RITA Award Winner, Right Here!
If you didn’t hear my gasp of shock on social media, my first young adult book, THE ANATOMICAL SHAPE OF A HEART won the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA Award for Young Adult Romance. In case you don’t know, these awards are basically the Oscars of romance writing, and the highest honor in the industry. They were announced at a ceremony this weekend in San Diego, California at the annual national conference, which 2000 romance writers attended.
Though I didn’t accept the award in person, my literary agent, Laura Bradford, was my stand-in, and she accepted the award for me, delivering my acceptance speech with style and grace (so MUCH grace, in fact, that I’d like her to give all my speeches going forward). It’s strange to write a speech in advance for something that you may not win—and I can honestly say that I really, REALLY did not think I would. Which is one reason I didn’t attend the conference. However, I watched the awards ceremony via the livestream feed that was telecast online, and it was…beyond exciting. I gasped. I said filthy things. I shouted at the screen. And I hurt my neck from holding my breath and shaking. I’m so thrilled, so humbled, and so very proud. Thank you, RWA, for this honor! Complete list of winners at USAToday.
July 21, 2016 @ 5:20 PM
Congratulations, Jenn! I loved your book The Anatomical Shape of a Heart and it inspired me to read many of your other books. I can’t wait for your next YA novel! Best wishes to you!
July 21, 2016 @ 8:00 PM
Hi, Holly! Aw, thanks so much! I’m so pleased that you enjoyed ANATOMICAL—and that you picked up my other books, too. And I really, REALLY can’t wait for everyone to read ALEX, APPROXIMATELY next April. I like it just as much as ANATOMICAL…maybe more. (Shhh! Don’t tell anyone!) Thank you so much for reading!
July 25, 2016 @ 9:17 PM
Congratulations, Jenn. My wife and I were thrilled to cheer your Award in San Diego.
July 26, 2016 @ 10:16 AM
Thank you SO much, Rick! *wipes tiny tear away* I really appreciate that! It means a lot.