This has really been a banner month for Project June Bug! Two weeks ago, I found out that it won the top award - "2009 Premier Book of the Year"- in the Premier Book Award Competition. This actually came along with a cash prize! WHOO HOO!! John and I celebrated with dinner at Cote Basque, one of our favorite little restaurants, and champagne in the hot tub. Today, I was notified that Project June Bug was named a finalist in the Women's Lit category of the 2009 National Best Book Awards! This is REALLY exciting because the competition is open to mainstream as well as small/independent presses, so the competition is pretty fierce. I'm dancing on air!! A bit chilly for the hot tub today, but we're planning on dinner at The Pearl, a really nice bistro here on Treasure Island. If this keeps up, I'm going to have to sign up for Jenny Craig!

I received some exciting news yesterday from Jodie Lynn, president of Parent To Parent (an organization that promotes "Family Friendly" products) to tell me that Project June Bug has been chosen to receive four (count 'em, FOUR!!) of their 2009 Life Buzz Awards - and (drumroll.....)was named one of the Top Ten Products of 2009!! I am totally blown away! She was very impressed with the book and thought it would be a wonderful resource for parents and students. Project June Bug is on a list with some really heavy hitters like the Smithsonian Channel, Twitter, and Web of Trust. It also made the list of Best Educational Books, Hot Products, and Best Educational Products (along with Thomas the Tank Engine - wait till my grandkids find out!) According to the e-mail, "the award committees look for products that entertain and teach, inspiring imagination and creativity. If the product is family-life oriented, the committees are interested in how products help children and their families grow ethically, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically in everyday life and/or inspire better momentum financially for families through motivational skills and concepts in a business situation." Pretty impressive, huh? Needless to say, I'm beyond excited!

On Saturday evening, I attended the Cordon d'Or award reception at the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach. It was a truly lovely affair, complete with food, wine, and lots of chefs, authors and foodies from all over the country. I honestly think I was the only one there who doesn't cook! Maureen Kinney, Cordon d'Or president, presented me with a gorgeous trophy and had some extremely complimentary things to say about Project June Bug. I met some interesting people, including the president of Gourmet Girl magazine. Turns out she's an Italian girl from New Jersey who was a teacher. It was definitely an event to remember!

WOW! I just received an e-mail from the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group telling me that Project June Bug was named a finalist in the First Novel Category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards!! This is another major competition, and it means the book will be promoted at Book Expo America in New York. There were only 10 books chosen in the First Novel Category, so it's really an honor. This was the best birthday present ever!

Just when you think nothing else can surprise you, something does! I just received word from the Eric Hoffer Award committee that Project June Bug was chosen as a winner in the Commercial Fiction category!! This is what the letter said:
"Your book endured rigorous judging and surpassed dozens of titles within its category. Each winner was determined to be unique, worthy, and well produced in all aspects of writing and publishing. Your title helps maintain the circulation of ideas, which is a vital and necessary function for a thriving society."
I still can't believe it. I have to keep looking at the award certificate to convince myself that it's true! I honestly have to say that this is one of the biggest (and nicest) surprises I've ever had.