Midwest Book Awards Winner!

So much of the writing and editing process is a solitary (and stressful) endeavor, and as I tap away on my laptop hour after hour, I never know if the time I dedicate to crafting the perfect sentence will be worth it in the end.

Receiving supportive notes and messages from my readers is the single best proof that my hard work has paid off (keep them coming!), but I have to be honest that winning an award (a real-life award) doesn't hurt, either.

Last week was the Midwest Book Awards ceremony in St. Paul, MN and I'm ecstatic to share that Marvelous Jackson won the Gold for Children's Fiction. (2025 Winners – Midwest Independent Publishers Association) My novel unabashedly celebrates the Midwest in every way, so it's a HUGE joy to be recognized by a vibrant professional association that promotes books, authors, connections, and the publishing industry in our region.

Notably, the Midwest Independent Publishers Association organized the first Midwest Book Awards in 1989, and today it's one of the longest-running literary recognition programs in the country.

My main character, Jackson Wilson, might roll his eyes upon learning that my -- our -- story won, but deep down, I think his heart would swell a few sizes and he'd be darn proud.

Love you, Jack. We did it.