Celebrating Independent Authors

I recently had the opportunity to attend an Indie Authors Night at a local bookstore and I have to say, it was fantastic. There was a panel of 20 authors ranging in age from 10 to well, I don’t know exactly, but that doesn’t matter. The books they published spanned everything from kid-lit, science fiction, memoir, romance, steampunk and more.

They were each given two minutes to get up and tell us a little about themselves, what their books were about, and anything else we should know. Afterward, there was a time for meeting each one, having books signed, and photo opportunities if you were so inclined.

One of the young authors in her speech said that she wrote a book because “My mom told me to stop playing with the electronics. After a minute I complained I was bored. Not liking the suggestions to do a craft or paint, my mom suggested I should go write a book. So I did.” She is now a published author.

Each one was unique, engaging, and inspired this writer to come home and keep pursuing her dream of one day being published too.

While I didn’t get to talk to everyone that I would have liked to, I did get to meet three amazing authors.

Kim Hornsby –

Kim is the reason I found out about the indie author’s night in the first place. I had met her virtually through Facebook, having read her trilogy, The Dream Jumper’s Promise, The Dream Jumper’s Secret, and The Dream Jumper’s Pursuit. At this event, we were finally able to meet in person and have a chance to chat. She recently had these stories optioned to be made into feature films and is working on pre-production as I write this. She is one of those authors that engages with her fans and has been incredibly encouraging too. I’m looking forward to getting a chance to talk with her more and hear her present at the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association conference in September.

Blog

Amazon Author Page

Jasmine Silvera –

Jasmine shared with us that her first book was a result of a NaNoWriMo project while she was in Prague with her husband. As someone who is also working on a novel that was created because of NaNoWriMo hearing her share her story about the inspiration for the story, how long it took her to write and edit, and eventually publish, was encouraging and motivating to keep me going.

In addition to her signing the copy I picked up, she also had goodie bags that she handed out. It was another wonderful way to connect and engage with her readers. I especially liked the Review Writing Cheat Sheet and Reading List she included. As writer’s one of the best thing readers can do is leave reviews. I will be sure to leave one for her when I’ve finished Death’s Dancer

Website – Jasmine Silvera

Larry Snyder –

Larry shared with us his love and passion for a little town in Italy and how he and his wife were welcomed and embraced by its residents. In talking with him, it was obvious how much of an impact this experience had on him and his family, and how in turn they have also impacted the community that has adopted them. I can’t wait to dive in and live vicariously through his stories. And maybe, one day, go for a visit myself.

His book, Miracles in Montanare: Ten Years In Tuscany is now in my pile of to-be-read books.

Website – Ten Years In Tuscany

I encourage you to check them out and support your local indie authors too. Follow them on Facebook, leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, show them you care.

And maybe next year, I’ll get to share the panel with some of these wonderful people too.