Indie Author Meetup & Cookout, Author Feature, New Releases, Calendar of Events, Festivals & Book Marketing Opportunities
Indie Author Insider V54 - October 2024
“It's not about broadcasting; it's about connecting, one story at a time.” David Hancock, Author of Guerrilla Marketing for Writers & Founder of Morgan James Publishing
Click here to view the complete newsletter on Substack.
WELCOME!
Let’s welcome new subscribers by checking out their books, newsletters, or other creative projects: Anne Carroll, Armin Werner, Ava Fails, Chris Lynch, Jennifer Schaeffer, Karrie Clark, Lollipops Marshmellows, and Susan Counterrea.
Welcome to Indie Author Insider! We are looking forward to getting to know about your books and writing journey. Please share your book launches, signings, and other events by posting info in the comment section, message me, or email kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com.
INDIE AUTHOR MEETUP & COOKOUT
You are invited to join me and fellow authors for the Hoosier Indie Authors Cookout hosted by Leland & Bonnie Gamson, in Marion, Indiana, Saturday, October 12, 2024, 2-4 PM. You do not have to be a “Hoosier” to attend. This is a fun opportunity to meet fellow writers and creatives in person! Please RSVP to me at kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com by October 7th for the address and additional info.
NEW BOOK RELEASES
Rebuilding Jayne by Teresa Shields Parker
As someone who has struggled most of my life with sugar addiction and the serious side effects, I am looking forward to reading Teresa’s faith-based fiction book based on her transformational journey.
Watermelon Moonshine by Teresa Keefer
“There is always a little piece of the author in each story.” ~ Teresa Keefer
Teresa said Watermelon Moonshine was inspired by true events. I love when our lives inspire creativity! If you enjoy reading heartwarming romance stories, check this one out.
“If you're looking for a feel-good story of broken hearts mending and love finding its way, this book is a delightful read.” ~ Tessa, Poised Pen Productions
AUTHOR FEATURE – Melissa Allred ()
Hello, I am Melissa Allred. I am a wife and mother to one active boy whom we adopted. I homeschool and run a hobby farm, along with writing books. I have written three books so far, with two published. The third is due out on December 27th, and the fourth I am currently working on is a three-part series with unknown publication dates. My most recent book “Hannah” is about the biblical character, a historical fiction, but also about infertility, which is my own story.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
My hope is that readers will be inspired by Hannah's faith and endurance through her trials and struggles with infertility. I have included resources and a Bible story in the back of the book.
What was the most challenging aspect of getting your book published, and how did you overcome it?
I didn't think that I had anything worth publishing. It was my own lack of confidence that got in the way. My editor and now friend Angela Yuriko Smith showed me what a gem Hannah is.
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I have always been intrigued by Hannah's story. As a woman who has gone through infertility, I felt Hannah was under-served in the Bible and needed a voice.
What is your favorite genre to read and write?
I love Historical Fiction the best. However, my first book, The Princess and Her Owl, is Fantasy Fiction, which is my second favorite genre to read and write. My third book, Widows Ranch, due out on December 27th, is also fiction but based loosely on the life of a dear friend I lost this past January. So, fiction is my forte.
What is your writing routine, and are there any specific habits or rituals that have helped you stay productive?
I try to write mostly at night after putting my son to bed, if I am not too tired. I often write here and there, putting notes in my phone when inspiration strikes. Sometimes the character in my book wakes me up at four in the morning with an idea. I often write a paragraph in my notes app on my phone and then go back to sleep.
How do you handle writer's block or moments when you feel creatively stuck?
I will wait a few days if I am really stuck. Currently, I have two characters riding on a transit bus, waiting to get off at their stop. They have been circling the block for a few weeks as I am stuck and very busy with school now back in session. Even though I homeschool and it's not as time-consuming as many might think, I do have to use my creativity there, which robs me of my author creativity. I often ask ChatGPT for a suggestion to break the block. Many times, a word from the news or a song will also break the block. I look for many different muses.
What are you working on next?
The Truth Chronicles is my three-part series and the biggest undertaking by far. I might have bitten off too much too soon into my journey as an author, but I tend to jump into the deep end right away.
If you could do a book signing anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I am basic. I do not wish to travel. My local coffee shop is sufficient.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Log onto Reedsy.com and just start writing. Don't put it off. Once you start letting the juices flow, you will find that your book easily flows out.
What is one thing you love about being an author?
I am enjoying this new discovery of myself. I started it for me, as a way to escape the reality of all the heavy burdens I have at the moment.
What do you dislike about being an author?
It's sometimes a chore to add to my other extensive chores.
What has helped you sell the most books?
I need help or advice. I have only sold to family and friends so far.
Okay, fellow authors, let’s help Melissa! What helps you sell the most books?
Where can we find you? (Website, social media, newsletter, blog, book signing, etc.)
AnointedInspired.com, Melissa Allred (@melissaallredbookclub) on Instagram, mallred (@mallred5) on TikTok, and right here on Substack under Melissa Allred.
If you want an author feature, please complete the author interview questions at writerkat.com.
2024 INDIE AUTHOR CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Book Marketing, Networking & Selling Opportunities
Do you want to connect with authors, meet book lovers, and sell more books? Check out these opportunities!
October
10/4-5/24 – Books by the Arch, Friday, October 4 - Saturday, October 5, 2024, 12-4 PM, Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis At The Arch, 2 South 4th Street, St. Louis, Missouri. Look for Bess Sturgis at this event!
10/5/24 – Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest, Saturday, October 5, 2024, 10 AM - 8 PM, at the Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, Indiana.
10/5/24 – A Novel Event, Saturday, October 5, 2024, Fenton Community & Cultural Center, 150 S Leroy St, Fenton, Michigan.
10/12/24 – Hoosier Indie Authors Cookout, Saturday, October 12, 2024, 2-4 PM, Marion, Indiana. You do not have to be a “Hoosier” to attend. Leland & Bonnie Gamson are graciously hosting this event. It’s a great opportunity to mingle with local authors and other creatives. Please RSVP to kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com by October 7th so Leland & Bonnie will know how much meat to order. I will bring paper plates and plasticware. Please bring a dish or drinks to share and join us!
10/18-19/24 – The 2024 Louisville Book Festival will be held Friday, October 18th and Saturday, 19th from 10 AM to 6 PM at the Kentucky International Convention Center, 221 South 4th Street, Louisville, Kentucky. Look for Dan Klefstad at this event. He will be on a self-publishing and marketing panel at 1 PM.
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 AM - 8 PM, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center in downtown Charleston, West Virginia.
10/19/24 – Twin Cities Book Festival, Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Minnesota.
10/19/24 – DSM Book Festival - Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa, this event is dedicated to book lovers and features a range of activities including author readings, book signings, and more (BooksRun).
10/19/24 – Las Vegas Book Festival, Saturday, October 19, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada.
10/22/24 – Poets Laureate of Lawrence, Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024, 7-9 PM, Arts for Lawrence Theater at the Fort, 8920 Otis Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana. John Sherman will be the featured poet and will have his books for sale during the event.
November
11/2/24 – 37th Annual Buckeye Book Fair, Saturday, November 2, 2024, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM 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 AM - 2:30 PM
11/11-15/24 – Author Nation (Formerly 20Books Vegas), November 11-15, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada
11/16/24 – Bullitt County Authors Fair, Saturday, Nov 16, 2024, 10 AM – 2 PM, Central Library, 740 Conestoga Pkwy, Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Author vendor applications accepted until October 1st or until slots are filled. Look for Dan Klefstad at this event.
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.
December 2024
12/6/24 – Winter Artisan Market (formerly INDIEana Handicraft Exchange), Friday, December 6, 2024, 6-9 PM, Vendor applications are open through October 31st.
January 2025
1/31/25-2/1/25 – Sixth Annual Sunshine State Book Festival, Friday, January 31, 2025, 7-9 PM and Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10 AM - 4 PM, at the Best Western Grand, 4200 NW 97th Blvd, Gainesville, Florida.
June 2025
6/28-29/25 – Midwest Bookish Fest, Saturday, June 28, 2025, 8 AM - 8 PM, and Sunday, June 29, 2025, 8 AM - 6 PM, Minneapolis Marriott West, 9960 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Thank you for reading the October 2024 issue of Indie Author Insider (#54). 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, Bonnie Lieberman, John Sherman, Lloyd Mullins, Nancy Nau Sullivan, and Sarah Styf. 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, Courtenay Nold’s Poetry Warrior Substack, 6 P’s in AI Pods, and Melissa’s Substack.
Kathy Gerstorff
P.S. This newsletter contains affiliate links for books and products mentioned. I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. There is no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Thank you for letting me do this interview! I really enjoyed it.