After making the finals in the Soon to be Famous Illinois Author Project, it’s been quite a wait to get to the ceremony. As you can see above and in this video of the magic moment, The Journeyman won.
I honestly didn’t think it’d be me. I was just so proud to be sitting up there with fellow authors Jane Steen and Sharon Kay. And congratulations to them, too—they’ve earned their success.
(Yes, that’s my mom you hear kvelling in the background.)
So, wow. The morning began here, and then we capped off the evening with an absolutely breathtaking and heartrending production of Carousel at Lyric Opera. I have to say: together with the day I got married, this was one of the best days of my life. May you all have at least one like it. (And I can’t wait to see what the next year of library talks and readings brings.)
Thank you, Illinois Library Association and Illinois librarians. This means more than you know.
No matter how well a book does in the big wide world, it’s always the smaller, more local awards that carry the most weight for me. Break a leg, Michael!
Thanks, Jeff—and here’s to our StoryBundle!
All we can say is WOW! A hearty Congratulations to Michael and to you Evelyn. What a thrilling moment. Thanks for sharing!
Selma and Sid
Why, thank you, Selma! I’ll pass your congratulations along to Mom.
Mazel tov, Mike! Can hardly wait to read the book. Full disclosure for your friends: even though I work for the American Library Association, and we are former work colleagues, I did not place any influence on the judges. 🙂
Thanks, Laurie! And don’t worry: all ethics aside, anyone who knows me knows I don’t have enough power or authority to cheat.
Congratulations Michael! Bill and I are so happy for you!!
Thank you very much, Patty!
michael congratulations on your award and literary success!! I now how very excited that your mom could be there and she is beaming with pride. Brett read and loved your book. He also has avision to someday put his ideas on paper, but it will take a lot of work and committment as you well know. Brett recently relocated to sanfrancisco for a better jog opportunity and is quickly realizing how expensive it si to survive there, but new adventures and friends. Congratulations again!!
Thank you, Robin—and please thank Brett, too. If he ever wants to talk writing at all, I’m happy to pass along what little wisdom I have.