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Available Book Awards Book Awards NYC Big Book Award Every fall awards authors and publishers of all persuasions: independent, self, and traditionally published books. gabby@nycBigBookAwards.com Read More Independent Press Award Every spring awards independent authors and publishers. gabby@IndependentPressAward.com Read More

< Back Angela Harris Finding Love in the Margins: One Author's Journey to Redefine Romance A healthy teenage passion for romance novels, Angela Harris began writing at 13. Yet, as pages turned and stories unfolded, a glaring absence became impossible to ignore: where were the stories that reflected her community? Where were the tales of love and desire that resonated with women of color? This question, posed in the heart of a young writer, would shape a lifelong mission. Early attempts to bridge this gap were met with a disheartening response. A major publishing house, Harlequin, in a moment that would define her path, asserted “that Black women were content reading about white women but the reverse wasn't true” Harris expressed, “so they didn't see a need for a novel that looked like other communities.” That dismissal, rather than extinguishing the flame, ignited a fire. It was then Harris knew she had to create the stories that represented the kinds of stories she longed to read. And so, she did. With a pen as her weapon and a heart as her guide, she embarked on a journey to craft romance novels that centered the experiences of women of color. More than mere escapism, these stories are woven with biblical principles, offering a framework for navigating the complexities of real life with grace. The "Where the Heart of a Woman is a Taste and Touch" series is a testament to this unwavering dedication. Each page is a celebration of love, desire, and the pursuit of healthy relationships, all within the context of the unique challenges and triumphs faced by women of color. "My writing is more than just a passion; it's a calling," she explains. "I write to inspire women to believe love and desire”, to know that they are worthy of fulfilling “healthy relationships,” and to see their own stories reflected in the pages of a book. In a world where representation matters, this author's work stands as a beacon of hope and affirmation. She has taken the perceived limitations placed upon her and transformed them into a powerful platform for storytelling. By weaving faith and real life situations into her romance novels, she has created a unique space within the genre. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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< Back Educational Disobedience From Advocacy to Authorship: Amplifying Unheard Voices Through Storytelling Dr. Annise Mabry's "Educational Disobedience: A Mom Who Became A Movement" has been awarded the 2025 Independent Press Award in the Social/Political Change category, recognizing her powerful voice and commitment to transformative advocacy. Dr. Mabry's writing is deeply intertwined with her work as an educator and advocate, seamlessly blending personal experience with a call for societal change. Dr. Mabry's life as an author is a reflection of her dedication to amplifying unheard voices. Whether she's writing about co-responder models in rural communities, advocating for LGBTQ youth, or exploring alternative educational paths through homeschooling, her goal is to inspire others to challenge the status quo. Her writing, often done between her work with families at the Tiers Free Homeschool Cooperative and her collaborations with law enforcement, serves as a means of preserving experiences and sharing vital lessons. Several individuals have profoundly influenced Dr. Mabry's journey. Her father, Jesse Barber, instilled a deep appreciation for education and cultural heritage. Her children, Niles and Emmett, inspired the creation of the Tiers Free Homeschool Cooperative. Major Trey Burgamy's collaboration on a rural co-responder program highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing systemic issues. The students and families she has worked with provide constant inspiration, grounding her work in tangible purpose. Maya Angelou serves as a significant literary influence. Her ability to transform personal pain into universal truths resonates deeply with Dr. Mabry's mission. Angelou's courage in addressing issues of identity, racism, and trauma, coupled with her message of vulnerability as strength, provides a powerful model for using storytelling to empower and heal. Dr. Mabry expresses heartfelt gratitude to her children, partner, friends, and the families who have placed their trust in the Tiers Free Homeschool Cooperative. Their support and belief have been instrumental in her journey. "My writings illuminate the transformative power of resilience, education, and advocacy, inspiring others to challenge societal norms and create meaningful change," Dr. Mabry summarizes. Looking ahead, she is preparing to release two additional books: "Passion to Profit: A Homeschool Parent's Guide to Creating A Education Business" and "Grants that Grow: Unlocking Rural Resilience with Winning Proposals," further solidifying her commitment to empowering communities through knowledge and advocacy. "Educational Disobedience" stands as a testament to her dedication to creating a more equitable and just world. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Xuemo Xue Mo Illuminating the Darkness: A Conversation with Ted Olczak I had the great privilege of sitting down with Xue Mo at this year’s London Book Fair. Xue Mo, formerly known as Chen Kaihong, was born in Liangzhou, Gansu province. Among other positions, Xue Mo is a cultural scholar, China's National First-class Writer, and Vice President of Gansu Writers Association. Xue Mo’s best known work is his Desert Trilogy. He dedicated 12 years to writing “Desert Rites”, the first novel in the series. It depicts the life of a typical rural family in China’s western provinces during the second half of the twentieth century. After it was published in 2000, Xue Mo became famous overnight. Following the critical and commercial success of “Desert Rites”, Xue Mo wrote “Desert Hunters”, a multi-character fable set around a watering hole known as the ‘Pig’s Belly Well’. The novel examines the conflict between humans and nature in their struggle for survival. The final novel in the trilogy, “White Tiger Pass”, explores the cultural psychology of people living in western China, and focuses around the lives of three women, Lan Lan, Ying and Yue – characters also encountered in his short story collection, “Selected Stories by Xue Mo”. His works are mainly characterized by the culture of western China and contain the essence of Oriental civilization. He is now focused on the theme of one’s ultimate Transcendence. In our conversation, Xue Mo emphasized that the power of love and wisdom can transform the world. Our conversation, through his translator, unveiled that readers seek happiness and respect through literature and that more published works can lead to a more balanced world. Xue Mo feels that writing can illuminate societal darkness and that cultural reflections are essential for understanding global issues. Despite widespread violence, hope persists in knowledge. In the end, the continued importance of writing, sharing messages, and engaging in conversations can inspire collective action. Here is a clip from our conversation: Ted Olczak: Could you elaborate on your philosophies regarding the relationship between woman and nature? What are the major effects on the world? Xue Mo: The world is engulfed in violence and conflict. Humanity requires a culture and spirit that transcends mere desires and materialism. We need a nurturing spirit akin to that of a mother, yet women often find themselves without a voice in these matters. The power of discourse in our world predominantly resides with men, who tend to favor violence, authority, and success. Consequently, the prevalence of violence and wars persists. Through my artistic endeavors, I aspire to awaken the feminine power within individuals. Since a mother would never send her child into battle; conversely, it is often men who take their sons to war. Thus, when the essence of maternal love becomes the prevailing force in society, the light of peace will descend upon the earth. This motivation drives me to write about feminine power—to ignite love within every heart. When love and wisdom become dominant forces globally, humanity will experience tranquility and happiness. Therefore, much of my writing centers on themes of love and wisdom. My readers are those who do not endorse violence but instead embody compassion and insight. It is my hope that both my readers and the broader world embrace these values—this aspiration was one reason why I go outside of China. Xue Mo emphasized that there is so much violence in the world, and his message of Love & Wisdom is an important one. Xue Mo: When human beings are valued by the world, the world will follow it. Although my works are not numerous, they are like a pile of fire in the darkness. When more books are published, we are balanced and the world will become more balanced. Ted Olczak: I think that's important, just like the 20th century writer Jack London, in The Call of the Wild , tells man against nature, so how we think about that in American terms, his influences in his book and how he thinks, how he reveals the relationship between woman and nature , and bring that out in the article. CULTURAL REFLECTIONS & GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Ted Olczak: Does he think humans can receive the light of love and wisdom? Xue Mo 's Translator: He thinks they can. Xue Mo: Although most of my publications are [fiction], it can light a candle, like a starlight, it can light the darkness [in the] world. Ted Olczak: So does Xue Mo feel through his writings that he can show the light and the power of love and wisdom? And his wish to enlighten people, why would cultures see the wisdom in that? Why would people choose [love & wisdom] when there's so much glorification of violence and conflict and it's promoted by leaders in the Western world. How is his message of love and wisdom going to influence that darkness? Xue Mo: China has excellent culture that has never been able to come out. China's excellent culture has no voice in the world. This kind of discourse power is controlled by the West. But it is like a lighthouse in the dark sea. It cannot dispel the darkness, but it can bring hope. HOPE AMIDST DARKNESS Ted Olczak: Is he fearful of how the current violence is taking over the country? Does he feel that there's hope that people will receive this message? And does he see an event that could change this? Xue Mo: I can't change the world, but I can change my readers. Since the way we perceive the world through our minds shapes the reality within our mind. When our perspectives shift, the world transforms accordingly. When more of my readers change their minds, their world changes. If everyone becomes a reader and changes their mindset, the world will transform. Ted Olczak: Knowledge is power. (Translator: You're already changing yourself, ha ha). What's next? Xue Mo: I will definitely continue to write. And definitely you can influence all the people in your group. Just one light, one candle lighting one candle, light another candle…and we can light the world around us. The world is very dark. But our world is full of light. Ted Olczak: Let’s light candles together! Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Catching Memories Peggy Lotz Childrens: family beach adventure Self-published Buy this book: Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Three siblings embark on magical beach adventures that teach them the importance of kindness and the impact of small moments, culminating in a heartwarming lesson about making a difference in the world. Peggy Lotz's Catching Memories is a touching memoir that beautifully encapsulates the magic of childhood and the lasting significance of life's seemingly small moments. Written in an accessible and engaging style, this book sweeps readers away to the serene beaches of Arch Cape, Oregon, the backdrop for the author's formative years alongside her siblings. Through rich descriptions and heartfelt personal stories, Lotz masterfully illustrates the profound beauty of the natural world, the deep joy of family connections, and the enduring power of kindness. The memoir opens with a delightful immersion into the author's childhood beach trips, where each visit was an adventure brimming with excitement and discovery. Lotz then introduces us to the unique personalities of her siblings, each engaging with the beach environment in their own distinctive way. A particularly memorable moment unfolds as Lotz recounts a day when her father caught a fish that unexpectedly gave birth—an event that left an indelible mark on her young mind. This powerful experience serves as a poignant metaphor for the impact of small acts of kindness and their ripple effect on the world around us. Catching Memories champions the idea that the small moments in life, often unplanned and unassuming, can profoundly shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. The book masterfully blends nostalgia with timeless lessons, standing out for its ability to evoke a longing for simpler times while imparting enduring truths about the importance of family, nature, and compassion. This book is ideal for anyone who appreciates memoirs that celebrate the beauty found in everyday life and the transformative power of small acts of kindness. Previous Next

< Back Penny Lane Penny Lane's "Redeemed" Wins Independent Press Award, Offering Hope Through Raw Honesty Penny Lane's memoir, "Redeemed: A Memoir of a Stolen Childhood," has been honored with the 2025 Independent Press Award in the Memoir category, recognizing its narrative of survival and healing. Lane, a lifelong reader and survivor of child and church abuse, transformed her harrowing experiences into a testament of resilience and hope. For years, Lane's story, a stark contrast to her confident demeanor, prompted those around her to encourage her to write. "Penny, you need to write a book," they urged. Thirty years after escaping her traumatic past, she finally did, driven by a desire to help others heal and find the courage to speak out. "Since books saved me during my ordeals," Lane explains, "writing my story is the greatest way I know to honor my life and story, and give back to others." Lane credits her journey to the unwavering support of friends who validated her experiences and the courageous voices of authors who dared to share their own stories of trauma. Writers like Dorothy Allison, Tara Westover, Jeannette Walls, Augustin Burroughs, Stephanie Foo, Maggie Smith, and Mary Karr provided inspiration and validation. Dorothy Allison's "Bastard out of Carolina," a semi-autobiographical novel about childhood abuse, particularly resonated with Lane, opening a path to her own healing. She expresses profound gratitude to Brooke Warner and her writing community at She Writes Press, as well as to her husband, son, and the many individuals who supported her throughout the writing process. Lane describes her writing style as "clear, crisp, direct and honest," a reflection of her commitment to authenticity. "Redeemed" is a testament to this honesty, offering an unflinching portrayal of her past while illuminating the path to redemption. Lane extends her heartfelt thanks to the Independent Press Award for recognizing her work, a powerful story of survival and the transformative power of storytelling. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing Engagement is key. With an ever increasing number of digital tools available, writers must actively self-promote. The “Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing” panel at Tech Theatre on March 11th offered invaluable insights into the evolving digital landscape. Five industry experts’ discussion explored how writers could leverage emerging platforms and refine their strategies on established ones to build a sustainable and authentic audience. Matt Trinetti and Parul Bavishi, co-founders of the London Writers' Salon, emphasized the power of community building through platforms like Discord and Substack. Their success with the daily Writers' Hour, gathering over 20,000 writers, showcases the effectiveness of creating dedicated spaces for engagement and collaboration. Emma Gannon, a Sunday Times bestselling author, highlighted the significance of Substack newsletters, exemplified by her own popular “The Hyphen.” She stressed the importance of fostering direct connections with readers through curated content and exclusive insights. Her experience also showed how hosting retreats can create a physical community. Georgia Henry, a digital marketing expert and founder of The Pitch Agency, shed light on the transformative impact of BookTok. Her work with major publishers underscored the platform's potential for reaching new audiences and driving book sales. She advocated for an “audience-first” approach, tailoring content to resonate with specific demographics. Rosie Kellett, author of "In For Dinner," demonstrated how personal storytelling and culinary expertise can converge to build a thriving online community. Her journey, from sharing recipes and communal living experiences on social media to launching a bestselling Substack newsletter, illustrates the power of authenticity and relatability. Her upcoming North American publication signifies the reach digital connection can achieve. The panel collectively emphasized the need for writers to embrace adaptability and experimentation. They highlighted the importance of choosing platforms that align with their personal brand and content, fostering genuine connections, and staying abreast of emerging trends. As writers navigate the complexities of modern marketing, these insights offer a roadmap for building a loyal readership. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Death of a Blue Jay "Death of a Blue Jay" Recognized by Independent Press Award: A Journey Forged in Faith and Discovery Nicholas D'Souza's "Death of a Blue Jay" has been named a 2025 Distinguished Favorite in the Religion: Fiction category by the Independent Press Award, marking a significant milestone in a writing journey born from personal revelation and unwavering faith. D'Souza's path to authorship was not a traditional one, but rather a calling discovered amidst the challenges of post-collegiate life. After years of competitive swimming, D'Souza found himself searching for purpose. A friend's suggestion to write for personal therapy sparked a creative exploration, leading to articles aimed at supporting those navigating mental illness. Though initial submissions were met with rejection, the act of writing itself became a transformative experience. A period of unemployment, coupled with a renewed engagement with reading and a deepening of his Catholic faith, proved pivotal. A cryptic text, containing a quote from his own past writing, affirmed his calling. This moment, along with a series of other "signs," convinced him that his path was divinely ordained. D'Souza's writing is deeply influenced by his faith and the example set by his devout friends. He also draws inspiration from J.K. Rowling, whose ability to craft the intricate world of Harry Potter, despite personal hardship, resonates with him. He expresses profound gratitude to God for guiding his journey and to his friends for their unwavering support. "Instead of bringing light to the darkness, bring the darkness to the light," D'Souza summarizes his writing philosophy, reflecting his commitment to exploring difficult themes with honesty and compassion. "Death of a Blue Jay" stands as a testament to D'Souza's unique journey, a narrative born from personal exploration and guided by unwavering faith. He is thrilled to be recognized as a 2025 Distinguished Favorite, a validation of his dedication to sharing stories that resonate with truth and authenticity. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back C. Fulster From Roller Hockey Rinks to Storytelling: A Writer's Unexpected Journey This author's path to the literary world began in an unlikely setting: a "Learn-to-Play" roller hockey class. While instructing young athletes, a conversation with a concerned father sparked an unexpected creative endeavor. The father's lament about his son's aversion to reading ignited a desire to craft stories that could captivate even the most reluctant readers. A trip to Barnes & Noble and a "How To Write Children's Books" guide marked the beginning of this transformative journey. A significant influence in the author's life has been his grandfather-in-law, Bob, a seasoned businessman whose passion for his work extended to his final days. Their most memorable conversation revolved around the author's burgeoning writing career. When doubts arose, Bob's unwavering encouragement, coupled with the revelation of his late wife's secret children's book authorship, provided the necessary motivation. This intimate sharing, a secret even from his own children, served as a powerful validation. The author's literary inspirations range from the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, which initially fueled his desire to write, to the captivating narratives of R.L. Stine and Katherine Applegate. He expresses profound gratitude to his wife, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in his success. He also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of his business partners, Badi and Sophia, who have propelled his work to new heights. "A little bit of everything that can help anyone get lost in a world anywhere," encapsulates the essence of his writing, a diverse collection designed to transport readers to imaginative realms. The author expresses sincere appreciation for the Independent Press Award's Distinguished Favorite recognition, acknowledging the competitive landscape and the honor of being selected among a wealth of exceptional books. This acknowledgment underscores the power of unexpected inspiration and the transformative impact of pursuing one's passion. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link