Friday, May 15, 2009

"The Devil Can Wait" ~ IPPY Finalist


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).

SILENCED CRY (2007), Honorable Mention, 2008 New York Book Festival, Top Ten, 2007 Preditors and Editors Reader Poll (mystery)
www.martastephens-author.com

10 comments:

Sheila Deeth said...

Wow! That's wonderful news. And lovely to read all the names in your corner. Congratulations!

Marta Stephens said...

Goodness! You're up late (1:33 AM Hoosier time).

Thanks so much. :()

Kim Smith said...

M=Marta
M=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

Marta Stephens said...

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. :)

s.w. vaughn said...

And again I say...

WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is just so great! Congratulations, Marta - I couldn't be happier for you!!!!!

Morgan Mandel said...

Congratulations! Sounds like things are really happening. I'm happy for you.

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Aaron Paul Lazar said...

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)

I'm so proud of you... kudos!!!

Marta Stephens said...

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.

Thanks 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!

THAT BOOKS CHAP said...

Hurrah!
Huge congratulations, Marta!
You've done us proud.
Cheers
Cait

Joe said...

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