This is so exciting.
The Southeastern Virginia Arts Association has nominated me for two awards– Contemporary Fiction and New American Voice. I am tearing up, y’all. WOW. I didn’t even know about this. The Southeastern Virginia Arts Association was established in 1983 as a non-profit regional umbrella arts association that promotes five art disciplines: music, theater, dance, visual and literature. Afr’Am Festival, the organization’ s major annual project, focuses on African-American arts and culture. Proceeds from the festival go toward SEVAA programming and scholarship programs. Sounds like a very worthy organization!

Here’s the scoop:

Afr’Am Fest’s Literary Café Announces Literary Awards 2008 Nominees (Norfolk, VA) – In support of its literacy campaign, “Reading is a Family Affair,” Afr’am Fest announced its first ever Literary Award Program earlier this year. The Literary Award Program will highlight some of the best of the best in African-American fiction for 2007. Winners of the award will be honored at a Literary Award Gala at the Marriott Waterside Hotel, Sunday, May 25, 2008. The keynote speaker for the event is author Nathan McCall whose works have made the New York Times Best-Seller List. Several other national best-selling authors will be in attendance to recognize the winners including Victoria Christopher Murray, Vincent Alexandria, Karen Quinones Miller and Pat G’Orge Walker.

The award committee received nominations from across the country for this esteemed recognition. Each book was reviewed to ensure appropriateness of content, consistency with the program’s mission, and overall literary value.

Yipeeeeeee!