Do you think self-publishing is taking the easy way out? Jodi Picoult, a New York Times best-selling author, does. Picoult posted on TikTok her thoughts on self-publishing (unprompted, it appears), and said ‘self-publishing is taking the easy way out.’ Normally, I don’t wade into online arguments about every last thing in publishing, but this is such an egregious misrepresentation of the truth, and sadly, something I hear all the time.

Reader’s Favorite gave Stargun Messenger a lovely 5-star review! Check out the review here! Just a little of the very kind praise: “Author Darby Harn’s storytelling is both imaginative and emotionally resonant. Astra’s internal struggles with her identity and the choices she faces are compelling and relatable. The romance that develops between Astra and Gen Emera goes beyond the typical space adventure to offer a refreshingly modern take on relationships

I very much enjoyed talking to Howard Lovy, host of the Alliance of Independent Authors podcast. On episode #140, I talked about my books, my journey of self-discovery as an autistic person, and more. ALLi is a terrific resource for independent authors, and I’m a proud member. Take a listen, and also listen to all of Howard’s podcasts on writing and publishing here! ALLi features a broad array of podcasts

My conversation with John Busbee, host of The Culture Buzz on KFMG 98.9 FM, about Stargun Messenger! Click here for the interview!

There are two Darby’s. One existed before Sinead O’Connor, and one after. The one before was alone, confused, compressed into silence and doubt by a world that denies truth. In 1990, when I first heard Sinead, I was fifteen years old. I didn’t know if I was coming or going. I certainly wasn’t planning on staying. Then I heard her, as so many did, her voice a line cast from