5 Traits of an Award-Winning Book

During my many years as Awards Director at Jenkins Group, I was often asked, 'What makes an award-winning book?' I could have simply said, 'It has to have that WOW factor,' but that simplistic stateme …   read more

Starting a Conversation

About a year ago, I took over the reins as Book Awards Director at Jenkins Group. Before that, I spent fifteen years as the Book Awards Coordinator. The comment I get the most, when I tell people what …   read more

How a Debut Author Found Success

Artwork from Martin Felando's Star Racers.In 2016 I completed Star Racers, my first novel, and it won the Silver Medal IPPY Award for Best Science Fiction. I'd like to share with you the top ten most …   read more

Much More than a Cookbook

It's a hot, sunny day in July, just after the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year. Even here in northern Michigan the sun's glare is too bright and it's too warm and muggy for writing …   read more