Self-Publishing with ALLi Advice: Author Nation Conference Conclusions 2025 — Courage, Choice, and New Directions for Indie Authors with Orna Ross and Joanna Penn
Nov 20, 2025
Orna Ross and Joanna Penn dive into their experiences at Author Nation and the benefits of in-person networking. They discuss Drew Davies's 'kill two things' rule to spark creativity and the importance of managing subscriptions effectively. Joanna shares insights from her master's in Death, Religion, and Culture, exploring the contrasts between academic and creative writing. They reflect on sustainable practices for long-term authorship, encouraging listeners to embrace new creative directions and make strategic choices in their writing journeys.
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First-Time AuthorNation Impression
- Orna Ross described Alliance's booth, speaking slot, and member meetup at AuthorNation as a strong community moment.
- She said the event shows AuthorNation is becoming an important pillar of the indie author community.
Value Of In-Person Connections
- Joanna Penn recounted reconnecting with long-time contacts and meeting vendors like BookFunnel and Draft2Digital.
- She emphasised hallway conversations and vendor chats sparked opportunities and problem-solving.
Mix Online And In-Person Events
- Combine online and physical events to maximise learning and connection based on your goals.
- Choose formats that match your needs and use digital replays when available.