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 »

Memoirist Susie Baxter wanted to save the memories of her family and childhood growing up in rural Florida for future generations, but wasn’t sure how. After taking a Life History class, she quickly discovered her calling and began penning her memoirs. At first, she believed her tales of growing up to be fairly ordinary, until members of her critique group convinced her otherwise. Further proof? Susie won First Place for Published Memoir in the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards and … Read More »

While Anne Hawkinson is accustomed to the long hours of writing in solitude, she recently enjoyed a collaboration with another author overseas—the fruits of their labors bringing two, soon three, adventurous novellas into the world. Inspired by her recent partnership, Anne adapted the concepts from the adult novellas to a young child’s perspective. My Faraway Friend won First Place for Unpublished Early Reader at the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Anne discusses the transition from working solo to collaborating and … Read More »

Jenny Ferns, a professional psychologist, knows the impact trauma can have on people. She uses this specialized knowledge to build character arcs and show the comprehensive impact on families in her stories. She also discovered through her own experience that writing memoir can be a therapeutic exercise. Using her memories from living in England for over twenty years, she created an authentic voice for her book, Ripple Effect, which won First Place for Unpublished Blended Genre in the 2018 Royal … Read More »

Rhett DeVane has had a long, successful writing career including thirteen books and a number of short stories, but she found her passion dwindling after years of writing, wondering if all the time was worth it. Then something new and fun sparked her creative energy, reigniting her love of authorship. That new project encapsulated her years of experience and rejuvenated passion, winning First Place for Unpublished Young Adult or New Adult in the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards. In this … Read More »