We Made an Indie Author Map!
Quiet Writers 2025 Reading Challenge, prompt 2: A local author
Since the second prompt on the 2025 reading challenge is “A local author”, we decided it might be a bit difficult to make a rec list for this one. But we still wanted to do something to help folks find books to read, so we asked ourselves “How can we recommend books that are local to as many readers as possible?” and the answer was “We can make a map”.
The map is sorted by geographical region, and you can choose to show or hide certain regions for easier navigation. We’ve also made up a spreadsheet with the same info in case that’s more accessible for some folks, and this is organised in regions as well through the tabs.
For each author, we’ve included
- their author name
- what genres they write
- what age categories they write
- some keywords to describe their work
- one of their book titles (and the cover)
- a social media or website link
- location
Not every author has all of these details, but most do.
Some authors are listed by just their country, but some have opted to be a little more specific and listed their state or town.
We’ve got 60 authors listed so far, so hopefully you can find someone to support to meet this prompt!
And for those who need a recap, here’s the full list of challenge prompts!
1. A debut book
The first book this author has published.
2. A local author
"Local" in this instance could be narrowed down to the same state. If you're in a smaller country, try for someone in your country. Whatever the closest is that works for you.
3. Something outside your usual genres
A genre that you don't often read. Not your go-to genre.
4. A book with a disabled author or main character
A book featuring a disabled main character, or written by a disabled author. Any kind of disability.
5. A seasonal book
This could be a book specific to an event or holiday (Valentine's Day, Halloween, Christmas etc), or an actual season (summer, autumn, winter, spring).
6. A book with an LGBTQIA+ MC
A book featuring an LGBTQIA+ main character.
7. A book with a BIPOC author or MC
A book featuring a BIPOC main character, or written by a BIPOC author.
8. An author you haven't read before
This is the first book you've read by this author.
9. A collection of short stories or poetry
A book containing short stories or poetry, by a single author, or by multiple authors. (If you get stuck, try an edition of Quiet Writers)
10. An #OwnVoices book
A book written by someone with the shared experiences of their character, such as an autistic character written by an autistic author or a trans character written by a trans author.
11. A non-fiction or children's book
A non-fiction book, or a children's book. Whichever suits you best.
12. free space :)
There are thousands of indie & self-pub books out there. Go pick one that takes your fancy!
Indie Author Map!
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