Ask the Author: Sharman Apt Russell
Answered Questions (7)
Sharman Apt Russell
Hi, Belinda! Sorry if I just saw this now...I am so glad your family liked the book! The New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards are organized by a cooperative or association of independent book sellers. The awards come in more than a few categories but all books must take place in New Mexico or Arizona or be published by a press in those states or be written by an author in those states. Really, this is just a way to promote and celebrate books in the Southwest. Especially in today's world, with so many books being published--including so many self-published books--awards are a way of "vetting" a book, a kind of filter for readers, an acknowledgement of good writing, and--again--a way to celebrate books and writing. All that is what they mean to me. There are fewer places that review books and harder to get in those places, and being a finalist or winner in a regional award like this one is like getting a very good review in a very good place. (If anyone in your family would review Knocking on Heaven's Door for Goodreads and amazon, by the way, that would be much appreciated. My publisher would like more of those so he can submit the book to the discount catalogue Book Bub. Yes, even getting in a discount catalogue is competitive.) Because, too, the world of publishing is so crowded (and for many reasons this is also a good thing) with less "vetting" from editors and reviews, I think free or low-fee writing contests are another way to filter writing and acknowledge good writing--and celebrate writing. This is more true of literary magazines that run contests than organizations that suddenly start up a contest. In the first case, these magazines have been labors of love for a long time. Any small fee they charge is well-deserved and usually helps keep them alive. In the second case, this might in fact be more of a profit-making venture. Writing has become more of a business. Writers are sometimes customers now in that business. That's not terrible. Mainly...I write every day because I enjoy writing so much. But writing is a dynamic--I need readers as part of what I do--and so I pay attention to publishing and submitting to awards and to contests. All that is part of waking up and being able to write every day...
Sharman Apt Russell
Hi, BJ! That was an actual event in a bookstore. When I saw you said yes, I had a wild hope that maybe you lived in or were visiting Missoula, Montana--which is where I am now. But...I thought probably not...hope all is good with you. Sharman
Sharman Apt Russell
Oh, neat, BJ. He's a good worldbuilder. I grew up in Phoenix so that novel was particularly interesting...yes, do recommend some scifi!
Sharman Apt Russell
Annis, I just went to your blog and read the review. Thanks so much! It's a fun and thoughtful response to the book. I love the title of the book you mention here--the afterlife of seashells--and will look for it. Congratulations on your own work, too. The fiction sounds intriguing. All best, Sharman
Sharman Apt Russell
Oh, that's fine, Tina. Pop in when the stars align! Best, Sharman
Sharman Apt Russell
Hi, Bonita! My fourth-grade teacher was a huge influence and a great encouragement. She still sends me holiday cards, as she does to everyone in my fourth-grade class. It turns out we were her first classroom, her first experience teaching. We thought she was a Goddess. She was just learning on the job. I was also influenced by all the wonderful children books that I read--and that is what I wanted to do. Write children's literature. I am just now returning to that field.
Sharman Apt Russell
Yes, Silver City is such a great little town, lots of creative energy.
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