An Unexpected Honor Arrives in My eMail Box on Sunday

Late Sunday afternoon, I usually settle into catchup viewing time. A movie. Streamed shows. Last Sunday, it was “The Gilded Age” on HBO. Often my computer is on my lap as I work on Tuesday’s blog. Notified that new emails had arrived, I clicked over and the subject line: Award Laureate Inclusion

Not sure what that was about, but I did recognize the email sender, I opened the email.

“I’m adding you to our Award Laureate page.” A link was included … and now, it’s a TaDah! … I’m an Award Laureate! I am honored. The next day, this appeared on the American Book Fest Award Laureate page: 

Woot!

Honored authors are either established or who were recognized early in their careers by our Best Book team before they went on to massive success within the publishing industry. Among other Author Laureates included are Amy Tan, Anne Lamott, Sue Grafton, Julie Andrews, George Saunders, Anne Geddes, and T.A. Barron.

I am thrilled to also share that good friend Mara Purl was also honored. Between the two of us, we have published over 65 books, earned more than 135 book awards, and sold over one million books of their titles.

I’m currently working on book 4, The Secret Awakening in the historical fiction Harmonie series with my writing partner Brian Barnes. Book 3, The Secret Rise was released in June 2025. My Cooking with Judith was published earlier this year. B&N shared that copies keep selling out … happy dance for me!

Meet me at the Colorado Blvd Barnes & Noble in Glendale CO on Sunday, August 31. I’ll be there from 10 to 5. It’s time to celebrate!

Dr. Judith Briles started writing notes to her classmates in first grade … and got into “disruptive trouble” from her teachers. She’s now the author of 47 books and counting, still being a disrupter. Her books have won over 55 book awards and been Amazon bestsellers. You can follow her professional side at www.TheBookShepherd.com where she works with writers to become published authors. Listen in to her weekly podcast: AuthorU: Your Guide to Book Publishing at https://bit.ly/AuthorUPodcast

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