2024 Author Retreat | Indies United Publishing House

The 2024 Indies Author Retreat & 8th Annual Women in Literature Awards, hosted by Indies United Publishing House and The And I Thought Ladies, was a remarkable event that took place from May 24 - 26 in Quincy, Illinois. The retreat opened with a casual Meet & Greet Mixer, followed by a delightful cookout. Over the weekend, authors participated in various workshops, such as Leveraging BookTok, Shameless Self-Promotion, and Understanding What Libraries Look for in Books. The event also featured public book readings at the Quincy Public Library and an awards ceremony dinner to honor the winners of the Small Bites Short Story Contest and Women in Literature awardees. The retreat concluded with more insightful workshops and a picnic lunch, leaving attendees inspired and connected. The Ursa Retreat House provided a picturesque setting with its ample amenities, and downtown Quincy offered a rich cultural experience for all visitors.

“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

“Thank you so much for the wonderful writers' conference retreat and all of the hard work you put into it.”

- Debbie Whittam, author

"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