Tassy Walden Award - 2016

Note to self: Don't read with your eyes shut!

On Wednesday, I basked in the glow of writerly love at the Tassy Walden Award ceremony in beautiful Blackstone Library in Branford, Connecticut. It was a wonderful classy event. Lauren Miller from the Connecticut Humanities spoke about reviving the Connecticut Book Award. I had no idea it had been discontinued. I was entertained and inspired by renowned illustrator Wendell Minor. What a stellar career that man has had!

Lauren Miller-CT Humanities, Doug Fisher-Executive Director CT Humanities, Holly Howley (Winner Young Adult Novel), Linda Zajac (Winner Picture Book Text), Wendell, Florence, Melanie Meehan (Winner Middle Grade Novel), Tim Perra (Winner Illustrated Picture Book), Doe Boyle (Chair of Tassy Walden Awards Committee), Eric Dillner, CEO/Executive Director Shoreline Arts Alliance

I figured I'd be speaking third. Boy, was I surprised to see my name listed first in the program. Next up was Melanie Meehan, who read her captivating middle grade chapters. Then Holly Howley followed with spot-on teen dialogue. Tim Perra had us all laughing when he presented his picture book dummy.

There is beautiful woodwork in this library.

I really enjoyed listening to my colleagues read their unique stories, and speaking with Marcela Staudenamier and Florence Minor. The magical evening flew by too fast.

Congratulations to all the Tassy Walden finalists and honorable mention recipients!

There aren't many opportunities for unpublished writers to shine, so I'm grateful for all that the Shoreline Arts Alliance has done to create this well-respected contest and to make the evening a special one. Salute!