Hoosier Ink: Upcoming Events

ACFW Indiana 2023 Calendar of Events

All meetings on Zoom unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, November 4

How to Write Flash Fiction

(and Why You Should)

with

Abbey Downey

Noon-2 via Zoom

Have you struggled through writing a synopsis or blurb for your novel and decided short-form fiction is NOT for you? This class will not only give tips and tricks to make writing the shortest stories easier but will also show you why you should try and how flash fiction can benefit your writing career and marketing efforts.

Abbey Downey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. The first book in her Adventurous Hearts series with Wild Heart Books will be released in February 2024. She also works with Spark Flash Fiction producing a quarterly digital magazine that contains love stories under 1000 words.

A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her kids play sports and fixing up a 1900 farmhouse with her husband. Connect with Abbey at abbeydowney.com.

The Publishing Process and Amazing Ads

September 30^th

12:00-2:00pm EST

A meeting with our very own Kim Autrey and Melissa LaShure will present an awesome opportunity to glean valuable information! Kim will share her expertise in partnership publishing for those of you seeking to self-publish. Melissa will share her knowledge of Amazon, Facebook, and BookBub ads. Walk away with knowledge you can put into practice immediately!

Kim Autry--

After 13 years in education, Kim took her “grammar that never shuts off” and moved into the book world to help authors like you.

Now as a copy editor and publisher, she works with manuscripts that have endearing characters, engaging plots, and offer hope to readers.

Never Alone Publishing is your guide on the side. We are here to help you develop and edit your manuscript so that it is a product you can be proud to show off—and one that will capture your readers’ attentions and give them an excellent reading experience.

Melissa LaShure--

Melissa hosts the LiteraryScape Book Club Podcast. Where she discusses and recommends books in the historical Christian romance genre to readers around the world.

She is also the creator of HCRW (Historical Christian Romance Writers). This is a membership group where authors of historical Christian romance can learn and grow together!

Melissa LaShure is thrilled to bring both authors and readers together under the same umbrella, LiteraryScape!

June 24

10a.m.-3p.m.

IN-PERSON!
Get together with a "Blizzard in June"
along with our own Rick Barry
who will share his writing journey with us
at Kokomo Public Library.
Plan to spend the day in Kokomo.

Saturday, March 11

“Go Indie and Win: Indie Authors Share Tips and Resources”

Noon – 2 p.m. via Zoom

Hear from and ask questions of these indie authors on March 11 at the next ACFW Indiana Chapter meeting. Via Zoom this author panel will share what led each of them to choose the indie route. Then, the discussion will transition to the nuts and bolts of indie publishing as they present:

a look at the basic decisions
tips for keeping costs low
marketing opportunities

They are excited about sharing what they've learned and encourage chapter members to submit questions before the panel's presentation on March 11. Please send questions to: bethsteury@gmail.com

VALERIE BANFIELD is a talespinner to the lost, the loved, and the found. When she isn't making up stories, she might be found tangled in a basket weaving project, with a book in her hands, or maybe walking the dog.

She is the author of sixteen novels, co-author of three West Virginia-themed tales, and recipient of the Cascade Award for Historical Fiction.

She counts her participation in international short-term missionary campaigns among her life’s most blessed and humbling journeys, and firmly believes that when we give our Father control, He rocks our world.

This Midwest gal wandered to Florida, took a short jaunt to West Virginia, and then moved westward. These days, she’s counting the stars in Indiana and making new memories with her Hoosier kin. Connect with Valerie via her website or email and check out her Amazon author page.

GRETCHEN CARLSON’s background in journalism and education fed her heartbeat for writing and sharing stories of hope. Her debut novel, More Than Grit, won the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis award for the young adult category and the 2017 First Impression’s award.

Growing up, she spent vacations on her grandparents’ farm in Kansas where she collected memories and heard stories of hard times and strong friendships. Her grandmother waited for decades to share the family secret of how they got electricity, and it was this story that inspired More Than Grit.

She is a member of Front Range Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and The Storyteller Squad. She is available and loves interaction with public schools, book clubs, homeschool groups, and readers of all ages. Connect with Gretchen via her website or by email and check out her Amazon author page.

BETH STEURY’s combined experiences teaching the high school Sunday School class, substitute teaching in the public school, and connecting with the teenage staff at the fast-food joint where she claimed a “back booth office” helped inspire her YA “Choices Matter” fiction series. She's a "cheerleader" for saving sex for marriage and for "renewed waiting" because it's never too late to make wiser choices. Her “Waiting Matters … Because YOU Matter” blog helps people of all ages navigate the choppy waters of saving sex for marriage while her “Slices of Real Life” posts find GOD in the day-to-day moments of real life.

As a genetic genealogy enthusiast and "search angel," she writes and speaks about her experiences as a "foundling" who located her birth parents via DNA. Her journey to find and connect with her biological family is chronicled in the blog series “A Doorstep Baby’s Search for Answers.” She also serves on the executive board of the National Association of Adoptees and Parents. Connect with Beth via her website or by email and check out her Amazon author page.