On September 28, 2018 I went to the Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD to accept The McLaughlin-Esstman-Stearns First Novel Prize for The Coney Island Book of the Dead and to do a short reading along with two talented writers, Julia Tagliere and Tara Campbell. On stage is a print of one of my illustrations.
Everyone was incredibly nice and said very flattering things about my book. They gave me a plaque, a check, and a bouquet of yellow roses. I felt so honored.
Special thanks to Grace Mott (who headed the search), Zach Powers (communications director), Barbara Esstman, Lynn Stearns, and Margot Backus, (the judges of the finalists), and to Neal Gillen (the very generous donor), for their support and encouragement.
Sheila Martin
Book signing.
Grace Mott of the Writer’s Center
East City Bookshop representative.
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