Born of Dirt & Dust in the March 1, 2026 edition of Kirkus Reviews

My book, Born of Dirt & Dust, is included in the Indie Section of this March 2026 edition of Kirkus Reviews.

To see my book listed in the March 2026 edition of Kirkus Reviews is an absolute thrill. Especially considering that I'm an Indie author with zero backing from a book agent or publishing house.

Of course, I would love to have an agent represent me, as well as have my book (and future books) picked up, carried, and promoted by a publisher.

But I am happy to have achieve a level of excitement simply by writing my stories and making my work available on Amazon.

Still, it's Kirkus Reviews that can help notch up awareness of Born of Dirt & Dust. From what ChatGPT tells me, "Kirkus Reviews is highly regarded for providing honest, professional, and pre-publication insights that act as a trusted filter for librarians, booksellers, and readers."

I've also learned a positive review (yep, got a nice review from Kirkus Reviews) can boost credibility, improve discoverability, and influence library and bookstore acquisition. However, it does not guarantee immediate, high-volume consumer sales.

High-volume sales?

Well, I'm very much okay without it.

Because I didn't write my stories to make money. Rather, my stories come from my heart which, in turn, is hopeful that readers will fully experience the emotional hardship and ripple effect of the characters in my book and their marginalized life. To foster empathy and a deeper understanding of who we can be and why kindness matters is worth the world's weight in gold. I'd rather see more compassion, more community spirit, and more friendship than high-volume sales. A few nice monthly sales is all that matters. Enough to break even.

In my mind, our heart and soul are what we should answer to. Be kind. It's the greatest gift we can give one another.

Indie section of the Kirkus Review - March 2026

There I am! My book, Born of Dirt & Dust. Page 148 of the March 2026 edition of Kirkus Reviews.