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So, I Won My Second Book Award: Some Thoughts

Writer's picture: Bryan AlaspaBryan Alaspa

Over the weekend, while I was attending a book signing event at a Barnes & Noble in suburban Chicago, I got word I had just won my second BookFest Award. I got second place under the category Horror - Ghosts & the Paranormal for my novel FERAL. I didn't make a big deal about it at the event, just expressed a bit of joy a few other authors heard, and then turned my attention back to the event, where I sold a few copies of FERAL, and signed them for a couple of teens.


Last year, at almost the exact same time as this year, my novel DEVOURED won a BookFest award. I got third place in the "Creatures and Monsters" category. It was my very first award for one of my works. I have the trophy displayed proudly on a shelf right in front of my television.


I submitted FERAL, but didn't think much would happen? Why? Well, there are just certain novels that we authors feel a certain way about. We know what happened during the writing process and with FERAL, I felt I had a great opening scene and that there were some very creepy parts, but I did struggle a bit with the back half of the book. Of course, things were also crazy for me at work, and I was searching for a new job, so maybe that all played into it. Instead, this novel that I liked and was proud of, has just done what so many of my works have done - found a life of its own.


Turns out, I am the worst judge of my own work. Every time I write a novella, or short story, or a novel that gives me weird butterflies in my stomach and my brain goes, "Uh oh, this one didn't work out like I hoped," those are the ones people attach themselves to. My prime example is my short store The Suicide Man. A story so odd and that went in such a weird way, when I finished I shook my head and said, "I don't think I get this story at all" but I put it out there for Kindle and more people have responded to that one than most others.


FERAL was also submitted to the jury for Stoker Award consideration and I got a recommendation. That doesn't mean it was nominated, but just means someone thought it was worth the rest of the Horror Writer's Association members taking a look at. It made me submit it to the rest of the committee with a link to a free download. It may not even get a nomination, but I was honored just to get the recommendation. I mean, profoundly honored.


For some reason, the story is one people seem attracted to. It is scary, I admit. It is violent and a bit gory. It started as an obsession I had about The Donner Party and listening to a couple podcasts about the incident, and then took on a life all its own and became its own thing.


The writing game is a weird thing. I fully believe I am tool used by something else, somewhere else, to tell stories. I fully believe I don't have all control over my own stories, either. They come through me and then go off and do their own things. I love that people respond and I love it when the love it, but I will never claim to understand it.


I am supremely, profoundly, immensely, honored to have won this award. It means the world to me. All of you readers mean the world to me, so first and foremost, I thank you for always being there (right from the start). I thank my entire family, including my brother, my niece and nephew, all of my aunts, uncles and cousins (all my first fans). Thank you to Wicked House Publishing and my fellow authors and to Crystal Bynam the founder of Unveiling Nightmares (who by this time next year will have published 4 of my novels!).


Finally, there is my wife Melanie. Oh my gosh, I don't even know what to say about her support and encouragement. She teases me, she provides sage advice, she offers suggestions. She is my rock. She is my heart, my soul and the most important part of my life. She can be my toughest editor, but my biggest cheerleader. She is my partner in this crazy life, and we have been through a lot in the last year, but I am still holding her hand. Still doing what I can to make this journey with her.


Thank you all again. For letting me tell my stories, and being there to listen.

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