I always enjoy sharing success. There is something about the writing community that I haven’t found anywhere else. It’s a general sense of friendship.

When writers find each other, there is an unspoken bond that gives them insight. We cheer each other on and try to help out when pitfalls make everything seem impossible.

Children’s authors are especially fun to meet. (I’m not just saying that because I am one haha) Many of us are just big kids. We’re the kind of adults who like to jump on the bed and enjoy a good bouncy house adventure.

Supporting my colleagues is part of why I do what I do. There is no sacrifice in promoting other great works. To stand beside someone and share your love of words is exceptionally rewarding.

So I find it easy to nominate other authors for awards. Sure there’s always that hope that my readers and maybe fellow authors will find my work worthy as well, but if not, at least I was able to contribute my voice in a different way than through my own books.

Because finding your own voice or a common thought in someone else’s story reminds us of how deep the human connection really goes. When we can read a line and laugh out loud, or tear up for the fictitious kid in a book, those are the moments where the best of humanity shines.

I am reminded of this specifically because the Cybils Awards are currently accepting public nominations to honor children’s books published in 2017. My title: The Golden Rule is eligible along with a slew of talented works that make me proud to be an author.

https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Rule-Jessica-Marie-Baumgartner/dp/1943755191/

So if you have read something new this year that is significant to you and you wish to nominate it, here ya go!

http://database.cybils.com/nominate.php

After all, the readers are what matter most in the industry.