Results for our 2025 Clash of Champions Contest
(Clash of Champions is a combination of what used to be our Fall and Winter contests)
SUPER-CATEGORY CHAMPIONS
(Medal Winners)
Outstanding Creator Award for
Best Fiction Book of Fall & Winter 2025
1st Place
“Chasm of Night” Peter Eliott
“The Warrior’s Shade” Ingrid Moon
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” Michael Stockham
“Losing Austin” Michael J. Bowler
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“The Tempest’s Fury” Ingrid Moon
“Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” Erika Lynn Adams
“14 Hours of Saturn” Mike J. Kizman
“Where the Mountains Whisper” Jenny Cafaro
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
2nd Place
“The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach” Alden Windrow
“Water Horse” Ashley Chapman
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” Carolyn Summer Quinn
“Reliquary of the Dead” David Falk
“Sanity Test” K.E. Adamus
“Last Episode” K.E. Adamus
“Wrecked by You” Kate Sweden
“Fearless Vampire” K.M. Taylor
“Charlotte’s Ghost” L.P. Simone
“Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” Susan L. Krueger
3rd Place
“Hazardous Lies” Stephen Wallace
“Animal Attrition” David Bush
“Whispers of Yesterday” Auburn Hartley
Outstanding Creator Award for
Best Non-Fiction Book of Fall & Winter 2025
1st Place
“Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Special Education” Ange Anderson
“The Vegan Transformation” Angela L. Crawford, PhD
“Unpacking the Attic” Ann Mracek
“Dear Orchid” Carol Van Den Hende
“Johnny Vet” Maj. General Alan Salisbury
“Behind the Stars” Chad Gregory
“Steel Soldier” James J. Messina, Charles Messina
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” Dale L. Roberts
“Finding Real Yoga” Daren Black
“Bridges of Words” Esperanza Pretila
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“Behind the White Beard” Kay Brooks
“Little Boy, I Know Your Name” Mitchell Raff
“Ballerina Garden” Once Upon a Dance
“Kings of Stone” R Jay Driskell
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
2nd Place
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” Nicholas Seidler
“The Little Book of Nosy Questions About Adoption” Nathalie Iseli-Chan
3rd Place
“Alignment on the Rocks” Sean Albertson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Best Children's Book of Fall & Winter 2025
1st Place
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” Sally Kashner
"Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
“The Legend of Ranger” Maj. General Alan Salisbury
“Welcome, Baby Wigglet” Amber Berkowitz
“Seeking the Lost Sheep” Daniel Cramton
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” Victoria Smith
2nd Place
“Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” Elizabeth Macy
“The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” Linda Harkey
“Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” Michael Dow
“Oh, Little One, Who Will You Be?” Sharon Varney, Anthony Richichi
3rd Place
“Carried by Wings” Tuula Pere, PhD
“The Old Rose Villa” Tuula Pere, PhD
CATEGORY WINNERS
Outstanding Creator Award for
Audiobooks
1st Place
“The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon, Narrated by Scott Allen
“Little Monsters Read Along” Story Monsters LLC
2nd Place
“Charlotte’s Ghost” L.P. Simone
“Behind the Stars” Chad Gregory, Narrated by Chuck Galco
3rd Place
“Blood Relations” Glenn Stevens, Narrated by Danielle LaRauf
“Wetion” James Krause, Narration & Music by James Krause
Outstanding Creator Award for
Comics / Graphic Novels
1st Place
“Johnny Vet” Maj. General Alan Salisbury
2nd Place
“Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” Steven Joseph
Outstanding Creator Award for
Autobiographies / Memoirs / Biographies (May Include Fictional & Pseudo-Memoirs)
1st Place
“Steel Soldier” James J. Messina, Charles Messina
“Unpacking the Attic” Ann Mracek
“Dear Orchid” Carol Van Den Hende
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
“Where the Mountains Whisper” Jenny Cafaro
“Behind the White Beard” Kay Brooks
“Little Boy, I Know Your Name” Mitchell Raff
Outstanding Creator Award for
Action / Adventure
1st Place
“The Warrior’s Shade” Ingrid Moon
“The Tempest’s Fury” Ingrid Moon
“Chasm of Night” Peter Eliott
2nd Place
“Kingdom of Fire” Melissa Widmaier
3rd Place
“Protectors of the Light Crown” Aspry Jones
“Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert” E.E. Glass
“Elements of Growth” Keynin Battle
Outstanding Creator Award for
Jewish Literature
1st Place
“Little Boy, I Know Your Name” Mitchell Raff
“An Epiphany in Lilacs” Iris Dorbian
Outstanding Creator Award for
Travel
1st Place
“Bridges of Words” Esperanza Pretila
“Stories from Ecuador” Tyrel Nelson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Multimedia
1st Place
“Little Monsters Read Along” Story Monsters LLC
Outstanding Creator Award for
Law & Justice / Crime Lit
1st Place
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” Michael Stockham
2nd Place
“Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” Carolyn Summer Quinn
“Hazardous Lies” Stephen Wallace
3rd Place
“Hands on Homicide” Sarah Hualde
Outstanding Creator Award for
LGBTQ+
1st Place
“Colors of You” Damien Benoit-Ledoux
Outstanding Creator Award for
Historical Fiction
1st Place
“Animal Attrition” David Bush
“Wetion” James Krause
“Charlotte’s Ghost” L.P. Simone
2nd Place
“An Epiphany in Lilacs” Iris Dorbian
“A Thorn in the Garden” E.C. Roderick
Outstanding Creator Award for
History (Non-Fiction)
1st Place
“Steel Soldier” James J. Messina, Charles Messina
“Kings of Stone” R Jay Driskell
Outstanding Creator Award for
Performing Arts / Dance / Music
1st Place
“Ballerina Garden” Once Upon a Dance
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” Sally Kashner
2nd Place
“Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” Steven Joseph
Outstanding Creator Award for
Holiday Books / Christmas Books
1st Place
“Behind the White Beard” Kay Brooks
“The Legend of Ranger” Maj. General Alan Salisbury
Outstanding Creator Award for
Thriller
1st Place
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” Michael Stockham
2nd Place
“Hazardous Lies” Stephen Wallace
3rd Place
“Scissor-Tail” Ethan Richards, Alec Byrne
Outstanding Creator Award for
Supernatural Books / Paranormal Books
1st Place
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
“Water Horse” Ashley Chapman
“Fearless Vampire” K.M. Taylor
“Charlotte’s Ghost” L.P. Simone
2nd Place
“Hands on Homicide” Sarah Hualde
Outstanding Creator Award for
Books About Disabilities
1st Place
“Dear Orchid” Carol Van Den Hende
“Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” Erika Lynn Adams
“Losing Austin” Michael J. Bowler
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” Victoria Smith
Outstanding Creator Award for
Short Stories / Anthologies / Collections
1st Place
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” Nicholas Seidler
Outstanding Creator Award for
Fantasy
1st Place
“Chasm of Night” Peter Eliott
2nd Place
“Water Horse” Ashley Chapman
“Fearless Vampire” K.M. Taylor
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“Animal Attrition” David Bush
“Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” Susan L. Krueger
3rd Place
“Dragon Twins” Chriss Bury
“Kingdom of Fire” Melissa Widmaier
“Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” Mookie Spitz
“Protectors of the Light Crown” Aspry Jones
“Blood Relations” Glenn Stevens
“Elements of Growth” Keynin Battle
Outstanding Creator Award for
Business
* Includes Entrepreneurship / Sales & Marketing / Management / Investing / Career / Finance
1st Place
“Author Launch Kit” Book Launchers, Shane Vigeant
2nd Place
“Alignment on the Rocks” Sean Albertson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Science-Fiction (Sci-Fi)
1st Place
“The Warrior’s Shade” Ingrid Moon
“The Tempest’s Fury” Ingrid Moon
“Reliquary of the Dead” David Falk
“The Cryonauts” A.C. Kabukuru
“Losing Austin” Michael J. Bowler
2nd Place
“Scissor-Tail” Ethan Richards, Alec Byrne
“Wetion” James Krause
3rd Place
“Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” Mookie Spitz
“The Book of Ava” Demeter Reminisci
“Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert” E.E. Glass
“Blood Relations” Glenn Stevens, Narrated by Danielle LaRauf
“Born in Space” Jeremy Clift
Outstanding Creator Award for
Romance
1st Place
“Wrecked by You” Kate Sweden
2nd Place
“Whispers of Yesterday” Auburn Hartley
“A Thorn in the Garden” E.C. Roderick
3rd Place
“Blood Relations” Glenn Stevens
“Villainessly Blonde” Sophia DeSensi
Outstanding Creator Award for
Technology / Emerging Technologies / Software
1st Place
“Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Special Education” Ange Anderson
“Author Launch Kit” Book Launchers, Shane Vigeant
Outstanding Creator Award for
Comedy / Humor / Satire
1st Place
“Sanity Test” K.E. Adamus
“Last Episode” K.E. Adamus
“Wrecked by You” Kate Sweden
2nd Place
“Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” Steven Joseph
“Villainessly Blonde” Sophia DeSensi
“Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” Mookie Spitz
3rd Place
“Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” G.S. Gerry
Outstanding Creator Award for
Middle Grade Books / Juvenile Books
1st Place
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“Charlotte’s Ghost” L.P. Simone
“Losing Austin” Michael J. Bowler
2nd Place
“Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” Susan L. Krueger
“Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” Elizabeth Macy
Outstanding Creator Award for
Veganism / Vegetarianism / Plant-Based Diets
1st Place
“The Vegan Transformation” Angela L. Crawford, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Self-Help / Personal Development / How-to Books
1st Place
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” by Dale L. Roberts
“Behind the Stars” Chad Gregory
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” Nicholas Seidler
2nd Place
“The Little Book of Nosy Questions About Adoption” Nathalie Iseli-Chan
“Down to Earth” Nil Demircubuk
“Alignment on the Rocks” Sean Albertson
3rd Place
“Communicate Like a Champion” Eli Champion
Outstanding Creator Award for
Educational & Reference Books
1st Place
“Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Special Education” Ange Anderson
“Kings of Stone” R Jay Driskell
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” Victoria Smith
“Little Monsters Read Along” Story Monsters LLC
“Behind the Stars” Chad Gregory
“Steel Soldier” James J. Messina, Charles Messina
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” Dale L. Roberts
“The Vegan Transformation” Angela L. Crawford, PhD
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” Nicholas Seidler
2nd Place
“Wetion” James Krause
“Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” Michael Dow
“The Little Book of Nosy Questions About Adoption” Nathalie Iseli-Chan
3rd Place
“Communicate Like a Champion” Eli Champion
“A Graver Danger: White Chalk Crime” Karen Horwitz, M.Ed.
Outstanding Creator Award for
Christian Literature / Christian Fiction / Christian Non-Fiction
1st Place
“Seeking the Lost Sheep” Daniel Cramton
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
Outstanding Creator Award for
Family / Siblings / Parents
1st Place
“Unpacking the Attic” Ann Mracek
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“Where the Mountains Whisper” Jenny Cafaro
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
“Losing Austin” Michael J. Bowler
“14 Hours of Saturn” Mike J. Kizman
2nd Place
“The Little Book of Nosy Questions About Adoption” Nathalie Iseli-Chan
“Oh, Little One, Who Will You Be?” Sharon Varney, Anthony Richichi
“Luke’s Sailing Adventure” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Psychological Fiction
1st Place
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“Sanity Test” K.E. Adamus
“Last Episode” K.E. Adamus
Outstanding Creator Award for
Horror
1st Place
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
Outstanding Creator Award for
Literary & Contemporary Fiction
1st Place
“Where the Mountains Whisper” Jenny Cafaro
“14 Hours of Saturn” Mike J. Kizman
2nd Place
“The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach” Alden Windrow
3rd Place
“Why Is My Bra Still On?” Kristen Wasyliszyn
Outstanding Creator Award for
Multicultural / Multilingual / Bilingual Literature
1st Place
“Bridges of Words” Esperanza Pretila
“Little Boy, I Know Your Name” Mitchell Raff
“Stories from Ecuador” Tyrel Nelson
2nd Place
“The Old Rose Villa” Tuula Pere, PhD
3rd Place
“An Epiphany in Lilacs” Iris Dorbian
Outstanding Creator Award for
Children's Motivational & Inspirational Books & Multimedia
1st Place
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” Victoria Smith
“The Legend of Ranger” Maj. General Alan Salisbury
“Welcome, Baby Wigglet” Amber Berkowitz
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“Little Monsters Read Along” Story Monsters LLC
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” Sally Kashner
"Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
“Oh, Little One, Who Will You Be?” Sharon Varney, Anthony Richichi
“Carried by Wings” Tuula Pere, PhD
2nd Place
“Luke’s Sailing Adventure” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Motivational / Inspirational Books
1st Place
“Dear Orchid” Carol Van Den Hende
“Unpacking the Attic” Ann Mracek
“Ballerina Garden” Once Upon a Dance
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
“Finding Real Yoga” Daren Black
“Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” Erika Lynn Adams
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“Behind the White Beard” Kay Brooks
2nd Place
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” Nicholas Seidler
3rd Place
“An Epiphany in Lilacs” Iris Dorbian
“Down to Earth” Nil Demircubuk
“Stories from Ecuador” Tyrel Nelson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Teen & Young-Adult (YA) Fiction
1st Place
“14 Hours of Saturn” Mike J. Kizman
2nd Place
“Dragon Twins” Chriss Bury
3rd Place
“Elements of Growth” Keynin Battle
Outstanding Creator Award for
Activism / Social Commentary / Political Commentary
1st Place
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
2nd Place
“A Graver Danger: White Chalk Crime” Karen Horwitz, M.Ed.
Outstanding Creator Award for
Health
1st Place
“The Vegan Transformation” Angela L. Crawford, PhD
2nd Place
“Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” Michael Dow
Outstanding Creator Award for
Mystery
1st Place
“Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” Carolyn Summer Quinn
“Hazardous Lies” Stephen Wallace
“The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” Linda Harkey
2nd Place
“Hands on Homicide” Sarah Hualde
Outstanding Creator Award for
Poetry
1st Place
“Bridges of Words” Esperanza Pretila
2nd Place
"Exploring Beauty with Photographer Samantha Moller Lopez, Volume 1" Samantha Moller Lopez, Dow Creative Enterprises with Poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Animal Literature
1st Place
“The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” Linda Harkey
“Animal Attrition” David Bush
“Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” Elizabeth Macy
“Carried by Wings” Tuula Pere, PhD
“Welcome, Baby Wigglet” Amber Berkowitz
Outstanding Creator Award for
Myths & Legends / Fairy Tales / Mythical Creatures / Cryptids
1st Place
“Fearless Vampire” K.M. Taylor
“Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” Susan L. Krueger
“Water Horse” Ashley Chapman
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
2nd Place
“Dragon Twins” Chriss Bury
3rd Place
“Elements of Growth” Keynin Battle
Outstanding Creator Award for
Spirituality
1st Place
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
2nd Place
“Down to Earth” Nil Demircubuk
3rd Place
“Alignment on the Rocks” Sean Albertson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Military Literature
1st Place
“Steel Soldier” James J. Messina, Charles Messina
“Johnny Vet” Maj. General Alan Salisbury
“Dear Orchid” Carol Van Den Hende
Outstanding Creator Award for
Meditation / Mindfulness / Yoga
1st Place
“Finding Real Yoga” Daren Black
2nd Place
“Alignment on the Rocks” Sean Albertson
3rd Place
“Down to Earth” Nil Demircubuk
Outstanding Creator Award for
Film / Filmmaking / Acting
1st Place
“Behind the Stars” Chad Gregory
Outstanding Creator Award for
Photography
1st Place
“Bridges of Words” Esperanza Pretila
"Exploring Beauty with Photographer Samantha Moller Lopez, Volume 1" Samantha Moller Lopez, Dow Creative Enterprises with Poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Stories from Ecuador” Tyrel Nelson
Outstanding Creator Award for
TV & Film Scripts
Honorable Mention
“Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” G.S. Gerry
Outstanding Creator Award for
Writing / Publishing
1st Place
“Author Launch Kit” Book Launchers, Shane Vigeant
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” Dale L. Roberts
Audiobooks
1st Place
“The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon, Narrated by Scott Allen
“Little Monsters Read Along” Story Monsters LLC
2nd Place
“Charlotte’s Ghost” L.P. Simone
“Behind the Stars” Chad Gregory, Narrated by Chuck Galco
3rd Place
“Blood Relations” Glenn Stevens, Narrated by Danielle LaRauf
“Wetion” James Krause, Narration & Music by James Krause
Outstanding Creator Award for
Comics / Graphic Novels
1st Place
“Johnny Vet” Maj. General Alan Salisbury
2nd Place
“Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” Steven Joseph
Outstanding Creator Award for
Autobiographies / Memoirs / Biographies (May Include Fictional & Pseudo-Memoirs)
1st Place
“Steel Soldier” James J. Messina, Charles Messina
“Unpacking the Attic” Ann Mracek
“Dear Orchid” Carol Van Den Hende
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
“Where the Mountains Whisper” Jenny Cafaro
“Behind the White Beard” Kay Brooks
“Little Boy, I Know Your Name” Mitchell Raff
Outstanding Creator Award for
Action / Adventure
1st Place
“The Warrior’s Shade” Ingrid Moon
“The Tempest’s Fury” Ingrid Moon
“Chasm of Night” Peter Eliott
2nd Place
“Kingdom of Fire” Melissa Widmaier
3rd Place
“Protectors of the Light Crown” Aspry Jones
“Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert” E.E. Glass
“Elements of Growth” Keynin Battle
Outstanding Creator Award for
Jewish Literature
1st Place
“Little Boy, I Know Your Name” Mitchell Raff
“An Epiphany in Lilacs” Iris Dorbian
Outstanding Creator Award for
Travel
1st Place
“Bridges of Words” Esperanza Pretila
“Stories from Ecuador” Tyrel Nelson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Multimedia
1st Place
“Little Monsters Read Along” Story Monsters LLC
Outstanding Creator Award for
Law & Justice / Crime Lit
1st Place
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” Michael Stockham
2nd Place
“Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” Carolyn Summer Quinn
“Hazardous Lies” Stephen Wallace
3rd Place
“Hands on Homicide” Sarah Hualde
Outstanding Creator Award for
LGBTQ+
1st Place
“Colors of You” Damien Benoit-Ledoux
Outstanding Creator Award for
Historical Fiction
1st Place
“Animal Attrition” David Bush
“Wetion” James Krause
“Charlotte’s Ghost” L.P. Simone
2nd Place
“An Epiphany in Lilacs” Iris Dorbian
“A Thorn in the Garden” E.C. Roderick
Outstanding Creator Award for
History (Non-Fiction)
1st Place
“Steel Soldier” James J. Messina, Charles Messina
“Kings of Stone” R Jay Driskell
Outstanding Creator Award for
Performing Arts / Dance / Music
1st Place
“Ballerina Garden” Once Upon a Dance
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” Sally Kashner
2nd Place
“Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” Steven Joseph
Outstanding Creator Award for
Holiday Books / Christmas Books
1st Place
“Behind the White Beard” Kay Brooks
“The Legend of Ranger” Maj. General Alan Salisbury
Outstanding Creator Award for
Thriller
1st Place
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” Michael Stockham
2nd Place
“Hazardous Lies” Stephen Wallace
3rd Place
“Scissor-Tail” Ethan Richards, Alec Byrne
Outstanding Creator Award for
Supernatural Books / Paranormal Books
1st Place
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
“Water Horse” Ashley Chapman
“Fearless Vampire” K.M. Taylor
“Charlotte’s Ghost” L.P. Simone
2nd Place
“Hands on Homicide” Sarah Hualde
Outstanding Creator Award for
Books About Disabilities
1st Place
“Dear Orchid” Carol Van Den Hende
“Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” Erika Lynn Adams
“Losing Austin” Michael J. Bowler
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” Victoria Smith
Outstanding Creator Award for
Short Stories / Anthologies / Collections
1st Place
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” Nicholas Seidler
Outstanding Creator Award for
Fantasy
1st Place
“Chasm of Night” Peter Eliott
2nd Place
“Water Horse” Ashley Chapman
“Fearless Vampire” K.M. Taylor
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“Animal Attrition” David Bush
“Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” Susan L. Krueger
3rd Place
“Dragon Twins” Chriss Bury
“Kingdom of Fire” Melissa Widmaier
“Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” Mookie Spitz
“Protectors of the Light Crown” Aspry Jones
“Blood Relations” Glenn Stevens
“Elements of Growth” Keynin Battle
Outstanding Creator Award for
Business
* Includes Entrepreneurship / Sales & Marketing / Management / Investing / Career / Finance
1st Place
“Author Launch Kit” Book Launchers, Shane Vigeant
2nd Place
“Alignment on the Rocks” Sean Albertson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Science-Fiction (Sci-Fi)
1st Place
“The Warrior’s Shade” Ingrid Moon
“The Tempest’s Fury” Ingrid Moon
“Reliquary of the Dead” David Falk
“The Cryonauts” A.C. Kabukuru
“Losing Austin” Michael J. Bowler
2nd Place
“Scissor-Tail” Ethan Richards, Alec Byrne
“Wetion” James Krause
3rd Place
“Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” Mookie Spitz
“The Book of Ava” Demeter Reminisci
“Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert” E.E. Glass
“Blood Relations” Glenn Stevens, Narrated by Danielle LaRauf
“Born in Space” Jeremy Clift
Outstanding Creator Award for
Romance
1st Place
“Wrecked by You” Kate Sweden
2nd Place
“Whispers of Yesterday” Auburn Hartley
“A Thorn in the Garden” E.C. Roderick
3rd Place
“Blood Relations” Glenn Stevens
“Villainessly Blonde” Sophia DeSensi
Outstanding Creator Award for
Technology / Emerging Technologies / Software
1st Place
“Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Special Education” Ange Anderson
“Author Launch Kit” Book Launchers, Shane Vigeant
Outstanding Creator Award for
Comedy / Humor / Satire
1st Place
“Sanity Test” K.E. Adamus
“Last Episode” K.E. Adamus
“Wrecked by You” Kate Sweden
2nd Place
“Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” Steven Joseph
“Villainessly Blonde” Sophia DeSensi
“Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” Mookie Spitz
3rd Place
“Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” G.S. Gerry
Outstanding Creator Award for
Middle Grade Books / Juvenile Books
1st Place
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“Charlotte’s Ghost” L.P. Simone
“Losing Austin” Michael J. Bowler
2nd Place
“Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” Susan L. Krueger
“Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” Elizabeth Macy
Outstanding Creator Award for
Veganism / Vegetarianism / Plant-Based Diets
1st Place
“The Vegan Transformation” Angela L. Crawford, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Self-Help / Personal Development / How-to Books
1st Place
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” by Dale L. Roberts
“Behind the Stars” Chad Gregory
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” Nicholas Seidler
2nd Place
“The Little Book of Nosy Questions About Adoption” Nathalie Iseli-Chan
“Down to Earth” Nil Demircubuk
“Alignment on the Rocks” Sean Albertson
3rd Place
“Communicate Like a Champion” Eli Champion
Outstanding Creator Award for
Educational & Reference Books
1st Place
“Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Special Education” Ange Anderson
“Kings of Stone” R Jay Driskell
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” Victoria Smith
“Little Monsters Read Along” Story Monsters LLC
“Behind the Stars” Chad Gregory
“Steel Soldier” James J. Messina, Charles Messina
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” Dale L. Roberts
“The Vegan Transformation” Angela L. Crawford, PhD
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” Nicholas Seidler
2nd Place
“Wetion” James Krause
“Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” Michael Dow
“The Little Book of Nosy Questions About Adoption” Nathalie Iseli-Chan
3rd Place
“Communicate Like a Champion” Eli Champion
“A Graver Danger: White Chalk Crime” Karen Horwitz, M.Ed.
Outstanding Creator Award for
Christian Literature / Christian Fiction / Christian Non-Fiction
1st Place
“Seeking the Lost Sheep” Daniel Cramton
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
Outstanding Creator Award for
Family / Siblings / Parents
1st Place
“Unpacking the Attic” Ann Mracek
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“Where the Mountains Whisper” Jenny Cafaro
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
“Losing Austin” Michael J. Bowler
“14 Hours of Saturn” Mike J. Kizman
2nd Place
“The Little Book of Nosy Questions About Adoption” Nathalie Iseli-Chan
“Oh, Little One, Who Will You Be?” Sharon Varney, Anthony Richichi
“Luke’s Sailing Adventure” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Psychological Fiction
1st Place
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“Sanity Test” K.E. Adamus
“Last Episode” K.E. Adamus
Outstanding Creator Award for
Horror
1st Place
“The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” Ashlyn Jacobs
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
Outstanding Creator Award for
Literary & Contemporary Fiction
1st Place
“Where the Mountains Whisper” Jenny Cafaro
“14 Hours of Saturn” Mike J. Kizman
2nd Place
“The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach” Alden Windrow
3rd Place
“Why Is My Bra Still On?” Kristen Wasyliszyn
Outstanding Creator Award for
Multicultural / Multilingual / Bilingual Literature
1st Place
“Bridges of Words” Esperanza Pretila
“Little Boy, I Know Your Name” Mitchell Raff
“Stories from Ecuador” Tyrel Nelson
2nd Place
“The Old Rose Villa” Tuula Pere, PhD
3rd Place
“An Epiphany in Lilacs” Iris Dorbian
Outstanding Creator Award for
Children's Motivational & Inspirational Books & Multimedia
1st Place
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” Victoria Smith
“The Legend of Ranger” Maj. General Alan Salisbury
“Welcome, Baby Wigglet” Amber Berkowitz
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“Little Monsters Read Along” Story Monsters LLC
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” Sally Kashner
"Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
“Oh, Little One, Who Will You Be?” Sharon Varney, Anthony Richichi
“Carried by Wings” Tuula Pere, PhD
2nd Place
“Luke’s Sailing Adventure” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Motivational / Inspirational Books
1st Place
“Dear Orchid” Carol Van Den Hende
“Unpacking the Attic” Ann Mracek
“Ballerina Garden” Once Upon a Dance
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
“Finding Real Yoga” Daren Black
“Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” Erika Lynn Adams
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“Behind the White Beard” Kay Brooks
2nd Place
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” Nicholas Seidler
3rd Place
“An Epiphany in Lilacs” Iris Dorbian
“Down to Earth” Nil Demircubuk
“Stories from Ecuador” Tyrel Nelson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Teen & Young-Adult (YA) Fiction
1st Place
“14 Hours of Saturn” Mike J. Kizman
2nd Place
“Dragon Twins” Chriss Bury
3rd Place
“Elements of Growth” Keynin Battle
Outstanding Creator Award for
Activism / Social Commentary / Political Commentary
1st Place
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
2nd Place
“A Graver Danger: White Chalk Crime” Karen Horwitz, M.Ed.
Outstanding Creator Award for
Health
1st Place
“The Vegan Transformation” Angela L. Crawford, PhD
2nd Place
“Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” Michael Dow
Outstanding Creator Award for
Mystery
1st Place
“Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” Carolyn Summer Quinn
“Hazardous Lies” Stephen Wallace
“The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” Linda Harkey
2nd Place
“Hands on Homicide” Sarah Hualde
Outstanding Creator Award for
Poetry
1st Place
“Bridges of Words” Esperanza Pretila
2nd Place
"Exploring Beauty with Photographer Samantha Moller Lopez, Volume 1" Samantha Moller Lopez, Dow Creative Enterprises with Poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Animal Literature
1st Place
“The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” Linda Harkey
“Animal Attrition” David Bush
“Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” Elizabeth Macy
“Carried by Wings” Tuula Pere, PhD
“Welcome, Baby Wigglet” Amber Berkowitz
Outstanding Creator Award for
Myths & Legends / Fairy Tales / Mythical Creatures / Cryptids
1st Place
“Fearless Vampire” K.M. Taylor
“Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” Susan L. Krueger
“Water Horse” Ashley Chapman
“Passages of Peculiarity” Mark K. McClain
2nd Place
“Dragon Twins” Chriss Bury
3rd Place
“Elements of Growth” Keynin Battle
Outstanding Creator Award for
Spirituality
1st Place
“Drums of a Distant Tribe” D.H. Hutton
2nd Place
“Down to Earth” Nil Demircubuk
3rd Place
“Alignment on the Rocks” Sean Albertson
Outstanding Creator Award for
Military Literature
1st Place
“Steel Soldier” James J. Messina, Charles Messina
“Johnny Vet” Maj. General Alan Salisbury
“Dear Orchid” Carol Van Den Hende
Outstanding Creator Award for
Meditation / Mindfulness / Yoga
1st Place
“Finding Real Yoga” Daren Black
2nd Place
“Alignment on the Rocks” Sean Albertson
3rd Place
“Down to Earth” Nil Demircubuk
Outstanding Creator Award for
Film / Filmmaking / Acting
1st Place
“Behind the Stars” Chad Gregory
Outstanding Creator Award for
Photography
1st Place
“Bridges of Words” Esperanza Pretila
"Exploring Beauty with Photographer Samantha Moller Lopez, Volume 1" Samantha Moller Lopez, Dow Creative Enterprises with Poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Stories from Ecuador” Tyrel Nelson
Outstanding Creator Award for
TV & Film Scripts
Honorable Mention
“Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” G.S. Gerry
Outstanding Creator Award for
Writing / Publishing
1st Place
“Author Launch Kit” Book Launchers, Shane Vigeant
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” Dale L. Roberts
SPECIAL AWARDS
* These are fun, less formal awards intended to recognize the unique accomplishments of each work. They are still recognized as Outstanding Creator Awards.
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Writing (Fiction)”
Winner:
“Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro
Honorable Mention:
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Writing (Non-Fiction)”
Winner:
“Steel Soldier” by James J. Messina, Charles Messina
Honorable Mentions:
“The Vegan Transformation” by Angela L. Crawford, PhD
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” by Dale L. Roberts
“Finding Real Yoga” by Daren Black
“Bridges of Words” by Esperanza Pretila
“The Ominous Struggle” by George Beasley
“Behind the Stars” by Chad Gregory
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Research”
Winners:
“Kings of Stone” by R Jay Driskell
“Steel Soldier” by James J. Messina, Charles Messina
Honorable Mentions:
“Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Special Education” by Ange Anderson
“The Vegan Transformation” by Angela L. Crawford, PhD
“Behind the Stars” by Chad Gregory
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” by Dale L. Roberts
“Animal Attrition” by David Bush
“Wetion” by James Krause
“Hazardous Lies” by Stephen Wallace
“Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” by Michael Dow
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” by Nicholas Seidler
“Stories from Ecuador” by Tyrel Nelson
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best World-Building”
Winners:
“The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon
“The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Honorable Mentions:
“Reliquary of the Dead” by David Falk
“Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert” by E.E. Glass
“Wetion” by James Krause
“Born in Space” by Jeremy Clift
“Elements of Growth” by Keynin Battle
“Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Cover”
Winners:
“Seeking the Lost Sheep” by Daniel Cramton
Honorable Mentions:
“Protectors of the Light Crown” by Aspry Jones
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” by Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
“Hands on Homicide” by Sarah Hualde
“Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert” by E.E. Glass
“Welcome, Baby Wigglet” by Amber Berkowitz
“The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Character”
Winners:
Saturn O Syres from “14 Hours of Saturn” by Mike J. Kizman
Jake Fox from “Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham;
Honorable mention: Beth Dubose
Allie from “Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” by Erika Lynn Adams
Honorable mention: Charlie
Dale Ballew as Santa from “Behind the White Beard” by Kay Brooks
Honorable Mention:
George, Dr. Gwen Quinn from “The Cryonauts” by A.C. Kabakuru
Johnny Vet, Jane Vet from “Johnny Vet” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury
Ranger the Reindeer from “The Legend of Ranger” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury
Zander Wolbach from “The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach” by Alden Windrow
Gigglet from “Welcome, Baby Wigglet” by Amber Berkowitz
Vivienne, Riley Lochin, Cro from “Water Horse” by Ashley Chapman
Dreamwalker from “The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” by Ashlyn Jacobs
Dexter Park from “Protectors of the Light Crown” by Aspry Jones
Rainer, Sarah from “Whispers of Yesterday” by Auburn Hartley
Detective Knox Wanamaker from “Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Ambrose from “Dragon Twins” by Chriss Bury
Ethan St. Hilare, Sam Sanders from “Colors of You” by Damien Benoit-Ledoux
Shepherd, Sheep from “Seeking the Lost Sheep” by Daniel Cramton
Lars from “Animal Attrition” by David Bush
Dr. Pierre Gulet from “Reliquary of the Dead” by David Falk
Ava, Barsik from “The Book of Ava” by Demeter Reminisci
Sylvina/Sylvie, Leif from “A Thorn in the Garden” by E.C. Roderick
Loste, Nadhez, Mara from “Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert” by E.E. Glass
Lucky Charms/Bailey, Mom from “Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” by Elizabeth Macy
Myra Morgans, Axel Arcard from “Scissor-Tail” by Ethan Richards, Alec Byrne
Viktor Sniperbone from “Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” by G.S. Gerry
Eros from “Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens
Turner Boon, Elyon from “The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon
Turner Boon, Elyon from “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Daniel from “An Epiphany in Lilacs” by Iris Dorbian
Addy, Evelyn, and Ancestors with Similar-Sounding Names from “Wetion” by James Krause
Jamie from “Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” by Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
Flora Richardson, Vera, Daddy from “Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro
Teagan Ward, Hunter Ward, Clara Ward, Neveah from “Born in Space” by Jeremy Clift
Hubert Kawka, Dr. Włodzimierz Pawski from “Sanity Test” by K.E. Adamus
Ilona, Mark from “Last Episode” by K.E. Adamus
Rayann Wilder, Max Harrington from “Wrecked by You” by Kate Sweden
Keith Cottam from “Elements of Growth” by Keynin Battle
Spencer Vale from “Fearless Vampire” by K.M. Taylor
Opal, Ruby, Urse, Luna from “Why Is My Bra Still On?” by Kristen Wasyliszyn
Nini, Lobo from “The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” by Linda Harkey
Charlotte “C.C.” Cross, Jeremy Turner from “Charlotte’s Ghost” by L.P. Simone
Charlie, Sarah, Elle, Marv, Aaron, Lily, Destiny from “Passages of Peculiarity” by Mark K. McClain
Marl, Nal Sinbel from “Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Nurse Florence, Jean, Condi, Sonia from “Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” by Michael Dow
Colton Bowman, Austin from “Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler
Bentley, Betty from "Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" by Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
Mitchell Raff, Malka/Regina from “Little Boy, I Know Your Name” by Mitchell Raff
Jonnie Fazoolie, Perry Pitz, Alice from “Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” by Mookie Spitz
Vazeer the Lash from “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott
King Telepinu, King Mursili II from “Kings of Stone” by R Jay Driskell
Cora from “Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
Corky Hobbs, Emma Woods from “Hands on Homicide” by Sarah Hualde
Charlotte “Charlie” Green, Will, Dottie Wilson from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Jon Barret, Charlie Branch from “Hazardous Lies” by Stephen Wallace
Horiffa, Dragunda from “Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” by Susan L. Krueger
Emma, Luke from “Luke’s Sailing Adventure” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Walter the Condor from “Carried by Wings” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Mihir from “The Old Rose Villa” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Liliana, Bella from “Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” by Victoria Smith
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Supporting Character”
Winners:
* Kiana from “Born in Space” by Jeremy Clift;
Honorable mentions: Guy Zephron, Julian
* Mr. Quan from “Dragon Twins” by Chriss Bury;
Honorable mentions: Simon, Sophie, Afiria
* Flerra Tellian from “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott;
Honorable mentions: Terza Falconbow, Count Halsin Tygean, Lethro,
Shade of Night, Selene, Cad, Benni Bone, Heshna the Seer,
Coljin Helmgrindr, Countess Shaeyin Odel
Honorable Mentions:
Priya, Kayla from “The Cryonauts” by A.C. Kabakuru
Norgrum, Carlanna, Zarvett, Rudolph, Mrs. Claus from “The Legend of Ranger” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury
Wigglet, Mama Pig, Papa Pig from “Welcome, Baby Wigglet” by Amber Berkowitz
Eelus from “Water Horse” by Ashley Chapman
Camilla, Chase, Dashawn, Ellie, Tina, Lorna from “The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” by Ashlyn Jacobs
Roguesheart, Tickle, Mr. Nice Guy from “Protectors of the Light Crown” by Aspry Jones
Angelina from “Whispers of Yesterday” by Auburn Hartley
Cody, Jasper, Marigold Rivas from “Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Tina, Sam’s Dad, Sister Cornelius, Mr. Hund, Brother Mathias, Calico from “Colors of You” by Damien Benoit-Ledoux
Odin-One-Eye from “Animal Attrition” by David Bush
Alicia Stripes from “Reliquary of the Dead” by David Falk
Mercy, Jerome from “A Thorn in the Garden” by E.C. Roderick
Miss Peaches, Maple, Olivia from “Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” by Elizabeth Macy
Mandi Hindleg, Commodore, Birtha from “Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” by G.S. Gerry
Camilia, Nicoletta, Prince Albert, the King, Linda, Christine, Laurie, Jessica from “Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens
Reia, Greming from “The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon, Narrated by Scott Allen
Admiral Weden from “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Tomas Silka from “An Epiphany in Lilacs” by Iris Dorbian
Nephritite, King John, Simon Peter, Charlemagne, William Wallace from “Wetion” by James Krause
Jordan from “Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
Lewis, Scott from “Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro
Ilona’s Mom from “Last Episode” by K.E. Adamus
Catherine Rodate, Luna Infernus, Violet Everglen, Princess Gemztarzah Sunstrider, Olivia Cottam from “Elements of Growth” by Keynin Battle
Karl, Clannon Colfeld, Romanyn “Rayn” Pierson, Aurel from “Fearless Vampire” by K.M. Taylor
Arthur, Tess, Shawn from “Why Is My Bra Still On?” by Kristen Wasyliszyn
Speedy from “The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” by Linda Harkey
Simara, Nerwi, Aia, Fyn, Sinnie, Nojhi from “Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Keilani, Emily, Casey from “Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler
Lucy, Rose Tucker, Judge Harlan Dubose, Sheriff Stone from “Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
Michael Syres, Venus Syres, Teddy, Rebecca, Jenni from “14 Hours of Saturn” by Mike J. Kizman
Mr. Bee, Lenny Lizard, Eloise Elephant, Grady Gorilla, DeeDee Dolphin, Hippopotomonsterous from "Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" by Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
Betty, Issa, Sally, Yosef from “Little Boy, I Know Your Name” by Mitchell Raff
Dr. Amaranthe “Casey” Floyd, Creo Bonsai from “Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” by Mookie Spitz
Grandma from “Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
Stella, Steve, Brett, Henry from “Hands on Homicide” by Sarah Hualde
Dude Dixon, Margery, Conrad, Poison Menace, Steelita, Will’s Nitro Force Team, Rosie, Bee from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
James, Tammy, Craig, the Janitor from “Hazardous Lies” by Stephen Wallace
Swifty Swoodle from “Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” by Steven Joseph
Eggston, the Prince from “Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” by Susan L. Krueger
Mama Condor, Papa Condor, Arthur from “Carried by Wings” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Mihir’s Dad & Mom, Satvant, Satuya, Barak from “The Old Rose Villa” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Villain”
Winners:
Mrs. Heartred from “Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” by Erika Lynn Adams
Ulan Gueritus “The Raving Blade” from “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott;
Honorable mentions: Dubin the Dicer, Shade of Night, Countess Odel
Honorable Mentions
Cole from “The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach” by Alden Windrow
Cro, Droch from “Water Horse” by Ashley Chapman
Dreamwalker from “The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” by Ashlyn Jacobs
Greith of Frays/The Venomous Wretch, General Bastard from “Protectors of the Light Crown” by Aspry Jones
Petra Turkett, Davey from “Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Tommy, Morfran, Malachi from “Dragon Twins” by Chriss Bury
Terry Brandt from “Reliquary of the Dead” by David Falk
Lord Brimfield from “A Thorn in the Garden” by E.C. Roderick
Pump-Jack, La Mosca from “Scissor-Tail” by Ethan Richards, Alec Byrne
The Hindlegs Family (arguably) from “Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” by G.S. Gerry
Linda (arguably) from “Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens
Chelani from “The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon
Chelani from “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Daddy (at times) from “Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro
Cesar from “Born in Space” by Jeremy Clift
Hubert Kawka, Hubert’s Mental Illness, Dr. Włodzimierz Pawski, Dr. Włodzimierz Pawski’s Unprofessional Yet Understandable Antagonism from “Sanity Test” by K.E. Adamus
Mark (arguably), Ilona’s Depression/TV Addiction/Eating Disorder, the 42-inch TV from “Last Episode” by K.E. Adamus
Lord Valac, Korshka, Balam, Abchanchu, Evilyn from “Elements of Growth” by Keynin Battle
Cancer, Poor Choices, Secrets, Trauma, Addictions from “Why Is My Bra Still On?” by Kristen Wasyliszyn
Speedy (arguably) from “The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” by Linda Harkey
Seth, Anubis, Reinhold from “Passages of Peculiarity” by Mark K. McClain
Rej Corraidhin from “Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Zach, Lilith, Krista Robb from “Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
The Mayor, Trey Parker, Venus (arguably) from “14 Hours of Saturn” by Mike J. Kizman
Mother, Lee from “Little Boy, I Know Your Name” by Mitchell Raff
Davis Pile, Brandon Daze, Melinda Carlie from “Hands on Homicide” by Sarah Hualde
Dottie Wilson, Miller-Wilson Technologies from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Mr. Alister Cain Quinn, Chemtifuge from “Hazardous Lies” by Stephen Wallace
Grandle Doodle, Evil Kidoodle from “Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” by Steven Joseph
Human Beauty Standards from “Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” by Susan L. Krueger
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Hottest Character” / “Most Beautiful Character” / “Most Handsome Character”
Winners:
Vivienne from “Water Horse” by Ashley Chapman
Will from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Honorable Mentions:
Marigold from “Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Ava from “The Book of Ava” by Demeter Reminisci
Leif from “A Thorn in the Garden” by E.C. Roderick
Eros, Christine from “Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens
Rayn from “Fearless Vampire” by K.M. Taylor
Shade of Night, Flerra Tellian, Terza Falconbow from “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Cutest Character”
Winners:
Gigglet from “Welcome, Baby Wigglet” by Amber Berkowitz
Bella from “Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” by Victoria Smith
Honorable Mentions:
Ranger the Reindeer from “The Legend of Ranger” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury
Pucas (esp. Autumn the Rabbit Puca) from “Water Horse” by Ashley Chapman
Simon from “Dragon Twins” by Chriss Bury
Maat from “Reliquary of the Dead” by David Falk
Lucky Charms/Bailey from “Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” by Elizabeth Macy
Carol from “Why Is My Bra Still On?” by Kristen Wasyliszyn
Nini, Lobo, Speedy from “The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” by Linda Harkey
Blue & Beau from “Charlotte’s Ghost” by L.P. Simone
Mosquito from “Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” by Michael Dow
Eloise Elephant, Bentley from "Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" by Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
Blue Bird, Tabby Cat, Squirrel, Cora from “Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
Kitsie, Clyde the Bunny from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Schnoodle the Poodle, Doodle the Poodle from “Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” by Steven Joseph
Walter from “Carried by Wings” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Dynamic Duo”
Winner:
Rayann & Max from “Wrecked by You” by Kate Sweden
Honorable Mentions:
Allie & Charlie from “Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” by Erika Lynn Adams
Lars & Odin-One-Eye from “Animal Attrition” by David Bush
Jamie & Jordan from “Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” by Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
Spencer & Karl from “Fearless Vampire” by K.M. Taylor
Colton & Casey from “Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler
Horrifa & Dragunda from “Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” by Susan L. Krueger
Turner Boone & Elyon from “The Warrior’s Shade” & “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Emma & Luke from “Luke’s Sailing Adventure” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Couple”
Winners:
Rayann & Max from “Wrecked by You” by Kate Sweden
Turner Boone & Elyon from “Warrior’s Shade” & “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Honorable Mentions:
Rainer & Sarah, Rainer & Angelika from “Whispers of Yesterday” by Auburn Hartley
Knox & Marigold from “Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Sylvie & Leif from “A Thorn in the Garden” by E.C. Roderick
Viktor & Mandi from “Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” by G.S. Gerry
Flora & Scott from “Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro
Hunter & Kiana from “Born in Space” by Jeremy Clift
Marl & Simara from “Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Casey & Keilani, Colton & Emily from “Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler
Ethan & Sam from “Colors of You” by Damien Benoit-Ledoux
Eros & Camilia from “Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens
Charlie & Will from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Coolest Character”
Winners:
Elyon from “The Warrior’s Shade” & “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Vazeer the Lash from “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott
Honorable Mentions:
Max Harrington from “Wrecked by You” by Kate Sweden
Nerwi from “Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Nurse Florence from “Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” by Michael Dow
Colton from “Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler
Alice from “Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” by Mookie Spitz
Will from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Swifty Swoodle from “Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” by Steven Joseph
Emma from “Luke’s Sailing Adventure” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Moment” (WARNING: May contain spoilers)
Winner:
* Vazeer’s final showdown with the Raving Blade with an unlikely assist in “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott
Honorable Mentions:
* Rainer remembers Angelika from “Whispers of Yesterday” by Auburn Hartley
* The US soldiers provide a respectful burial for the murdered nun in “Steel Soldier” by James J. Messina, Charles Messina
* Dale Ballew, as Santa, secures a $485 train set for an autistic child by just writing a spirited, heartfelt letter to a toy maker. He also visits Olivia, one of the first five people to receive open-heart surgery (from “Behind the White Beard” by Kay Brooks).
* Jake Fox’s final interaction with Lucy from “Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Illustrated”
Winner:
"Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" by Miki Taylor, Illustrated by Eunhye Shin
Honorable Mentions:
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
“Johnny Vet” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury, Illustrated by Carla Millar
“Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” by Steven Joseph
“The Legend of Ranger” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury, Illustrated by Roberta Baird
“Seeking the Lost Sheep” by Daniel Cramton, Illustrated by Onofrio Orlando & Mariya Stoyanova
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” by Sharon Wozny, Illustrated by Melissa Bailey
“The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick
“Oh, Little One, Who Will You Be?” by Sharon Varney, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
“Carried by Wings” by Tuula Pere, PhD, Illustrated by Catty Flores
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” by Victoria Smith, Illustrated by Sergii Zavadskyi
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Narrated”
Winners:
“The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon, Narrated by Scott Allen
Honorable Mention:
“Charlotte’s Ghost” by L.P. Simone, Narrated by Alec Simone and Amelia Meyer
“Behind the Stars” by Chad Gregory, Narrated by Chuck Galco
“Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens, Narrated by Danielle LaRauf
“Wetion” by James Krause, Narration & Music by James Krause
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Quote” / “Best Passage”
Winner:
From “Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro:
“Some ghosts don’t haunt houses.
They live in people.
In silence.”
Honorable Mentions:
* From “Behind the Stars” by Chad Gregory:
"A carpenter doesn’t sand a table’s underside for praise; they do it because the work demands it. Similarly, a stand-in’s pride isn’t about recognition—it’s about integrity. They’re not there to steal the show but to ensure the show succeeds.”
* From “Drums of a Distant Tribe” by D.H. Hutton:
"When castles are built, they are built one brick at a time."
* From “Finding Real Yoga” by Daren Black:
“The seeds of karma are roasted in the fires of knowledge.” / "Real freedom is a lack of inner triggers or buttons." / "Discipline protects freedom. Freedom without discipline is like a country without a defense."
* From “The Ominous Struggle” by George Beasley:
"The truth is, that evil serves a purpose, even when we don’t fully understand it. It challenges us, tests us, and ultimately leads us back to God. Whether through personal experiences, like the abuse I endured, or larger cosmic battles like the crucifixion of Christ, evil is part of the human experience. But it is not without hope. For in every struggle, there is the possibility of redemption, healing, and growth… As we examine the role of evil in our lives, I encourage you to reflect on your own encounters with darkness. How have they shaped you? And how might you, too, find grace in the midst of the struggle?"
* From “Wetion” by James Krause:
“Unity is only as good as there's bread to feed us.”
* From “Little Boy, I Know Your Name” Mitchell Raff:
"...our little clown car of dysfunction continued to wobble down the road."
* From “Ballerina Garden” by Once Upon a Dance:
“Blossoms and dance are fleeting, but both leave lasting impressions.” / “Ballet dancers and flowers both communicate without words.” / “Every dance journey and every garden begins with a tiny seed: an idea, a dream, or a possibility.”
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Writing (Fiction)”
Winner:
“Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro
Honorable Mention:
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Writing (Non-Fiction)”
Winner:
“Steel Soldier” by James J. Messina, Charles Messina
Honorable Mentions:
“The Vegan Transformation” by Angela L. Crawford, PhD
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” by Dale L. Roberts
“Finding Real Yoga” by Daren Black
“Bridges of Words” by Esperanza Pretila
“The Ominous Struggle” by George Beasley
“Behind the Stars” by Chad Gregory
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Research”
Winners:
“Kings of Stone” by R Jay Driskell
“Steel Soldier” by James J. Messina, Charles Messina
Honorable Mentions:
“Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Special Education” by Ange Anderson
“The Vegan Transformation” by Angela L. Crawford, PhD
“Behind the Stars” by Chad Gregory
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” by Dale L. Roberts
“Animal Attrition” by David Bush
“Wetion” by James Krause
“Hazardous Lies” by Stephen Wallace
“Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” by Michael Dow
“How to Celebrate Your Fandom” by Nicholas Seidler
“Stories from Ecuador” by Tyrel Nelson
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best World-Building”
Winners:
“The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon
“The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Honorable Mentions:
“Reliquary of the Dead” by David Falk
“Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert” by E.E. Glass
“Wetion” by James Krause
“Born in Space” by Jeremy Clift
“Elements of Growth” by Keynin Battle
“Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Cover”
Winners:
“Seeking the Lost Sheep” by Daniel Cramton
Honorable Mentions:
“Protectors of the Light Crown” by Aspry Jones
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” by Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
“Hands on Homicide” by Sarah Hualde
“Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert” by E.E. Glass
“Welcome, Baby Wigglet” by Amber Berkowitz
“The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Character”
Winners:
Saturn O Syres from “14 Hours of Saturn” by Mike J. Kizman
Jake Fox from “Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham;
Honorable mention: Beth Dubose
Allie from “Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” by Erika Lynn Adams
Honorable mention: Charlie
Dale Ballew as Santa from “Behind the White Beard” by Kay Brooks
Honorable Mention:
George, Dr. Gwen Quinn from “The Cryonauts” by A.C. Kabakuru
Johnny Vet, Jane Vet from “Johnny Vet” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury
Ranger the Reindeer from “The Legend of Ranger” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury
Zander Wolbach from “The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach” by Alden Windrow
Gigglet from “Welcome, Baby Wigglet” by Amber Berkowitz
Vivienne, Riley Lochin, Cro from “Water Horse” by Ashley Chapman
Dreamwalker from “The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” by Ashlyn Jacobs
Dexter Park from “Protectors of the Light Crown” by Aspry Jones
Rainer, Sarah from “Whispers of Yesterday” by Auburn Hartley
Detective Knox Wanamaker from “Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Ambrose from “Dragon Twins” by Chriss Bury
Ethan St. Hilare, Sam Sanders from “Colors of You” by Damien Benoit-Ledoux
Shepherd, Sheep from “Seeking the Lost Sheep” by Daniel Cramton
Lars from “Animal Attrition” by David Bush
Dr. Pierre Gulet from “Reliquary of the Dead” by David Falk
Ava, Barsik from “The Book of Ava” by Demeter Reminisci
Sylvina/Sylvie, Leif from “A Thorn in the Garden” by E.C. Roderick
Loste, Nadhez, Mara from “Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert” by E.E. Glass
Lucky Charms/Bailey, Mom from “Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” by Elizabeth Macy
Myra Morgans, Axel Arcard from “Scissor-Tail” by Ethan Richards, Alec Byrne
Viktor Sniperbone from “Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” by G.S. Gerry
Eros from “Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens
Turner Boon, Elyon from “The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon
Turner Boon, Elyon from “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Daniel from “An Epiphany in Lilacs” by Iris Dorbian
Addy, Evelyn, and Ancestors with Similar-Sounding Names from “Wetion” by James Krause
Jamie from “Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” by Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
Flora Richardson, Vera, Daddy from “Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro
Teagan Ward, Hunter Ward, Clara Ward, Neveah from “Born in Space” by Jeremy Clift
Hubert Kawka, Dr. Włodzimierz Pawski from “Sanity Test” by K.E. Adamus
Ilona, Mark from “Last Episode” by K.E. Adamus
Rayann Wilder, Max Harrington from “Wrecked by You” by Kate Sweden
Keith Cottam from “Elements of Growth” by Keynin Battle
Spencer Vale from “Fearless Vampire” by K.M. Taylor
Opal, Ruby, Urse, Luna from “Why Is My Bra Still On?” by Kristen Wasyliszyn
Nini, Lobo from “The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” by Linda Harkey
Charlotte “C.C.” Cross, Jeremy Turner from “Charlotte’s Ghost” by L.P. Simone
Charlie, Sarah, Elle, Marv, Aaron, Lily, Destiny from “Passages of Peculiarity” by Mark K. McClain
Marl, Nal Sinbel from “Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Nurse Florence, Jean, Condi, Sonia from “Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” by Michael Dow
Colton Bowman, Austin from “Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler
Bentley, Betty from "Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" by Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
Mitchell Raff, Malka/Regina from “Little Boy, I Know Your Name” by Mitchell Raff
Jonnie Fazoolie, Perry Pitz, Alice from “Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” by Mookie Spitz
Vazeer the Lash from “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott
King Telepinu, King Mursili II from “Kings of Stone” by R Jay Driskell
Cora from “Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
Corky Hobbs, Emma Woods from “Hands on Homicide” by Sarah Hualde
Charlotte “Charlie” Green, Will, Dottie Wilson from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Jon Barret, Charlie Branch from “Hazardous Lies” by Stephen Wallace
Horiffa, Dragunda from “Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” by Susan L. Krueger
Emma, Luke from “Luke’s Sailing Adventure” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Walter the Condor from “Carried by Wings” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Mihir from “The Old Rose Villa” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Liliana, Bella from “Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” by Victoria Smith
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Supporting Character”
Winners:
* Kiana from “Born in Space” by Jeremy Clift;
Honorable mentions: Guy Zephron, Julian
* Mr. Quan from “Dragon Twins” by Chriss Bury;
Honorable mentions: Simon, Sophie, Afiria
* Flerra Tellian from “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott;
Honorable mentions: Terza Falconbow, Count Halsin Tygean, Lethro,
Shade of Night, Selene, Cad, Benni Bone, Heshna the Seer,
Coljin Helmgrindr, Countess Shaeyin Odel
Honorable Mentions:
Priya, Kayla from “The Cryonauts” by A.C. Kabakuru
Norgrum, Carlanna, Zarvett, Rudolph, Mrs. Claus from “The Legend of Ranger” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury
Wigglet, Mama Pig, Papa Pig from “Welcome, Baby Wigglet” by Amber Berkowitz
Eelus from “Water Horse” by Ashley Chapman
Camilla, Chase, Dashawn, Ellie, Tina, Lorna from “The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” by Ashlyn Jacobs
Roguesheart, Tickle, Mr. Nice Guy from “Protectors of the Light Crown” by Aspry Jones
Angelina from “Whispers of Yesterday” by Auburn Hartley
Cody, Jasper, Marigold Rivas from “Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Tina, Sam’s Dad, Sister Cornelius, Mr. Hund, Brother Mathias, Calico from “Colors of You” by Damien Benoit-Ledoux
Odin-One-Eye from “Animal Attrition” by David Bush
Alicia Stripes from “Reliquary of the Dead” by David Falk
Mercy, Jerome from “A Thorn in the Garden” by E.C. Roderick
Miss Peaches, Maple, Olivia from “Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” by Elizabeth Macy
Mandi Hindleg, Commodore, Birtha from “Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” by G.S. Gerry
Camilia, Nicoletta, Prince Albert, the King, Linda, Christine, Laurie, Jessica from “Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens
Reia, Greming from “The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon, Narrated by Scott Allen
Admiral Weden from “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Tomas Silka from “An Epiphany in Lilacs” by Iris Dorbian
Nephritite, King John, Simon Peter, Charlemagne, William Wallace from “Wetion” by James Krause
Jordan from “Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
Lewis, Scott from “Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro
Ilona’s Mom from “Last Episode” by K.E. Adamus
Catherine Rodate, Luna Infernus, Violet Everglen, Princess Gemztarzah Sunstrider, Olivia Cottam from “Elements of Growth” by Keynin Battle
Karl, Clannon Colfeld, Romanyn “Rayn” Pierson, Aurel from “Fearless Vampire” by K.M. Taylor
Arthur, Tess, Shawn from “Why Is My Bra Still On?” by Kristen Wasyliszyn
Speedy from “The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” by Linda Harkey
Simara, Nerwi, Aia, Fyn, Sinnie, Nojhi from “Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Keilani, Emily, Casey from “Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler
Lucy, Rose Tucker, Judge Harlan Dubose, Sheriff Stone from “Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
Michael Syres, Venus Syres, Teddy, Rebecca, Jenni from “14 Hours of Saturn” by Mike J. Kizman
Mr. Bee, Lenny Lizard, Eloise Elephant, Grady Gorilla, DeeDee Dolphin, Hippopotomonsterous from "Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" by Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
Betty, Issa, Sally, Yosef from “Little Boy, I Know Your Name” by Mitchell Raff
Dr. Amaranthe “Casey” Floyd, Creo Bonsai from “Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” by Mookie Spitz
Grandma from “Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
Stella, Steve, Brett, Henry from “Hands on Homicide” by Sarah Hualde
Dude Dixon, Margery, Conrad, Poison Menace, Steelita, Will’s Nitro Force Team, Rosie, Bee from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
James, Tammy, Craig, the Janitor from “Hazardous Lies” by Stephen Wallace
Swifty Swoodle from “Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” by Steven Joseph
Eggston, the Prince from “Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” by Susan L. Krueger
Mama Condor, Papa Condor, Arthur from “Carried by Wings” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Mihir’s Dad & Mom, Satvant, Satuya, Barak from “The Old Rose Villa” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Villain”
Winners:
Mrs. Heartred from “Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” by Erika Lynn Adams
Ulan Gueritus “The Raving Blade” from “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott;
Honorable mentions: Dubin the Dicer, Shade of Night, Countess Odel
Honorable Mentions
Cole from “The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach” by Alden Windrow
Cro, Droch from “Water Horse” by Ashley Chapman
Dreamwalker from “The Real Dreamwalker: El Nino” by Ashlyn Jacobs
Greith of Frays/The Venomous Wretch, General Bastard from “Protectors of the Light Crown” by Aspry Jones
Petra Turkett, Davey from “Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Tommy, Morfran, Malachi from “Dragon Twins” by Chriss Bury
Terry Brandt from “Reliquary of the Dead” by David Falk
Lord Brimfield from “A Thorn in the Garden” by E.C. Roderick
Pump-Jack, La Mosca from “Scissor-Tail” by Ethan Richards, Alec Byrne
The Hindlegs Family (arguably) from “Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” by G.S. Gerry
Linda (arguably) from “Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens
Chelani from “The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon
Chelani from “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Daddy (at times) from “Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro
Cesar from “Born in Space” by Jeremy Clift
Hubert Kawka, Hubert’s Mental Illness, Dr. Włodzimierz Pawski, Dr. Włodzimierz Pawski’s Unprofessional Yet Understandable Antagonism from “Sanity Test” by K.E. Adamus
Mark (arguably), Ilona’s Depression/TV Addiction/Eating Disorder, the 42-inch TV from “Last Episode” by K.E. Adamus
Lord Valac, Korshka, Balam, Abchanchu, Evilyn from “Elements of Growth” by Keynin Battle
Cancer, Poor Choices, Secrets, Trauma, Addictions from “Why Is My Bra Still On?” by Kristen Wasyliszyn
Speedy (arguably) from “The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” by Linda Harkey
Seth, Anubis, Reinhold from “Passages of Peculiarity” by Mark K. McClain
Rej Corraidhin from “Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Zach, Lilith, Krista Robb from “Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
The Mayor, Trey Parker, Venus (arguably) from “14 Hours of Saturn” by Mike J. Kizman
Mother, Lee from “Little Boy, I Know Your Name” by Mitchell Raff
Davis Pile, Brandon Daze, Melinda Carlie from “Hands on Homicide” by Sarah Hualde
Dottie Wilson, Miller-Wilson Technologies from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Mr. Alister Cain Quinn, Chemtifuge from “Hazardous Lies” by Stephen Wallace
Grandle Doodle, Evil Kidoodle from “Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” by Steven Joseph
Human Beauty Standards from “Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” by Susan L. Krueger
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Hottest Character” / “Most Beautiful Character” / “Most Handsome Character”
Winners:
Vivienne from “Water Horse” by Ashley Chapman
Will from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Honorable Mentions:
Marigold from “Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Ava from “The Book of Ava” by Demeter Reminisci
Leif from “A Thorn in the Garden” by E.C. Roderick
Eros, Christine from “Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens
Rayn from “Fearless Vampire” by K.M. Taylor
Shade of Night, Flerra Tellian, Terza Falconbow from “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Cutest Character”
Winners:
Gigglet from “Welcome, Baby Wigglet” by Amber Berkowitz
Bella from “Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” by Victoria Smith
Honorable Mentions:
Ranger the Reindeer from “The Legend of Ranger” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury
Pucas (esp. Autumn the Rabbit Puca) from “Water Horse” by Ashley Chapman
Simon from “Dragon Twins” by Chriss Bury
Maat from “Reliquary of the Dead” by David Falk
Lucky Charms/Bailey from “Lucky’s Adventure: The Saratoga Rescue” by Elizabeth Macy
Carol from “Why Is My Bra Still On?” by Kristen Wasyliszyn
Nini, Lobo, Speedy from “The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” by Linda Harkey
Blue & Beau from “Charlotte’s Ghost” by L.P. Simone
Mosquito from “Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” by Michael Dow
Eloise Elephant, Bentley from "Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" by Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
Blue Bird, Tabby Cat, Squirrel, Cora from “Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
Kitsie, Clyde the Bunny from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Schnoodle the Poodle, Doodle the Poodle from “Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” by Steven Joseph
Walter from “Carried by Wings” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Dynamic Duo”
Winner:
Rayann & Max from “Wrecked by You” by Kate Sweden
Honorable Mentions:
Allie & Charlie from “Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder” by Erika Lynn Adams
Lars & Odin-One-Eye from “Animal Attrition” by David Bush
Jamie & Jordan from “Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” by Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
Spencer & Karl from “Fearless Vampire” by K.M. Taylor
Colton & Casey from “Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler
Horrifa & Dragunda from “Horrifa’s Magic Makeover” by Susan L. Krueger
Turner Boone & Elyon from “The Warrior’s Shade” & “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Emma & Luke from “Luke’s Sailing Adventure” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Couple”
Winners:
Rayann & Max from “Wrecked by You” by Kate Sweden
Turner Boone & Elyon from “Warrior’s Shade” & “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Honorable Mentions:
Rainer & Sarah, Rainer & Angelika from “Whispers of Yesterday” by Auburn Hartley
Knox & Marigold from “Fate Can Toss a Boomerang” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Sylvie & Leif from “A Thorn in the Garden” by E.C. Roderick
Viktor & Mandi from “Hysterical Hangouts with the Hindlegs” by G.S. Gerry
Flora & Scott from “Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro
Hunter & Kiana from “Born in Space” by Jeremy Clift
Marl & Simara from “Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Casey & Keilani, Colton & Emily from “Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler
Ethan & Sam from “Colors of You” by Damien Benoit-Ledoux
Eros & Camilia from “Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens
Charlie & Will from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Coolest Character”
Winners:
Elyon from “The Warrior’s Shade” & “The Tempest’s Fury” by Ingrid Moon
Vazeer the Lash from “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott
Honorable Mentions:
Max Harrington from “Wrecked by You” by Kate Sweden
Nerwi from “Kingdom of Fire” by Melissa Widmaier
Nurse Florence from “Nurse Florence, Why Do Bug Bites Itch?” by Michael Dow
Colton from “Losing Austin” by Michael J. Bowler
Alice from “Jonnie Fazoolie & the Transfinite Reality Engine” by Mookie Spitz
Will from “Villainessly Blonde” by Sophia DeSensi
Swifty Swoodle from “Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” by Steven Joseph
Emma from “Luke’s Sailing Adventure” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Moment” (WARNING: May contain spoilers)
Winner:
* Vazeer’s final showdown with the Raving Blade with an unlikely assist in “Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott
Honorable Mentions:
* Rainer remembers Angelika from “Whispers of Yesterday” by Auburn Hartley
* The US soldiers provide a respectful burial for the murdered nun in “Steel Soldier” by James J. Messina, Charles Messina
* Dale Ballew, as Santa, secures a $485 train set for an autistic child by just writing a spirited, heartfelt letter to a toy maker. He also visits Olivia, one of the first five people to receive open-heart surgery (from “Behind the White Beard” by Kay Brooks).
* Jake Fox’s final interaction with Lucy from “Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Illustrated”
Winner:
"Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" by Miki Taylor, Illustrated by Eunhye Shin
Honorable Mentions:
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
“Johnny Vet” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury, Illustrated by Carla Millar
“Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz” by Steven Joseph
“The Legend of Ranger” by Maj. General Alan Salisbury, Illustrated by Roberta Baird
“Seeking the Lost Sheep” by Daniel Cramton, Illustrated by Onofrio Orlando & Mariya Stoyanova
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” by Sharon Wozny, Illustrated by Melissa Bailey
“The Case of the Missing Pink Piggy” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick
“Oh, Little One, Who Will You Be?” by Sharon Varney, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
“Carried by Wings” by Tuula Pere, PhD, Illustrated by Catty Flores
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” by Victoria Smith, Illustrated by Sergii Zavadskyi
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Narrated”
Winners:
“The Warrior’s Shade” by Ingrid Moon, Narrated by Scott Allen
Honorable Mention:
“Charlotte’s Ghost” by L.P. Simone, Narrated by Alec Simone and Amelia Meyer
“Behind the Stars” by Chad Gregory, Narrated by Chuck Galco
“Blood Relations” by Glenn Stevens, Narrated by Danielle LaRauf
“Wetion” by James Krause, Narration & Music by James Krause
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Quote” / “Best Passage”
Winner:
From “Where the Mountains Whisper” by Jenny Cafaro:
“Some ghosts don’t haunt houses.
They live in people.
In silence.”
Honorable Mentions:
* From “Behind the Stars” by Chad Gregory:
"A carpenter doesn’t sand a table’s underside for praise; they do it because the work demands it. Similarly, a stand-in’s pride isn’t about recognition—it’s about integrity. They’re not there to steal the show but to ensure the show succeeds.”
* From “Drums of a Distant Tribe” by D.H. Hutton:
"When castles are built, they are built one brick at a time."
* From “Finding Real Yoga” by Daren Black:
“The seeds of karma are roasted in the fires of knowledge.” / "Real freedom is a lack of inner triggers or buttons." / "Discipline protects freedom. Freedom without discipline is like a country without a defense."
* From “The Ominous Struggle” by George Beasley:
"The truth is, that evil serves a purpose, even when we don’t fully understand it. It challenges us, tests us, and ultimately leads us back to God. Whether through personal experiences, like the abuse I endured, or larger cosmic battles like the crucifixion of Christ, evil is part of the human experience. But it is not without hope. For in every struggle, there is the possibility of redemption, healing, and growth… As we examine the role of evil in our lives, I encourage you to reflect on your own encounters with darkness. How have they shaped you? And how might you, too, find grace in the midst of the struggle?"
* From “Wetion” by James Krause:
“Unity is only as good as there's bread to feed us.”
* From “Little Boy, I Know Your Name” Mitchell Raff:
"...our little clown car of dysfunction continued to wobble down the road."
* From “Ballerina Garden” by Once Upon a Dance:
“Blossoms and dance are fleeting, but both leave lasting impressions.” / “Ballet dancers and flowers both communicate without words.” / “Every dance journey and every garden begins with a tiny seed: an idea, a dream, or a possibility.”
ULTIMATE CHAMPIONS
OCA Ultimate Championship Belt Winner
“Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” by Dale L. Roberts
“Steel Soldier” by James J. Messina, Charles Messina
OCA Ultimate Championship Trophy Winners
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
"Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" by Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
Ingrid Moon for “Warrior’s Shade” & “The Tempest’s Fury”
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” by Victoria Smith
“Dear Orchid” by Carol Van Den Hende
“Kings of Stone” by R Jay Driskell
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
“Author Launch Kit” by Book Launchers, Shane Vigeant
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” by Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“Little Monsters Read Along” by Story Monsters LLC
“Unpacking the Attic” by Ann Mracek
"Losing Austin" by Michael J. Bowler
Maj. General Alan Salisbury for “The Legend of Ranger” & “Johnny Vet”
OCA Ultimate Championship Belt Winner
“Chasm of Night” by Peter Eliott
“Self-Publishing with Dale Omnibus” by Dale L. Roberts
“Steel Soldier” by James J. Messina, Charles Messina
OCA Ultimate Championship Trophy Winners
“Cora’s Magic Melodies” by Sally Kashner
"Bentley Finds a Hippopotomonsterous" by Miki Taylor, Eunhye Shin
Ingrid Moon for “Warrior’s Shade” & “The Tempest’s Fury”
“Liliana’s Match: Finding Bella” by Victoria Smith
“Dear Orchid” by Carol Van Den Hende
“Kings of Stone” by R Jay Driskell
“Jake Fox: Ties That Blind” by Michael Stockham
“Author Launch Kit” by Book Launchers, Shane Vigeant
“Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” by Sharon Wozny, Melissa Bailey
“Little Monsters Read Along” by Story Monsters LLC
“Unpacking the Attic” by Ann Mracek
"Losing Austin" by Michael J. Bowler
Maj. General Alan Salisbury for “The Legend of Ranger” & “Johnny Vet”
Congratulations to all of our new and returning Outstanding Creator Awards winners!
Don't forget that our next contest (the 2026 Spring Contest) is now open & accepting new entries!
Don't forget that our next contest (the 2026 Spring Contest) is now open & accepting new entries!
