Hey fam, it's Kelly , indie author, publisher, and host of The Author's Mic™ and BTA Fridays™ – Breaking the Algorithm™.

If you've been rocking with me for a while, you know that BTA Fridays is all about finding ways to reach readers outside the algorithm. We talk strategy, we talk community, we talk about what actually works when the social media gods decide they don't want to show your posts to anyone.

But here's the thing , I've been saying for a while now that the ultimate way to break the algorithm is to step outside of it completely.

And that's exactly what we're doing this May.

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Watch the Full Episode

Before I get into all the details, go watch this week's BTA Fridays episode where I break down everything about this event and why it matters:

https://youtu.be/wfYyxl2HKEM

Seriously , watch it. I get into the why behind this event, what you can expect, and how this fits into the bigger picture of what we're building at Bright Headed Publishing.

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Creating the Room When It Doesn't Exist

Let me keep it real with you for a second.

When I started this journey as an indie author, I looked around for spaces that centered voices like mine , spaces for Black authors, for indie authors, for people who didn't have a traditional publishing deal or a massive platform. And you know what I found?

Not much.

The conferences were expensive. The networking events felt exclusive. The opportunities seemed reserved for people who already "made it." And the algorithm? It was (and still is) actively working against us. Small accounts get buried. New voices get drowned out. The rich get richer and the rest of us scramble for crumbs.

So what do you do when the room you need doesn't exist?

You build it yourself.

That's exactly what BTA Fridays – Breaking the Algorithm™: Creating the Room is all about. This isn't just an event , it's a statement. It's us saying, "We're not waiting for permission anymore. We're creating our own space."

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The Details: Denver, May 16th, 2026

Mark your calendars, set your reminders, do whatever you need to do , because this is happening.

BTA Fridays – Breaking the Algorithm™: Creating the Room

📍 Location: Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, Colorado

📅 Date: Friday, May 16th, 2026

🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

This is a free event designed to bring indie authors together in real life. No screens. No algorithms. No hoping the platform decides to show your content to the three people who actually want to see it.

Just us. In person. Building connections that actually last.

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Why In-Person Events Matter More Than Ever

I know what some of you are thinking: "Kelly, I can network online. Why do I need to show up in person?"

Here's the truth , online networking is valuable. I'm not knocking it. But there's something that happens when you're physically in the same room with someone that just doesn't translate through a screen.

Real-life connection hits different.

When you meet someone face-to-face, you're not competing with their notifications. You're not hoping they see your DM before it gets buried under 47 other messages. You're right there, in the moment, having a real conversation.

And those conversations? They lead to collaborations. They lead to friendships. They lead to opportunities you never saw coming.

I've experienced this myself. Some of my best partnerships, my closest author friends, my most meaningful connections , they started with a face-to-face conversation at an event. There's an energy exchange that happens in person that you just can't replicate online.

Plus, let's be honest , the algorithm doesn't control who you meet at a bookstore in Denver. You do.

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Collaboration Over Perfection

One of the core themes of this event (and honestly, everything we do at Bright Headed Publishing) is collaboration over perfection.

Here's what I mean by that.

So many of us get stuck in this mindset that we have to have everything figured out before we can show up. We think we need:

• The perfect book cover
• The perfect website
• The perfect social media presence
• The perfect pitch
• The perfect... everything

And while we're waiting for perfect, we're missing out on connections that could change everything.

This event isn't about showing up polished and perfect. It's about showing up as you are, where you are in your journey, and connecting with other authors who are doing the same thing.

Maybe you're still writing your first book. Maybe you've published ten. Maybe you have no idea what you're doing and you're just trying to figure it out. You belong here.

We're building a community that values progress over perfection and collaboration over competition. Because here's the secret nobody tells you , there's room for all of us to win.

When we lift each other up, when we share resources and opportunities, when we collaborate instead of compete , everybody eats. The algorithm wants us fighting for scraps. We're choosing abundance instead.

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What to Expect at the Event

So what's actually going to happen on May 16th?

I'm keeping some things under wraps (gotta have a few surprises!), but here's what you can expect:

Networking with intention. This isn't awkward small talk where everyone's just trying to hand out business cards. We're creating structured opportunities to actually get to know each other and find potential collaborators.

Practical strategies. You know I'm always about the actionable tips. We'll be talking about real ways to market your book and build your author platform outside of social media algorithms.

Community building. This is bigger than one event. We're laying the foundation for ongoing connections and support. The relationships you build here don't end when you walk out the door.

A celebration of indie authors. Let's be real , being an indie author is hard work. This is a chance to be in a room full of people who get it. Who understand the hustle. Who are rooting for you.

And yes, we're doing this at Tattered Cover Book Store : one of Denver's most beloved independent bookstores. Because where else would indie authors gather?

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This Is Just the Beginning

I want to be clear about something : this Denver event is not a one-time thing. This is the start of something bigger.

My vision for BTA Fridays has always been about more than just a podcast. It's about creating real, tangible opportunities for indie authors to break free from the constraints of algorithms and gatekeepers.

We're building something here.

A community that supports each other. Events that bring us together. Resources that actually help. Connections that turn into collaborations.

If you've ever felt like you're shouting into the void online, like your content is getting buried, like you're doing everything "right" but still not seeing results : this is your invitation to try something different.

Step outside the algorithm. Show up in real life. Build relationships that no platform can take away from you.

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How to Stay in the Loop

Registration details and more information will be coming soon. Make sure you're following Bright Headed Publishing so you don't miss any announcements.

In the meantime, watch the full episode where I break all of this down:

https://youtu.be/wfYyxl2HKEM

And if you're thinking about coming : come. Don't overthink it. Don't wait until you feel "ready." Just show up.

I'll see you in Denver. 💛

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