And the winner is ... me!

I just returned from the inaugural History Through Fiction Conference in Beverly, Massachusetts, where a wonderful group of writers devoted to telling stories rich in history gathered for two jam-packed days of talks, workshops and networking. Extras included pitches to agents and editors, the chance to hear professional audiobook narrator Caroline Hewitt read a snippet of your book, one-on-ones with authors, and an elegant dinner in historic Tupper Manor. But the biggest thrill for me was the surprise announcement that the first 50 pages of my novel-in-progress Flintlocks at Dawn won the HTF Manuscript Contest. The prize included a $200 check and serious consideration for a traditional publishing contract with HTF. I'm still pinching myself to make sure this dream come true is actually real. But I do have the certificate to prove it! Many, many heartfelt thanks to HTF founder Colin Mustful and managing/acquisitions editor Robin Henry, who first took a chance last summer on an excerpt from the novel, the short story "Lords and Ladies." I'm thrilled about this opportunity and look forward to the next steps.