Goodbye, Walter wins first place award

Hello,
I'm so excited to announce to my family, friends and readers I have not yet met that my first book release has just been named the best nonfiction memoir entered in this year's Arizona Press Women's 2006 Communications Awards. I've won many awards over the years, but this is the first one for a book, and coincidentally is also for my first book. So this one will always be the sweetest, regardless of what else might be in store down the road.

Here is the scoop on the award:

Karen Villaneuva served as judge of the nonfiction books, memoir category in Arizona Press Women's Communications Awards, in which Goodbye, Walter placed first. The book has advanced to national competition with the National Federation of Press Women's 2006 Communications Contest. Results will be announced in Denver this fall.

Karen Villaneuva, a book publicist with Author Care who has worked with best-selling authors regionally and nationally. She describes "Goodbye, Walter" as, "An intimate look at the process of death and the human heart and spirit. As Hogue struggles with her own "deaths" and rebirths, she finds salvation in her hospice care assignment. Hospice care "saves" Walter Schifter and Walter Schifter saves RuthAnn Hogue. Providing a rare glimpse into the mind of a dying man, Hogue's book also renders a moving portrait of the intimates involved: Their highs and lows, their joys and sufferings, as well as their moments of enlightenment. For those of little faith, and for those of great faith. Touching and commendable."

-- RuthAnn