The Crew Returns: Bringing Indie Sci-Fi to the LA Festival of Books

In this goofy and surprisingly useful roundtable episode, Mookie Spitz reunites with fellow indie author road warriors Ingrid Moon, Greg Sorber, and married co-writing duo Sherry Shimshock and Blake Shimshock to unpack their chaotic, sweaty, unexpectedly profitable adventure at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.Stuffed into a booth roughly the size of a phone booth, the group somehow managed to sell books, charm strangers, cross-promote each other, and prove that readers still exist despite years of internet propaganda claiming nobody reads anymore. Thousands of people streamed by. Many stopped. Some bought one book. Some bought stacks. Some bought books because there were cats on the cover. No further questions.Their post-event debrief is part comedy, part field manual for indie authors trying to survive in the wild. The crew breaks down what actually works at live events: loud energy, good covers, fast pitches, zealous body language, and knowing when to stop talking after the customer is already reaching for their wallet. They also discuss the tragic spectacle of dead-eyed vendors sitting silently behind tables like depressed lemonade stand operators.Beyond the jokes, the group talks candidly about how soul-crushing online algorithms create distance between writers and readers, while in-person events let you actually meet the humans who may buy your stuff. They explain why community beats isolation, why four authors working together outsold many loners, and why sometimes the best sales tactic is simply being fun to talk to.If you write books, sell books, read books, or just enjoy hearing smart weirdos talk shop, this episode is for you. Ingrid MoonIngrid Moon is an author, editor, and science teacher. She currently has four science fiction novels, three audiobooks, and three science reference books for worldbuilding, with more on the way. Ingrid is a Southern California native who can't surf because she spent most of her youth navigating mountains and watching sci-fi television, all of which inspired her writing career. Author website: https://ingridmoon.comFree fantasy novella: https://books.ingridmoon.com/gift-of-orisyneGreg Sorber"I’m a lifelong fan of science fiction, fantasy, and comic books. Some of my earliest memories are of Land of the Lost, Speed Racer, and The Six Million Dollar Man. Seeing Star Wars in the theater for the first time in 1977 was a life-changing experience. An avid reader from an early age, I’ve always loved books that engaged my imagination. Reading The Hobbit in 7th grade English class and writing a short story that same year set me down the path of becoming a writer. I live in Riverside, California with my family and two dogs."www.gregerationx.com Blake & Sherry ShimshockBlake and Sherry Shimshock are the interstellar storytellers behind the Firebird Award winning Chronicles of Derek Fade: The Hunt for Valdune, introducing readers to Senior Agent Derek Fade, whose quest for justice spirals into a galaxy-spanning vendetta. The sequel, The Edge of the Abyss, delves deeper into Fade's turmoil, blending action with emotional depth. Together, the novels challenge readers to question the boundaries of duty and vengeance. Their Novels & WebsiteBonus: Vote on their name! "So-Cal Sci-Fi Crew" or "So-Cal Sci-Fi Nexus"?Want to be on the show? Have feedback? Send Mookie a text!Support the show