Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Jo Squires.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Absolutely. Creative Slingers of Ink started from a simple idea—I asked about hosting a pop-up book signing at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in Novi, Michigan. That one question sparked something bigger. With the support of Karen, the café owner, and a handful of local authors, what began as a single event grew into a thriving, grassroots community.
We realized there was a real need for a space where writers—whether just starting out or already published—could come together, stay motivated, and celebrate the wins along the way. That’s what CSI is all about: connection, creativity, and community.
Since then, we’ve expanded to South Carolina and are building toward becoming a nationwide—and even global—community. We host book signings, virtual and in-person writing sessions, and spotlight indie authors across our platforms. Our mission is to help writers reach their goals while creating a space rooted in encouragement, learning, and genuine support.
It all started with one local event—and now we’re building something so much bigger. And we’re just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely not always smooth—but it’s absolutely worth it.
Like most grassroots communities, we operate with a big vision and a small team. I juggle a lot—running writing sessions, organizing events, supporting members, and still showing up as a writer myself. It’s a lot of hats, and some days they all want attention at once.
One ongoing challenge is visibility—just making sure writers know this space exists and that it’s for them. We’re always working to reach more authors who are looking for support but might not know where to find it. And, as with any event-based work, there are always curveballs—weather, tech, life. Flexibility is part of the job.
There are also moments of doubt—wondering if what we’re doing is truly landing. But then someone finishes a draft, lands a book signing, or simply says, “I feel seen here,” and that’s the reminder: this community matters. We’re building something that supports people in real time, and even with the bumps, that feels incredibly worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Creative Slingers of Ink is all about helping indie and small press authors go from writing their first word to standing proudly behind a signing table with their published book. We provide a supportive, practical space where writers can actually finish what they start, learn how to publish and market their work, and feel celebrated along the way.
We specialize in writing accountability, self-publishing support, and real-world author visibility. That looks like weekly writing sessions, book festivals, signing events, creative challenges, and ongoing education tailored to indie authors. We’re not just helping writers write—we’re helping them build sustainable author careers.
What I’m most proud of is the real connection we’ve built. Writers join us feeling stuck or unsure, and they find a community that actually cheers them on. Seeing someone go from “I don’t know if I can do this” to holding their book in their hands—that never gets old.
What sets us apart is that we go beyond advice—we’re hands-on. We create events, opportunities, and spaces that make the author journey feel doable, exciting, and shared. We don’t just talk about community—we live it.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is that writers feel empowered, supported, and informed—especially as they navigate the self-publishing world. There are so many talented writers out there who never make it to the finish line—not because they don’t have a good book, but because they’re overwhelmed, confused, or taken advantage of.
That’s why one of my biggest priorities is helping writers avoid the scams, the overpriced vanity presses, and the misleading “publishing packages” that promise the world but deliver very little. Writers deserve to understand their options and make choices from a place of confidence, not desperation.
I care deeply about creating a space where writers can grow without pressure, learn the industry without feeling lost, and know that they’re not alone. That’s why we offer honest education, transparent support, and a community that truly has your back.
Because at the end of the day, your story matters—but so does the journey to share it.
Pricing:
- 📝 Free Writer (FREE) – Includes community access, one free virtual writing session, writing challenges, and event updates.
- 💻 Writers Studio ($15/month) – Includes weekly virtual writing sessions, publishing tips, writing prompts, and priority event access.
- 📢 Authors Den ($25/month) – Includes everything in Writers Studio plus book marketing support, author contests, event discounts, and book showcase features.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativeslingersofink.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeslingersofink/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativeslingersofink
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-slingers-of-ink
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativeslingersofink
