I'm SORMAG YA Author of the Year

Let me see. I'd like to thank my wonderful agent, Jen Carlson. Without her I...

Oh sorry. I had an Academy moment, there.

Seriously, though I'm honored and psyched to be the Shades of Romance Magazine YA Author of the Year and have my books chosen as YA Book of the Year.

My life as a writer isn't easy, primarily because it's my second job. A second job that feels like a first job when on deadline or promoting books or up late, alone and tired.

But it's been especially hard over the last nine months since my accident and the passing of my dad. A LOT of times I feel like I'm toiling in total obscurity.

Because I frequent author communities, I'm surrounded by the ups and downs of my peers and the myriad of book lists - some prestigious, others just playing their part to acknowledge the many good books that may go unseen by readers, if they weren't around.

It's easy to get caught up in sales numbers and the angst/hype of being left off or included on a list.

I've found it's way too easy to lose sight of why I write.

I haven't yet found the solution to not lose sight. Sometimes I just do. Luckily, I've always found my way back.

Thank you, LaShaunda and the Sormag readers.

This award means people are reading the books. And that's what it's all about.

The gravy is - they really like them.

Thank you.