award winning author
Wow. Seeing those three words in a note of congrats that I rec’d from a colleague made me realize I had actually achieved something wonderful. I am now an award winning author.
My latest book Chocolatour: A Quest for the World’s Best Chocolate (Volume I) has won as a Bronze Medal winner in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards in the non-fiction Cooking/Food category. This achievement is particularly sweet as this book is 100% my creation–with of course, the guidance and assistance of my editor(s), designer, and printing company.
Over the past five years I have researched, photographed, written, helped design the cover and interior of the book, crowdfunded, marketed, and independently published a full-colour 176-page book about the world of fine chocolate. I have interviewed hundreds of chocolatiers and chocolate makers, eaten chocolate from far more, attended dozens of chocolate events as a chocolate lover and as a speaker, enjoyed visiting choco-centric resorts and attractions, and become totally immersed in the world of artisan chocolate.
What an absolute delight it is to see the book saluted in the category of Food and Cooking, as chocolate has always been called the “Food of the Gods” and in its pure form, is considered to be one of the healthiest foods in the world.
It is my goal to establish chocolate travel as the new niche in travel for people who love indulgence and are interested in developing their palates, for people who want to understand where cacao is grown and how it is magically transformed into the amazing elixir we call chocolate, and for people who want to meet the highly creative and sometimes eccentric individuals who are creating these chocolate masterpieces.
I am currently researching Volume II of Chocolatour, and am happily speaking at numerous upcoming events about chocolate in Winnipeg (McNally Robinson Booksellers on September 20th), Puerto Viejo Chocolate Festival in Costa Rica (October 30- November 4), Kingston, Ontario (November 20th at the launch of a new chocolate shop), and Miami, Florida (November 22nd for the Readers’ Favorite Awards Ceremony and the Miami Book Fair.)

Winning a Readers’ Favorite Award has definitely been the highlight of my professional writing career to date.
I also have some writing related speaking spots in Selkirk, Manitoba (Oct 23-25 for the Black Ink ReCon conference) and November 29th in Winnipeg for an event on crowdfunding sponsored by PWAC Manitoba.
Thanks so much to everyone who has encouraged me and accompanied me on this journey.
If you are an award winning author, please share with us what you have achieved and how it has come to be. If you’ve won another life-changing award, please share and tell us about it!
Congratulations Doreen!!!!!!! What wonderful and well deserved news about your book. I’m raising a cheer in your honour.
Debra Yearwood recently posted…Getting the angle right, your personal brand photo
Thx so much, Debra. It’s been great having you cheer me on as I’ve made my way thru the publishing, and now marketing of a Chocolatour. I really appreciate your enthusiasm.
WizardOfWords recently posted…award winning author
Yes, the Readers’ Favorite group is great–like one big happy family.
Awesome bunch!
Congratulations on your award, Doreen. See you at the Readers’ Favorite ceremonies. How fun!!
Thx, Diane, and congrats to you, too. Looking forward to meeting you in Miami. The Readers’ Favorite Finalists’ group has really been great, hasn’t it?
WizardOfWords recently posted…award winning author
You had a lot of competition and this award and recognition will be empowering for you and your next book. Have been bragging about you to all my family and friends. Can’t wait to see the pictures of you accepting your award!!
I want one of those stickers for my book.
Thanks so much, Pat. I do hope that winning the award and the publicity surrounding that will help spark sales on volume I of Chocolatour. I’m excited about researching volume II, but would really like to see Chocolatour move up in the sales rankings. So everyone you mention it to is much appreciated. And, OK. I’ll send you an awards sticker next time I mail you something. Cheers!
WizardOfWords recently posted…award winning author
Congratulations Doreen on this award. You worked hard for it and it is richly deserved!
Thanks so much, Harry! Will I be seeing you at the Fall Rally?
WizardOfWords recently posted…award winning author
Congrats on this latest achievement ! You will have to get a ‘Bronze winner’ decal/sticker made up to put on the cover of all your books to promote sales.
Hi Mary-Anne, and thanks for your comment. Readers’ Favorite will be sending me a role of lovely stickers to adhere to my books. And I can order more. So exciting! Thx for being a friend, and for accompanying me on the incredible chocolate journey to St. Lucia.
WizardOfWords recently posted…award winning author
Great job, Doreen! You deserve it. As a fellow chocolate lover, I am looking forward to your next book.
Thanks, Susan. I had no idea when I took this project on, that it would take over my life. But I must admit … I’m loving every minute of it. 🙂
WizardOfWords recently posted…Have you found YOUR tribe?
Woohoo, that’s fantastic Doreen! So happy for you that you’re getting the recognition for all your hard work:-)
A.K.Andrew recently posted…10 Ways to be Creative this Summer
Thx so much, A.K. You and I write very differently, but I think we still learn from one another, and appreciate what it takes to produce the work we do. Cheers!
WizardOfWords recently posted…Have you found YOUR tribe?
Way to go on the award! I’ll be looking forward to the second volume as well 🙂
Yay, Jeri! Yes, two more volumes to come, and then hopefully … a Mega volume combining all 3. Thx again for your support.
WizardOfWords recently posted…Have you found YOUR tribe?
Yay Doreen! Congratulations!
Latrisha Talley recently posted…September Goals
Thx so much, Latrisha! It’s been great getting to know you via the Working Writers Club.
WizardOfWords recently posted…award winning author
Doreen — what a terrific honor. Congratulations! Of course, you put in the work to create an award-winning book. Best wishes for your continued success.
Jeannette Paladino recently posted…If the Fortune 500 Don’t Have a Social Media Strategy, Should You?
Thx so much, Jeannette. I really appreciate how you’ve been here on my blog(s) almost every post, sharing your thoughts, and how you’ve written a review on my book, and given me encouragement at every turn. Having friends like you makes it all so much easier. 🙂
WizardOfWords recently posted…Have you found YOUR tribe?
That is just the cat’s meow! Congratulations, Doreen.
Thx so much, Linda. It’s been great having you on my Twitter team, and if I recall, you were the very first one to purchase Chocolatour via my website, so thx for that as well. Cheers!
WizardOfWords recently posted…Have you found YOUR tribe?
Huge congratulations on your International Book Award, Doreen! You absolutely deserve it. You’re an inspiration in so many ways — your creativity and originality, your work ethic and your professionalism. And being such a nice person just might have something to do with your success. Enjoy your award!
Thx so much, Bev. Your very kind comments have made me blush. But a very big Thank You to you and Howard for being great friends and supporters every step of the way. That is so appreciated. Hope to see you at the Fall Rally!
WizardOfWords recently posted…Have you found YOUR tribe?
Hi Doreen,
Congratulations on your award. No one could deserve it more. Hope it partially makes up for the tough times you have had recently.
Irene
Thx, Irene. Yes, Reg’s illness and then spraining my ankle did make for a difficult summer. But it actually was lovely having so many visitors come to keep us company and enjoy the summer on the deck. Hope to see you soon!
WizardOfWords recently posted…award winning author