Turning Words into Gold

​Alchemists were able to turn base metals into gold. Or so the legend goes. The alchemist must undergo their own transformation. As inside, so outside.
 
So it is with writing. And the alchemy of words.
 
You have all probably read writers who have the ability to turn words into gold. But to do so, they must allow themselves to be changed in the process.
 
Here’s an example of words being turned into gold.
 
I am honored to share with you that my recent collection of words -- Happiness is an Imaginary Line in the Sand  -- has received a Gold Nautilus Award.
 
Which is certainly enough, all by itself. (I mean, I thought only people like Barbara Kingsolver and Gary Zukav won Gold Nautilus Awards.)
 
But Nautilus also named the book the Best of Small Press.

These two honors certainly go beyond my expectations. And I find myself a tiny bit at odds as to what to do with this information.
 
Of course, I want to celebrate the news with you. And I also know that social media has made us all a little weary of all the self-promotion.
 
Maybe it is just that the world is filled with bad news right now. And I thought I’d share a little glimmer of good news with you.
 
It is like the book’s titular essay explains. A big part of being happy is deciding to be happy. Creating a little alchemy of your own out of the circumstances of your life. And bringing forth a little gold from inside to light your way.
 
I hope you are well. And that you are finding reasons, big and small, to celebrate your own lives.
 
Take care of yourselves.
 
TQ

P.S. If you haven't pick up a copy yet, Happiness Is an Imaginary Line in the Sand is available here.
And my friend and fellow Landmark Prize winner Kip Greenthal also won a Nautilus Award this year. You can find her award-winning novel Shoal Water here.