What a great day it was when we opened the email that said …

“CONGRATULATIONS!  It is our great pleasure to inform you that you are a Finalist in the 14th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards.”

I submitted The Mending Chronicles of Liam and Emily  to this prestigious competition in the USA holding thumbs that the judges would see all the love and dedication that has gone into this colorful divorce recovery narrative workbook for kids.  As a first book project, it has been difficult to gauge what standard we have achieved but now without a doubt, we are assured that we have produced something we can be proud of.

“This year’s entries continue an upward trend in high-quality publishing, even among first time or newer authors. The competition is intense. Indie Excellence® proudly celebrates the talent, dedication, and love they put into the book product.” – Doug Fogelson, President National Indie Excellence® Awards

Take a look at the list of finalists here. The Mending Chronicles is a finalist in the 14th National Indie Excellence Awards for the divorce category, so look under D. The winner of the divorce category in National Indie Excellence Awards is Post-divorce bliss by Jude Walsh.  This looks like a worthwhile book for mums and dads to read.

The Mending Chronicles of Liam and Emily has been a team effort.  Three talented ladies poured their efforts alongside me to create this wonderful divorce recovery resource.

  • Mariaan du Plooy is an artist in Cape Town, South Africa. She has done all the illustrations of Liam and Emily.  Her watercolour technique has portrayed a sensitivity that has enhanced the reader’s connection to the characters.
  • Sonia Evans is a graphic designer and artist in Durban, South Africa.  She has done all the vocabulary work and smaller illustrations. Her vibrant approach has added a fun element to this project.
  • Doraine Livingston is a graphic designer and artist in Durban, South Africa.  She has been the designer of The Mending Chronicles and her magic has brought all our elements together beautifully.  She also designed the cover for The Mending Chronicles and The Parents’ Guide.

“Your book embodies the standards of excellence that this award was created to celebrate.  We salute your talents and our jurors truly respect each of the final works that are honored this year.” – National Indie Excellence Awards

Thank you so much NIEA for the recognition and choosing our book to be a finalist.