Author Loren Leith wins Royal Palm Literary Award for Unpublished Nonfiction Short Story Genre

LOCAL WRITER LOREN LEITH WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD, ANNOUNCED AT
2018 FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.  October 26, 2018.  The Florida Writers Association, Inc., (FWA) has announced that Loren Leith of Andrews, North Carolina won a prestigious Royal Palm Literary Award (RPLA). Leith’s winning entry, Basement Level, won First Place for Unpublished Nonfiction Short Story Genre.

The award was announced at FWA’s recent four-day annual conference in Altamonte Springs, Florida. This annual competition, which received 420 qualified submissions, was RPLA’s seventeenth.

“This is the most competitive RPLA we’ve ever had,” said Chris Coward, RPLA chairperson. “The RPLA administrative team, judges, and entrants did an amazing job.”

In all, the competition covered 26 adult genres and 5 Youth genres, with published and unpublished entries considered separately. There were five grand awards, as well.

·         Published Book of the Year: Beached, Mystery OR Crime, by Micki Browning

·         Unpublished Book of the Year: Downhill Fast, Thriller OR Suspense, by Dana J. Summers

·         Best Children’s Book: Citrus Green, Middle-Grade Fiction, by Annette Masters

·         The Dahris Clair Memorial Award for Plays: Hamlet, Reimagined, by Walter Joseph Schenck, Jr.

·         The Candice Coghill Memorial Award for the best youth entry: “Michael,” Poetry, by Samantha Leslie in the 12-15 age category

“A win at any level can help any writer market their manuscript or published book, and the detailed feedback from the judges is invaluable for all entrants,” Ms. Coward said.

The Florida Writers Association, 1,500 members strong and growing, is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization that supports the state’s established and emerging writers. Membership is open to the public.

The Royal Palm Literary Awards competition is a service of the Florida Writers Association established to recognize excellence in members’ published and unpublished works while providing objective and constructive written assessments for all entrants.

For additional information, visit the FWA website: floridawriters.net, where you’ll also find more about RPLA and the complete list of 2018 winners.

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Ledford Publishes Poetry Book

Brenda Kay Ledford's poetry book, "Red Plank House," has been published by Kelsay Books.

Evan Miller, senior editor of "Guideposts," endorsed Ledford's book.  Says Miller, "Reading these poems I couldn't help but feel as if I too had been transported to Shewbird Mountain, a place of majestic beauty.  I heartily recommend you take a visit there as well."

Additionally, Patricia Ann Mayorga, editor-in-chief of "Poet's Espresso Review," a publication of San Joaquin Delta College, endorsed Ledford's book.  Says Mayorga, "Brenda Kay Ledford has found her poetic voice in nature.  Her poetic verse embraces the doe or dance of sunflowers while celebrating the birth of a nation, as in "July," her songs of nature flow flawlessly in the music of poetry."

Lastly, Glenda C. Beall, NC Writer's Network-West Program Coordinator, and Director of Writer's Circle Around the Table, wrote a blurb for Ledford's book.  Says Beall, "These poems draw you into Appalachia.  You see wildflowers, gardens, children in homemade clothes, and hard-working people who kept the faith.  We feel present in the home where she grew up eating apple butter, dried stack cakes, and enjoying family.  This award-winning poet has delivered the best poetry book ever, "Red Plank House."

For information:  www.kelsaybooks.com
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