I've often wondered if winning an award for a book could bring fame or fortune. For some, it appears that it does, but for others it appears that it does not. It is true that an award from a prestigious organization can increase sales, media coverage, and even an acknowledgement from the critics who have to admit that the author does indeed know how to write an engaging story. For me, however, it meant one thing--someone appreciated the story I wrote.
Mine is not a journey of fame or fortune. It is only a journey of sharing. That is why I am thrilled that New Apple Literary announced it's 2016 winners for it's Book Awards, and one of my books was listed. The book that was the solo medalist winner for the children's inspirational category was none other than "Oliver's Hunger Dragon."
While this book has seen meager sales, it is definitely a story that needed to be told. I think that is why I am excited about the award. If I can get the story of a hungry child into another person's mind, then maybe that can translate into a box of food for a family with a child like Oliver.
I have decided that I am a message author--at least where my fiction is concerned. Oliver's Hunger Dragon is a message book, and so is the one I am revising right now. In Oliver, hunger feels like a dragon in his belly--rumbling and grumbling and refusing to leave. I understand that feeling because as a child there were days that a box of food from Portland Police was the difference between eating or not eating. What bothers me most is that in the six decades since I had my own dragon, there seems to be no end to the hunger dragons setting up residence in the bellies of children.
So here is the crux of this post: I am honored that Oliver's Hunger Dragon has been recognized for the message it brings. I just wish that the book was not more non-fiction than fiction.
Thank you New Apple Literary for choosing Oliver's Hunger Dragon as a medalist in your awards for "Excellence in Independent Publishing."
Mine is not a journey of fame or fortune. It is only a journey of sharing. That is why I am thrilled that New Apple Literary announced it's 2016 winners for it's Book Awards, and one of my books was listed. The book that was the solo medalist winner for the children's inspirational category was none other than "Oliver's Hunger Dragon."
While this book has seen meager sales, it is definitely a story that needed to be told. I think that is why I am excited about the award. If I can get the story of a hungry child into another person's mind, then maybe that can translate into a box of food for a family with a child like Oliver.
I have decided that I am a message author--at least where my fiction is concerned. Oliver's Hunger Dragon is a message book, and so is the one I am revising right now. In Oliver, hunger feels like a dragon in his belly--rumbling and grumbling and refusing to leave. I understand that feeling because as a child there were days that a box of food from Portland Police was the difference between eating or not eating. What bothers me most is that in the six decades since I had my own dragon, there seems to be no end to the hunger dragons setting up residence in the bellies of children.
So here is the crux of this post: I am honored that Oliver's Hunger Dragon has been recognized for the message it brings. I just wish that the book was not more non-fiction than fiction.
Thank you New Apple Literary for choosing Oliver's Hunger Dragon as a medalist in your awards for "Excellence in Independent Publishing."
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