On the weekend before Thanksgiving, I was down in Miami at the Readers Favorite 2022 Book Awards. It coincided with the Miami Book Fair, one of the biggest, weekend-long book fairs in the USA.

On a breezy Friday night on the promenade at the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon Hotel, I got to meet other award winners and talk about all things, writing and publishing.

On Saturday, I walked the massive book fair that covered a good portion of the Miami Dade College Campus and spread over 8 city blocks. I was taking it all in and talking to other authors and going to the Readers Favorite Booth, where my book Headcase Book 1: Shock & Denial sold out. Coincidently, an old friend of mine, who was the events manager at the book fair and works for Booksandbooks.com, a local bookseller with several stores in Miami Dade County, took the time out of her crazy busy day to explain how independent booksellers work. Thanks Cristina!

The Award Ceremony on Saturday night, also at the Hilton, hosted by Readers Favorite, was wonderful. Right before the ceremony started, I got a minute with Readers Favorite President James Ventrillo, who said that it was rare for a 1st time author in a competitive field like Psychological Thrillers to even get an honorable mention yet win an award. That was a big takeaway for me as it is so hard for me to assess how good my work is. I know I have so much more to learn and develop my craft as a storyteller, but positive reinforcement is always good to hear. It was a magical night, and it felt great to be recognized for my efforts after shifting my career from a 3x CFO of the year to a now award-winning writer.

A shout-out to all my friends whose support and praise have been overwhelming. I’m so grateful to all of you for your encouragement in my new career. Thank you!