Online Marketing for Busy Authors, Join Indie Authors at the Honeywell on Small Business Saturday

Indie Authors Association Newsletter #6

Welcome to the Indie Authors Association (IAA) Newsletter #6. Thank you for taking your valuable time to read these updates. I hope you find them helpful.  

Last week I wrote about my top three takeaways from the Taylor University Professional Writers Conference Advanced Track facilitated by Lydia Sherrer.  

1. Join 20BooksTo50K® https://www.facebook.com/groups/20Booksto50k.   

2. What are you willing to give up to achieve what you want most? 

3. See and be seen. 

I could write a book on what I learned by attending this writing conference. It was one of the best writing conferences I have attended. It felt intimate. I didn’t feel lost in the crowd like I normally do at conferences. 

My favorite part of the event were the keynotes by James “Jim” Watkins and Bob Hostetler. They have been friends for forty years. I could tell by their comradery and fun-loving way they warmed up the crowd. Their keynotes were recorded, so hopefully, I can share it with you soon. 

Jim’s keynote on mental health was so good. His vulnerability in sharing his story took the talk to a higher level. I’m sure many writers can relate to Jim’s struggles. At the end of his speech, Jim asked those not dealing with mental health issues to stand. I hesitated, should I sit or stand? I’m not taking medication. I haven’t been diagnosed with any mental health issues. But some days it’s tough to fight the good fight. When faced with too much reality and news of a world out of control, I just want to stay in bed. Numb out with Netflix and chips. 

I have so much to be grateful for. Overall, I’m in pretty good shape mentally. My faith is strong. Thank goodness. Otherwise, it would be game over. I am so grateful God is always with me. My rock to lean on. 

I stood up. Jim asked those standing to put a hand on the shoulder of someone who remained seated and pray for them. I was glad I stood up! No one was sitting near me. I’m usually on or near the front row which is not a popular spot for some reason. Anway, I prayed for everyone, especially those seated, to be comforted by God’s strength, peace, and unconditional love. It was a powerful moment. 

Bob’s keynote brought me to the brink of tears when he talked about waiting on God’s timing. I could relate so much when he talked about writing for years and nothing seemingly happening. I have been writing since high school in the 1980’s and still haven’t seen the commercial success that I see from writers who are just getting started. It’s so frustrating. But, as Bob reminded me, we never know who our writing will touch or what it will inspire. So keep writing, keep pursuing your passion, and keep doing what you can to make a positive difference in the world. Thanks Bob, I needed that pep talk!

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

SCARS Healing Anthology - Open for poetry and short story submissions now through December 31, 2022. 

This anthology will be published during Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2023. It provides an opportunity for you to write up to three poems and short stories that shine light and hope on mental health topics.

Proceeds benefit mental health organizations such as NAMI and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

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AUTHOR FAIRS & WRITING CONFERENCES

September

• Indiana Incognito Author Extravaganza, Cambridge City, Indiana, Friday, September 30, 2022, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Saturday, October 1, 2022, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. This free event is hosted by The Friends of the Cambridge City Public Library. All children are welcome. Over 20 authors have signed up to showcase their books and help support children’s literacy programs. 

I will be a guest author at this event, Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 12-2 p.m. Stop by and say hi if you are in the area. I would love to meet IAA Newsletter readers in person! 

November

• 20Books Vegas 2022, Las Vegas, Nevada, November 14-18, 2022. Indie Authors Conference with 2500 authors and publishers. Can’t make it to Vegas? Attend 20Books Vegas 2022 virtually!

• Hoosier Indie Authors Book Fair, Honeywell Center, 275 W Market St, Wabash, Indiana, Small Business Saturday, November 26, 2022, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

This event is hosted by Teresa Keefer and Kathy Gerstorff (Me!) Although we have attended many author events and book fairs, this is our first time hosting one. We would love your input to make it the best bookfair it can be, both as an indie author and book lover. You can stay updated about attending authors and swag you can win on our Hoosier Indie Authors Book Fair Facebook Group for Readers.  

If you want to attend as an author, please complete the Author Registration Form. There are only 21 tables remaining, so if you are interested in networking and selling your books at this event, please send in your registration ASAP.  

BONUS: When you register to attend the Hoosier Indie Authors Book Fair, you receive a one year premium membership to the Indie Authors Association. Value $120. You are green the moment you sign up! 

Questions or suggestions? Email kathy@indieauthorSassociation.com.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Please note: Books and tools I recommend may contain affiliate links that help support the Indie Authors Association. There is no additional cost to you.

Books

I picked up Online Marketing for Busy Authors - A Step-by-Step Guide by Fauzia Burke at the TU Professional Writers’ Conference. Fauzia has helped promote books for many authors including some you may recognize, Alan Alda, LL Cool J, Arianna Huffington, Maria Shriver, Seth Godin, Brian Tracy, Dean Koontz, and many more. The book is part advice, part workbook, and all about marketing online and engaging your readers.

Podcasts

Listen to Fauzia on The Writing Coach Podcast with Kevin T. Johns.

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Do you want to be the first to know about indie author news and opportunities for writers? Subscribe for free weekly updates!

Are you an indie author wanting support with the business side of writing? Become an Indie Authors Association premium member to receive insider info and promo. 

IAA premium membership benefits include a feature about you and your books in an IAA Newsletter, a link to your website at the bottom of every IAA Newsletter, and discounts to our editing services, courses, and events.

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Indie Author Association Members

Teresa Keefer 

Teresa Keefer was chosen by her adoptive parents in Warsaw, Indiana and has remained in Indiana all her life. She currently resides in rural Indiana with a menagerie of dogs, cats and goats after a family of greedy raccoons ate all her chickens on a hot Saturday night. She has three beautiful adult daughters and seven fantastic grandchildren who all live a hop, skip and a jump away from her.

Holding an MBA from Indiana Institute of Technology, she has spent the last 30 years in the human resources profession. In her spare time—what little there is—she can be found doing a variety of crafts, cooking, studying the paranormal, making organic remedies, and barefoot gardening. Her bucket list is quite extensive, and she is determined to mark off every item—as she adds two more for each one accomplished.

Alan Losure

Online Marketing for Busy AuthorsAlan E. Losure is a retired civil service firefighter who lives happily with his wife Susan in the small town of Gas City, Indiana. Four years ago, Alan suddenly developed the urge to write historical-fiction, murder-mystery novels and as to date has self-published 14 books. "I find the 1890's to be a fascinating time to write about in bringing the past alive to my readers."

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