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2025 Author Retreat
Indies United Publishing House and the And I Thought Ladies invite you to experience a unique blend of creativity, inspiration, and celebration at the 2025 Indies Author Retreat & 9th Annual Women in Literature Awards. Mark your calendars for June 6th & 7th, 2025, in the charming town of Quincy, Illinois, where authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts come together for an unforgettable weekend.
Scroll down for more information about the Awards Dinner Only tickets and other reservation options for this event.
Weekend Highlights
Kick off the weekend with a Meet & Greet Mixer and Casual Dinner on Friday night. Saturday will feature a variety of activities, including Author Workshops, a Public Book Reading, and a Gala Event to honor the awardees of the Small Bites Short Story Contest and Inspirational Women Awards.
Friends and family are welcome to join all activities throughout the weekend.
The Corinthian Event Center, a beautifully restored historic building, serves as the perfect venue for this literary gathering. Located across the street from the Saturday Farmers Market and in the heart of downtown Quincy.
Saturday morning workshops will include:
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And I Thought Ladies - Foreign Book Rights, What to Know, What to Avoid
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Jeannette Tomson - Leveraging BookTok
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Jennie Rosenblum - ChatGPT: Unlock the potential of AI
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Bruce Wawrzyniak - A Dozen Ways to Promote Your Writing Career
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Joylynn Ross - Build Your Literary Business & Enterprise... With Other People's Money
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Danielle D. Smith - Taking Your Writing from Pages to Stages
“I want to thank you for the incredible author retreat! Your meticulous planning and warm hospitality made it a memorable and inspiring experience for my first time in the Midwest! The opportunity to connect with fellow authors was invaluable, and I left feeling rejuvenated and motivated. I am particularly grateful for the insightful discussions and the creative atmosphere.”
- Winnifred Tataw, author & digital marketer
Author Retreat & Awards Gala
Indies United Publishing House will honor the winners of the 2nd Annual Small Bites Short Story Contest during the Gala. Additionally, the 9th Annual Women in Literature, Media, and Journalism Awards will recognize women who have motivated others in their industry and helped those affected by domestic abuse. The event aims to inspire newcomers to literature, media, and journalism.
Celebrate the 9th Annual Women in Literature Awards
and be inspired by renowned awardees:
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Meredith Prunkard: Vice President of Current Programming for Original Productions
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Rodney Damon Collins: Best Male Actor in a Feature Film for his role of Bishop Buckz in Central Authority
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Joylynn Ross: CEO of Path To Publishing, named SBA Microenterprise Business of the Year 2025 for the Nevada District, President of PTP Press, the IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) Benjamin Franklin Awards
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Danielle D. Smith: Award-winning author and movie director; Founder of Film, Author & Photography Festival; Pageant Coach, Miss Black Ohio; Founder of the movement Don’t Be Quiet
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Dr Diana Shakti Luck (Shakti Bliss), Personal assistant to Nelson Mandela in Venda during his first presidential electoral campaign, bringing a global human rights legacy to the forefront
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Astrid Render: Transitional Housing Advocate for Quanda. This advocacy program provides emotional, physical, and crisis support for those who have been assaulted or abused in the Quincy, IL area
"I don't go to conferences much, too old and cranky, but this was fun so I'm coming back next year. I'll be older but less cranky."
- D. Krauss, author | Grand Prize winner of the 2024 Small Bites Short Story Contest
Event Pricing
Author Retreat Weekend
Authors/Recipients: $250
This includes all activities, Gala Dinner, specified meals, workshops, public book readings, and meet-the-public events.
Family and Friends: $150 per person
This includes attendance to all activities, the Gala Dinner, and specified meals.
Children under 3: Free
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with fellow authors, celebrate literary achievements, and explore the beautiful town of Quincy. For the information PDF, CLICK HERE
Use the Online Reservation Form below to Register for the event.
AWARDS DINNER ONLY
Open to the Public - Reserve your Seat using the online registration form below.
Celebrate the Small Bites Short Story Contest winners and the 9th Annual Women in Literature, Media & Journalism Awards. Witness inspiring authors and media professionals being honored for their contributions to the literary world.
Reserve a Seat $70 | Reserve a Table $400
"Surrounded by amazing award-winning authors, connections were made that will inspire stories for a long time. During the weekend, stories came alive at the book readings, laughter filled the air throughout the weekend, and I may have shed a few well-placed tears during the awards ceremony. A wonderful weekend that will be long remembered."
- Jennie Rosenblum, editor & book reviewer
