I love contests. I’ve played the lottery since I was 18. I’m still playing, because I NEVER win. I do enjoy the dreaming part though.
I’ve entered Mazie Baby in a few book awards since she was first published in May of 2014. But that feels less like chance, because I have some control. Not over the awards, that would be illegal. But control over the input. I know she’s a good product, the writing is tight, the story compelling. How do I know? Complete strangers have told me so.
To date, she has been bestowed with the following:
Indie Reader Discovery Award for Literary Fiction (and 5 star review)
Readers Favorite bronze medal (and 5 star review)
Best Indie of 2014, Suspense Magazine
In addition, Mazie was nominated for a Books and Pals Readers’ Choice award (with 5 star review), and came in third overall and second in psychological fiction in the Bookhippo UK SpaSpa (Small Press and Self-Published Author) Awards. Up until yesterday, I didn’t think it could get any better.
Then it did. Mazie won the KINDLE BOOK AWARD for Horror/Suspense. Now, clearly she’s all about the suspense, though what she goes through is indeed horrific.
She was named a semi-finalist on September 1, same day she was awarded the bronze Readers Favorite medal. That was a great day. Then yesterday comes along. I checked my email at lunchtime. When I saw the email and clicked on the link to the winners, adrenaline flooded my veins and my heart relocated to my throat. I chanted “It’s okay if you didn’t win, it’s okay if you didn’t win,” while I rolled my mouse’s scroll wheel slower than I thought possible. And there was Mazie, first on the list. At the moment I discovered her there, a colleague came into my office. I couldn’t speak, just waved toward the screen. I think I scared her for a moment. But there it was. Winner. WINNER! Hooray!
For my efforts, I take home $350USD, and about $900USD in author resources and services. Yes, actual cash and prizes! In Canadian that’s like, a million or something. Seriously. October first has new meaning in my life.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Congratulations! Go you.Go Maisie.
Thanks, Mary!
Spifftacular! You and Mazie! PS: The KBR award sticker looks pretty cool, too. 😀
I just got it this morning and added it to the post :). Love it!
I now celebrate October. I always celebrate you. Congratulations again and again, you are incredible! Much love, dear Systir. ♥♥♥
Aw, thank you. October is looking up
♥♥♥
Cash AND prizes AND the award itself? Freakin aye awesome.
I’m with Carolyn. Thanks for giving me something else, something good, to think about in October besides…you know.
xxoo
Thanks, Kathi! Yes, real, actual, tangible prizes and awards. This feels SO good… xoxo