Happy news! Last weekend at Chanticleer’s 2026 Author’s conference, I learned I’d won the grand prize for Young Adult fiction. Who saw that coming? Not me. (Now if I can just get the book published…)
I loved the experience, but the room was packed with skilled writers, and I know my win was at least partly a result of factors beyond my control. My novel ripened at just the right time for the contest. I drew judges receptive to my genre and the flavor of my work.
In addition to luck, I know how much I owe to others. My generous and supportive husband. The friends and family members who keep encouraging me. My brilliant writing group buddies, Diane Gillespie and Kathleen Glassburn. My savvy young beta readers, Elizabeth Chavez and McKenzie Kier. Helpful organizations like Chanticleer, PNWA, and Pitch to Published.
So: Validation was a welcome rush, but the writing journey requires stamina. To stay in the game, what really matters are family, friends, helpers, and any readers willing to bestow the extremely valuable gift of their time and attention. Thank you for reading this blog.
