On
I'm always on a search for those "write for us"...
6 Books to Read if You’re a Pleiadian Starseed: Fiction & Non-Fiction
If you didn't know me by now, I'm a huge fan of...