2026 Inklight Festival

The 2026 Inklight Festival, held June 4- 6th in Quincy, Illinois, brought together authors, readers, and literary advocates for a weekend of inspiration and celebration. Highlights included engaging workshops, an indie film showcase, and a heartfelt awards gala honoring winners of the Small Bites Short Story Contest, the 10th Annual Women in Literature, Media & Journalism awards, the Fae Laureate Poetry winner, and the Columbus Film, Author, and Photography awards. Hosted at the historic One Event Center, the event fostered meaningful connections and creative energy that attendees won’t soon forget.

FIRST DAY BREAKFAST MEET

Breakfast at Thyme Square gave everyone a relaxed, easy start to the weekend. Authors and attendees gathered over coffee and good food, catching up, meeting new faces, and settling into the rhythm of the event. It was a simple, friendly way to kick things off — just conversation, connection, and a calm morning before the full festival energy began.

"Relaxed vibes, powerful connections."

- Jennie Rosenblum, Editor

WORKSHOPS

The weekend's Workshops offered an inspiring blend of creativity, craft, and connection, sparking conversation and reflection. These hands-on workshops provided space to explore new techniques, refine writing skills, and engage in meaningful dialogue with fellow creatives. It was a weekend of learning, sharing, and celebrating the written word.

“Indies United Publishing House has a reputation for hands-on care with their authors, and it came through with the intimate and personal event in Quincy, Illinois. I was impressed with attendees having traveled there from an array of locations, and I’m sure they went back home enriched from their time there.”

- Bruce Wawrzyniak, President, Now Hear This, Inc.

AWARDS DINNER

The Awards Dinner at One Event Center brought together authors, readers, and supporters for an evening dedicated to creativity and community. Guests enjoyed a relaxed, elegant atmosphere as we honored the winners of the Small Bites Short Story Contest and celebrated the voices shaping this year’s festival. Heartfelt speeches, shared stories, and genuine connection made the night a highlight of Inklight — a gathering that showcased talent, camaraderie, and the power of storytelling.

SMALL BITES SHORT STORY WINNERS

Winners were honored for their compelling short fiction, selected from a diverse pool of entries. The ceremony highlighted the creativity and talent of emerging voices, with heartfelt acknowledgments and enthusiastic applause from the audience. The event offered a meaningful platform for authors to be recognized and celebrated, reinforcing the power of storytelling in a supportive literary community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WINNERS

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Indies United proudly recognizes Bruce Wawrzyniak and Jennie Rosenblum for their outstanding support and commitment to helping authors thrive. Bruce’s decades of PR and media expertise have opened doors for creatives across industries, while Jennie’s editorial guidance and mentorship continue to strengthen and uplift writers navigating today’s publishing world. Their dedication, generosity, and belief in indie voices make them invaluable members of our community.