“We want to give people the tools and flexibility to publish on their own terms, without needing an invitation or permission…” ~ Substack (Amaya Nichole, Inc.)
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I love seeing a day dedicated to romance and bookstores, especially since I’m into both! Of course we have record flooding in our area, so very few visitors to the bookstore these past few days. No worries, because all the books are available online. Isn’t technology wonderful?!
Here are some romance authors with books at Bookworm Orchard. Check them out when you get a chance. So many good writers here!
Ginger Ring, Jacqueline Fieck, Jane Yunker, J.J. Devine, Jolie St. Amant, Liz Flaherty, Lynda Cox, McKayla Jade, Meg Hamand, Nancy Nau Sullivan, Rochelle Bradley, Stacy Wray, Teresa Keefer, Teresa McRae, Tina Susedik, T.N. Finn
Buy on Bookshop, Listen on Libro, or shop the original online indie author bookstore, Amazon!
If you are an independent author interested in adding your book to the Bookworm Orchard bookstore, email bookwormorchard2026@gmail.com and we will send you an author/vendor information packet.
I was pleasantly surprised to be featured in the local newspaper along with artist Anne Maddox who I have known since the first time I opened a bookstore 15 years ago! Anne is a very talented watercolor artist and author.
I sent information to the Chronicle Tribune months ago when they first announced the new “Kaleidoscope” section, then forgot about it. I love their Kaleidoscope feature highlighting local creative artists in our community.
My BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is to have an annual creative arts festival at our local Performing Arts Center. Organizing a gathering of creative artists and art lovers that hopefully continues long after I’m gone is a worthy legacy to me!
Speaking of legacy…
So many thoughts flooded my mind at once when I read this news.
First, I didn’t know MacKenzie Scott (Yes, that MacKenzie) was an author!
Second, she’s publishing her book on Substack instead of her pick of traditional publishers that would make her book an instant bestseller? What a beautiful and bold indie author move!
INC Magazine quoted Jane Friedman about the news, and Jane set the record straight so as to not make authors think it’s some magic formula to instant fame and fortune.
I think Mackenzie’s bold move adds even more legitimacy to Substack as a salon for writers and book lovers. I say THANK YOU Mackenzie for following your passion on your own terms. What an inspiration.
I may give serialized storytelling on Substack a whirl thanks to Mackenzie’s inspiration. I’ve been working on a historical fiction story for nearly three decades, but it never seems to pass my critiques. Maybe I’ll share it on Substack and see how it goes. I love new adventures!
If you are sharing your novel on Substack, be sure to post a link so we can check it out.
Guerrilla Marketing is a low-cost or free way to promote your book, product, or service. I’ve practiced Guerrilla Marketing for 20+ years, and saved thousands of dollars along the way! To pay it forward, I put a call to action in my newsletters asking authors to share what they are writing, their latest publication, book signings, etc. at no charge. I’m surprised how few respond. Even if it only brings a few new fans, that’s more than we had before. Kudos to the ones who follow through, like Igor!
“I’m Igor Komkov, an independent science-fiction author writing in Russian and publishing English editions for readers beyond the Russian-speaking audience. I would like to introduce two completed books.
Cradle is a dystopian moral techno-thriller about two brothers, freedom, mercy, and the price of immortality. It combines a science-fiction investigation with a character drama built around difficult moral choices.
English excerpt:
Complete Kindle edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H59TWQ67
Immortal is a shorter philosophical science-fiction novella about a world that may be nothing more than a drawing that can be erased.
English Kindle edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX328M42
I am not trying to maximize sales; I want these stories to reach readers who are interested in character-driven science fiction, moral choice, freedom, and the human cost of technological immortality.” ~ Igor Komkov
I have rushed through, and been rushed through, publishing more books than I can count. I echo Ashli OConnell’s and Jane Friedman’s advice to start the marketing process long before the book launches!
When Jacqueline isn’t writing books, she’s meeting with friends, watching movies, reading a good book, making artwork, adding pins to her Pinterest boards, or working on getting her theology degree from Warrior Notes School of Ministry!
Jacqueline has written fifteen books, published nine, and has over 150 book ideas!
I most recently went through all of my books previously published and edited them again to ensure they are up to date with my author style and writing abilities. The last book I worked on was When the Claws Come Out, which is the second book in the Cat Got Your Tongue series.
I hope readers will see themselves in the characters I’ve written and somehow are able to heal from the pain they have experienced. Writing is therapy for me. I share past struggles and themes that are important to me in hopes to bring awareness and help others in their own struggles.
Oddly enough, writing the book wasn’t the hard part for me. I fought for twelve hours with margins, gutter sizes, and page numbers. Formatting the book was so difficult. I didn’t know what I was doing at all when it came to self publishing. I had to teach myself everything through trial and error while utilizing Google and YouTube, as well as my peers.
Social media has amazing, supportive communities for indie authors. It was really hard to start the process, but once I figured it out, it became second nature. Now, I am able to help other authors around me to launch their books too.
Each of my nine books have different genres and themes. It would take less time to share about my first book, Cat Got Your Tongue. One night I had a dream about me walking down the street. I spotted a cat in the alley and walked through a small town until I found someone who knew the cat. That person led me to the owner, who happened to be a billionaire. I remember waking up after telling the guy off because he was a jerk. That is the beginning of the book, but it quickly turned into more when I was inspired by God to deepen the plot. As I write, I’m guided to add different elements and themes to help people who may read my books in the future.
What’s Your Favorite Genre?
I don’t really have a favorite genre. If you had asked me a couple years ago, it would have been romance, but now I feel like it’s all the same. They meet, they get together, major conflict, back together, aww, done. After I started writing the way I do, I started wanting more when reading. Real life situations where characters face everyday problems and overcome trials by working together. I still like to read books, but it’s very difficult for me to enjoy it unless it has depth or something unexpected in the plot.
What is Your Writing Routine?
When I’m writing I like to have different music on. I’m very influenced by my environment because writing is therapy for me. I need to feel safe and allow myself to feel so that the characters feel too. My favorite place to write is at my desk typing on the keyboard staring at my desktop.
How Do You Handle Writer’s Block?
If I’m stuck while writing, I take a break by doom scrolling, watching tv, etc. I find something to numb my mind while I process because typically a block means I’m either not able to feel what’s going on just yet or I need more time to think about the next scene in the book. I believe taking breaks is healthy and necessary for all writers.
What Are You Working On?
Next up on my list is book three for the Cat Got Your Tongue Series. This book will focus on the annoying best friend to help readers understand why Leona is so distant and “not a great friend” as well as show her journey to having the love she deserves. I also plan to write a book four to the series, all while showing off the two main characters’ journey from the first two books. It’s going to be a great series when it’s done. After the series is complete, I have a long list of books in progress that are demanding my attention as well as countless book ideas hoping to get my attention.
If You Could Do A Book Signing Anywhere In The World, Where Would It Be?
My goal is to do a book signing in all 50 of the United States. After that, I would love to go worldwide to enjoy the sights while also connecting with people who are hurting there too. I feel like my mind is closed off since I live in Wisconsin. I want to see more of the world and know what others face to help inspire my characters to match the real world. I can’t limit myself to one spot anywhere in the world because I want to go everywhere. My map has many pins for places I hope to go in the future.
Where Have You Promoted Your Books?
I have not had a chance to promote my books in person as much. However, on Tik Tok I’ve made a lot of videos. I’m so excited to start seeing people and telling them about the books I write because I feel like it deserves a discussion. When looking for a genre to fit my books, I found it difficult to limit them to just one. Sure, they have romance, but they also confront dark realities that many have faced in our world. I feel an in person discussion allows for me to share how complex the books are and offer helpful suggestions based on someone’s struggle.
For example, self worth issues? Genevieve in Cat Got Your Tongue is your girl. Hard time with bullies? Check out Maya in Touch and Go. Poverty, running from trouble, and doing what it takes to survive? Lillian from Entrapment: Tempting the Billionaire will be a fun read for just that.
Advice For Aspiring Authors
If you are an author, fighting to finish your book or considering starting, don’t give up. Do it. Put in the work. For years I wrote books with little to no recognition, but it can shift quickly when you apply yourself and go after the right opportunities. I am finally participating in a book festival in September 2026 in Chicago. I have wanted to do this for four years, but it never seemed like the right time. I wasn’t ready. I still don’t feel ready for any of the amazing things going on right now, but I know it’s time. I need to help people with what I’ve written. If you are just starting out, find good people to support you. I would not be doing what I am right now if it weren’t for the amazing support system behind me. The journey is not easy! But it is so worth it to hold your book and know you did that.
Favorite Part of Being An Author
My favorite part of being an author is talking to readers about the book. It’s great to hear what they thought about the plot or characters. When I hear, I see myself in Genevieve, or I am definitely like Gloria, it helps me know I’m doing the right thing. I’m helping others feel seen, heard, and acknowledged because everyone has value.
What Do You Dislike About Being An Author?
Marketing. Marketing books is hard! Talking about your book seems easy, until you are asked about it and no words come to mind. I spent 150k words writing it, and yet I have nothing to say about the plot, characters, genre? Really? Marketing is definitely something I overthink.
What Helps You Sell The Most Books?
Making amazing connections has helped me sell more books. I have reached out to bookstores and will continue because that puts feet under the book to places I may never be able to go. I can’t be around the world 100% of the time, so having my book everywhere means more visibility.
Valuable Lessons As An Author
Don’t judge a book by its cover… Writing books like I have, I see the depth of the character, and it has helped me have compassion for people. In one of my books, the bully makes a bad choice that impacts more than himself. Many hate this boy for what he does, rightfully so because what he does is WRONG! But, I’m the author so I know his background. I know how his mom was brutally murdered, his father starved him while beating him, and therefore he was raised to take what he wanted in life without asking. It’s odd but writing this way has helped me want to know more about people before jumping to conclusions about them. Sometimes the main reason someone acts the way they do is the pain and struggle they went through at a young age.
Favorite Quote
“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.” ~ Shakespeare
I actually first heard this quote in the movie She’s the Man with Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum. I immediately locked onto the quote with hope that one day I would know what greatness looked like. It has been my favorite quote since seeing that movie at age ten.
Where To Find Jacqueline Fieck
Tik Tok @Jacqueline Fieck. I will be posting my in person book signings and events there!
Message From Jacqueline Fieck on Healing & Kindness
Healing is important. No matter what age you are, whatever you have endured, it can be healed through processing. I encourage everyone to examine the patterns they hate about themselves, the thoughts they think that hurt them, and the beliefs formed about yourself. Where did that come from? Who hurt you? The pain may not have been your fault, but healing to be a better person is how you beat the game and not be the person who hurt you. Hurt people hurt people. Be different. Change the world, one random act of kindness at a time. Much Love!
Do you have an upcoming book signing or event to share? Post in the comments, direct message, or email kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com.
D.L. Reavis - Revenge at Charlotte Lake, Resilience of Charlotte Lake, Reconciliation of Charlotte Lake
Jan Wisher Reinhart - What’s in It for Me? The Question Beneath the Question
Robin Samons - Rockin’ Robin Custom Merchandise
Shae Smith - Sour, Trials, 17 Lifetimes: Book One of “The Seventeen Cycles of the Sun” Anthology, Que the Trumpets (The Seventeen Cycles of the Sun Anthology), Must Have Been a Ghost
Teresa McRae - Mamie Garrison: A tale of slavery, abolition, history & romance, Colin Garrison, Emily Garrison: The Garrisons Book # 3, Rhythms of the Solstice
T.N. Finn - Into The Unknown, The Oathbreakers, Ink & Algorithm, Salt & Fangs, Between Shadows & Flames
Special thanks to Indie Author Insights patrons for supporting this newsletter and indie authors. We appreciate you! Ashley Gary Johnson of Vita Continuat, Bess Sturgis Chris McWhirt, Christopher Stolle, Fleur Hull, Jan Wisher Reinhart, Jennifer Huston Schaeffer, Jill Ebstein, J.J. Devine, Kay Castaneda, Karen Smiley, Leland P. Gamson, Lloyd Mullins, Morgana Shea, Mike Nelson (Michael Deeze), Nancy Nau Sullivan, Paul Cobbin, Sarah Styf, Teresa Keefer, Tina Susedik, and Wendy Mayhew.
Mike - The AI Grandad, Christine Brennan, Ever Blue | Serial Romance, Dave Pryor, Kizzy Fields, Stephen Scott, Tucker Briggs Robinson, lucyyy, Erik Deckers, Laura Elliott, Lydia Brimelow, C. Elyard Williams, Michelle Buck, and Sam Cummings.
Welcome! We are looking forward to getting to know you and learn more about your writing journey. If you would like to be a featured author, just write something up or answer the author interview questions at WriterKat.com, and I will take it from there!
Thank you for reading and sharing! Let us know what you’re up to with your books, events, etc. and what you want to see in future editions by commenting, direct messaging, or emailing kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com.
Special thanks to the Substack Publications recommending Indie Author Insights! Here are the top three:
Thank you for supporting independent authors!
Kathy Gerstorff
WriterKat
Indie Authors Association
Bookworm Orchard
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