Painting With Light

Good Books are Pleasant Surprises

Pleasant Surprises
Surprises come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. I don’t think many people would argue that pleasant surprises are the best kind. After all, they are events that make you smile and feel good, and who doesn’t need a little more of that in their life?

When I stop to think about it, I’ve had several pleasant surprises in my life. My lovely bride saying “yes” when I asked her was one.

Each of our three sons was another.

All of the former acquaintances who have since become treasured members of the “lifelong” branch of friendship with me are other miraculous gifts.

So are my grandchildren.

Some of you may remember last year, when I received an unexpected 2012 Readers Favorite Gold Medal for my novel Reichold Street. I’ve been writing for a long time, and would undoubtedly continue to do so whether anyone acknowledged it or not (just ask my wife).

While it’s not the same sort of surprise as those other things, it was still a very pleasant moment. Who wouldn’t want to know someone else thought their efforts, particularly judged against thousands of others, were worthwhile?

Other Successes
I had another very pleasant surprise last Sunday night, in the form of an email from the Readers Favorite organization.

My first thought was it must be some sort of solicitation, so you can imagine my elation upon learning my collection of fantasy short stories, Zebulon, has been selected as a 2013 Readers Favorite Finalist in the genre of young adult fantasy!

The winners won’t be announced until September, but that still gives me plenty of time to revel in the moment … at least through the holiday. Which reminds me, for those celebrating this week, have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

A FREE Guide
While I’m reveling, you might want to visit the link on the right-hand column of this page, and subscribe for your FREE copy of my booklet “Creating Believable Characters.” I created it to aid other indie writers. It might help, it might not (although I think it will) … but at least the price is right.

Tags: award-winning writing, indie writers, Readers Favorite

This entry was posted on July 3, 2013 at 7:47 am and is filed under Award-Winning Fiction, Awards, Book Promotion, Book Review, Free Stuff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.