between now and the end of 2028, the bare bones book club will release a new self-published book each year—each one printed, packaged, and distributed directly through this platform. these works exist not only as creative offerings, but as steps toward something much bigger: a space where independent storytelling and community healing meet.

the choice to not only self-publish each book but also self-distribute is intentional. in a world where social media offers near-instant access to a global audience, power still remains heavily centralized—especially when it comes to creative labor. it is all too common for artists and writers to have their work exploited, undervalued, or controlled by outdated industry structures. the bare bones book club is rooted in rejecting that. this is a conscious decision to reclaim authorship in every sense of the word. the work, the vision, the labor—it all matters. and it deserves to be protected, honored, and fully owned. this is one of the core values here: reclaiming creative labor and reimagining what sustainable, autonomous publishing can look like.

and this isn’t just about sharing books. along the way, the bare bones book club is building a network—a home for readers and also for fellow independent artists who are forging their own paths in publishing. writers, illustrators, designers, editors, and photographers are all part of the process, and the hope is to grow a collective of creators who are invested in telling honest, unrushed, and impactful stories. through open sharing of experience—both the challenges and the milestones—the goal is to empower others with the tools, insight, and encouragement to bring their own books to life and into the world.

beginning in 2029, the bare bones book club will begin a new chapter: community work. the first step in that shift will be the launch of a virtual book club centered on critical issues impacting lives today—social, political, and economic realities within cities, states, and communities across the u.s. the intention is to create space for meaningful connection, especially uplifting the voices and stories of individuals from historically marginalized groups. each month, members will receive a thoughtfully curated package featuring a selected book and wellness-centered gifts. these monthly gatherings will offer more than discussion—they’ll be about gathering around shared stories, breaking bread together (even virtually), and finding moments of softness and solidarity.

eventually, the hope is to take the book club on the road—hosting in-person events across the country, meeting readers, holding space for conversation, and building something tangible from what started online.

looking further ahead, another long-term vision is the development of a collective for independent writers in all stages of their self-publishing journey. at the heart of this collective is the belief that knowledge should be shared and that power can be redistributed through mutual support. by connecting independent writers with other independent artists—editors, cover designers, photographers, and more—this collective would not only foster collaboration, but would also work to ensure fair compensation by partnering with companies and organizations committed to supporting emerging talent. it’s a vision of publishing rooted in reciprocity, creativity, and community care.

the structure of all of this is still unfolding—growing slowly, intentionally, and in real time. but transparency is a cornerstone of this work, and it matters to share the direction this project is moving toward. every big dream starts small, and this is just the beginning.

whether it’s through purchasing a book, following along on social media, engaging with content, or offering a few kind words—every form of support is seen and deeply appreciated. however someone chooses to show up, it’s more than enough.