Decision making was extremely difficult. There were large numbers of submissions in each category. The Southern Pen Team had to narrow the submissions to two deserving writers within each category. Listed below are the finalists and winners.
Categories & Finalists:
Short Story
Skating On the Septic Tank – Genie Berstein (winner)
Big Foot and Other Stories – Susan Lindsley
Young Adult
Stolen – Marlena Frank
Porkington Hamm — M.M. Rodeheaver (winner)
Historical Fiction
With Kisses from Ceceile – Anne Armistead (winner)
Winter Sisters – Tim Westover
First Novel
Life is Hard. Soften It with Laughter – Marlene Ratledge Buchanan (winner)
Ain’t Nothing But the Devil – Lorelai Watson
Memoir
Follow My Journey – Dr. Shakra LynnPeaceful Heart, Healthy Body – Michelle Watson (winner)
Mystery
When Bees Buzz – Christy Breedlove (winner)
Red Blood on White Cotton – John W. Long
Romance
Crimson Haze – Georgiana Fields
The Love of Gods – Tarrant Smith (winner)
The Georgia Writers Association decided in the fall of 2018 to no longer include non-traditionally published writers of the state in their annual Georgia Author of the Year Award. A non-traditionally published author, often referred to as an Indie Author, are writers who either self-published or used a hybrid publisher to produce their books. This often entails the author paying either all or a portion of the cost to publish their works. Vickie Bley, owner of The Southern Pen Book Shop and an independent author herself, decided these authors should be recognized. She founded the Georgia Independent Author awards in response to the Georgia Writers Association’s decision. The first annual GIAYA was held in May 2019.
Since then, Ms. Bley and The Southern Pen Book Shop have recognized and promoted independent authors in achieving their goals. She offers numerous events show casing authors. Her annual Southern Pen Conferences are outstanding events for authors to learn and share information.
Ms. Bley’s Southern Pen Book Shop is located in Monroe and online. For more information for GIAYA 2021 submissions and other details: www.southernpenbookshop.com
