High Five!

The results are in from the Writer;s Digest Self-Published Book Awards and our entry of Mississippi Whispers, the novel based on true events by Alexis Heflin and John E. Carson-published by CBA Publishing Services, LLC scored high in all categories of judging.

With 5 being the highest possible, here is what the judging reported back to us:Entry Title: Mississippi Whispers
Judge Number: 39
Entry Category: Life Stories



Production Quality and Cover Design: 5

Plot and Story Appeal: 5

Character Appeal and Development: 5

Voice and Writing Style: 5




Judge’s Commentary*:

Author opens the book with stellar imagery and engaging sense of place and time. Some gorgeous phrasing in here, fresh turns of phrase that create a sense of awe for the reader. We’re fully engaged within the first few pages. Well done. Author has put much care into the book’s opening. Author does a good job of creating tension right up front, such as with Carl telling Buddy to slow down for the attack, to ‘roll slow and quiet.’ So much depth resides in this simple instruction, and we can sense the quickened heartbeats of the men involved. Very well done. Using songs to illustrate Alexis’s state of mind is a standout method of characterization, and we get a sense of weariness mixed in with strengths. Author writes movement well, and also imbues dialogue with good energy matching the same sense of cautious slow-rolling and fast-paced delivery. Great structuring of these dualities. Very good handling of the beating delivered by Bull; author demonstrated good instinct for sharing a small measure of pain description, then fast-forwarding to the aftermath. Intrigue is kept strong throughout the quick-paced ending. Nice job.