Honored and Happy

Hi all!

I spent this past weekend in Dallas, TX celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Romance Slam Jam (RSJ). For those of you who are not familiar with RSJ it’s an organization that brings African-American authors and readers together. RSJ has created an opportunity for readers to meet and get to know some of their favorite authors.

It was super exciting to meet readers who have sent me wonderful emails and who I communicate with on social media platforms. I’m telling you, some of these readers know my characters better than I do! I really enjoyed discussing the stories with them!

Though I attended as an author, I have to admit I did have my fangirl moments when I saw some of my favorite authors (Beverly Jenkins, Farrah Rochon, Sienna Mynx, Zuri Day, and the list goes on). And what TOTALLY blew me away is that they knew my name (and it’s not because I stalk them either)!! WAY COOL!

The conference consisted of workshops, interactive games, a book signing and an awards ceremony. RSJ is known for its Emma awards. Each year books/titles and individuals are nominated in twelve categories.

A few months ago, I was notified that two of my books had finaled. ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED – Interracial Romance of the Year (this was a new category) and TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES – Suspense of the Year. I was super excited by the news!

Well, I’m thrilled to inform you that I won both categories/awards! YAY! To say I was shocked when the announcer called my name, would be an understatement. I was happy to be nominated, but I have read books by some of the authors who had also finaled and knew the competition was steep. So to hear my name called not once, but twice was beyond exciting! I’m so glad I was surrounded by some of my author friends. Otherwise I probably would have really been a nervous wreck! I was a little nervous even with them there…okay, maybe a lot nervous prior to the awards ceremony! But having them there to share the moment was absolutely priceless! 

My writing career has exceeded my expectations. When I published my first book almost three years ago, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was just hoping to at least sell a book to someone who wasn’t family! Lol. I owe so much to my author friends who were wonderful in answering my fifty-million questions and sharing information regarding self-publishing & publishing. And I will be forever indebted to them! Even years later they are still supportive and encouraging.

Actually, I think this is the perfect time to say THANK YOU to all of them (published & unpublished)! You guys are truly the wind beneath my wings. And to the readers – OMG! You all ROCK! The wonderful feedback that you give me about my work makes me want to keep writing! THANK YOU!

Stay tuned, I’m going to have some giveaways in the very near future to celebrate!

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