We Celebrate Member Success

 A writing success can be anything that makes you feel proud, accomplished, or just plain excited. Every month, we hold a drawing and one member is chosen to share news of their writing success with our community of writers in our newsletter and here on this page. 

All members can also submit longer announcements to be published in our full-color magazine. 
Check the latest issue of The Florida Writer for details.

♦  "My second book, A Knock in the Attic, was the category winner in the Best Indie Book Awards, an international book competition: 2022 BIBA® Non-Fiction: Metaphysical Winner!” John Russell, Ocala, FL

♦  "My first novel, Not Like Us, is now available on Amazon. A year in the making, I'm super pleased with the result. Follow Jake and Zofia as they save their future world from total destruction.”Doc Honour, The Villages, FL

 “I was honored to appear on WSRE PBS TV on the program "Conversations with Jeff Weeks. (Video Link)" I discussed my children's book, The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey, inspired by a true story about a hidden child of the Holocaust.” Pat Black-Gould, Pensacola, FL

 “My novel Brothers: A Pedro Pan Story won Best Book of the Year: Fiction category by the International Latino Book Awards, an organization sponsored by talented actor Edward James Olmos.” Betty Viamontes, Tampa, FL

“My Middle Grade novel, The Most Important Thing in the World, received a 5-star review, and was the featured new release in MG for the 200th issue of Reedsy Discovery.” Kelly Sanford, Fort Lauderdale, FL

 “My recently published book, God is Missing and They Think I’m to Blame, has sold over 150 copies. What inspires me more, are some of the reviews from people of all walks of life. From high ranking officials to priests and blue-collar workers the book has received only very high praise.”Tom Milton, Jacksonville, FL

 Patricia Daly-Lipe was interviewed by Preferred Professionals Top Author. Link to video.  

 “I was asked to sign with Gravity Squared Entertainment to adapt my novel, The Archer's Thread, to the screen! I was one of two finalists at a ScreenCraft competition asked to come aboard. Seeing your work come to life onscreen is never guaranteed, but this is exciting news.” Noel Zamot, Tarpon Springs, FL 

♦ “My short story/essay ‘Three Women on a Dark Street’ won $250 third prize in the Porter Fleming Literary Competition. The judge, Barry Yeoman, said, ‘Beda captures a jewel of a moment and reminds us of how our stories bind us’.” Beda Kantarjian, Longwood, FL

♦  "I published my second book, A Veteran Speaks. It’s a compilation of short stories about Veteran issues." —Hartley Barnes, Royal Palm Beach, FL

♦ "My debut novel, All the Salt in the Sea, recently won the 2022 International Book Award.” —Tammy Harrow, St. Augustine, FL

♦ “I'm so excited! My second book, Finding Persephone, has just been released by Liminal Books! You can find out a bit more on my website: pjbraley.com/finding-persephone/” —P.J. Braley, Inverness, FL

♦ “I spoke at the Northern Colorado Writer's Conference weeks ago and through that visit acquired a new publisher who will publish one of my children's picture books and am slated for a podcast with a podcaster that was at the conference. You never know what will happen at a conference!” —Rod Martinez, Tampa, FL

♦ “My novel, A Light on Altered Land, has been shortlisted for the Best Love After 50 Romance by iheartslesfic.com.” —Becky Bohan, North Fort Meyers, FL

♦ “I'm thrilled to announce the publication of my second book, From the Porch to the Page: A Guidebook for the Writing Life. (New Wings Press, LLC. 2022). I'm the author of the award-winning memoir, Undertow: My Escape from the Fundamentalism and Cult Control of The Way international. (2017)” —Charlene L. Edge, Winter Park, FL

♦ “I am proud to say that I recently released my newest book, How to Master the Art of Writing Children's Books. It is a comprehensive guide for both newbies and seasoned authors.” —Bobbie Hinman, Kissimmee,FL

♦ Youtube Channel "KirkpattieCake" all about books, writing, storytelling, culture, and featuring especially indie books has finally reached 1,000 subscribers!” —Ian Kirkpatrick, Lakeland, FL

♦ “My short story/essay 'Three Women on a Dark Street' won $250 third prize in the Porter Fleming Literary Competition. The judge, Barry Yeoman, said, ‘Beda captures a jewel of a moment and reminds us of how our stories bind us’.” Beda Kantarjian, Longwood, FL

♦  “Lynne Marie is pleased to announce the recent release of her picture book The Three Little Pigs and the Rocket Project along with The Three Little Pigs and the Rocket Project Coloring Book, available now on Amazon”—Lynne Marie, Hollywood, FL 

♦  “One of my recent poems, 'Balance Beam,' was published by the Voices Project, and can be seen at their online library.” —Sally Wahl Constain, Ponte Vedra, FL 

♦  “I recently had an article entitled, 'My Therapist Eats Hay,' published in Equus, a national horse magazine. The article chronicles how the relationship with my horse, Kosi, helped me survive my breast cancer journey. A follow-on article, 'His Therapist Drinks Wine,' will be published later this year.” Rita Boehm, The Villages, FL

♦  The Mystery at Moz Hollow was awarded a Gold in the 2021-2022 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards competition. Set in Minnesota, the middle-grade adventure mystery is written under the pen name of A. K. Hicks.” —Anne K. Hawkinson, Davenport, FL

♦  My short story, 'Aging Gracefully? Not Me,' is being published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Too Funny! The volume will be in bookstores April 19th 2022.” —Jody Lebel, West Palm Beach, FL

♦  “I’ve recently published the fourth book in my romantic women’s fiction series, The Little Theater.Kim Smith, Lake Wales, FL 

♦  “My Tiny Love Story, 'I Wasn't Looking for Romance,' was published on March 13 in the Sunday Style section of The New York Times.” Eileen Vorbach Collins, Rotonda West, FL

♦  “My American Conspiracy novel was selected for All Author Book Cover of the Month contest. I encourage fellow FWA colleagues to vote for the cover.” —Michael J. Polelle, Sarasota, FL

♦  “My book, The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat, won a Florida Book Award, receiving Bronze in the Florida Nonfiction category.” Austin Bell, Marco Island, FL

♦  “My debut novel, Cry of the Heart, will be released by MilSpeak Books on 1 May 2022!”Rlynn Johnson, Belleair Beach, FL

♦  American Conspiracy (Lido Press:: 2021) by M.J. Polelle was a finalist in the 2021 Self-Publishing Review Book Awards announced on April 10, 2022.”  Michael J. Polelle, Sarasota, FL

♦  “Although it has been nearly ten years since my Memoir, If Only I Could Sleep (2013) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) was published, it is still circulating, and I am humbled by the response, reviews, and thoughts of those who have read it.” Stephanie Henry-Ricchi, Palm Coast, FL

♦  “Author and naturalist Peggy Lantz was awarded the inaugural Peggy Sias Lantz Florida Botanical Excellence award at the Florida Herbal Conference for her lifetime work of writings, research, teaching, and land stewardship that have made Florida's botanical community richer for coming generations.” Peggy Sias Lantz, Orlando, FL 

♦  “My memoir of my grandmother 'The Most Remarkable Thing: Starring Norwegious Ida G' is included in U. P. Reader #6, an anthology featuring writers from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Can be found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.” John Hagen, New Port Richey, FL 

♦  “Leah Miller’s memoir “Terror in December” won 1st place in the Gulf Coast Writers Association contest for Children’s Story, was published on their website, and will be published in Ft.Myers magazine.  It recounts waking up one night to find a strange man in her bedroom when she was four years young.” —Leah Miller, Miami, FL 

♦  “I'm honored to become an internationally published author in Beyond Words International Literary Magazine. Digital copy available hereFern Goodman, Maitland, FL 

♦ “I have created a blog called Scripted Sketches that will be dedicated to the art of writing, storytelling, and an occasional spot for shameless self-promotion. Please visit www.scriptedsketches.blogspot.com to read my essay, 'The Fluidity of Writing.'” —Kevin J Martinez, Tampa, FL 

♦ “After 25 tries since 2007, I became a finalist in L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest, First Quarter 2022. My short story , ‘Timelines and Bloodlines’ took 3rd place and will be published in Volume 39 of the Writers of the Future Anthology.” —Laurance Davis, Malabar, FL 

♦ “My debut novel was published in January and yesterday the Tallahassee Democrat ran a positive review.” —Rebecca Johnston, Cedar Key, FL 

♦ “I am excited that my novel: Hunt for a Hometown Killer won the 2022 Christian Indie Award, First Place, Mystery/Suspense category.” —Mary Dodge Allen, Winter Park, FL 

♦ “I am excited to announce that the first few episodes of my Kindle Vella story, ‘Anna's Journey,’ are available to read here.” —Connie Biddle Morrison, Gainesville, FL 

♦ “I'm happy to announce I am the winner of the essay contest in the Bay Path University graduate program. As per request, I recorded a reading of my essay titled, 'Motherhood: Reinventing Myself as a Woman.’"—Nanda Klein, Miami, FL

♦ “Nancy Christie’s short story, 'Seeing Jim,' was recently published in The Saturday Evening Post online edition. This is her second acceptance from this publication. For more information, visit her website: www.nancychristie.com.” —Nancy Christie, Youngstown, FL

♦ “’New Beginnings on a Mountain,’ the 4th book in my Love is a Cabin Series, is now available. I wrote the six-book series in 11 months in 2020-2021.  Visit my website at LoveIsACabin.com”  —Jacque Jacobs, Vero Beach, FL 

♦ “My poem, ‘The Harvey Homestead’ was recently published in Musings on the Art of Eldon Lux: An Ekphrastic Journey,  Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation.” —Jacque Jacobs, Vero Beach, FL  

♦ “My verses were used in a sunshine card developed and distributed by the Venice Lions Club to 1250 residents of area assisted living, nursing homes, and veteran’s facilities.” —Ann Favreau, Venice, FL

♦ “I launched my middle school teacher memoir, Musings from the Middle, in July 2021 after retiring from education. The positive response to my book has been overwhelming.  Readers keep telling me they are buying more of my book to send to friends and teachers.  I am thrilled the word is out.” —Genie Lindberg, Fern Park, FL 

♦ “My short nonfiction story ‘The Fire’ will appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles and the Unexplainable this September. I am honored to once again be a contributor to this iconic series.“ —Cate Bronson, St. Petersburg, FL 

♦ “My debut novel Florida Woman was selected by the American Booksellers Association to appear on IndieBound's Indie Next List for July! Independent bookstores are vital members of our community, so this recognition and support of a southern, rural story means the world to me.” —Deb Rogers, St. Augustine, FL 

♦ “John Hagen (J. L. Hagen) made a presentation "Beyond MS Word: Advanced Writing Tools" at the Upper Peninsula Authors and Publishers Association annual conference in Marquette, Michigan. The session surveyed software, templates, and websites that have revolutionized the 21st Century writing process.” —John Hagen, New Port Richey, FL 

♦ “My new book,  Historic Orlando (Past and Present), is coming out August 8th and can be purchased on Amazon now.” —Elizabeth J. Randall, Lake Mary, FL 

♦ “I was asked to sign with Gravity Squared Entertainment to adapt my novel, The Archer's Thread, to the screen! I was one of two finalists at a ScreenCraft competition asked to come aboard. Seeing your work come to life onscreen is never guaranteed, but this is exciting news.” —Noel Zamot, Tarpon Springs, FL 

♦ “Deb Hamel's first three books in her Daddy's Hunting Series are now available on amazon.com/author/debhamel. Endorsed by Drury Outdoors, HOYT Archery, John Williams - 1972 Olympic Gold in Archery,  and many more. Some of the biggest names in the outdoor industry! Visit Debhamel.com” —Deb Hamel, Citrus Hills, FL 

♦ “Received this endorsement from George Noory, host of Coast to Coast AM: ‘John's books provide a unique perspective on the psychic and paranormal realms. Fans of true ghost stories will be entertained by accounts ranging from UFO encounters to Guardian Angel guidance that proved to be life-saving.’" —John Russell, Ocala, FL 

♦ “My novel Dead Woman's Pond won the Golden Crown Literary Award in Paranormal/Occult/Horror.” —Elle E. Ire, Celebration, FL 

♦ “One of my poems, ‘Early Morning,’ was featured in the Bridport Newsletter out of the UK.” —Constance Hart Tisdale, Boca Raton, FL 

♦ “My current book, Trapped Within, will be available as an audio book throughout the world beginning August 1st. It was an amazing experience. I can't wait to meet those who love (or rely on) audio books.” —Jo Ann Glim, Bradenton, FL 

♦ Murder on the Underground Railroad has been published on Amazon.” —Craig Pennington, Bradenton, FL 

♦ “University Press of Florida has asked me about doing a second edition of my book, Florida's Edible Wild Plants, which will be co-authored with my protege adding new material.” — Peggy Sias Lantz, Orlando, FL

♦ “My first published volume, The Repentant Racist, was an Amazon bestseller in multiple categories, and most recently, a finalist in the International Book Awards competition.” —Mike Mulhern, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

♦ “Published My First Book of this Year!” —Jolene MacFadden, Live Oak, FL

♦ “I recently interviewed Melinda Wade, a professional audiobook narrator on my podcast, Don't Count Me Out. She shared some valuable tips for a successful author/narrator/book relationship that I am thrilled to share with you. It's on YouTube.“ — Jo Ann Glim, Bradenton, FL

♦ “I'm proud to share my debut YA contemporary novel, My Heart is Hurting, was selected for a traditionally published book deal and is being released July 2023 by Wild Ink Publishing. The story centers around 10th grader Jinny Buffett, a Hollywood, FL local with strong magical ties to the Everglades.” —S.E. Reed, Boca Raton, FL

♦ “I am in the publishing phase of my first book, Phantom Haunting. This book is about a girl named Sanvi who goes on an adventurous quest to save her best friend, who in a twisted turn of events, becomes possessed and turns evil.” —Aryana Sahai, Boca Raton, FL

♦ Dead Wrong, An Ecological Thriller, has received terrific praise. Global warming is deadly, but Dr. Derk Bryan gives us hope on his multi—city tour to save humanity from environmental collapse. Read his "Top 10 Ways to Reduce Global Warming" (EcoBuzzBooks.com) before it's too late.” —G. Spencer Myers, Boynton Beach, FL 

♦ “Tara recently launched her second collection How We Disappear (Press 53). It is a 2022 MILLIONS Most Anticipated Book and Southern Literary Review hails it as an ‘exceptional’ story collection that ‘presents a sprawling range of characters, unique voices, and exotic settings.’” —Tara Lynn Masih, St. Augustine, FL

♦ “My nonfiction business book, Leading Inclusion, launches on October 11. I am so pleased to have received positive trade reviews from Library Journal, Booklife by Publishers Weekly. Foreword Clarion Reviews and Kirkus.” —Gena Cox, Clearwater, FL

♦ “I am in the process of publishing my first novel on Amazon.” —Chazz Vincent, Ft. Pierce, FL

♦ “So excited to share that my second novel, Only Oona, will be released January 3, 2023 (Orange Blossom Publishing). It is the first biographical fiction about Oona O'Neill Chaplin, daughter of Eugene O'Neill and wife of Charlie Chaplin.” —Tamatha Cain, Jacksonville, FL

♦ “After many delays and some bumps in my roads, I'm happy to present my book, Old Girls Rule. It's about the friendships we all want to have—or do have? Which of the friends can you relate to?” —Janet Wallace, Ft. Pierce, FL 

♦ “Light Messages Publishing will release A Deathly Irish Secret, fourth in the Blanche Murninghan Mysteries, next June. Fifth in the series, Hot Tango in Argentina, is in the works.” —Nancy Nau Sullivan, Chesterton, FL

♦ “Release of my debut murder mystery, A Deadly Mermaid Fetish, on October 6, 2022 by  Woodhall Press.” —Pamela Mones, Sarasota, FL

♦ “First time entering a writing contest. I submitted some original poems to the 2022 Florida State Poets Association, and  I am delighted that I received a second prize for the looking deeper award, and first honorable mention for my poem, “’Insurrection.’” —Sally Wahl Constain, Ponte Vedra, FL

♦ “Compilation and completion of the 2022 WritersCon Keepsake Program. From concept to print, putting together this booklet for registrants of the conference challenged and expanded my design capabilities. Grateful for the opportunity to be included in the Writers Helping Writers circle.” —Eileen Muzzey Hector, Tampa, FL 

♦ “I was chosen by The Amelia Island Book Festival to present as one of the Authors in the Schools in Nassau County. The book I will present is Women in White, the Haunting of Northeast Florida. The book is packed with history of the region, opening with a ghost story to get the reader's interest.” —Elizabeth J. Randall, Lake Mary, FL

♦ “Pat Black-Gould is honored to receive a Gold Medal from Moonbeam Children's Book Awards for The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey. The book tells the story of a hidden child of the Holocaust.” —Pat Black-Gould, Pensacola, FL

♦ “The recent issue of Cadence features my poem, 'Terrible Beauty' as a winning entry—1st place in the FSPA contest under the category ‘Enchantment".’ Thank you to all the judges and facilitators of the contest!”  —Sharlyn Page, Mount Dora, FL

♦ Styled for Murder by Nancy J. Cohen won a Bronze Award in the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. This title has also been named a Finalist in the American Fiction Awards, the Royal Palm Literary Awards, and the IAN Book of the Year Awards.” —Nancy J. Cohen, Apopka, FL

♦ “RPLA Gold fiction winner, Sonja Mongar, was accepted at the 2022 Jax by Jax Literary & Arts Festival in Jacksonville to read her unpublished essay, ‘A Suitcase Full of Harmonicas’ and the ‘Lynyrd Skynyrd Effect’. “ —Sonja Mongar, Stuart, FL

♦ “Sonja Mongar's braided essay, ‘Extinction’, will appear in the next issue of Saw Palm Florida Literature & Art Magazine published by the University of South Florida.” —Sonja Mongar, Stuart, FL

♦ “Sonja Mongar's memoir, The Last Spike, a multi-generational story of her experiences with railroad life is featured in the newly published, Ghost Line, featuring photographs by well—known Pacific Northwest photographer, Glenn Rudolph.” —Sonja Mongar, Stuart, FL 

♦ “Thrilled to have my fifth novel, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in America (IFWG Publishing) set for release on December 1, 2022!” —Louis K. Lowy, Miami Lakes, FL

♦ “I just signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press for my sixteenth novel, a suspense/mystery entitled: The Wishing Tree: Love, Lies, and Spies on Chincoteague Island. Look for it in early 2023!” — M. S. Spencer, Sarasota, FL

♦ “Published my sixth novel, Trouble in Choctaw County, on August 15. It ranked #1 in Native—American Lit for a couple days on Amazon. Published by DocUmeant Publishing.” — John R. York, New Port Richey, FL

♦ “Nancy Christie’s short story, “Henry, Hortense, and the Halloween Party,” was recently published in the Canadian online publication CommuterLit—her third piece in that publication.” —Nancy M. Christie, austintown, OH

♦ “My second novel, Cold Water Creek, launches 02/2023!” —Steven LaBree, Jacksonville, FL

♦ “I now have 20 novels on Amazon's Vella Platform under Dakota Orlando, and I'm earning around $600 a month to start. They are science fiction, historical, contemporary—adult, YA, NA, and middle grade novels.” —Eugene Orlando, Walla Walla, WA 

♦ “My short story ‘Timelines and Bloodlines’ won the Writers of the Future Contest and will be published in 2023 in the L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Anthology #39.” —Larry Davis, Malabar, FL

♦ “My second book, A Knock in the Attic, won in the Metaphysical Category of the 2022 Best Indie Book Award international competition.” —John Russell, Ocala, FL

♦ “I feel proud to have published book 8 of my 'I Feel ...When ...' children's picture book series with Everfield Press. The book, I Feel Embarrassed When I Can Not Jump, helps children cope with the feeling of embarrassment when they cannot do what others do.” —Karen Porter, Newberry, FL