This was delightfully unexpected!
This weekend, the Independent Author Network announced that The Sword and the Spark is a 2022 Finalist in TWO categories: "Fantasy" and "First Novel with Over 80,000 Words."
As a first-time novelist, I had no idea what to expect when I submitted my book to review and award sites. I mean, let's face it, The Sword and the Spark is my very first book; I haven't written any others. Seriously, this was my first full-length narrative effort, and I jumped into the pool head-first, with no life-preserver, no floaties, and simply praying that I remembered how to swim back up to the surface without drowning--or smacking my head on the bottom.
Well, it looks like I didn't drown. And now, remarkably, I have my second badge to prove it. Whew! Okay, back to work I go--and who knows? Maybe I'll manage to collect a few more badges if I keep at it.
"The wilderness must be explored!"
Me and my mixed metaphors. . .