Results for our 2025 Spring Contest
SUPER-CATEGORY CHAMPIONS
(Medal Winners)
Outstanding Creator Award for
Best Non-Fiction Book of Spring 2025
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“Certainty” Mike Mears
“Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me” Jay Foreman
“My Journey as an Author” M.C. Ryder
“100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5” Ross Brand et al.
2nd Place
“The Beatle Who Vanished” Jim Berkenstadt
“Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways” Dave Tabler
“Hiding in Holland” Shulamit Reinharz (PhD), Max Michael Rothschild
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” Tela Talise
3rd Place
“Memoir of a Mangled Mind” Steven Simmons Shelton
“Improbable and Extraordinary” Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD
“Wide Publishing for Authors” Dale L. Roberts
Outstanding Creator Award for
Best Fiction Book of Spring 2025
1st Place
“Crown Prince” W.D. Kilpack III
“The Light of Faded Stars” Francis-Adrien Morneault
“Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” Marx Pyle et al.
“Angels Deployed” Sophia Pavlou
“Slaying Paradise” T.V. Holiday
“The Life After” Deidra Lookingbill
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” Marx Pyle et al.
2nd Place
“Time Warped” Micky O’Brady
“Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
“Lost Blades” Liz Sauco
“The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” Jamilette Cintron
“The Underdogs” Isaac Kan
“The Biohunter” Ingrid Moon
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” Ethan Richards
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
3rd Place
“The Mystery from Way Back When” Carolyn Summer Quinn
“The Christmas Wreath” Dr. Dawn Menge
“Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” Gary Natoli
“Songs for the Deaf” Kenneth Alan Silver
“Elements of Change” Keynin Battle
“Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” Mark David Pullen
“When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
“Cocktails & Concatenations” Joel Shoemaker
Outstanding Creator Award for
Best Children's Book of Spring 2025
1st Place
“Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” Dr. Christian Kueng
“The Girl and the Ocean” Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
"Marky the Magnificent Fairy" Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
“A Tail of Twirls” Once Upon a Dance
“You Can’t Stop Me” Allison Aller
“What Mommy Doesn’t See” Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
“Macie and the Magic Veggies” Peter Contardo
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” Sally Kashner
“Oh Little One, Who Will You Be?” Sharon Varney, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
"The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
2nd Place
“Gertie Saves the Day” Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
“Chatty the Hen Pheasant” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
“Turkey Ham Dog” Lisa Giknis
“The Fisherman and the French Flounder” Raven Howell, Narrated by Immy Dymott, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice
“A Freezing Ski Trip” Tuula Pere, PhD
“Colin the Crab Gets Married” Tuula Pere, PhD
3rd Place
“A Parrot Tail Lily” Tuula Pere, PhD
“The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp” Tuula Pere, PhD
“Desert Friends” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Honorable Mention
“I Know What You Do When I Go to School” Siona Talekar
Best Non-Fiction Book of Spring 2025
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“Certainty” Mike Mears
“Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me” Jay Foreman
“My Journey as an Author” M.C. Ryder
“100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5” Ross Brand et al.
2nd Place
“The Beatle Who Vanished” Jim Berkenstadt
“Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways” Dave Tabler
“Hiding in Holland” Shulamit Reinharz (PhD), Max Michael Rothschild
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” Tela Talise
3rd Place
“Memoir of a Mangled Mind” Steven Simmons Shelton
“Improbable and Extraordinary” Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD
“Wide Publishing for Authors” Dale L. Roberts
Outstanding Creator Award for
Best Fiction Book of Spring 2025
1st Place
“Crown Prince” W.D. Kilpack III
“The Light of Faded Stars” Francis-Adrien Morneault
“Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” Marx Pyle et al.
“Angels Deployed” Sophia Pavlou
“Slaying Paradise” T.V. Holiday
“The Life After” Deidra Lookingbill
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” Marx Pyle et al.
2nd Place
“Time Warped” Micky O’Brady
“Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
“Lost Blades” Liz Sauco
“The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” Jamilette Cintron
“The Underdogs” Isaac Kan
“The Biohunter” Ingrid Moon
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” Ethan Richards
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
3rd Place
“The Mystery from Way Back When” Carolyn Summer Quinn
“The Christmas Wreath” Dr. Dawn Menge
“Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” Gary Natoli
“Songs for the Deaf” Kenneth Alan Silver
“Elements of Change” Keynin Battle
“Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” Mark David Pullen
“When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
“Cocktails & Concatenations” Joel Shoemaker
Outstanding Creator Award for
Best Children's Book of Spring 2025
1st Place
“Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” Dr. Christian Kueng
“The Girl and the Ocean” Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
"Marky the Magnificent Fairy" Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
“A Tail of Twirls” Once Upon a Dance
“You Can’t Stop Me” Allison Aller
“What Mommy Doesn’t See” Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
“Macie and the Magic Veggies” Peter Contardo
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” Sally Kashner
“Oh Little One, Who Will You Be?” Sharon Varney, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
"The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
2nd Place
“Gertie Saves the Day” Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
“Chatty the Hen Pheasant” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
“Turkey Ham Dog” Lisa Giknis
“The Fisherman and the French Flounder” Raven Howell, Narrated by Immy Dymott, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice
“A Freezing Ski Trip” Tuula Pere, PhD
“Colin the Crab Gets Married” Tuula Pere, PhD
3rd Place
“A Parrot Tail Lily” Tuula Pere, PhD
“The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp” Tuula Pere, PhD
“Desert Friends” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Honorable Mention
“I Know What You Do When I Go to School” Siona Talekar
CATEGORY WINNERS
Outstanding Creator Award for
Audiobooks
1st Place
"Marky the Magnificent Fairy" Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
"The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
“The Fisherman and the French Flounder" Raven Howell, Narrated by Immy Dymott, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice
"The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
2nd Place
“Chatty the Hen Pheasant” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
3rd Place
“Gertie Saves the Day” Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
“Desert Friends” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Honorable Mention
“Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Outstanding Creator Award for
Films / Short-Films / Videos
1st Place
“Long Island Breakfast Club Show (2024 Holiday Episodes)” by Valentina Janek et al.
2nd Place
“Ink to Reel Presents Hiding in Holland” by Studio Story Monster
3rd Place
“Is This the Bed We Lie In?” JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
Outstanding Creator Award for
Podcasts /Talk Shows
1st Place
“Long Island Breakfast Club Show (2024 Holiday Episodes)” by Valentina Janek et al.
Outstanding Creator Award for
Music & Songs
1st Place
“The Magical Garden” Zachary Simpson, Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly, and Jimmy Sweeden
Outstanding Creator Award for
Educational Content / Community Enrichment Programs
1st Place
“Story Monsters Greenie Box” by Story Monsters
2nd Place
“Ink to Reel Presents Hiding in Holland” by Studio Story Monster
Outstanding Creator Award for
Art / Arts & Crafts
1st Place
Mandalas from “Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” by Tela Talise
Outstanding Creator Award for
Autobiographies / Memoirs / Biographies / Pseudo-Memoirs / Fictional Memoirs
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“My Journey as an Author” M.C. Ryder
2nd Place
“Songs for the Deaf” Kenneth Alan Silver
“Improbable and Extraordinary” Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD
“Memoir of a Mangled Mind” Steven Simmons Shelton
3rd Place
“The Christmas Wreath” by Dr. Dawn Menge
Outstanding Creator Award for
Time Travel / Alternate Reality / Multiverse
1st Place
“Time Warped” Micky O’Brady
“Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” Gary Natoli
Outstanding Creator Award for
Travel
1st Place
“Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways” Dave Tabler
Outstanding Creator Award for
Current Events / Environmental Issues / Social Justice
1st Place
“The Girl and the Ocean” Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
2nd Place
“Policies and Pain” Dr. Spencer Dayton
Outstanding Creator Award for
Philosophy
Honorable Mentions:
“Policies and Pain” Dr. Spencer Dayton
“Traitor’s Black Rose” IM STOICUS
Outstanding Creator Award for
LGBTQ+
1st Place
“Coctails & Concaternations” Joel Shoemaker
2nd Place
“You Can’t Stop Me” Allison Aller
3rd Place
“Hugs and Kisses” Joel Shoemaker
“Memoir of a Mangled Mind” Steven Simmons Shelton
Honorable Mention
“Is This the Bed We Lie In?” by JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
Outstanding Creator Award for
Historical Fiction
1st Place
“The Underdogs” Isaac Kan
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
“Animals Divided” David Bush
2nd Place
“The Mystery from Way Back When” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
3rd Place
“Songs for the Deaf” Kenneth Alan Silver
Outstanding Creator Award for
History (Non-Fiction)
1st Place
“Hiding in Holland” Shulamit Reinharz (PhD), Max Michael Rothschild
“Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways” Dave Tabler
“The Beatle Who Vanished” Jim Berkenstadt
Outstanding Creator Award for
Performing Arts / Dance / Theater / Musicals
1st Place
“A Tail of Twirls” Once Upon a Dance
“The Magical Garden” Zachary Simpson, Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly, and Jimmy Sweeden
Outstanding Creator Award for
Rural/Farm Life
1st Place
“Macie and the Magic Veggies” Peter Contardo
"The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
2nd Place
“When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
Outstanding Creator Award for
Murder Mystery / Detective Mystery
1st Place
“The Light of Faded Stars” Francis-Adrien Morneault
Outstanding Creator Award for
Addiction / Alcoholism
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
Outstanding Creator Award for
Holiday Books / Easter Books / Christmas Books
1st Place
“The Christmas Wreath” Dr. Dawn Menge
Outstanding Creator Award for
Thriller
1st Place
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” Ethan Richards
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
“The Biohunter” Ingrid Moon
2nd Place
“Songs for the Deaf” Kenneth Alan Silver
3rd Place
“Bottled Lightning” L.M. Weeks
Outstanding Creator Award for
Supernatural Books
1st Place
“The Life After” Deidra Lookingbill
“Slaying Paradise” T.V. Holiday
2nd Place
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
“Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
3rd Place
“The Violin’s Curse” Lydia Laga
Honorable Mention
“Empathic Evolution” Jennifer Elizabeth Moore
Outstanding Creator Award for
Yoga Books
1st Place
“Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga” Denise Bozza, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
Outstanding Creator Award for
Books About Disabilities
1st Place
“Marky the Magnificent Fairy" Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
Outstanding Creator Award for
Short Stories / Anthologies / Collections
1st Place
“Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” Marx Pyle et al.
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” Marx Pyle et al.
2nd Place
“The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” Jamilette Cintron
“Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
“Cocktails & Concatenations” Joel Shoemaker
3rd Place
“Hugs and Kisses” Joel Shoemaker
Outstanding Creator Award for
Mental Health / Mental Illness / Mental Disorders
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
2nd Place
“Memoir of a Mangled Mind” Steven Simmons Shelton
“Improbable and Extraordinary” Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Psychology / Psychiatry Books
1st-Place
“Memoir of a Mangled Mind” Steven Simmons Shelton
“Improbable and Extraordinary” Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Fantasy
1st Place
“Crown Prince” W.D. Kilpack III
“The Life After” Deidra Lookingbill
“Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” Marx Pyle et al.
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” Marx Pyle et al.
“Slaying Paradise” T.V. Holiday
“The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” Jamilette Cintron
“What Mommy Doesn’t See” Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
“Lost Blades” Liz Sauco
“Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
2nd Place
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
“Elements of Change” Keynin Battle
“When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
“Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” Mark David Pullen
3rd Place
“The Violin’s Curse” Lydia Laga
“Animals Divided” David Bush
Outstanding Creator Award for
Business
* Includes Entrepreneurship / Sales & Marketing / Management / Investing / Career / Finance
1st Place
“Certainty” Mike Mears
“Long Island Breakfast Club Show (2024 Holiday Episodes)” by Valentina Janek
2nd Place
“Wide Publishing for Authors” by Dale L. Roberts
3rd place
“Ava as a Top Seller” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Military Literature
1st Place
“Angels Deployed” Sophia Pavlou
2nd Place
“Songs for the Deaf” Kenneth Alan Silver
Outstanding Creator Award for
Science-Fiction (Sci-Fi)
1st Place
“The Biohunter” Ingrid Moon
“Time Warped” Micky O’Brady
2nd Place
“Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” Gary Natoli
Outstanding Creator Award for
Romance
1st Place
“Crown Prince” W.D. Kilpack III
“Colin the Crab Gets Married” Tuula Pere, PhD
“The Christmas Wreath” by Dr. Dawn Menge
“Afternoon Rebecca” Mike J. Kizman
2nd Place
“Cocktails & Concatenations” Joel Shoemaker
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
3rd Place
“Is This the Bed We Lie In?” by JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
Outstanding Creator Award for
Comedy / Humor
1st Place
“Cocktails & Concatenations” Joel Shoemaker
Outstanding Creator Award for
Middle Grade Books
1st Place
"The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
Outstanding Creator Award for
Dystopia / Apocalyptic Fiction / Near-Future
1st Place
“The Biohunter” Ingrid Moon
Outstanding Creator Award for
Parenting
1st Place
“Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” Dr. Christian Kueng
2nd Place
“I Know What You Do When I Go to School” Siona Talekar
Outstanding Creator Award for
Speculative Fiction
1st Place
“The Biohunter” Ingrid Moon
“Time Warped” Micky O’Brady
2nd Place
“Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” Gary Natoli
Outstanding Creator Award for
Spirituality
1st Place
“Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me” Jay Foreman
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” Tela Talise
2nd Place
“Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
3rd Place
“Empathic Evolution” Jennifer Elizabeth Moore
Outstanding Creator Award for
Health / Healthcare/ Medical / Pharmaceutical Books
Honorable Mentions:
“Policies and Pain” Dr. Spencer Dayton
“Nurse Florence, What is XYY Syndrome or Jacobs Syndrome?” Michael Dow
Outstanding Creator Award for
Crime Lit / Legal Drama
1st Place
“The Light of Faded Stars” Francis-Adrien Morneault
2nd Place
“Bottled Lightning” L.M. Weeks
Outstanding Creator Award for
Books About Writing & Publishing
1st Place
“My Journey as an Author” M.C. Ryder
2nd Place
“Wide Publishing for Authors” Dale L. Roberts
Outstanding Creator Award for
Religion
1st Place
“Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me” Jay Foreman
“Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
Outstanding Creator Award for
Self-Help & How-to Books
1st Place
“Certainty” Mike Mears
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” Tela Talise
“Wide Publishing for Authors” Dale L. Roberts
2nd Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“My Journey as an Author” M.C. Ryder
Outstanding Creator Award for
Educational & Reference Books
1st Place
“Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways” Dave Tabler
“Certainty” by Mike Mears
2nd Place
“Wide Publishing for Authors” Dale L. Roberts
“100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5” Ross Brand et al.
3rd Place
“Nurse Florence, What is XYY Syndrome or Jacobs Syndrome?” Michael Dow
Outstanding Creator Award for
Plants & Gardening / Nature
1st Place
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” Sally Kashner
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” by Tela Talise
2nd Place
“A Parrot Tail Lily” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Christian Literature / Christian Fiction / Christian Non-Fiction
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me” Jay Foreman
“Angels Deployed” Sophia Pavlou
“Slaying Paradise” T.V. Holiday
2nd Place
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
“Afternoon Rebecca” Mike J. Kizman
3rd Place
“Traitor’s Black Rose” IM STOICUS
Outstanding Creator Award for
Friendship
1st Place
“Desert Friends” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
“Colin the Crab Gets Married” Tuula Pere, PhD, Illustrated by Roksolana Panchyshyn
2nd Place
"The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
Outstanding Creator Award for
Family
1st Place
“Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” by Dr. Christian Kueng
“Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
2nd Place
“A Freezing Ski Trip” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Action / Action & Adventure
1st Place
“Crown Prince” W.D. Kilpack III
“Lost Blades” Liz Sauco
“Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” Ethan Richards
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
2nd Place
“Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” Gary Natoli
“Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” Mark David Pullen
“Elements of Change” Keynin Battle
3rd Place
“Bottled Lightning” L.M. Weeks
Outstanding Creator Award for
Music Literature
1st Place
“The Beatle Who Vanished” Jim Berkenstadt
2nd Place
“The Violin’s Curse” Lydia Laga
Outstanding Creator Award for
Horror
1st Place
“The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” Jamilette Cintron
“Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” Marx Pyle et al.
2nd Place
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” Marx Pyle et al.
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” Ethan Richards
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
3rd Place
“The Violin’s Curse” Lydia Laga
Outstanding Creator Award for
Literary & Contemporary Fiction
1st Place
“The Underdogs” Isaac Kan
2nd Place
“Afternoon Rebecca” by Mike J. Kizman
3rd Place
“Everything You’ve Ever Known” Jess Ames
Outstanding Creator Award for
Multicultural / Multilingual / Bilingual Fiction
1st Place
“The Underdogs” Isaac Kan
2nd Place
“Bottled Lightning” L.M. Weeks
Outstanding Creator Award for
Women's Literature
1st Place
“You Can’t Stop Me” Allison Aller
2nd Place
“Everything You’ve Ever Known” Jess Ames
Outstanding Creator Award for
Children's Motivational & Inspirational Books
1st Place
“A Tail of Twirls” by Once Upon a Dance
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” Sally Kashner
"Marky the Magnificent Fairy" Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
“You Can’t Stop Me” Allison Aller
“Gertie Saves the Day” Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
“What Mommy Doesn’t See” Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
“The Girl and the Ocean” Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
2nd Place
“Oh Little One, Who Will You Be?” Sharon Varney, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
3rd Place
“The Owl and the Shepherd Boy” Tuula Pere, PhD
“The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Motivational / Inspirational Books
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“My Journey as an Author” M.C. Ryder
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” Tela Talise
Outstanding Creator Award for
Teen & Young-Adult (YA) Fiction
1st Place
“The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
2nd Place
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
3rd Place
“Elements of Change” Keynin Battle
Outstanding Creator Award for
Tech Lit / Emerging Technologies
1st Place
“100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5” Ross Brand et al.
2nd Place
“The Underdogs” Isaac Kan
Outstanding Creator Award for
Mystery
1st Place
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
“The Mystery from Way Back When” Carolyn Summer Quinn
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” by Ethan Richards
Outstanding Creator Award for
Jewish Literature
1st Place
“Hiding in Holland” Shulamit Reinharz (PhD), Max Michael Rothschild
Outstanding Creator Award for
Books About Pets
1st Place
“Turkey Ham Dog” Lisa Giknis
Outstanding Creator Award for
Myths & Legends / Fairy Tales / Mythical Creatures / Cryptids
1st Place
“Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” Marx Pyle et al.
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” Marx Pyle et al.
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” Ethan Richards
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
“Crown Prince” W.D. Kilpack III
Outstanding Creator Award for
Animal Literature
1st Place
“Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” Mark David Pullen
"The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
"The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
2nd Place
“Gertie Saves the Day” Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
“Chatty the Hen Pheasant” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
“Desert Friends” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
“A Tail of Twirls” by Once Upon a Dance
3rd Place
“Turkey Ham Dog” Lisa Giknis
“Animals Divided” David Bush
Audiobooks
1st Place
"Marky the Magnificent Fairy" Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
"The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
“The Fisherman and the French Flounder" Raven Howell, Narrated by Immy Dymott, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice
"The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
2nd Place
“Chatty the Hen Pheasant” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
3rd Place
“Gertie Saves the Day” Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
“Desert Friends” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Honorable Mention
“Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Outstanding Creator Award for
Films / Short-Films / Videos
1st Place
“Long Island Breakfast Club Show (2024 Holiday Episodes)” by Valentina Janek et al.
2nd Place
“Ink to Reel Presents Hiding in Holland” by Studio Story Monster
3rd Place
“Is This the Bed We Lie In?” JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
Outstanding Creator Award for
Podcasts /Talk Shows
1st Place
“Long Island Breakfast Club Show (2024 Holiday Episodes)” by Valentina Janek et al.
Outstanding Creator Award for
Music & Songs
1st Place
“The Magical Garden” Zachary Simpson, Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly, and Jimmy Sweeden
Outstanding Creator Award for
Educational Content / Community Enrichment Programs
1st Place
“Story Monsters Greenie Box” by Story Monsters
2nd Place
“Ink to Reel Presents Hiding in Holland” by Studio Story Monster
Outstanding Creator Award for
Art / Arts & Crafts
1st Place
Mandalas from “Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” by Tela Talise
Outstanding Creator Award for
Autobiographies / Memoirs / Biographies / Pseudo-Memoirs / Fictional Memoirs
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“My Journey as an Author” M.C. Ryder
2nd Place
“Songs for the Deaf” Kenneth Alan Silver
“Improbable and Extraordinary” Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD
“Memoir of a Mangled Mind” Steven Simmons Shelton
3rd Place
“The Christmas Wreath” by Dr. Dawn Menge
Outstanding Creator Award for
Time Travel / Alternate Reality / Multiverse
1st Place
“Time Warped” Micky O’Brady
“Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” Gary Natoli
Outstanding Creator Award for
Travel
1st Place
“Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways” Dave Tabler
Outstanding Creator Award for
Current Events / Environmental Issues / Social Justice
1st Place
“The Girl and the Ocean” Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
2nd Place
“Policies and Pain” Dr. Spencer Dayton
Outstanding Creator Award for
Philosophy
Honorable Mentions:
“Policies and Pain” Dr. Spencer Dayton
“Traitor’s Black Rose” IM STOICUS
Outstanding Creator Award for
LGBTQ+
1st Place
“Coctails & Concaternations” Joel Shoemaker
2nd Place
“You Can’t Stop Me” Allison Aller
3rd Place
“Hugs and Kisses” Joel Shoemaker
“Memoir of a Mangled Mind” Steven Simmons Shelton
Honorable Mention
“Is This the Bed We Lie In?” by JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
Outstanding Creator Award for
Historical Fiction
1st Place
“The Underdogs” Isaac Kan
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
“Animals Divided” David Bush
2nd Place
“The Mystery from Way Back When” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
3rd Place
“Songs for the Deaf” Kenneth Alan Silver
Outstanding Creator Award for
History (Non-Fiction)
1st Place
“Hiding in Holland” Shulamit Reinharz (PhD), Max Michael Rothschild
“Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways” Dave Tabler
“The Beatle Who Vanished” Jim Berkenstadt
Outstanding Creator Award for
Performing Arts / Dance / Theater / Musicals
1st Place
“A Tail of Twirls” Once Upon a Dance
“The Magical Garden” Zachary Simpson, Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly, and Jimmy Sweeden
Outstanding Creator Award for
Rural/Farm Life
1st Place
“Macie and the Magic Veggies” Peter Contardo
"The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
2nd Place
“When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
Outstanding Creator Award for
Murder Mystery / Detective Mystery
1st Place
“The Light of Faded Stars” Francis-Adrien Morneault
Outstanding Creator Award for
Addiction / Alcoholism
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
Outstanding Creator Award for
Holiday Books / Easter Books / Christmas Books
1st Place
“The Christmas Wreath” Dr. Dawn Menge
Outstanding Creator Award for
Thriller
1st Place
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” Ethan Richards
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
“The Biohunter” Ingrid Moon
2nd Place
“Songs for the Deaf” Kenneth Alan Silver
3rd Place
“Bottled Lightning” L.M. Weeks
Outstanding Creator Award for
Supernatural Books
1st Place
“The Life After” Deidra Lookingbill
“Slaying Paradise” T.V. Holiday
2nd Place
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
“Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
3rd Place
“The Violin’s Curse” Lydia Laga
Honorable Mention
“Empathic Evolution” Jennifer Elizabeth Moore
Outstanding Creator Award for
Yoga Books
1st Place
“Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga” Denise Bozza, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
Outstanding Creator Award for
Books About Disabilities
1st Place
“Marky the Magnificent Fairy" Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
Outstanding Creator Award for
Short Stories / Anthologies / Collections
1st Place
“Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” Marx Pyle et al.
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” Marx Pyle et al.
2nd Place
“The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” Jamilette Cintron
“Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
“Cocktails & Concatenations” Joel Shoemaker
3rd Place
“Hugs and Kisses” Joel Shoemaker
Outstanding Creator Award for
Mental Health / Mental Illness / Mental Disorders
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
2nd Place
“Memoir of a Mangled Mind” Steven Simmons Shelton
“Improbable and Extraordinary” Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Psychology / Psychiatry Books
1st-Place
“Memoir of a Mangled Mind” Steven Simmons Shelton
“Improbable and Extraordinary” Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Fantasy
1st Place
“Crown Prince” W.D. Kilpack III
“The Life After” Deidra Lookingbill
“Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” Marx Pyle et al.
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” Marx Pyle et al.
“Slaying Paradise” T.V. Holiday
“The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” Jamilette Cintron
“What Mommy Doesn’t See” Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
“Lost Blades” Liz Sauco
“Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
2nd Place
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
“Elements of Change” Keynin Battle
“When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
“Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” Mark David Pullen
3rd Place
“The Violin’s Curse” Lydia Laga
“Animals Divided” David Bush
Outstanding Creator Award for
Business
* Includes Entrepreneurship / Sales & Marketing / Management / Investing / Career / Finance
1st Place
“Certainty” Mike Mears
“Long Island Breakfast Club Show (2024 Holiday Episodes)” by Valentina Janek
2nd Place
“Wide Publishing for Authors” by Dale L. Roberts
3rd place
“Ava as a Top Seller” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Military Literature
1st Place
“Angels Deployed” Sophia Pavlou
2nd Place
“Songs for the Deaf” Kenneth Alan Silver
Outstanding Creator Award for
Science-Fiction (Sci-Fi)
1st Place
“The Biohunter” Ingrid Moon
“Time Warped” Micky O’Brady
2nd Place
“Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” Gary Natoli
Outstanding Creator Award for
Romance
1st Place
“Crown Prince” W.D. Kilpack III
“Colin the Crab Gets Married” Tuula Pere, PhD
“The Christmas Wreath” by Dr. Dawn Menge
“Afternoon Rebecca” Mike J. Kizman
2nd Place
“Cocktails & Concatenations” Joel Shoemaker
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
3rd Place
“Is This the Bed We Lie In?” by JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
Outstanding Creator Award for
Comedy / Humor
1st Place
“Cocktails & Concatenations” Joel Shoemaker
Outstanding Creator Award for
Middle Grade Books
1st Place
"The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
Outstanding Creator Award for
Dystopia / Apocalyptic Fiction / Near-Future
1st Place
“The Biohunter” Ingrid Moon
Outstanding Creator Award for
Parenting
1st Place
“Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” Dr. Christian Kueng
2nd Place
“I Know What You Do When I Go to School” Siona Talekar
Outstanding Creator Award for
Speculative Fiction
1st Place
“The Biohunter” Ingrid Moon
“Time Warped” Micky O’Brady
2nd Place
“Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” Gary Natoli
Outstanding Creator Award for
Spirituality
1st Place
“Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me” Jay Foreman
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” Tela Talise
2nd Place
“Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
3rd Place
“Empathic Evolution” Jennifer Elizabeth Moore
Outstanding Creator Award for
Health / Healthcare/ Medical / Pharmaceutical Books
Honorable Mentions:
“Policies and Pain” Dr. Spencer Dayton
“Nurse Florence, What is XYY Syndrome or Jacobs Syndrome?” Michael Dow
Outstanding Creator Award for
Crime Lit / Legal Drama
1st Place
“The Light of Faded Stars” Francis-Adrien Morneault
2nd Place
“Bottled Lightning” L.M. Weeks
Outstanding Creator Award for
Books About Writing & Publishing
1st Place
“My Journey as an Author” M.C. Ryder
2nd Place
“Wide Publishing for Authors” Dale L. Roberts
Outstanding Creator Award for
Religion
1st Place
“Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me” Jay Foreman
“Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
Outstanding Creator Award for
Self-Help & How-to Books
1st Place
“Certainty” Mike Mears
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” Tela Talise
“Wide Publishing for Authors” Dale L. Roberts
2nd Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“My Journey as an Author” M.C. Ryder
Outstanding Creator Award for
Educational & Reference Books
1st Place
“Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways” Dave Tabler
“Certainty” by Mike Mears
2nd Place
“Wide Publishing for Authors” Dale L. Roberts
“100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5” Ross Brand et al.
3rd Place
“Nurse Florence, What is XYY Syndrome or Jacobs Syndrome?” Michael Dow
Outstanding Creator Award for
Plants & Gardening / Nature
1st Place
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” Sally Kashner
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” by Tela Talise
2nd Place
“A Parrot Tail Lily” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Christian Literature / Christian Fiction / Christian Non-Fiction
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me” Jay Foreman
“Angels Deployed” Sophia Pavlou
“Slaying Paradise” T.V. Holiday
2nd Place
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
“Afternoon Rebecca” Mike J. Kizman
3rd Place
“Traitor’s Black Rose” IM STOICUS
Outstanding Creator Award for
Friendship
1st Place
“Desert Friends” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
“Colin the Crab Gets Married” Tuula Pere, PhD, Illustrated by Roksolana Panchyshyn
2nd Place
"The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
Outstanding Creator Award for
Family
1st Place
“Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” by Dr. Christian Kueng
“Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
2nd Place
“A Freezing Ski Trip” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Action / Action & Adventure
1st Place
“Crown Prince” W.D. Kilpack III
“Lost Blades” Liz Sauco
“Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” Ethan Richards
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
2nd Place
“Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” Gary Natoli
“Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” Mark David Pullen
“Elements of Change” Keynin Battle
3rd Place
“Bottled Lightning” L.M. Weeks
Outstanding Creator Award for
Music Literature
1st Place
“The Beatle Who Vanished” Jim Berkenstadt
2nd Place
“The Violin’s Curse” Lydia Laga
Outstanding Creator Award for
Horror
1st Place
“The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” Jamilette Cintron
“Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” Marx Pyle et al.
2nd Place
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” Marx Pyle et al.
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” Ethan Richards
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
3rd Place
“The Violin’s Curse” Lydia Laga
Outstanding Creator Award for
Literary & Contemporary Fiction
1st Place
“The Underdogs” Isaac Kan
2nd Place
“Afternoon Rebecca” by Mike J. Kizman
3rd Place
“Everything You’ve Ever Known” Jess Ames
Outstanding Creator Award for
Multicultural / Multilingual / Bilingual Fiction
1st Place
“The Underdogs” Isaac Kan
2nd Place
“Bottled Lightning” L.M. Weeks
Outstanding Creator Award for
Women's Literature
1st Place
“You Can’t Stop Me” Allison Aller
2nd Place
“Everything You’ve Ever Known” Jess Ames
Outstanding Creator Award for
Children's Motivational & Inspirational Books
1st Place
“A Tail of Twirls” by Once Upon a Dance
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” Sally Kashner
"Marky the Magnificent Fairy" Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
“You Can’t Stop Me” Allison Aller
“Gertie Saves the Day” Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
“What Mommy Doesn’t See” Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
“The Girl and the Ocean” Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
2nd Place
“Oh Little One, Who Will You Be?” Sharon Varney, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
3rd Place
“The Owl and the Shepherd Boy” Tuula Pere, PhD
“The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp” Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
Motivational / Inspirational Books
1st Place
“One Man’s Journey” Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” George Beasley
“My Journey as an Author” M.C. Ryder
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” Tela Talise
Outstanding Creator Award for
Teen & Young-Adult (YA) Fiction
1st Place
“The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
2nd Place
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
3rd Place
“Elements of Change” Keynin Battle
Outstanding Creator Award for
Tech Lit / Emerging Technologies
1st Place
“100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5” Ross Brand et al.
2nd Place
“The Underdogs” Isaac Kan
Outstanding Creator Award for
Mystery
1st Place
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
“The Mystery from Way Back When” Carolyn Summer Quinn
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” by Ethan Richards
Outstanding Creator Award for
Jewish Literature
1st Place
“Hiding in Holland” Shulamit Reinharz (PhD), Max Michael Rothschild
Outstanding Creator Award for
Books About Pets
1st Place
“Turkey Ham Dog” Lisa Giknis
Outstanding Creator Award for
Myths & Legends / Fairy Tales / Mythical Creatures / Cryptids
1st Place
“Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” Marx Pyle et al.
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” Marx Pyle et al.
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” Ethan Richards
“Beast of Eufaula Lake” Ethan Richards
“Crown Prince” W.D. Kilpack III
Outstanding Creator Award for
Animal Literature
1st Place
“Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” Mark David Pullen
"The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
"The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
2nd Place
“Gertie Saves the Day” Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
“Chatty the Hen Pheasant” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
“Desert Friends” Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
“A Tail of Twirls” by Once Upon a Dance
3rd Place
“Turkey Ham Dog” Lisa Giknis
“Animals Divided” David Bush
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 Cover”
Winner:
“The Violin’s Curse” Lydia Laga
Honorable Mentions:
“Afternoon Rebecca” by Mike J. Kizman
“Desert Friends” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” by Ethan Richards
“Bottled Lightning” by L.M. Weeks
“Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Writing (Fiction)”
Winners:
“The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
“Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Honorable Mentions:
None
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Writing (Non-Fiction)”
Winner:
“Certainty” by Mike Mears
Honorable Mentions:
“One Man’s Journey” by Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” by George Beasley
“My Journey as an Author” by M.C. Ryder
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” by Tela Talise
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Research”
Winners:
“Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways” by Dave Tabler
“Animals Divided” by David Bush
“Hiding in Holland” by Shulamit Reinharz (PhD), Max Michael Rothschild
“The Beatle Who Vanished” by Jim Berkenstadt
Honorable Mentions:
“Wide Publishing for Authors” by Dale L. Roberts
“Policies and Pain” by Dr. Spencer Dayton
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” by Joyce Crawford
“Certainty” by Mike Mears
“100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5” by Ross Brand et al.
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best World-Building”
Winners:
“Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
“Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
“Colors of Magic” by Liz Sauco
Honorable Mentions:
“The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
“Traitor’s Black Rose” by IM STOICUS
“The Biohunter” by Ingrid Moon
“The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” by Jamilette Cintron
“Bottled Lightning” by L.M. Weeks
“Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” by Marx Pyle et al.
“Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Character”
Winners:
Natharr from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Takeshi from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Travis Holiday/Iron Warrior, Lynda Lynch/Sensation from “Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Penelope from “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
Honorable Mention:
Mia Armstrong from “You Can’t Stop Me” by Allison Aller
Ben Finnegan, Antonia March from “The Mystery from Way Back When” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Arnaud, Armand, Thierry, Adel, Lady Emma, Gavin from “Animals Divided” by David Bush
Buzzy Bozza from “Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga” by Denise Bozza, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
Harmony, Scott from “The Christmas Wreath” by Dr. Dawn Menge
Eerie Eb (Ebenezer Edwards) from “Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” by Ethan Richards
Jack, Marcel from “The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
Elizabeth “Lizard” Larson from “Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” by Gary Natoli
Gertie from “Gertie Saves the Day” by Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
President Marcus Baros from “Traitor’s Black Rose” by IM STOICUS
Axel Mercer, Mira Shane from “The Biohunter” by Ingrid Moon
Ousama, Pablo from “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan
Celine, Margarita, Gem, Fate, Dark Mother, True Mother from “The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” by Jamilette Cintron
Jimmie Nicol from “The Beatle Who Vanished” by Jim Berkenstadt
Barbara, Terry Lynn/Terrance from “Hugs and Kisses” by Joel Shoemaker
Bob the Human & Bob the Chicken from "Cocktails & Concaternations” by Joel Shoemaker
Robert, Jennifer from “Is This the Bed We Lie In?” by JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
Walter de Burton, Milton de Burton from “The Royal Order of the Last Coin” by Joyce Crawford
Son, Mommy from “What Mommy Doesn’t See” Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
Miles, General Calvin Hathaway from “Songs for the Deaf” by Kenneth Alan Silver
Keith Cottam from from “Elements of Change” by Keynin Battle
Tornait “Torn” Masao Sagura from “Bottled Lightning” by L.M. Weeks
The Girl, the Ocean, Son from “The Girl and the Ocean” by Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
Nassau, Chatty, The Great One from “Chatty the Hen Pheasant” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
Rodney, Quincy from “Desert Friends” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Tabby from “Turkey Ham Dog” by Lisa Giknis
Jamirh, Hel from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Alexia, Jamirh, Takeshi, Ander, Jak, Hades from “Colors of Magic” by Liz Sauco
Olivia Hart from “The Violin’s Curse” by Lydia Laga
Melia, Levi from “When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
Jacob from “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Marky from "Marky the Magnificent Fairy" by Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
Werepigs (Scot, Blane, and Wesley), Dyana Diaz, Domina Dabria, Tara, Baba Yaga, Wendy Darling, Kendrick from “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” by Marx Pyle et al.
Wenceslus, Aloysius, Savannah, Tara, Clark, Vic Frankenstein, Dracula, Aoife, Misty, Tom Crispe, Nazareth Tyndall, Margery Polsted from “Once Upon a Twisted Time” by Marx Pyle et al.
Nurse Florence, Jean from “Nurse Florence, What is XYY Syndrome or Jacobs Syndrome?” by Michael Dow
Nonie Thorburn from “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
Jeff, Rebecca from “Afternoon Rebecca” by Mike J. Kizman
Kit, Ballerina Konora from “A Tail of Twirls” by Once Upon a Dance
Macie from “Macie and the Magic Veggies” by Peter Contardo
Cora from “Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner
Parents, Children from “Oh Little One, Who Will You Be?” by Sharon Varney, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
Siona, Mom from “I Know What You Do When I Go to School” by Siona Talekar
Jimmy, Scott, Julia, Sophie, Ms. Jessica Beck from “Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
Steven/Wayne/Mark from “Memoir of a Mangled Mind” by Steven Simmons Shelton
Bernie, Gracie, Mudpie, Lova-Bull from "The Great Animal Escape" by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
Cate from "The Magical Garden" (Music) by Zachary Simpson, Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly, and Jimmy Sweeden; Character & story by Betsy Coffeen
Willie, Patch, Doc from "The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" by Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
Liam, Lily from “A Freezing Ski Trip” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Colin, Clara from “Colin the Crab Gets Married” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Cosmo, Parrot Tail Lily from “A Parrot Tail Lily” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Nicky, the Owl from “The Owl and the Shepherd Boy” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Shoemaker, Aron from “The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Ava from “Ava as a Top Seller” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Darshelle, Nathan from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Paige from “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Supporting Character”
Winners:
Ernesto from “Once Upon a Twisted Time” by Marx Pyle et al.
Ms. Jessica Beck from “Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
Honorable Mentions:
Nancy O’Connell, Hans, Molly from “The Mystery from Way Back When” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
June/Culsu, Leo, Denise, Mike, Steele (Stephen) from “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
Matty the Bat from “Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga” by Denise Bozza, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
Ms. Gavin from “One Man’s Journey” by Donald T. Hardison
Cora Rhodes, Appalachia, Doc, Dahlia from “Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” by Ethan Richards
Chandra, Abner McGlenn (River-Man), Sara Fields, Gerald, O’Callahan, Old Jolly from “Beast of Eufaula Lake” by Ethan Richards
Evie ("our girl"), Grace, Sharlene from “The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
Jeret, Time Keeper from “Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” by Gary Natoli
Jae Lee from “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan
Ebi, Stella from “The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” by Jamilette Cintron
King Edward, Maid Claret from “The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
Sarah, John from “Songs for the Deaf” by Kenneth Alan Silver
Catherine Rodate, Noah, Zosk, Lulu Infernus, Olivia, Princess Gemstarzah Aeglin from “Elements of Change” by Keynin Battle
Ander, Jeri, Ebyrn Stormlight from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Alice, Sukra from “Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
Camille, Beckett, Kirby from “When Darksome Falls” by M.C. Ryder
Hoss, Rudy, Rap, Bandit, Goon, Michael, Israel from “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Faith Molina from “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” by Marx Pyle et al.
Admiral Thorburn, Captain Kieran Wildason, Talen Rez’mor, Admiral Denrick Hale, Dr. Relissa Vontel from “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
Elise from “Afternoon Rebecca” by Mike J. Kizman
Grandfather, Farmer Lundyn from “Macie and the Magic Veggies” by Peter Contardo
Grandma, Cora’s Friends, Buttercup the Butterfly, Tabby Cat from “Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner
Blue Moon, Bernie’s Ma, Huntress’s Cubs from "The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
Tomo, Jojo, Nixie, Fancy from "Marky the Magnificent Fairy" by Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
Davey, Pete, Walter from "The Magical Garden" (Music) by Zachary Simpson, Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly, and Jimmy Sweeden; Character & story by Betsy Coffeen
Zeke, Newt from "The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" by Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
Mark, Mike/Michael from “Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Mrs. Catfish, Sally the Starfish, Norma the Newt, Eddie the Eel from “Colin the Crab Gets Married” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Nelly from “A Parrot Tail Lily” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Axel, Mr. Stuff from “Ava as a Top Seller” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Ellis the True, King Valane from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Paige’s Dad, Kari, Uncle Mike from “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Villain” (WARNING: May contain spoilers)
Winners:
Danny (Danielson Cain) from “When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) (formerly known as multiple personality disorder), “Alters” (Wayne, Mark) from “Memoir of a Mangled Mind” by Steven Simmons Shelton
Honorable Mentions
King Hal from “Animals Divided” by David Bush
Phil, Yu from “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
Barn Woman & Crazy Church Lady from “The Christmas Wreath” by Dr. Dawn Menge
Sasquatch, Aristov from “Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” by Ethan Richards
Leland Graves, Dagon, Cult of Cthulhu from “Beast of Eufaula Lake” by Ethan Richards
Veterinarian from “The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
Dr. Alyssa Kali, the Bureau, Warpers, Corporation of Time from “Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” by Gary Natoli
Zara Drake, Imperium Enterprises, Thomas Shelley, Plymouth Harlo from “The Biohunter” by Ingrid Moon
Jasper from “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan
Sir Donnel, Celine, Margarita (arguably), Gem from “The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” by Jamilette Cintron
Boris Richardson from “Songs for the Deaf” by Kenneth Alan Silver
Ahvas from “Elements of Change” by Keynin Battle
Abomination from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
The Rot, Abomination from “Colors of Magic” by Liz Sauco
The Violin, Theo Callahan, the Devil, the Grim Reaper’s Son from “The Violin’s Curse” by Lydia Laga
Peter Pan, Dabria’s Shadows, Pinn-D, Big Bad Wolf from “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” by Marx Pyle et al.
Quaneez, Admiral Glazer from “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
Wife (arguably) from “The Fisherman and the French Flounder” by Raven Howell, Narrated by Immy Dymott, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice
Huntress, Farmer, Blue Truck from "The Great Animal Escape" by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
Luc, Diabolical Donnas, Loveland, Abaddon from “Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Brandt the Usurper/Brandt the Green from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Mr. Black Rose/Senator Cain from “Traitor’s Black Rose” by IM STOICUS
Hank Cain from “When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
Caine from “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Hottest Character” / “Most Beautiful Character” / “Most Handsome Character”
Winners:
Alphafben from “Once Upon a Twisted Time” by Marx Pyle et al.
Captain Kieran Wildason from “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
Darshelle from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Honorable Mentions:
Jae Lee from “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan
The Mom from “What Mommy Doesn’t See” by Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
Princess Gemstarzah Aeglin from “Elements of Change” by Keynin Battle
Farmer Lundyn, the Mom from “Macie and the Magic Veggies” by Peter Contardo
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Cutest Character”
Winners:
Kit/Kittina, Ballerina Konora from “A Tail of Twirls” by Once Upon a Dance
Tabby from “Turkey Ham Dog” by Lisa Giknis
Tomo from "Marky the Magnificent Fairy" by Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
Honorable Mentions:
Buzzy Bozza from “Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga” by Denise Bozza, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
Maid Claret from “The Royal Order of the Last Coin” by Joyce Crawford
Son, Unicorn from “What Mommy Doesn’t See” by Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
The Girl, Son from “The Girl and the Ocean” by Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
Chatty from “Chatty the Hen Pheasant” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
Rodney, Quincy, Gator, Tripod from “Desert Friends” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Macie, Carrot from “Macie and the Magic Veggies” by Peter Contardo
Beagle from “The Fisherman and the French Flounder” by Raven Howell, Narrated by Immy Dymott, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice
Buttercup the Butterfly, Tabby Cat from “Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner
Rufio, Dallas from “Memoir of a Mangled Mind” by Steven Simmons Shelton
Huntress’s Cubs from "The Great Animal Escape" by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
Roxy the Dog from “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Dynamic Duo”
Winners:
Jamirh & Hel from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Caleb & Granddad from “Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” by Dr. Christian Kueng
Honorable Mentions:
Penelope & Leo from “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
Gertie & Jeff from “Gertie Saves the Day” by Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
Son & Mommy from “What Mommy Doesn’t See” by Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
Nassau & The Great One from “Chatty the Hen Pheasant” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
Rodney & Quincy, Gator & Tripod from “Desert Friends” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Willie & Patch from "The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" by Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
Bandit & Goon from “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Wenceslus & Aloysius, Tara &, Clark, Vic Frankenstein & Dracula, Aoife & Misty, Savannah & Ernesto from “Once Upon a Twisted Time” by Marx Pyle et al.
Jimmy & Scott, Julia & Sophie from “Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
Liam & Lily from “A Freezing Ski Trip” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Paige & Kari from “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames
Axel & Mira from “The Biohunter” by Ingrid Moon
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Couple”
Winners:
Natharr & Darshelle from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Milton & Maid Claret from “The Royal Order of the Last Coin” by Joyce Crawford
Travis Holiday & Lynda Lynch from “Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Honorable Mentions:
Harmony & Scott from “The Christmas Wreath” by Dr. Dawn Menge
Domina Dabria & Raziel from “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” by Marx Pyle et al.
Jeff & Rebecca from “Afternoon Rebecca” by Mike J. Kizman
Colin & Clara from "Colin the Crab Gets Married" by Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Coolest Character”
Winners:
Takeshi from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Natharr from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Honorable Mentions:
The Great Mouse from “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Dyana Diaz from “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” by Marx Pyle et al.
Captain Kieran Wildason from “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
River-Man, Sara Fields from “Beast of Eufaula Lake” by Ethan Richards
Time Keeper, Elizabeth “Lizard” Larson from “Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” by Gary Natoli
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Moment” (WARNING: May contain spoilers)
Winners:
* Penelope refusing to give up Leo to Yu in “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
* Caleb's surprise for Granddad in “Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” by Dr. Christian Kueng
Honorable Mentions:
* The final embrace between Robert & Jennifer as they split up in “Is This the Bed We Lie In?” by JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
* Releasing Chatty in “Chatty the Hen Pheasant” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
* The climactic final battle involving characters from previous books in “When Darksome Falls” by M.C. Ryder
* In “The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp” by Tuula Pere, PhD, a character who was previously villainous and antagonistic is seemingly won over by Aron’s determination and will to live, so he contributes lamp oil to fuel Aron’s lamp.
* The heroic turn of Bandit & Goon in “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Funny, Strange, and Bizarre” (WARNING: May contain spoilers)
*This section:
1. Allows judges to vent about strange, annoying, or funny things in each book (because nothing is perfect), 2. Proves that each book was read, for better or for worse (which is more than we can say for some other book contests), 3. Allows all participants to have fun and laugh together (like at a roast banquet)
Winners:
* The writing advice given by Caleb (the writing coach from “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames) is arguably wrong and might have been detrimental to the quality and enjoyability of the book. He keeps saying to add even more characters and to add even more scenes. We don’t remember him teaching the self-insert main character about things like pacing, flow, tension, conflict, or plot. Following Caleb's advice may have led to the novel seeming more boring, bloated, meandering, and drawn out.
* In "The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" by Linda Harkey, a character named Newt essentially becomes the hero of the story despite having little to no prior build, not having a formal introduction, and hardly appearing in the book beforehand. It’s extra strange because so much focus was paid to Patch, Willie (the namesake of the book), Doc, and even Zeke. Yet, of all these established characters, Newt gets to save the day? This is like Arya Stark killing the Night King despite Jon Snow and Bran existing. Also, the poor audiobook narrator probably had to read the following needlessly-long names like 20+ times in a recording studio somewhere:
Chicoree’s Hickory Doc
Windwalker Storm Shadow
Newt Splashing Star Cocoa
Jayhawk Crow Patch
Honorable Mentions:
* The heavy-handed, didactic, one-sided nature of “Traitor’s Black Rose” by IM STOICUS. Also, the line: “Yes, I enjoyed watching the exciting game on the local broadcast network. I especially relished when Sean rushed fifty-two yards for the winning touchdown.”
* The fixation on continuously describing the female anatomy and clothing in “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan
* We’re still not 100% sure why everyone in Flutterville (the neighborhood of “Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga” by Denise Bozza) dresses like an animal. We’re also not sure why Buzzy Bozza, who appears to be an otherwise normal human boy, can inexplicably fly. We're not sure why he's referred to as a "dragonfly." We’re not sure why Matty the Bat, who looks like a normal human boy, is referred to as “Matty the Bat” or why Matty the Bat wears a t-shirt with a bat logo on it while also dressed like a bat. We wish some of this could have been explained or made clear in the book itself.
* Practically all of the Bible stories in “Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me” by Jay Foreman
* The pink tint in “Is This the Bed We Lie In?” by JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
* In “Empathic Evolution” by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore, the spirit guides (“Council of We”) reminded us of the Borg from Star Trek. They sound like they want humanity to become a part of a collective hive mind. We get sci-fi-esque talk like us having a “galactic mind” and being “cells in her body.” These spirit guides also accuse and blame us all for the terrible things that have happened in human history (and the terrible things happening around the world right now) even if we had nothing directly to do with any of it. They refer to us as “humans” or as a “species” with a “monkey brain” as if we’re some lesser lifeforms. All the while, they ironically keep referring to the Bible (ex. Jesus, Mary, the Fall, the Garden of Eden)--you know… the Bible? The book in which humanity is made in the image of God? These spirit guides don’t exactly seem in tune with that concept. They sound more like snobbish aliens who stumbled upon Earth and really dislike humans.
* The dialogue in “Nurse Florence, What is XYY Syndrome or Jacobs Syndrome?” by Michael Dow sounds a lot less like two actual people talking to each other and more like an encyclopedia entry.
* The comedic use of snark, sass, and sarcasm in “Cocktails & Concatenations” by Joel Shoemaker. Playful, creative, poetic, and humorous use of language like:
"A suitable woman from a suitable family, and John would have suitable children and a suitable career and he would make suitable money and support his suitable lifestyle."
"...especially with businessmen and businesswomen and businesspeople ensures that it always maintains the requisite trickle of patrons, especially after work on weekdays. Davison loved that bus station. He loved that bar. Davison was not a businesshuman."
"Marvin was also a military veteran. Also discharged, but not as honorably."
"It was like stabbing a marshmallow, maybe a bowl of Jello even. It was easy as pie."
"...the grandson ordered a scotch and soda as well, not that it mattered because the hostel had neither scotch nor soda..."
And the explanation for the illustrations/illustrator: "He completed this project out of marital obligation. He was paid in beverages and sometimes ‘messed up’ photographs in an effort to receive more beverages."
* Milton de Burton trying to understand his wet dreams in “The Royal Order of the Last Coin” by Joyce Crawford
* Regarding “Bottled Lightning” by L.M. Weeks… how many nations, organizations, and parties do you need in your convoluted, overbooked conspiracy plot? We’ve got: Raijin Clean, Wakkanai Drilling, ChinaPetrol Ventures, Harden Industries, Yamakawa Gumi, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the Japanese government, U.S. Intelligence Agency (implied CIA or NSA), Magadan Oil & Mining, Eagle Technologies Capital, the Russians and their mercenaries, possibly even the North Koreans.
* Keith in “Elements of Change” by Keynin Battle is surrounded by cute and beautiful female characters of various fantastical backgrounds (vampires, elves, etc.) competing for his attention. This includes Catherine Rodate, Lulu Infernus, Olivia, and Princess Gemstarzah Aeglin–it seems like a Japanese dating SIM game at times.
* The pile on or redundancy effect of having too many characters with too many of the same ranks and titles in “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady.
* Near the end of “Improbable and Extraordinary” by Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD, there’s this really long therapeutic exercise (in which you’re encouraged to become aware, mindful, and “feel” everything). We guess this exercise could help some people, but it got really, really, really tedious to us after a while.
* Max & a character nicknamed “G.S.” share a bed while in hiding (and struggle to get along in this awkward living arrangement) in “Hiding in Holland” by Shulamit Reinharz (PhD), Max Michael Rothschild
* In “I Know What You Do When I Go to School” by Siona Talekar, the main character keeps imagining that her mom is goofing off and eating different kinds of cakes while she’s at school.
* In “Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou, the sisters argue over watering some tomatoes. Sophie snaps at Julia, “I’m telling Mommy you went to sleep and the tomatoes won’t grow, and she won’t have anything for her salad for the whole summer, and you will be in big trouble.” Julia, ever the big sister, fires back with, “If you don’t go inside and leave me alone, I will turn the water back on and water you instead of the tomatoes.”
* In “The Owl and the Shepherd Boy” by Tuula Pere, PhD, it seems like this little boy just gets needlessly abandoned by his dad and charged with taking care of the goats in the mountains at night. This seems like a really unreasonable responsibility to put on the shoulders of a young kid, especially one who is afraid of the dark or being alone at night.
* Why does the audiobook narrator of “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco sound so happy, cheerful, and enthusiastic while describing such terrible, horrible, awful situations? It’s like they’re smiling ear-to-ear the whole time!
* From “Long Island Breakfast Club Show (2024 Holiday Episodes)” by Valentina Janek:
"No b*tches. We don't allow b*tches on the show. We closed the door on b*tches."
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Illustrated”
Winner:
“The Girl and the Ocean” by Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
Honorable Mentions:
“A Tail of Twirls” by Once Upon a Dance, Illustrated by Stella Maris
“What Mommy Doesn’t See” by Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner, Illustrated by Ramesh Ram
“Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” by Dr. Christian Kueng, Illustrated by Nana Melkadze
“You Can’t Stop Me” by Allison Aller, Illustrated by Nadia Asfand Yar
“Colin the Crab Gets Married” by Tuula Pere, PhD, Illustrated by Roksolana Panchyshyn
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Narrated”
Winner:
"Marky the Magnificent Fairy" by Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
Honorable Mentions:
"The Great Animal Escape" by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
“The Fisherman and the French Flounder” by Raven Howell, Narrated by Immy Dymott, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice
"The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" by Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
“Chatty the Hen Pheasant” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
“Gertie Saves the Day” by Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
“Desert Friends” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Quote” / “Best Passage”
Winner:
From “The Light of Faded Stars" by Francis-Adrien Morneault:
“We all carry a labyrinth within us, and at its center, a Minotaur, a monster of old, hiding in the dark, waiting to be unleashed. Civilization is just the thin walls built around that labyrinth to keep the monster at bay.”
"Detectives are always late, perpetually late. We meet the dead, and then we chase backward, trying to grasp at the living shadows they left behind. We can never truly save them; we can only piece together what they lost."
"...in a way, we are all gamblers. We invest everything in one thing or in multiple things, just like gamblers. A relationship, a sport, a career. But, in the end, the house always wins."
"At the beginning of a chess game, players conform to opening theory because it statistically increases their chances of survival. It's the same with life: people conform to traditions and systems because it gives them the illusion of safety, of improving their odds against chaos."
Honorable Mentions:
* From “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill:
"Cold.
The first sensation I felt was not a slight chill in the air but a blast
so forceful it was like being punched with a fist made of pure ice.
Putrid.
Almost as quickly as the cold hit me, the stench of rotten meat filled
my nostrils. No, not just my nostrils. It filled every part of me. My
brain, the little hairs on my arms, even the pink toenail sticking out of
the hole in my sock was acutely aware of the foul odor. It permeated me.
It became part of me. I was one with the stink in the air.
Dark.
The library was dimly lit, but this space, wherever I was, was almost
pitch black. I could make out basic shapes within close range but beyond
that there were no details. I swam through the darkness as I shivered
from the frigid air and my own fear."
* From “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan:
“Disruption, convertible notes, paper millionaires, Rwandan coffee poured with surgical precision. This was where the world’s problems were being solved. Where fortunes were made, seemingly overnight, and the best and brightest flocked to. This was Silicon Valley.”
“Never pass up your second chance again”
* Also from “The Light of Faded Stars" by Francis-Adrien Morneault:
"The detective is a being that walks in both worlds. One foot with the living, one foot with the dead."
"Marriage is like a land bridge connecting two separate islands. At first, it’s strong and full of promise, but over time, the tides of life erode it, piece by piece, until only memories remain of how close the islands once were."
"She was all that the mysterious shore promised and all that it took away. A dream glimpsed from the distance, a future swallowed by the tide. You look out at the sea and you think it holds something for you — freedom, hope, escape. But the ocean gives and the ocean takes. She was a bright, burning thing in a dark world, a brief miracle that the universe reclaimed before she could leave her mark. She was a shore we could never reach, a place we could never truly save."
* From “Songs for the Deaf” by Kenneth Alan Silver:
“When I’m having trouble getting the words out, I need only write the way I talk. It’s an excellent laxative for a constipated brain.”
* From “When Darksome Falls” by M.C. Ryder:
“You can’t rewrite the chapters of the past, but you can learn to write a better ending.”
* From “Certainty” by Mike Mears:
"...the modern day office is a soup of social pain”
* From “100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5” Ross Brand et al.:
“Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for success; it’s a byproduct of action.”
* From “Improbable and Extraordinary” by Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD:
"I was always trying to discover how to invent black thread (which was already invented)."
* From “Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou:
“The old saying is true. Be careful who you trust because salt and sugar look the same.”
* From “Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” by Tela Talise:
“What is done in love is done well”
“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first—it means me too”
* From “Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday:
“God does not look for those who are perfect to serve him. He looks for those who are willing and able.”
“When I look at the ocean, it reminds me of God. The water is everywhere. We don’t know how deep it goes. It’s filled with life. We can dive in and explore. But we can’t go to the true depths of the ocean. It’s not humanly possible. He allows us to float atop without any effort. The current can take us away. Take us to wherever. For years, I fought against the current. He was bringing me here the whole time.”
* From “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames:
"Do I major in business or English?
Do I go on a date with this guy… or that one?
Do I marry him?
Do I end my marriage when I’ve tired of someone else telling me
who I am and what I’m capable of?
Do I take a chance and apply for a job that I’m wholly under-
qualified for but is exactly what I’d dreamt of?
Do I dress up or down for my first day?
Do I move into the city with Kari?
Do I accept a date from the cute new guy in accounting?
Do I move in with Mark?
Do I marry him?
Do we start our family now?
Do I work from home or bring Jason to daycare?
Do we have another baby?
Do I put our strong-willed Anna in time out… or myself?
Do I donate my eggs so Kari can experience the sleepless nights
and swells of joy that accompany motherhood?"
* From “Long Island Breakfast Club Show (2024 Holiday Episodes)” by Valentina Janek et al.:
"Get up. Get dressed. Show up." – Valentina Janek’s personal mantra
"Wake up and say: I live my life to the best that I can, and I want to be happy. I make my own happiness."
"There’s always a reason. We all have to go through things to get to the next level." – Angela Credenza
"Don’t say it was a mistake. It was an experience. Whether a marriage or an illness, you grow stronger because of it." – Valentina Janek
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Cover”
Winner:
“The Violin’s Curse” Lydia Laga
Honorable Mentions:
“Afternoon Rebecca” by Mike J. Kizman
“Desert Friends” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
“Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” by Ethan Richards
“Bottled Lightning” by L.M. Weeks
“Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Writing (Fiction)”
Winners:
“The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
“Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Honorable Mentions:
None
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Writing (Non-Fiction)”
Winner:
“Certainty” by Mike Mears
Honorable Mentions:
“One Man’s Journey” by Donald T. Hardison
“The Ominous Struggle” by George Beasley
“My Journey as an Author” by M.C. Ryder
“Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” by Tela Talise
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Research”
Winners:
“Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways” by Dave Tabler
“Animals Divided” by David Bush
“Hiding in Holland” by Shulamit Reinharz (PhD), Max Michael Rothschild
“The Beatle Who Vanished” by Jim Berkenstadt
Honorable Mentions:
“Wide Publishing for Authors” by Dale L. Roberts
“Policies and Pain” by Dr. Spencer Dayton
“The Royal Order of the Last Coin” by Joyce Crawford
“Certainty” by Mike Mears
“100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5” by Ross Brand et al.
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best World-Building”
Winners:
“Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
“Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
“Colors of Magic” by Liz Sauco
Honorable Mentions:
“The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
“Traitor’s Black Rose” by IM STOICUS
“The Biohunter” by Ingrid Moon
“The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” by Jamilette Cintron
“Bottled Lightning” by L.M. Weeks
“Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
“Once Upon a Twisted Time” by Marx Pyle et al.
“Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Character”
Winners:
Natharr from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Takeshi from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Travis Holiday/Iron Warrior, Lynda Lynch/Sensation from “Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Penelope from “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
Honorable Mention:
Mia Armstrong from “You Can’t Stop Me” by Allison Aller
Ben Finnegan, Antonia March from “The Mystery from Way Back When” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Arnaud, Armand, Thierry, Adel, Lady Emma, Gavin from “Animals Divided” by David Bush
Buzzy Bozza from “Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga” by Denise Bozza, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
Harmony, Scott from “The Christmas Wreath” by Dr. Dawn Menge
Eerie Eb (Ebenezer Edwards) from “Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” by Ethan Richards
Jack, Marcel from “The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
Elizabeth “Lizard” Larson from “Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” by Gary Natoli
Gertie from “Gertie Saves the Day” by Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
President Marcus Baros from “Traitor’s Black Rose” by IM STOICUS
Axel Mercer, Mira Shane from “The Biohunter” by Ingrid Moon
Ousama, Pablo from “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan
Celine, Margarita, Gem, Fate, Dark Mother, True Mother from “The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” by Jamilette Cintron
Jimmie Nicol from “The Beatle Who Vanished” by Jim Berkenstadt
Barbara, Terry Lynn/Terrance from “Hugs and Kisses” by Joel Shoemaker
Bob the Human & Bob the Chicken from "Cocktails & Concaternations” by Joel Shoemaker
Robert, Jennifer from “Is This the Bed We Lie In?” by JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
Walter de Burton, Milton de Burton from “The Royal Order of the Last Coin” by Joyce Crawford
Son, Mommy from “What Mommy Doesn’t See” Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
Miles, General Calvin Hathaway from “Songs for the Deaf” by Kenneth Alan Silver
Keith Cottam from from “Elements of Change” by Keynin Battle
Tornait “Torn” Masao Sagura from “Bottled Lightning” by L.M. Weeks
The Girl, the Ocean, Son from “The Girl and the Ocean” by Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
Nassau, Chatty, The Great One from “Chatty the Hen Pheasant” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
Rodney, Quincy from “Desert Friends” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Tabby from “Turkey Ham Dog” by Lisa Giknis
Jamirh, Hel from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Alexia, Jamirh, Takeshi, Ander, Jak, Hades from “Colors of Magic” by Liz Sauco
Olivia Hart from “The Violin’s Curse” by Lydia Laga
Melia, Levi from “When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
Jacob from “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Marky from "Marky the Magnificent Fairy" by Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
Werepigs (Scot, Blane, and Wesley), Dyana Diaz, Domina Dabria, Tara, Baba Yaga, Wendy Darling, Kendrick from “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” by Marx Pyle et al.
Wenceslus, Aloysius, Savannah, Tara, Clark, Vic Frankenstein, Dracula, Aoife, Misty, Tom Crispe, Nazareth Tyndall, Margery Polsted from “Once Upon a Twisted Time” by Marx Pyle et al.
Nurse Florence, Jean from “Nurse Florence, What is XYY Syndrome or Jacobs Syndrome?” by Michael Dow
Nonie Thorburn from “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
Jeff, Rebecca from “Afternoon Rebecca” by Mike J. Kizman
Kit, Ballerina Konora from “A Tail of Twirls” by Once Upon a Dance
Macie from “Macie and the Magic Veggies” by Peter Contardo
Cora from “Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner
Parents, Children from “Oh Little One, Who Will You Be?” by Sharon Varney, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
Siona, Mom from “I Know What You Do When I Go to School” by Siona Talekar
Jimmy, Scott, Julia, Sophie, Ms. Jessica Beck from “Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
Steven/Wayne/Mark from “Memoir of a Mangled Mind” by Steven Simmons Shelton
Bernie, Gracie, Mudpie, Lova-Bull from "The Great Animal Escape" by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
Cate from "The Magical Garden" (Music) by Zachary Simpson, Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly, and Jimmy Sweeden; Character & story by Betsy Coffeen
Willie, Patch, Doc from "The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" by Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
Liam, Lily from “A Freezing Ski Trip” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Colin, Clara from “Colin the Crab Gets Married” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Cosmo, Parrot Tail Lily from “A Parrot Tail Lily” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Nicky, the Owl from “The Owl and the Shepherd Boy” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Shoemaker, Aron from “The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Ava from “Ava as a Top Seller” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Darshelle, Nathan from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Paige from “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Supporting Character”
Winners:
Ernesto from “Once Upon a Twisted Time” by Marx Pyle et al.
Ms. Jessica Beck from “Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
Honorable Mentions:
Nancy O’Connell, Hans, Molly from “The Mystery from Way Back When” by Carolyn Summer Quinn
June/Culsu, Leo, Denise, Mike, Steele (Stephen) from “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
Matty the Bat from “Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga” by Denise Bozza, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
Ms. Gavin from “One Man’s Journey” by Donald T. Hardison
Cora Rhodes, Appalachia, Doc, Dahlia from “Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” by Ethan Richards
Chandra, Abner McGlenn (River-Man), Sara Fields, Gerald, O’Callahan, Old Jolly from “Beast of Eufaula Lake” by Ethan Richards
Evie ("our girl"), Grace, Sharlene from “The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
Jeret, Time Keeper from “Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” by Gary Natoli
Jae Lee from “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan
Ebi, Stella from “The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” by Jamilette Cintron
King Edward, Maid Claret from “The Royal Order of the Last Coin” Joyce Crawford
Sarah, John from “Songs for the Deaf” by Kenneth Alan Silver
Catherine Rodate, Noah, Zosk, Lulu Infernus, Olivia, Princess Gemstarzah Aeglin from “Elements of Change” by Keynin Battle
Ander, Jeri, Ebyrn Stormlight from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Alice, Sukra from “Colors of Magic” Liz Sauco
Camille, Beckett, Kirby from “When Darksome Falls” by M.C. Ryder
Hoss, Rudy, Rap, Bandit, Goon, Michael, Israel from “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Faith Molina from “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” by Marx Pyle et al.
Admiral Thorburn, Captain Kieran Wildason, Talen Rez’mor, Admiral Denrick Hale, Dr. Relissa Vontel from “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
Elise from “Afternoon Rebecca” by Mike J. Kizman
Grandfather, Farmer Lundyn from “Macie and the Magic Veggies” by Peter Contardo
Grandma, Cora’s Friends, Buttercup the Butterfly, Tabby Cat from “Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner
Blue Moon, Bernie’s Ma, Huntress’s Cubs from "The Great Animal Escape" Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
Tomo, Jojo, Nixie, Fancy from "Marky the Magnificent Fairy" by Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
Davey, Pete, Walter from "The Magical Garden" (Music) by Zachary Simpson, Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly, and Jimmy Sweeden; Character & story by Betsy Coffeen
Zeke, Newt from "The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" by Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
Mark, Mike/Michael from “Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Mrs. Catfish, Sally the Starfish, Norma the Newt, Eddie the Eel from “Colin the Crab Gets Married” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Nelly from “A Parrot Tail Lily” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Axel, Mr. Stuff from “Ava as a Top Seller” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Ellis the True, King Valane from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Paige’s Dad, Kari, Uncle Mike from “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Villain” (WARNING: May contain spoilers)
Winners:
Danny (Danielson Cain) from “When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) (formerly known as multiple personality disorder), “Alters” (Wayne, Mark) from “Memoir of a Mangled Mind” by Steven Simmons Shelton
Honorable Mentions
King Hal from “Animals Divided” by David Bush
Phil, Yu from “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
Barn Woman & Crazy Church Lady from “The Christmas Wreath” by Dr. Dawn Menge
Sasquatch, Aristov from “Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” by Ethan Richards
Leland Graves, Dagon, Cult of Cthulhu from “Beast of Eufaula Lake” by Ethan Richards
Veterinarian from “The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
Dr. Alyssa Kali, the Bureau, Warpers, Corporation of Time from “Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” by Gary Natoli
Zara Drake, Imperium Enterprises, Thomas Shelley, Plymouth Harlo from “The Biohunter” by Ingrid Moon
Jasper from “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan
Sir Donnel, Celine, Margarita (arguably), Gem from “The Dark Mother: Gold Collection” by Jamilette Cintron
Boris Richardson from “Songs for the Deaf” by Kenneth Alan Silver
Ahvas from “Elements of Change” by Keynin Battle
Abomination from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
The Rot, Abomination from “Colors of Magic” by Liz Sauco
The Violin, Theo Callahan, the Devil, the Grim Reaper’s Son from “The Violin’s Curse” by Lydia Laga
Peter Pan, Dabria’s Shadows, Pinn-D, Big Bad Wolf from “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” by Marx Pyle et al.
Quaneez, Admiral Glazer from “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
Wife (arguably) from “The Fisherman and the French Flounder” by Raven Howell, Narrated by Immy Dymott, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice
Huntress, Farmer, Blue Truck from "The Great Animal Escape" by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
Luc, Diabolical Donnas, Loveland, Abaddon from “Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Brandt the Usurper/Brandt the Green from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Mr. Black Rose/Senator Cain from “Traitor’s Black Rose” by IM STOICUS
Hank Cain from “When Darksome Falls” M.C. Ryder
Caine from “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Hottest Character” / “Most Beautiful Character” / “Most Handsome Character”
Winners:
Alphafben from “Once Upon a Twisted Time” by Marx Pyle et al.
Captain Kieran Wildason from “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
Darshelle from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Honorable Mentions:
Jae Lee from “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan
The Mom from “What Mommy Doesn’t See” by Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
Princess Gemstarzah Aeglin from “Elements of Change” by Keynin Battle
Farmer Lundyn, the Mom from “Macie and the Magic Veggies” by Peter Contardo
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Cutest Character”
Winners:
Kit/Kittina, Ballerina Konora from “A Tail of Twirls” by Once Upon a Dance
Tabby from “Turkey Ham Dog” by Lisa Giknis
Tomo from "Marky the Magnificent Fairy" by Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
Honorable Mentions:
Buzzy Bozza from “Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga” by Denise Bozza, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi
Maid Claret from “The Royal Order of the Last Coin” by Joyce Crawford
Son, Unicorn from “What Mommy Doesn’t See” by Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
The Girl, Son from “The Girl and the Ocean” by Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
Chatty from “Chatty the Hen Pheasant” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
Rodney, Quincy, Gator, Tripod from “Desert Friends” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Macie, Carrot from “Macie and the Magic Veggies” by Peter Contardo
Beagle from “The Fisherman and the French Flounder” by Raven Howell, Narrated by Immy Dymott, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice
Buttercup the Butterfly, Tabby Cat from “Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner
Rufio, Dallas from “Memoir of a Mangled Mind” by Steven Simmons Shelton
Huntress’s Cubs from "The Great Animal Escape" by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
Roxy the Dog from “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Dynamic Duo”
Winners:
Jamirh & Hel from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Caleb & Granddad from “Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” by Dr. Christian Kueng
Honorable Mentions:
Penelope & Leo from “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
Gertie & Jeff from “Gertie Saves the Day” by Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
Son & Mommy from “What Mommy Doesn’t See” by Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
Nassau & The Great One from “Chatty the Hen Pheasant” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
Rodney & Quincy, Gator & Tripod from “Desert Friends” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Willie & Patch from "The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" by Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
Bandit & Goon from “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Wenceslus & Aloysius, Tara &, Clark, Vic Frankenstein & Dracula, Aoife & Misty, Savannah & Ernesto from “Once Upon a Twisted Time” by Marx Pyle et al.
Jimmy & Scott, Julia & Sophie from “Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
Liam & Lily from “A Freezing Ski Trip” by Tuula Pere, PhD
Paige & Kari from “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames
Axel & Mira from “The Biohunter” by Ingrid Moon
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Couple”
Winners:
Natharr & Darshelle from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Milton & Maid Claret from “The Royal Order of the Last Coin” by Joyce Crawford
Travis Holiday & Lynda Lynch from “Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Honorable Mentions:
Harmony & Scott from “The Christmas Wreath” by Dr. Dawn Menge
Domina Dabria & Raziel from “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” by Marx Pyle et al.
Jeff & Rebecca from “Afternoon Rebecca” by Mike J. Kizman
Colin & Clara from "Colin the Crab Gets Married" by Tuula Pere, PhD
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Coolest Character”
Winners:
Takeshi from “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco
Natharr from “Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
Honorable Mentions:
The Great Mouse from “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Dyana Diaz from “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” by Marx Pyle et al.
Captain Kieran Wildason from “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady
River-Man, Sara Fields from “Beast of Eufaula Lake” by Ethan Richards
Time Keeper, Elizabeth “Lizard” Larson from “Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper” by Gary Natoli
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Moment” (WARNING: May contain spoilers)
Winners:
* Penelope refusing to give up Leo to Yu in “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill
* Caleb's surprise for Granddad in “Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” by Dr. Christian Kueng
Honorable Mentions:
* The final embrace between Robert & Jennifer as they split up in “Is This the Bed We Lie In?” by JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
* Releasing Chatty in “Chatty the Hen Pheasant” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
* The climactic final battle involving characters from previous books in “When Darksome Falls” by M.C. Ryder
* In “The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp” by Tuula Pere, PhD, a character who was previously villainous and antagonistic is seemingly won over by Aron’s determination and will to live, so he contributes lamp oil to fuel Aron’s lamp.
* The heroic turn of Bandit & Goon in “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” by Mark David Pullen
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Funny, Strange, and Bizarre” (WARNING: May contain spoilers)
*This section:
1. Allows judges to vent about strange, annoying, or funny things in each book (because nothing is perfect), 2. Proves that each book was read, for better or for worse (which is more than we can say for some other book contests), 3. Allows all participants to have fun and laugh together (like at a roast banquet)
Winners:
* The writing advice given by Caleb (the writing coach from “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames) is arguably wrong and might have been detrimental to the quality and enjoyability of the book. He keeps saying to add even more characters and to add even more scenes. We don’t remember him teaching the self-insert main character about things like pacing, flow, tension, conflict, or plot. Following Caleb's advice may have led to the novel seeming more boring, bloated, meandering, and drawn out.
* In "The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" by Linda Harkey, a character named Newt essentially becomes the hero of the story despite having little to no prior build, not having a formal introduction, and hardly appearing in the book beforehand. It’s extra strange because so much focus was paid to Patch, Willie (the namesake of the book), Doc, and even Zeke. Yet, of all these established characters, Newt gets to save the day? This is like Arya Stark killing the Night King despite Jon Snow and Bran existing. Also, the poor audiobook narrator probably had to read the following needlessly-long names like 20+ times in a recording studio somewhere:
Chicoree’s Hickory Doc
Windwalker Storm Shadow
Newt Splashing Star Cocoa
Jayhawk Crow Patch
Honorable Mentions:
* The heavy-handed, didactic, one-sided nature of “Traitor’s Black Rose” by IM STOICUS. Also, the line: “Yes, I enjoyed watching the exciting game on the local broadcast network. I especially relished when Sean rushed fifty-two yards for the winning touchdown.”
* The fixation on continuously describing the female anatomy and clothing in “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan
* We’re still not 100% sure why everyone in Flutterville (the neighborhood of “Buzzy Bozza Finds Yoga” by Denise Bozza) dresses like an animal. We’re also not sure why Buzzy Bozza, who appears to be an otherwise normal human boy, can inexplicably fly. We're not sure why he's referred to as a "dragonfly." We’re not sure why Matty the Bat, who looks like a normal human boy, is referred to as “Matty the Bat” or why Matty the Bat wears a t-shirt with a bat logo on it while also dressed like a bat. We wish some of this could have been explained or made clear in the book itself.
* Practically all of the Bible stories in “Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me” by Jay Foreman
* The pink tint in “Is This the Bed We Lie In?” by JAM Productions, Directed by Joseph McGovern
* In “Empathic Evolution” by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore, the spirit guides (“Council of We”) reminded us of the Borg from Star Trek. They sound like they want humanity to become a part of a collective hive mind. We get sci-fi-esque talk like us having a “galactic mind” and being “cells in her body.” These spirit guides also accuse and blame us all for the terrible things that have happened in human history (and the terrible things happening around the world right now) even if we had nothing directly to do with any of it. They refer to us as “humans” or as a “species” with a “monkey brain” as if we’re some lesser lifeforms. All the while, they ironically keep referring to the Bible (ex. Jesus, Mary, the Fall, the Garden of Eden)--you know… the Bible? The book in which humanity is made in the image of God? These spirit guides don’t exactly seem in tune with that concept. They sound more like snobbish aliens who stumbled upon Earth and really dislike humans.
* The dialogue in “Nurse Florence, What is XYY Syndrome or Jacobs Syndrome?” by Michael Dow sounds a lot less like two actual people talking to each other and more like an encyclopedia entry.
* The comedic use of snark, sass, and sarcasm in “Cocktails & Concatenations” by Joel Shoemaker. Playful, creative, poetic, and humorous use of language like:
"A suitable woman from a suitable family, and John would have suitable children and a suitable career and he would make suitable money and support his suitable lifestyle."
"...especially with businessmen and businesswomen and businesspeople ensures that it always maintains the requisite trickle of patrons, especially after work on weekdays. Davison loved that bus station. He loved that bar. Davison was not a businesshuman."
"Marvin was also a military veteran. Also discharged, but not as honorably."
"It was like stabbing a marshmallow, maybe a bowl of Jello even. It was easy as pie."
"...the grandson ordered a scotch and soda as well, not that it mattered because the hostel had neither scotch nor soda..."
And the explanation for the illustrations/illustrator: "He completed this project out of marital obligation. He was paid in beverages and sometimes ‘messed up’ photographs in an effort to receive more beverages."
* Milton de Burton trying to understand his wet dreams in “The Royal Order of the Last Coin” by Joyce Crawford
* Regarding “Bottled Lightning” by L.M. Weeks… how many nations, organizations, and parties do you need in your convoluted, overbooked conspiracy plot? We’ve got: Raijin Clean, Wakkanai Drilling, ChinaPetrol Ventures, Harden Industries, Yamakawa Gumi, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the Japanese government, U.S. Intelligence Agency (implied CIA or NSA), Magadan Oil & Mining, Eagle Technologies Capital, the Russians and their mercenaries, possibly even the North Koreans.
* Keith in “Elements of Change” by Keynin Battle is surrounded by cute and beautiful female characters of various fantastical backgrounds (vampires, elves, etc.) competing for his attention. This includes Catherine Rodate, Lulu Infernus, Olivia, and Princess Gemstarzah Aeglin–it seems like a Japanese dating SIM game at times.
* The pile on or redundancy effect of having too many characters with too many of the same ranks and titles in “Time Warped” by Micky O’Brady.
* Near the end of “Improbable and Extraordinary” by Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD, there’s this really long therapeutic exercise (in which you’re encouraged to become aware, mindful, and “feel” everything). We guess this exercise could help some people, but it got really, really, really tedious to us after a while.
* Max & a character nicknamed “G.S.” share a bed while in hiding (and struggle to get along in this awkward living arrangement) in “Hiding in Holland” by Shulamit Reinharz (PhD), Max Michael Rothschild
* In “I Know What You Do When I Go to School” by Siona Talekar, the main character keeps imagining that her mom is goofing off and eating different kinds of cakes while she’s at school.
* In “Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou, the sisters argue over watering some tomatoes. Sophie snaps at Julia, “I’m telling Mommy you went to sleep and the tomatoes won’t grow, and she won’t have anything for her salad for the whole summer, and you will be in big trouble.” Julia, ever the big sister, fires back with, “If you don’t go inside and leave me alone, I will turn the water back on and water you instead of the tomatoes.”
* In “The Owl and the Shepherd Boy” by Tuula Pere, PhD, it seems like this little boy just gets needlessly abandoned by his dad and charged with taking care of the goats in the mountains at night. This seems like a really unreasonable responsibility to put on the shoulders of a young kid, especially one who is afraid of the dark or being alone at night.
* Why does the audiobook narrator of “Lost Blades” by Liz Sauco sound so happy, cheerful, and enthusiastic while describing such terrible, horrible, awful situations? It’s like they’re smiling ear-to-ear the whole time!
* From “Long Island Breakfast Club Show (2024 Holiday Episodes)” by Valentina Janek:
"No b*tches. We don't allow b*tches on the show. We closed the door on b*tches."
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Illustrated”
Winner:
“The Girl and the Ocean” by Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
Honorable Mentions:
“A Tail of Twirls” by Once Upon a Dance, Illustrated by Stella Maris
“What Mommy Doesn’t See” by Karen Ledbetter, Illustrated by Kassy Keppol
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner, Illustrated by Ramesh Ram
“Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” by Dr. Christian Kueng, Illustrated by Nana Melkadze
“You Can’t Stop Me” by Allison Aller, Illustrated by Nadia Asfand Yar
“Colin the Crab Gets Married” by Tuula Pere, PhD, Illustrated by Roksolana Panchyshyn
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Narrated”
Winner:
"Marky the Magnificent Fairy" by Cynthia Kern Obrien, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Immy Dymott
Honorable Mentions:
"The Great Animal Escape" by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh, Narrated by Stewart Davis
“The Fisherman and the French Flounder” by Raven Howell, Narrated by Immy Dymott, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice
"The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow" by Linda Harkey, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Illustrated by Mike Minick
“Chatty the Hen Pheasant” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Stewart Joiner Davis
“Gertie Saves the Day” by Karen Patricia Nespoli, Narrated by May Webster, Illustrated by Daniela Massironi
“Desert Friends” by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo
Outstanding Creator Award for
“Best Quote” / “Best Passage”
Winner:
From “The Light of Faded Stars" by Francis-Adrien Morneault:
“We all carry a labyrinth within us, and at its center, a Minotaur, a monster of old, hiding in the dark, waiting to be unleashed. Civilization is just the thin walls built around that labyrinth to keep the monster at bay.”
"Detectives are always late, perpetually late. We meet the dead, and then we chase backward, trying to grasp at the living shadows they left behind. We can never truly save them; we can only piece together what they lost."
"...in a way, we are all gamblers. We invest everything in one thing or in multiple things, just like gamblers. A relationship, a sport, a career. But, in the end, the house always wins."
"At the beginning of a chess game, players conform to opening theory because it statistically increases their chances of survival. It's the same with life: people conform to traditions and systems because it gives them the illusion of safety, of improving their odds against chaos."
Honorable Mentions:
* From “The Life After” by Deidra Lookingbill:
"Cold.
The first sensation I felt was not a slight chill in the air but a blast
so forceful it was like being punched with a fist made of pure ice.
Putrid.
Almost as quickly as the cold hit me, the stench of rotten meat filled
my nostrils. No, not just my nostrils. It filled every part of me. My
brain, the little hairs on my arms, even the pink toenail sticking out of
the hole in my sock was acutely aware of the foul odor. It permeated me.
It became part of me. I was one with the stink in the air.
Dark.
The library was dimly lit, but this space, wherever I was, was almost
pitch black. I could make out basic shapes within close range but beyond
that there were no details. I swam through the darkness as I shivered
from the frigid air and my own fear."
* From “The Underdogs” by Isaac Kan:
“Disruption, convertible notes, paper millionaires, Rwandan coffee poured with surgical precision. This was where the world’s problems were being solved. Where fortunes were made, seemingly overnight, and the best and brightest flocked to. This was Silicon Valley.”
“Never pass up your second chance again”
* Also from “The Light of Faded Stars" by Francis-Adrien Morneault:
"The detective is a being that walks in both worlds. One foot with the living, one foot with the dead."
"Marriage is like a land bridge connecting two separate islands. At first, it’s strong and full of promise, but over time, the tides of life erode it, piece by piece, until only memories remain of how close the islands once were."
"She was all that the mysterious shore promised and all that it took away. A dream glimpsed from the distance, a future swallowed by the tide. You look out at the sea and you think it holds something for you — freedom, hope, escape. But the ocean gives and the ocean takes. She was a bright, burning thing in a dark world, a brief miracle that the universe reclaimed before she could leave her mark. She was a shore we could never reach, a place we could never truly save."
* From “Songs for the Deaf” by Kenneth Alan Silver:
“When I’m having trouble getting the words out, I need only write the way I talk. It’s an excellent laxative for a constipated brain.”
* From “When Darksome Falls” by M.C. Ryder:
“You can’t rewrite the chapters of the past, but you can learn to write a better ending.”
* From “Certainty” by Mike Mears:
"...the modern day office is a soup of social pain”
* From “100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5” Ross Brand et al.:
“Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for success; it’s a byproduct of action.”
* From “Improbable and Extraordinary” by Saul Horwitz & Erika Horwitz, PhD:
"I was always trying to discover how to invent black thread (which was already invented)."
* From “Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou:
“The old saying is true. Be careful who you trust because salt and sugar look the same.”
* From “Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds” by Tela Talise:
“What is done in love is done well”
“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first—it means me too”
* From “Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday:
“God does not look for those who are perfect to serve him. He looks for those who are willing and able.”
“When I look at the ocean, it reminds me of God. The water is everywhere. We don’t know how deep it goes. It’s filled with life. We can dive in and explore. But we can’t go to the true depths of the ocean. It’s not humanly possible. He allows us to float atop without any effort. The current can take us away. Take us to wherever. For years, I fought against the current. He was bringing me here the whole time.”
* From “Everything You’ve Ever Known” by Jess Ames:
"Do I major in business or English?
Do I go on a date with this guy… or that one?
Do I marry him?
Do I end my marriage when I’ve tired of someone else telling me
who I am and what I’m capable of?
Do I take a chance and apply for a job that I’m wholly under-
qualified for but is exactly what I’d dreamt of?
Do I dress up or down for my first day?
Do I move into the city with Kari?
Do I accept a date from the cute new guy in accounting?
Do I move in with Mark?
Do I marry him?
Do we start our family now?
Do I work from home or bring Jason to daycare?
Do we have another baby?
Do I put our strong-willed Anna in time out… or myself?
Do I donate my eggs so Kari can experience the sleepless nights
and swells of joy that accompany motherhood?"
* From “Long Island Breakfast Club Show (2024 Holiday Episodes)” by Valentina Janek et al.:
"Get up. Get dressed. Show up." – Valentina Janek’s personal mantra
"Wake up and say: I live my life to the best that I can, and I want to be happy. I make my own happiness."
"There’s always a reason. We all have to go through things to get to the next level." – Angela Credenza
"Don’t say it was a mistake. It was an experience. Whether a marriage or an illness, you grow stronger because of it." – Valentina Janek
ULTIMATE CHAMPIONS
OCA Ultimate Championship Belt Winner
“Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” by Dr. Christian Kueng
OCA Ultimate Championship Trophy Winners
“Certainty” by Mike Mears
“Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
“One Man’s Journey” by Donald T. Hardison
“The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
“The Ominous Struggle” by George Beasley
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner, Illustrated by Ramesh Ram
Ethan Richards for “Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” & “Beast of Eufaula Lake”
Marx Pyle & Team for “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” & “Once Upon a Twisted Time”
Ross Brand & Team for “100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5”
M.C. Ryder for “My Journey as an Author” & “When Darksome Falls”
“Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
“The Girl and the Ocean” by Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
Linda Harkey for "The Great Animal Escape", "Desert Friends", "Chatty the Hen Pheasant", and "The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow"
“Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Additional Recognition
Most Improved
Ethan Richards
M.C. Ryder
Honorary Award Winners
* Not formally a part of our 2025 Spring Contest, but hand-selected by our talent scouts
Nobahar Dadui, Elli Huber, and the cast/crew of “Crystal” by Cirque du Soleil (Live Performance)
Val Caniparoli (choreographer) & the cast/crew of “Jekyll & Hyde” by Ballet West (Live Performance),
Ballet West for Outstanding Contributions to Performing Arts
Anna Yvette for “Red Line” (Music)
Paulo Cuevas for vocals of "Day of Fate" (Music)
Victoria Carbol & PJ Shepherd for "Burning Heart (Epic Orchestral Version)" (Music)
Jim Johnston- Lifetime Achievement Award for Music
Ron Killings for "For Real" (Music)
Joe Hendry for "I Believe in Joe Hendry" (Music)
Kendra Dantes & EJ Moir for "Into the Fire" (Music)
Studio C for Outstanding Comedy
Natalya Logvanova for Outstanding Art
SpaceX for the Crew Dragon Spacecraft and Falcon 9 Rocket (Technology)
OCA Ultimate Championship Belt Winner
“Caleb’s Adventures with Granddad” by Dr. Christian Kueng
OCA Ultimate Championship Trophy Winners
“Certainty” by Mike Mears
“Crown Prince” by W.D. Kilpack III
“One Man’s Journey” by Donald T. Hardison
“The Light of Faded Stars” by Francis-Adrien Morneault
“The Ominous Struggle” by George Beasley
“Cora’s Garden Rescue” by Sally Kashner, Illustrated by Ramesh Ram
Ethan Richards for “Maryland Sasquatch Massacre” & “Beast of Eufaula Lake”
Marx Pyle & Team for “Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore” & “Once Upon a Twisted Time”
Ross Brand & Team for “100 Live Streaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 5”
M.C. Ryder for “My Journey as an Author” & “When Darksome Falls”
“Angels Deployed” by Sophia Pavlou
“The Girl and the Ocean” by Lei’a Haff, Illustrated by Julia Moroko
Linda Harkey for "The Great Animal Escape", "Desert Friends", "Chatty the Hen Pheasant", and "The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow"
“Slaying Paradise” by T.V. Holiday
Additional Recognition
Most Improved
Ethan Richards
M.C. Ryder
Honorary Award Winners
* Not formally a part of our 2025 Spring Contest, but hand-selected by our talent scouts
Nobahar Dadui, Elli Huber, and the cast/crew of “Crystal” by Cirque du Soleil (Live Performance)
Val Caniparoli (choreographer) & the cast/crew of “Jekyll & Hyde” by Ballet West (Live Performance),
Ballet West for Outstanding Contributions to Performing Arts
Anna Yvette for “Red Line” (Music)
Paulo Cuevas for vocals of "Day of Fate" (Music)
Victoria Carbol & PJ Shepherd for "Burning Heart (Epic Orchestral Version)" (Music)
Jim Johnston- Lifetime Achievement Award for Music
Ron Killings for "For Real" (Music)
Joe Hendry for "I Believe in Joe Hendry" (Music)
Kendra Dantes & EJ Moir for "Into the Fire" (Music)
Studio C for Outstanding Comedy
Natalya Logvanova for Outstanding Art
SpaceX for the Crew Dragon Spacecraft and Falcon 9 Rocket (Technology)
Congratulations to all of our new and returning Outstanding Creator Awards winners!
Don't forget that our next contest (2025 Summer Contest) is now open & accepting new entries!
Don't forget that our next contest (2025 Summer Contest) is now open & accepting new entries!
