It was a wonderful experience accepting my book’s gold medal on stage at the annual Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. Journey to Jumbalot won a gold medal within the preteen fantasy category last year, but I was unable to attend since my wife and I were both sick with pneumonia. I’d like to thank the event organizers at Readers’ Favorite for allowing me to accept my award this year on stage - it meant a lot to us both! We also attended the massive Miami Book Fair and enjoyed chatting with several fellow authors.

"A Colorful Fantasy with Wondrous Characters in a Strange Land." - Kirkus Reviews

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The BookFest Awards are held twice a year and I was recently notified that Journey to Jumbalot was the recipient of a 1st place award within their Fantasy and Magic category! It feels wonderful to learn that this is the fifth literary award my book has won, and it gives me the push I need to continue the story of Alby and his adventures in Jumbalot. Learn more about the Bookfest Awards and by visiting their website: Book Awards - Fall 2022 First Place - The BookFest

I'm thrilled to announce that an audiobook version of Journey to Jumbalot is currently in production and will be released in early spring via Audible and other vendors! The audiobook will be brought to life by Bill Lord, a professional narrator and owner of Nothing Rhymes with Orange Studio. He's a recipient of an Audiofile Magazine Earphones Award and reads fiction and non-fiction for major and indie publishers. Learn more about Bill Lord's studio by visiting his website: https://www.nothingrhymeswithorange.us

I'm happy to announce that my book, Journey to Jumbalot, received a Gold Medal from the 2022 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards. This award represents the children's preteen category and it felt wonderful to win first place. My wife and I were planning to attend their award ceremony held last weekend in Miami, but we were both feeling sick and I later found out that I developed pneumonia. Thankfully, we're both beginning to feel a little better each day. The reps at Readers' Favorite informed me that we can attend next year's event, and they'll still allow me to walk on stage to accept my award. In addition, they quickly mailed me my gold medal. If you recently published or self-published any books, I highly recommend Readers Favorite for professional book reviews and for a chance to win an award at their annual contest!

Last month, I mailed three copies of my book, Journey to Jumbalot, to Harvard Elementary located in Toledo, Ohio. I was pleased to receive a message from Harvard's principal thanking me for the books and they will be placed in their school library. He invited me to speak to the students, but I told him I would provide a video message since I currently reside in Florida. I attended Harvard between 1984-1990 and I have very fond memories from my childhood. I loved sledding down a large hill next to the school and my friends and I spent countless hours on the playground. I loved to draw during this time, and I think some of the earliest versions of my book's characters were sketched with crayons. It's a great feeling to know that my books are now available in Harvard's library, and I hope it inspires one of their students to use their imagination to build fantastic, new worlds.

I love video animation and I thought it was time that my book was in need of a new book trailer. This new version showcases different illustrations, sound effects, and literary award information. One important addition is the transformation Alby undergoes once he harnesses the power of the Gem of Jumbalot.

I'm thrilled to announce the winner of the first Draw a Jumboo Contest - Jackson Herrig! Jackson drew a creative and colorful peacock-jaguar hybrid and I loved the Mesoamerican headdress and weaponry. This character looks like he's ready to join a battle within the world of Jumbalot. Jackson will receive two signed hardcover copies of Journey to Jumblaot and also a $30 Amazon gift card. Congratulations, Jackson! I'd also like to thank everyone that participated in this contest. I loved the creativity involved with each submission and it was difficult choosing a winner. Keep using your imagination to dream up amazing characters!