Media Release
“Writers Helping Writers”
Contact: Chris Coward
Email: [email protected]
FWA Website: www.floridawriters.net
October 29, 2016 10:45 a.m.
The Florida Writers Association, Inc., (FWA) has announced that Nancy Blanton of Fernandina Beach, FL, won a prestigious Royal Palm Literary Award (RPLA). Blanton’s winning entry, The Prince of Glencurragh, won First Place for Historical Fiction.
The award was announced at FWA’s recent four-day annual conference in Altamonte Springs, Florida. This annual competition, which received 479 submissions, was RPLA’s fifteenth.
“This is the most comprehensive and competitive RPLA we’ve ever had,” said Chris Coward, RPLA chairperson. “The RPLA administrative team, judges, and entrants all did an amazing job.”
In all, the competition covered 26 adult genres and 15 Youth genres, with published and unpublished entries considered separately. There were four grand awards, as well.
The Published Book of the Year was Mud, a Fantasy submission by E.J. Wenstrom.
The Unpublished Book of the Year was Cleaning House, a Mainstream/Literary entry by Jennifer Boddicker. Blanton’s book was also first runner-up I this category, and was published two months after the awards entry deadline.
The Dahris Clair Memorial Award for plays went to Bill Dougherty for Shinyo Maru.
The top award for Youth, the Candice Coghill Memorial Award, was given for “She comes home,” a poem by Sarina Patel 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.
“I’m thrilled that this book had been recognized. It’s been a labor of love for me, and this award will help get the word out to readers that it’s a good story worthy of their time and investment,” Ms. Blanton 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is a service of the Florida Writers Association established to recognize excellence in members’ published and unpublished works while providing objective and constructive written assessments for all entrants.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 2016 winners. Or, contact author Nancy Blanton via her website, nancyblanton.com.
Ms. Blanton’s first book Sharavogue was also an award-winning read.
Pick up her books at The Book Loft. The Prince of Glencurragh with her fascinating historical detail will immerse you into the beautiful southwest of Ireland.