HAPPY, HAPPY MONDAY!!!
What a way to start a new week, right? Talking about things that make you feel good, like book awards.
Any time I’ve been nominated for an award I’ve been consumed with this overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Why? Someone read my book. Someone loved my book. Not only that, they REMEMBERED it, it left an impression on them, long after the story was over.
That’s what this is all about, right?
Writing books that people love. Touching someone’s heart. Making lasting memories because, for readers, most of the time, reading is an escape. For a few hours, they can immerse themselves in another world. That world can be filled with danger or lies or happiness or gut-wrenching humor. Whatever they’re in the mood for, there’s a book out there that should satisfy what they’re craving.
When I wrote Dear Maggie, it never occurred to me that it was going to be a romantic comedy. I started with an idea that blossomed over and over again. At first, it felt like I was putting my main character, Lauren, through some crazy s**t just for fun. Once the story really started to come together, I saw the bigger picture.
Sometimes in life, there are moments that define you. The moments that defined Lauren’s life in that book led her to her HEA. A few of those moments had me in stitches. (Yes, her face landing in someone’s crotch on a first date defined her.)
A month ago when I found out Dear Maggie was a 2018 RONE (Reward Of Novel Excellence) Award nominee in the New Adult category I almost broke down in tears. I love my characters. I love their journeys, but Lauren’s was especially fun for me.
Voting for the New Adult category begins today and ends Sunday, May 13. If you’ve read and loved Dear Maggie as much as I have, I’d appreciate your vote. There are 11 nominees and only 4 will move on to be finalists.
Learn more about the RONE Awards.
“Dear Maggie” is an exciting read, with a very original idea. Lauren is a character readers will love to love. Her adventures — as she fills in for the vacationing love columnist and conducts her “research” — are hilarious. Each chapter begins with a letter to Maggie asking for her sage advice, which dovetails nicely with Lauren’s budding romance with Kyle, a love interest from her dating service. A smooth and enjoyable read from beginning to end, author Rachael Brownell has penned a winner! Cuddle up in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the time spent with Lauren and her friends. – InD’Tale Magazine Review, Crowned Heart review
