These past two weeks have been just the most wonderful whirlwind of emotions and new experiences.
I've just got back from Los Angeles (I stopped over for a few days' sightseeing, because, well...why the hell wouldn't I?!) and Albuquerque, where I had the great pleasure of attending the annual Golden Crown Literary Society conference, topped off by a very glamorous awards ceremony. I was also lucky enough to be asked to sit on a panel with some hugely talented authors, and took part in lots of other lively discussions with writers and readers alike. I just had the best time making new friends and sharing the wonderful world of books with like-minded literary lovers.
But that's not the best news. The best news is that Girl Island won not one, but TWO Goldie Awards, in both the categories it was a finalist: Best Debut Novel and Best Young Adult Fiction. To say I was gobsmacked is an understatement. I'm utterly thrilled to have won these coveted awards, not least because the legendary author Katherine V. Forrest presented me with one. It all felt like a dream. (Someone pinch me.)
And the Awards Night! That final Saturday sparkled with laughter, dancing, camaraderie, and the pure joy of being surrounded by people who understand the magic of storytelling. And you bet I've got the pictures to prove it – me beaming with my shiny Goldie Awards, and grinning with my newfound author pals, and of course capturing that unforgettable moment with Katherine V. Forrest.
So here's to dreams coming true, to literary adventures that take you to very special places, to meeting beautiful people, and to the fantastic community that makes it all worthwhile.
Until next time, keep turning those pages, my fellow book adventurers! 📚✨ #GoldenCrownAdventures #GirlIsland #KatherineVForrest #GoldieAwards #GCLS2022 #KateCastle #AuthorLife #AdventureAwaits
