From Dream to Reality

It’s one thing for your friends, family, and colleagues to like your book. But it is another when the critics/experts select it for an award. I didn’t actually understand what I was applying for in April of 2020, just a few days after my book was published. I thought it was a local reviewing Award Organization. I was tickled to know that my book had moved from the slush batch, to the long list, to the shortlist, to the semi-finalists, and to the finalists. However, during the award ceremony I learned that the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBA) is truly International. The reviewers/judges are from throughout the US, Canada and the UK with entries from all over the world. It was only at that moment that I understood what my competition was for my category of narrative non-fiction/memoir. The Journey Award seeks a true compelling story that weaves the tales of travel, adventure, and life experiences while overcoming trauma and adversity. I am honored and humbled to win FIRST PLACE (a blue ribbon) in my category. It was a dream to be acknowledged to a broader audience. That dream has become reality.

Thank you to all my supporters. Feel free to make comments below in this blog.