The Journey of a Writer's Craft
Reflections on the 2024 International Book Award for The Shaman's Wife
It was Tuesday night after a long workday. My workdays on Tuesdays and Thursdays start at two o'clock and often go to nine o'clock since I live in Portugal and work with East Coast USA clients. I also designed my work to allow me to enjoy my days writing, exploring, or managing my life.
I was about to shut down my laptop when I heard the ding of a new email entering my inbox. I thought about ignoring it, but my curiosity got the better of me. I opened it and read:
Results Announced: 2024 International Book Awards
**The links in this email are best viewed on your tablet, laptop or desktop**
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June 2024
Just Announced! You have been honored in the 2024 International Book Awards!
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The Shaman's Wife: A Mystical Journey of Surrender and Self-Discovery by Alicia M. Rodriguez
She Writes Press
Nonfiction: Narrative
Winner
I think I must have read it at least four times. Then, I clicked on the link for the full results and press release, and there it was.
My name and my book under Winner: Nonfiction: Narrative.
After a few deep breaths, I got up and did a happy dance! Then I emailed my publisher, publicist, and a few good friends who have followed my writing journey. I poured myself a glass of wine and sat outside to enjoy the night and bathe in the moonlight.
I could feel something rising in me, but it was not what I expected. It was a question.
Am I a writer NOW? (that I won an award)
That initiated a few hours of reflection and this post.
I noticed how I felt being the winner of an award for a book that will soon be published, one I spent years writing and even more years living.
I won't take you through my mind's machinations, but I will share my conclusion. I think it is helpful if you, the reader, are also a writer and struggle with the questions, "Am I a writer?” and “Does anyone even read what I write?"
Where I landed was that I didn't need the validation of an award to know that what I wrote was good work and one that would meet my goal of sharing a story that may empower women to be courageous and fight for the lives they deserve. I'm proud of my work. I want to keep honing the craft of writing and sharing stories.
I'm happy that my work has been acknowledged by an organization that supports authors through its programs and rigorous evaluations.
There is a difference between needing validation for my writing and accepting the acknowledgment of my work. Validation vs. acknowledgement.
If I need validation from an external source, I put my agency in the hands of strangers who do not know me or my stories. I will forever be writing to please someone. If I am elated at an award, I may be depressed at not receiving accolades, which depletes me and my creativity.
Acknowledging my work feels more like feedback, where I choose how I receive it and what I do with it. Receiving the International Book Award motivates me to improve, learn, and take more risks with my writing.
I'm still doing a happy dance and celebrating this achievement with friends at a weekend solstice gathering, knowing that the book I produced will be worthy of its readers whether it wins awards or not.
Congratulations! Thats fantastic news. I love that you have pointed out the difference between receiving acknowledgment versus the need for validation. Looking forward to reading the book.
Thank you Judi. I’m hoping that distinction is useful for other creators. Let me know what you think of the book when you read it!