Yours Truly with the Bronze Medal Award. Readers Favorite Ceremony, Miami, Florida. November 16, 2012.
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Sometimes when my student do an intense assignment, when they’ve completed it, I ask them to write a reflection, typically in the form of a reflective essay. When we sit in peace after we’ve experienced something, it allows us time to be creative and think about what it all meant to us. I’ve decided to do the same about my trip to receive the Readers Favorite Bronze Medal that my first novel, Beneath the Mimosa Tree, won for Contemporary Romance.
Reflection #1: I am lucky.
As I was flying to Miami, I had a few moments to consider what’s happened to the book since it launched in March. I’ve received such lovely feedback and lots of great commentary. I’ve been booked for book club talks, book signings at stores, and have won an award. The book sits in a respectable position on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The support I’ve received from people I know has been tremendous.
However, more than that, the person sitting next to me on the airplane, my husband Anthony, has provided more support than I could have imagined. Additionally, my lovely and generous parents—who kindly offered to watch my children while we set off to the awards ceremony in Miami—have been there for me every step of the way. My in-laws have also offered a great deal of support throughout this journey.
Indeed. I am lucky.
Reflection #2: People did come, Ray.
Borrowing a quote from on of my favorite films, “Field of Dreams,” people did come, Ray, to the Readers Favorite Awards Ceremony. Two authors I met traveled quite far to attend: one was from Australia, the other was from Switzerland. They both told me that in their countries, winning an American award was prestigious. Very cool. I met Dianna Young, who came from South Dakota to receive recognition for her book, Muted Grey. She kindly gave me a copy, and I cannot put it down. I met Chloe JonPaul, author and Bronze medal winner for The Business of Children. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the lovely Amanda Grieme, author of Dear Prudence, which won a Silver medal.
People did come, Ray. And I was blessed to meet them.
Paul Michael Glaser and Debra Gaynor discuss writing and inspiration pre-awards ceremonies.
Reflection #3: “You all write from your heart, and that is what matters…that it comes from your heart. Thank you for what you do.” ~Debra Gaynor, Founder, Readers Favorite
At the awards ceremony, Debra Gaynor addressed all the authors. She said those words, and I was actually touched by them. “You all have one specific thing in common—not that you like to write—but that you feel the need to write. You have to write, and for that, we are thankful.”
I loved that she said this to us. For me, it’s so true. Even as I’m typing this now, I feel compelled to write and to share these thoughts with you. Writing a blog is a lot different than writing fiction, but it’s writing nonetheless, and I love the entire process of it.
Paul Michael Glaser, director, actor (formerly of the television show “Starsky & Hutch”), and now author of Chrystallia, spoke at the awards ceremony, along with Rhonda Fischer, author of Randy Kazandy; they motivated all of us to continue on our journeys.
I plan on it.
Readers Favorite Tent at the Miami Book Fair. Miami, Florida. November 15, 2012.
Reflection #4: You Can’t Have a Journey Without Readers
My final reflection is about you, readers, and I can sum it up quite succinctly.
Authors need readers, and I am thankful for the ones I have, and the ones that I may have in the future.
Thank you.
I am diligently working at writing my next novel, and I hope to get it out there in the near future.
