Independence Day, Author Feature, PSI Poetry Contest, Indie Author Calendar of Events & Book Marketing Opportunities
Indie Author Insider V51 - July 2024
"Just as our nation was built on the courage to dream, the spirit of independence, and the determination to create a new path, so too is the journey of an independent author. Embrace your freedom to tell your story, to break the rules, and to carve out your unique place in the literary world. This Independence Day, celebrate your creativity and the boundless possibilities that come with it." ~ WriterKat
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WELCOME!
Let’s welcome new subscribers by checking out their books, newsletters, or other creative projects: Adam Lutzi Rockwell, Carolina Heza, Jason Mori, Nancy Lee Bentley, Tracy, and William Fox.
Welcome to Indie Author Insiders! We are happy you are here and look forward to getting to know you. Please share your book launches, signings, and other events by posting info on the comments or emailing kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Have you written books, blogs, poems, etc. about Independence Day? If so, please share, and I will update the list!
I Spy 4th of July: Help the Animals Prepare the Biggest Independence Day Parade Ever! A Cute Fourth of July Book for Toddlers (I Spy Books for Toddlers) by Marlies Larch
AUTHOR FEATURE: Chris McWhirt
Chris McWhirt is a debut author from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is married with five children and two dogs: Buddy and Lucy. Let’s get to know him better with this month’s Author Feature Q&A:
How many books have you written?
I have written two books and have short stories on Booksie and other websites. I have written one nonfiction book on sandlot baseball titled Glory Daze which came out in 2015. Last November my debut entry into the Sci-Fi world came out and is titled Intervention: Book One of Adamic Chronicles.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope readers take away a storyteller’s view blending science fiction as well as the supernatural as an alien ally artificial intelligence assists the US government in battling an alien invasion.
What was the most challenging aspect of getting your book published, and how did you overcome it?
I worked with Amazon KDP and found using new tools and dealing with the constant sales options kind of akin to drinking from a fire hose. It's more like I got through it as opposed to overcoming it.
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I felt like science fiction needed older heroes. In my story, grandparents along with their dog (who is based on my own deceased dog), head up a team formed by an alien intelligence known as Adam.
What is your favorite genre to read and write?
Since I have tried nonfiction sports and now science fiction. I think I would go with science fiction.
What is your writing routine, and any specific habits or rituals that have helped you stay productive?
I do start with a general outline and then go chapter by chapter.
How do you handle writer's block or moments when you feel creatively stuck?
I did have some of that when I got to the ending of the science fiction book. It sat idle for a while until I realized I needed another book or two in the series.
What are you working on next?
I am currently working on Deception: Book Two of Adamic Chronicles.
If you could do a book signing anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I have been to Tokyo a couple times. Love Japan and its people and would love to do a book signing there.
Where is the most exciting or unusual place you promoted your book?
I found the Creative Slingers of Ink event in Milford, Mi to be different since it was a book fair with numerous other authors there to be exciting. Most loved reading and even if it’s not your genre they were interested in your approach. I drove a couple hours and only sold a couple books until the last hour or so and then sold a few more.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
It is an ever changing environment. Start small. Short stories and novellas are good. There are millions of books and authors out there. Publishers want proven superstars like Stephen King. But some readers find there are a lot of unknown or little known gems who can keep them enthralled as well.
What is one thing you love about being an author?
I love how you can bring your own past and experiences into certain characters and parts of the plot. Several have found this in my science fiction book Intervention.
What has helped you sell the most books?
I don’t have much of a marketing budget but have dabbled here and there. Being able to describe and promote my books one on one. That means getting out there.
What is the most valuable lesson you've learned on your journey as an author that you wish you had known before you started?
There are millions of writers and tens of millions of books. You need to know your strengths and weaknesses within your genre.
Where can we find you?
Chrismcwhirt.com. It has some blogs on topics like writing, dogs, and UFOs. I am going to be at Half Price Books in Fort Wayne, Indiana on August 3rd.
NEW BOOK RELEASES
Capy & Pug Pug by Thomas Peek and his son Christopher Peek.
KATHY’S CORNER: Indie Insights
This is a new section to fill you in on my writing journey and perhaps inspire you on yours!
Monday, July 1st: I just returned from Woof Boom Radio where I ‘flipped the script’ with Cam & TC of Page Turners for their one year anniversary of interviewing authors on the local radio station WMUN. I am honored they asked me and can’t wait to share the interview with you. Be sure to check out their Page Turners: The Broadcasting Book Club fan page for the bonus segment where I asked them which fiction author they would vote to be President of the United States. I loved their answers which made me very curious to check out the authors. If you would like to be a guest on their radio show, message them and tell them WriterKat sent you!
Friday, July 26th - Saturday, July 27th, I will be at Taylor University Professional Writers Conference with the draft of a historical fiction/fantasy/time travel/romance novel I have rewritten a dozen times since 1998! Maybe all those genres have to do with my confusion and procrastination. I’m excited to find an editor and get this project finished. I’ve always had big dreams for the story. Sort of like Nicholas Sparks with The Notebook or Robert James Waller with The Bridges of Madison County. If you are interested in hearing more about the project or being a BETA reader, comment or message me and I’ll add you to the list of insiders who will see how a dream project develops!
I was one of a dozen poets selected for a creative arts project at The Beyond Gallery. For this project, poets submit a poem for artists to paint and artists submit their artwork for poets to write a poem. I love when the arts are fused in unique ways like this.
If you are a poet, I highly recommend joining the Poetry Society of Indiana (PSI) because they are always doing fun and unique projects like this. You do not have to live in Indiana to join. You can live anywhere! Members of PSI automatically become members of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) which provides even more opportunities to share your poetic voice with the world.
Speaking of PSI, their Annual Poetry Contest begins July 1st and runs through September 1st. You can win money and get your winning poems published in their popular Ink to Paper anthology. I am one of the judges this year. If you are a poet or want to be one, consider entering this contest. They have 30+ categories. Enter one or all for the same price, except the Wildcard category which is only a couple dollars more for a chance to win half the money collected. I ran this contest last year and can vouch that it is challenging, rewarding, and fun!
2024 INDIE AUTHOR CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Book Marketing & Networking Opportunities
Do you want to connect with authors, meet book lovers, and sell more books? Check out these opportunities!
July
7/11-13/24 – Midwest Writers Workshop, Thursday, July 11, 2024 - Saturday, July 13, 2024, Ball State Alumni Center, 2800 W Bethel Ave, Muncie, Indiana. You can sell your books on consignment during this event!
7/13-14/24 – Columbus Book Festival, Saturday, July 13 - Sunday, July 14, 2024, Columbus Metropolitan Library, 96 S Grant Ave, Columbus, Ohio.
7/19-21/24 – Imaginarium 11th Annual Convention, Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21, 2024, Holiday Inn Louisville East, 1620 Alliant Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky. Look for DIY Book Promo Author Dan Klefstad at this event.
7/21/24 – 7th Annual Detroit Festival of Books, Sunday, July 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Eastern Market, Shed 5, Detroit, Michigan
7/25-27/24 – Taylor University Professional Writers Conference, Thursday, July 25, 2024 (Intensive Track) - Saturday, July 27, 2024, Taylor University, 1846 West Main Street, Upland, Indiana. You can sell your books on consignment during this event! Look for me at this event. It’s one of my favorites!
August
8/4-6/24 – Christian Product Expo, Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Grand Wayne Convention Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Author registration deadline 7/22/24.
8/17/24 – Ripley County Reads Author Fair, Saturday, August 17, 2024, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Batesville Memorial Public Library, 131 N. Walnut St, Batesville, Indiana
8/17/24 – Meet Me in Milwaukee Romance Author & Reader Event, Saturday, August 17, 2024, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. CDT, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 West Kilbourn Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53203. Look for Greta Rose West at this event.
8/24/24 – Local Author Fair, Saturday, August 24, 2024, 1–4 p.m. at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E Main St, Carmel, Indiana
September
9/7/24 - 9/8/24 – 39th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest, Saturday, September 7 & Sunday, September 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Takes place on the streets of South Dearborn, from Ida B Wells to Polk Street, Chicago, IL. Rain or shine. If you want to be a presenter, panelist, or performer at this event, submit your proposal application by June 15, 2024.
9/7/24 – Beyond the Book Festival, Saturday, September 7, 2024, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. CST, Starke County Public Library, 152 West Culver Road, Knox, Indiana
9/7/24 – Lexington Legendary Book Bash, Saturday, September 7, 2024, Hyatt Regency Lexington, 401 W High Street, Lexington, Kentucky. Visit their Facebook page for updates. Look for Bess Sturgis at this event!
9/7/24 - 9/8/24 – Big Four Arts Festival, Saturday, September 7, 2024, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. & Sunday, September 8, 2024, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Big Four Bridge Lawn, 1103 River Road, Louisville, Kentucky
October
10/4-5/24 – Books by the Arch, St. Louis, Missouri, on October 4th & 5th, 2024. Look for Bess Sturgis at this event!
10/18-19/24 – The 2024 Louisville Book Festival will be held in downtown Louisville, KY on Friday, October 18th, and Saturday, 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The vendor application for this event must be submitted by July 31, 2024.
10/19/24 – Meet an Author, Be an Author, Saturday, October 19, 2024, Indianapolis Public Library, 40 E Saint Clair St, Indianapolis, Indiana
10/19/24 – West Virginia Book Festival, Saturday, October 19, 2024, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center in downtown Charleston, West Virginia.
November
11/2/24 – 37th Annual Buckeye Book Fair, Saturday, November 2, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Greystone Event Center, 50 Riffel Road, Wooster, Ohio
11/6/24 – Local Authors at the Annual Christmas Gift & Hobby Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Kristina W. Kelly will be there November 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
11/11-15/24 – Author Nation (Formerly 20Books Vegas), November 11-15, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada
11/30/24 – Lew Wallace Hoosier Author Fair, Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 5–8 PM at Fusion54 Coworking Space, 101 W. Main St., Crawfordsville, Indiana. No vendor fee! Plus, they provide a table and chairs.
Do you have a book signing or event you would like added to the Indie Author Insider Calendar of Events? Email it to kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com
Thank you for reading Indie Author Insider #51 (July 2024). I hope you found it helpful. You can share information about your books, events, and what you want to see in future editions by emailing kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com.
Special thanks to our sponsoring subscribers: Ashley Gary Johnson, Bess Sturgis,
, John Sherman, Lloyd Mullins, , and . Thank you for supporting indie authors. We appreciate you!Thanks also to the Substack Publications recommending Indie Author Insider: Self-Publishing with Dale, The Life Strategies Playbook & Mentoring Program, Jon’s Substack, Johnny B. Truant’s Inspired as F**k, Bernie Books, Made From What's Not Real, Susan's Expressions, Art Spot, Jess Wolfie's Wonderful World, Mordicai’s Substack, John Roberts’ Weekly Rambles, Cellar Door, Letters To My Brother, Lighthouse, Book Whisperer, Bradford’s Substack, My Favorite Classical Music, John Roberts' Weekly Rambles, and Courtenay Nold’s Poetry Warrior Substack. Thank you for supporting indie authors!
Kathy Gerstorff
Would you explain why you typed, "Recommend Indie Author Insider to the readers of Bonnie's Substack? You can't mean me.