Fresh Insights: Health Bestseller, Book Fair, Poetry Contests, James Patterson Bookstore Award & More
Weekly Highlights in the Indie Author and Creative Arts World
Happy Friday, Indie Authors & Curious Creatives!
Welcome to your weekly update of fresh insights and finds. I hope it sparks your creative spirit and inspires your muse.
Favorite Substack Find of the Week
I discovered Chris Miller MD on Substack through her interview about inflammation with Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA, who I have followed for years. It’s so easy to take our health for granted when we’re young. I sure did. I’m grateful for these functional medicine doctors and holistic health professionals that help us better understand the confusing conditions that often accompany our golden years.
Speaking of health, congratulations to Paul Cobbin for becoming an international bestselling author with his debut book, Decode Your Diagnosis. He has worked hard for months and engaged the Substack community to share his story with the world.
Kickstarter for Self-Publishing Authors
Today is the last day to get in on Dale L. Roberts’ Self-Publishing Blueprint Kickstarter!
Are you considering doing a Kickstarter campaign? I am for Bookworm Orchard’s first anthology, “Stories From The Orchard.” I’m definitely following Dale’s lead along with Russell Nohelty who has completed over 50 successful Kickstarter campaigns!
Stories From The Orchard
The October 31, 2025 deadline is quickly approaching to submit up to three poems, short stories, essays, etc. to our first Bookworm Orchard anthology!
Poetry Society of Indiana (PSI) Winter Poetry Contest
I am sponsoring the “Fierce Creativity” category for the PSI Winter Poetry Contest. I’m looking forward to reading and judging the poems for a $100 grand prize. You do not have to be a member or from Indiana (or the USA) to enter this contest. Check out the PSI website for more details and to enter the contest by November 20, 2025. Good luck!
https://www.poetrysocietyofindiana.org/psi-contests.html
Nominate Your Favorite Bookstore for a James Patterson Bookseller Bonus
James Patterson is giving away $500 to 600 booksellers from ABA member bookstores. Booksellers can self-nominate to be considered for a bonus, or they can be nominated by bookstore customers, employees, publishers, authors, etc. Past recipients are eligible for another bonus. Nominations can be made online by completing and submitting a simple nomination form by October 31, 2025.
Indie Author & Creative Arts Events to Check Out This Weekend
10/24-26/25 – The Bloomington Book Festival, Friday, October 24 - Saturday, October 26, 2025, 849 S Auto Mall Rd, Bloomington, Indiana.
10/26/25 — Read It Write It Delray Beach, Sunday, October 26, 2025, 1-4 p.m., Delray Beach Public Library, 100 Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida. Look for Nancy Nau Sullivan at this event.
Do you have an upcoming book signing or event to share? Post in the comments (for extra promo exposure) or email kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com.
That’s your fresh insights quick update for this week! Hopefully, one or more sparked your curiosity and inspired your muse! Hit reply or drop a comment to let me know. I love hearing from fellow creatives. I hope you have a productive weekend.
Kathy Gerstorff
WriterKat
Special thanks to Indie Author Insights paid subscribers and Indie Authors Association founding members: Ashley Gary Johnson, Bess Sturgis (ghoulianastories.com), Bonnie Lieberman (bonnielieberman.com), Jennifer Huston Schaeffer (whitedogeditorial.com), Jill Ebstein (jillebstein.com), Leland P. Gamson, LloydMullins (moonsthoughts.com), Mike Nelson, Morgana Shea, Nancy Nau Sullivan (nancynausullivan.com), Paul Cobbin (paulcobbin.com), Sarah Styf (sarahstyf.com), Teresa Keefer (teresakeeferromance.com), and Wendy Mayhew.
Thank you for mentioning the Poetry Society of Indiana’s contest 🙏
As always, thank you for your support and for keeping us updated about all the goings on.
It's very helpful :)