Well, this is a pretty surreal announcement for me to be making.
Last fall, on a long shot, I submitted ONE, my Young Adult debut about a girl with only half a superpower, for a SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) Spark Award, an annual award that recognizes excellence in a children’s book published through a non-traditional publishing route.
Well, I got news late yesterday that ONE was selected as one of two Spark Award Honor Books in the Young Adult category. I'm not only honored, but I'm so, so proud.
It's not often I say that about my own work, but you guys. SCBWI is the organization for anyone who writes books for children and teens. They set up a top-notch decision process for the Award, with judging in two rounds by agents, editors, booksellers, and other publishing industry professionals.
Besides, I never thought that my self-published debut novel would ever be eligible for any awards. Ever.
So yes, I'll get a plaque, and yes, I'll get a shiny gold sticker to put on ONE's cover (eee!) But to me, the real sweetness in winning this award is feeling like, on one more way, I've earned my chops as a Young Adult author.
And, as always, I wouldn't have ever kept writing or published a single thing if it hadn't been for the love and support of all of you, sweet readers. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you.
