14 Jul 2014

Surprise for a Writer

by | posted in: Italy Travel, Writing | 32

July 13 –
Some days are better than others – for everyone. This is a simple fact of life and everyone knows it. And yesterday fell in the “better than others” category for me.

When my day was almost over yesterday, I opened an e-mail from a name I did not recognize, but the subject line was the title of my first book, Memoirs of a Solo Traveler – My Love Affair with Italy.

Book cover print version Amazon2 (2)My initial thought was that someone had left a comment on my blog, or had read my book and wanted to talk about it. So I opened the e-mail, and was stunned to read the first two lines ~

Dear RPLA Finalist:
Congratulations on your entry making the final cut.

Immediately I knew that the e-mail was from  the Florida Writers Association and that  my book is in the running for an award. I didn’t quite realize the full meaning though until I continued reading the rest of the e-mail.

I had submitted my book  in May along with an application to the Royal Palm Literary Award Competition. Since I had not heard anything yet, I had sort of forgotten about it and assumed that I must not be a finalist. No big shock, especially since this was my first book.

I am still overwhelmed with this news and will have to wait until the Florida Writers Conference Awards ceremony at the end of October to find out the results. I am excited and as they say in Hollywood, it is an honor to even be a finalist.

RPLA Finalist BADGEBeing recognized like this for my writing means much more to me than selling a lot of books, although that is always great too. For a new author like me, this is a validation of the quality of my writing. I am very humbled and grateful.

I do have to thank my editor, Almut Metzroth, who was brilliant in her meticulous editing process. And I also owe her a thank you for encouraging me to submit my book to this competition. You are the best, Almut.

Stay tuned for more on this come the end of October. It is wonderful to be a writer!

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32 Responses

  1. margieinitaly
    | Reply

    Grazie Deborah! So you have first-hand experience traveling solo in Italy! i will definitely check out your blog. Thanks so much for commenting and connecting me to another blog about Bella Italia!! Cin cin

  2. wanderllust40
    | Reply

    Congratulazioni! Quite an honor! Where can I find your book?

  3. Sherry
    | Reply

    How exciting! I completely understand your sentiment about the awards and I sincerely wish you the best of luck. You deserve this. Congratulations. Can’t wait for the results!

    • margieinitaly
      | Reply

      Thank you so much Sherry. Congratulations to you as well for becoming a finalist in the Readers Favorite. I know you are thrilled. It is quite an honor indeed!!

      • ishitasood
        | Reply

        Me too Margie 🙂 Its the best feeling!! I am lucky to have found a friend like you..My family and friends know you too 🙂

  7. imarancher
    | Reply

    Congratulations Kiddo! It couldn’t happen to a nicer person or better writer for the personal touring touch. I am so proud of your work.

  10. timelessitaly
    | Reply

    Congratulations Margie! I’m proud of you…you have been so faithful in your writing endeavors. You deserve it…and thanks for being such a positive example!

      • timelessitaly
        | Reply

        So glad we met to Margie! We have a lot in common and even seem to think alike. Can’t wait to meet in person.I love your blog and books as well.

  12. dollygoolsby
    | Reply

    Wow! Congratulations, Margie. I will be leaving tomorrow for a 3-month Italy trip. I do hope you will follow my blog as I travel. It is so great to read your blog posts, and know that our hearts are in the same place….Italy!! Buona fortuna..

  14. Holly Moore
    | Reply

    That is so great Margie and I’m really happy for you! Congrats!

    Sent from my iPhone

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