I hate it when blogs start out by making the writer sound like a grizzled old prospector. Nevertheless, it feels unavoidable as I sit down – most likely in a rocking chair on a sun-drenched porch – to reflect, misty-eyed, on some recent happenings.

I first started indie publishing back in 2020. Back then, all this was trees and fields…

It feels like it’s been a lot longer. Sometimes in a good way and sometimes in a bad way. You don’t need me to tell you it’s not all sunshine, lollipops, and five-star reviews. Over the past six years, through my own experiences and the experiences I’ve lived vicariously through indie author friends, I’ve picked up a few things. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it wisdom, but I’ve certainly amassed a lot of opinions.

Which I’m going to share with you over a series of blogs, based on our recent video discussions, which I’m calling Tinsley’s Takes. I spent a lot of time on the name, as you can clearly see.

I wouldn’t go so far as to call it wisdom, but I’ve
certainly amassed a lot of opinions.

– HL Tinsley, circa 2026

In case you didn’t know, we recently had our second Big Indie Weekend over on our YouTube channel. It was great fun and featured a whole bunch of awesome indie authors. You can find all the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@Spotlight-Indie – this will give you an idea of the sort of things I’ll be sharing, while simultaneously reminiscing about the good old days of my youth.

Now, because I’m unscrupulously mercenary and we’re all about raising the profile of our event, and more importantly, ensuring we can cover costs, I am going to put some of this content behind our Patreon paywall. Hashtag sorry-not-sorry, as the kids these days say.

What’s Getting Hidden Behind The Patreon Wall?

I hear you cry…well, if you want to read the following posts, which will be going up between March and May, haste ye to our Patreon where you can sign up for lots of extra bonus content for the bargain cost of $3 a month (for the lowest tier) – which in my day was enough to buy two ponies and a bucketful of gravel.

Fangs, Fantasy and Fae: The meeting of the magical and the macabre

Rewriting the Warrior Code: Reimagining the traditional warrior archetype

Uncanny Valley: Techno Terrors: How to write the not quite human

Fun fact: if you support our Patreon you are helping us to put on more events for Indie Authors, which we promise to always keep as affordable and accessible as possible (and FREE in most cases, such as our 2026 event *unsubtle plug*)

But what can I get for free (I hear you cry)? Never fear, as here on this very site, you’ll be able to read my takes on;

Women in War and Politics

Writing Better Beginnings

Understanding Subgenres

Expect the first post to ride in on its white horse next week.

Until then, get off my lawn.