Giving up on her story was never an option for Diane Byington. She spent seven years reworking her draft, pushing through every obstacle, much like her main character, Faye. The end result was an award-winning novel. Diane’s book, Who She Is, took home first place for Published Historical Fiction in the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Diane talks revision and research on this week’s RPLA Showcase. The Winning Entry, Who She Is Logline: In 1967, Faye wants to run the … Read More »

What do you get when you combine over twenty years in the FBI with a deep love and knowledge of South Carolina Lowcountry? The award-winning novel Beyond the Cabin by Dana Ridenour that took home First Place for Published Thriller in the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Dana began writing the book during her last two years working for the FBI and was faced with a challenging decision when she finally finished. How would she publish it? Both traditional publishing … Read More »

It’s that time again—submitting entries, monitoring email, planning the perfect outfit, imagining the feel of that engraved trophy, practicing your handshake for Chris Coward. Just me? The excitement surrounding the Royal Palm Literary Awards is palpable at each stage of the process from sending in your work to getting notifications of advancement to that glorious banquet day. In order to save you time and possible frustration with the process, we’ve gathered a list of do’s and don’ts to help you … Read More »

The beauty and heritage of the panhandle live in the heart of Ruth Coe Chambers and pour out as she builds the setting in her work. Growing up on the coast gave her memories and impressions she uses to create a true sense of place. Her novel, House on the Forgotten Coast, set in Apalachicola won First Place for Published Mainstream Fiction in the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Ruth discusses the importance of motivation, weaving a realistic setting, and … Read More »

Seth Vicarson was never interested in writing. It became a “later-in-life surprise” when the urge to share his truth jumped up and bit him. So when he realized he lacked the skills to tell his story well, a new zeal took over, and with study and practice, he gained the confidence to write his book. Nothing could be more important to him than using his own experience of coming out to help others within the LGBTQ community who may be … Read More »

No one knows how to cut, cut, cut quite like a journalist. After ten years in the newsroom, Tom Bender learned how to write lean copy, a skill he uses in his novel writing regularly. His experience as an editor, speech writer, and professor may also have something to do with his excellence in writing. But those years working as a journalist have stayed with him and even inspired the creation of the unforgettable reporter Morrison, the main character in … Read More »