Reading · Indie Author Insights

Hello, Indie Authors and Curious Creatives,

This week instead of telling you what I’m reading, I’ll share what books sold at the Bookworm Orchard Independent Bookstore that I co-own with two other authors.

We sold mostly bookish merch this week like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and silicone squishy characters, but we also sold books. Romance has been the bestselling genre since we opened on Galentine’s Day.

Let me know if, “What’s Selling at the Bookstore” is something you would like to continue to see!

The Pony Who Wanted to Be a Unicorn by Leland P. Gamson

Genre: Children’s

Camp Lessons by Erin Hayden

Genre: Children’s

Murder Uncorked by Erin Hayden

Genre: Mystery

Diamonds in Auschwitz by Meg Hamand

Genre: Historical Fiction

The Gangster’s Kiss by Ginger Ring

Genre: Romance

Remember When by Kathy Gerstorff and Elizabeth White

Genre: Poetry

My best friend and I wrote poems for this anthology to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s. We donate the proceeds to help provide care and support to families impacted by Alzheimer’s and accelerate global research.

Get Remember When paperback on Amazon with my Affiliate Link.

In case you’re curious about what I’m reading, it’s The Deal by Elle Kennedy. I got into her series thanks to the movie adaptation on Netflix.

Looks like I’m not the only one. Several of Elle’s books are now in the top ten on Amazon. What a dream come true!

Get Elle Kennedy’s books on Amazon with My Affiliate Link

My goal this week was to design 20 WriterKat t-shirts. I designed two and uploaded one! I used to play a memory game where you predicted how many you would get right before you started. I never adjusted my prediction from 100%.

I’ve learned over the years to make the adjustment.

So, my goal for next week is five designs made and uploaded. I probably should have started there! I ordered the one design from Printify and it looks like high quality material and screen printing. I like that.

This print on demand project has me thinking of getting my own t-shirt press – again! I tried it before in the ‘80s, but I lost interest, like most hobbies.

I’ve taken the shiny object route enough times to know that it’s a distraction, or Resistance with a capital R as Steven Pressfield calls it, from writing my historical fiction novel that I have gotten sidetracked on for nearly three decades!

I can do both, right?

OK, revised goal for next week: Five designs and pull my novel back out of File 13!

In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I am a music lover to my core. My childhood dream was to be a country music singer like Tanya Tucker, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Jeannie C. Riley, Tammy Wynette... I love storytelling songs and often sing along!

Ella Langley reminds me of those long forgotten dreams. I love her new song Dandelion. That wildflower happens to be my favorite!

“Dandelions are masters of survival, thriving in even the harshest environments. Often dismissed as a common weed, this unassuming plant carries a deeper symbolism of hope, healing, and resilience.” ~ Ella Langley

Looking for author events to attend? Check out these resources:

Writer’s Digest List of Book Fairs and Book Festivals By State

If you’re an author looking for events and opportunities to sell more books, be sure you’re subscribed to Indie Author Insights. The next update will be emailed June 1st.

That’s your Fresh Insights update for this week. I hope you have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend.

Kathy Gerstorff
WriterKat
Indie Authors Association
Bookworm Orchard

P.S. I would love to know what you’re reading and listening to!

Special thanks to Indie Author Insights patrons and IAA members: Ashley Gary Johnson, Bess Sturgis (ghoulianastories.com), Christopher Stolle, Chris McWhirt, Herman Floyd Renfro, Fleur Hull, Jill Ebstein, J.J. Devine, John Sherman, Karen Smiley, Kay Castaneda, Leland P. Gamson, Lloyd Mullins, Mark Saluke, Morgana Shea, Mike Nelson, Nancy Nau Sullivan, Paul Cobbin, Sarah Styf, Sheri Ann Richerson, Stella Fosse, Teresa Keefer, Terra Chism, Tina Susedik, and Wendy Mayhew.

What's Selling at the Bookstore This Week, Dandelions, The Deal, and More

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