Six years ago I discovered the love of writing. This afternoon I received word that the second book in my Sam Harper Crime Mystery, "The Devil Can Wait" tied for the bronze medal in the 2009 Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY) -- a finalist in the mystery/suspense/thriller category.
When I consider the competition, I'm honored and amazed. I'm also extremely grateful to be blessed with some pretty awesome people in my corner during the writing of this book. They are:
The BeWrite Books team:
Cait Myers, publisher, BeWriter Books (UK)
Hugh McCracken, editor, BeWrite Books.
Book cover designers:
The word polishers:
Special acknowledgement to the following for their technical and professional expertise:
- Detective Kristyn Bernier of the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Department.
- Felicia Donovan, author of the Black Widow Agency series and a New England-based ten-year veteran of law enforcement technology and cyber crime expert.
- Reba Grass, police office, Ball State University, IN
- Michael R. Mleczko, Systems Manager Technical Support, Ball State University, IN.
- M. Christina Ruggiero, Spanish language advisor, IN.
My cheer block & co-workers who have read every word this writer has printed:
Debbie, Bonnie, and Cindy!
Never say never. What a way to start the weekend!
* * *
Marta Stephens is the author of the Sam Harper Crime Mystery series published by BeWrite Books (UK) .
THE DEVIL CAN WAIT – (2008) Bronze medal finalist, 2009 Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY), Top Ten, 2008 Preditors and Editors Reader Poll (mystery).
THE DEVIL CAN WAIT – (2008) Bronze medal finalist, 2009 Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY), Top Ten, 2008 Preditors and Editors Reader Poll (mystery).
SILENCED CRY (2007), Honorable Mention, 2008 New York Book Festival, Top Ten, 2007 Preditors and Editors Reader Poll (mystery)
www.martastephens-author.com
www.martastephens-author.com
Wow! That's wonderful news. And lovely to read all the names in your corner. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteGoodness! You're up late (1:33 AM Hoosier time).
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. :()
M=Marta
ReplyDeleteM=Mystery writer
M=Magic
For the Divine Ms. M-from Disney (hehehe)
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you
If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do
Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing
Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true
Kim, I LOVE this! LOL Ah, yes, Madame Mim--she cracks me up. Thank you for being there to lend a shoulder in my times of need and for always ready share a good laugh. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd again I say...
ReplyDeleteWOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is just so great! Congratulations, Marta - I couldn't be happier for you!!!!!
Congratulations! Sounds like things are really happening. I'm happy for you.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
Marta, I know how you sweated over each sentence in this book, how many hours you tortured yourself to provide just the right effect, just the right word, just the right dialog. You researched the hell outo of it (as you always do) and poured your heart into this second "child" with abandon. Of course, many could do this and not end up with such a winner. That's where the talent comes in. ;o)
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you... kudos!!!
SW, I'll always credit you for my sucess, because if it hadn't been for you not allowing me give up a few years ago, you and I wouldn't be having this conversation today. You may not "see" it, but I'll never forget.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Morgon. I really appreciate it.
Aaron, I think every writer gets to a point in their writing where they wonder if it's all worth it. Yup, every minute of it!! Thank so much for cheering me on!
Hurrah!
ReplyDeleteHuge congratulations, Marta!
You've done us proud.
Cheers
Cait
It couldn't happen to a better person, Marta. Not only are you a terrific writer, but you're also a wonderful human being. You're an inspiration and such a help to me. Thanks. Joe
ReplyDelete