Katrina Kusa Receives National Recognition
I’d like to thank the Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) for recognizing my first children’s book, The Kingdom of the Lizards. When writing this book at 10 years old, I never dreamed that my book would be published-let alone so well received. I’m proud of this moment and the honor to be awarded with other writers in Florida and nationwide.
Hosted by FAPA, this prestigious national award is open to books published between 2016 and 2017. The Annual 2017 President’s Book Awards recognized The Kingdom of the Lizards, in the category of juvenile fiction, as a Bronze medal winner for both the state of Florida and the overall national award!
“The FAPA President’s Book Award exists to promote excellence in the publishing industry by recognizing talented contemporary authors who put both heart and soul into their work. FAPA is proud to be a champion of authors and publishers going the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect.” said Jane R. Wood, President-Elect of FAPA.
I’m excited to have been honored as the youngest award recipient! As a 13 year old, I almost can’t believe how well received my first book has been. This truly proves you don’t have to wait to have your dreams come true! I hope my success as a young author inspires other kids to put their creativity out in the world!
I’d like to thank my publisher-Archway Publishing-for guiding me through this process and helping my book get into the hands of kids across the country and I hope one day around the world.
I’d also like to thank my school-Royal Palm Academy-and the wonderful teachers and students there who have been supportive of me and my writing. I’m so happy to have been able to inspire other young authors and artists at school!
And most importantly, I’d like to thank my parents. Without whom, I would have never made it this far. They have always pushed me to dream bigger and dream better. They have helped make all of my dreams come true, and I dedicate this award to Joe and Luba Kusa. Thanks for helping me envision the magical world of The Kingdom of the Lizards and for encouraging me to keep writing with my two upcoming books.
“We are proud to announce this year’s winners who truly embody the excellence this award was created to celebrate. We had a record number of entries this year. Competition was stiff! We salute all of our winners for their fine work,” said FAPA’s President, Terri Gerrell.
The Florida Authors & Publishers Association is a non-profit organization for authors, publishers, independent publishers, illustrators, editors, printers, and other professionals involved in the publishing industry. The annual FAPA Book Awards recognizes book publishing excellence as well as creativity in design, content, and production. Medals were awarded at the 2017 FAPA President’s Book Awards Banquet held at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace in the Disney Springs™ Area of Lake Buena Vista, Florida. See the press release here.
Join me in sharing your creativity! You don’t have to wait to write and share your art. Check out some of my short stories from writing prompts, and try writing your own. Or ask for advice on writing children’s books by emailing Katrina Kusa today!