I choose indie because I need the freedom for my writing. I get to explore broken characters, utter dysfunction, gut-churning twists, and unfortunate relationships, all of which I'd likely never have the chance to in the traditional route. I write truly complex and often unlikable characters, because they're real, and they mean more to me than the ones everyone roots for. This means, as a bisexual woman, I get to write the stories I often don't get the chance to read in traditionally published books because they don't make it the far. But I do gt to read them in indie books, by amazing indie authors. And so do my readers. Indie, for me, is freer, more diverse, and often better because of it. I get to write and read better villains, and I freaking love that about indie authors, because we all have a little villain in us, don't we?
I do my best to lift up other indie authors, because I think we matter. And I will continue to do so until I'm physically unable. Indie is a part of who I am, and I'm so fucking proud of that. I choose indie intentionally, every damn day, and it empowers me to be a more authentic and happier me.