National Book Award Winner 2023 Novels & Stories

"Today, we are going to be announcing the winners of our annual writing contest which has served as a stepping stone to many writers who graduated from our school. And now to announce the three sets of people who blew our minds with their amazing works. The second runner-up is in the person of Annabelle Green with the book Enemy Luna under the paranormal genre." The girl on my left waved with a big smile on her face as the camera turned toward her and zoomed on her face. "The first runner-up is in the person of David Adams with the book Not your ordinary love story under Young adult." Chloe continued and the guy on my right repeated Annabelle's actions. "And the overall winner is the person

That night, after tucking Lila in, Emma curled into Jake’s side on the couch. “I said yes to a reading,” she said. Jake kissed her temple. “Good.” “I’m nervous.” He smiled. “That means you still care.” The next morning brought an email. Her second book had been nominated for a national award. She stared at the screen, unsure whether to laugh or cry. Claire sent her a voice message: “You better go accept that award in something fierce. Also I told you. Your words change people.” Emma whispered thanks to the sky. The reading took place on a clear evening, the bookstore filled with people sipping cider and tea. Emma wore a soft sweater and boots. Nothing flashy. Just herself.

silence filled the air as the woman slowly took the name out of the envelope. “Our winner is Elysia Alderidge, for the book ‘The woman he could never love.’” John Mickelson smiled, applauding as he watched her mount the stage again to receive it, the surprise, quite evident on his face since he knew that for the past eight years, it has always been between him and Freya. “Wow,” he muttered under his breath. “I guess there's someone new in the game. I'm impressed.” “And lastly, for this distinguished storyteller award, we have names that have won today, but surprisingly, the winner is…Emily Donovan!”