First Place Winner category Horror/Paranormal
This is the message in the Pride Awards book.
"With a fun setup, solidly established characters, and an immersive, realistic portrayal of Spain, this story promises to be a unique spin on the paranormal romance genre. I look forward to watching the romance blossom and learning more about the demons' shady dealings."
I am very happy about this, especially because the judge was the awesome Sandydragon1.
She left this message on the server when the winners were announced
"This is exactly the kind of story I love reading! The premise immediately caught my attention, and seeing a story set in Spain was very refreshing. I can hardly wait to see all the culinary chaos that ensues â¤ï¸"
Thank you for your encouraging words. It means a lot to me.
This story is dedicated to the Lucas of the world. Carrying a small bag full of dreams and hopes for a better future. I hope you find the love you deserve in a land far away from where you were born.
Also, on a very personal note, that took a lot of time to get written.
About nine years ago, my heart got broken in the worst way possible, and that made my life turn 180 degrees. I got a new job and a new life as a result. But that didn't heal my broken heart.
It healed because of him.
When we went out one day after work and visited a bar in a cobblestone street in the center of Quito, I told him about the pain in my heart and how much I was struggling to heal and trust people.
He asked me to use him as much as I wanted to heal. We laughed, danced, and partied that night and many other nights for many years, and my heart healed with time. I met more friends, I traveled, and I was happy again.
He just omitted a significant detail from our conversation.
He was gay and in love with a very kind man.
You could have told me instead of having me figure it out. I would have also told you I had a secret.
SO HERE IS MY REVENGE!
I have been writing stories about you and your husband for many years.
And now these stories are also about me and my wife.
About love, friendship, compassion, and the power of kindness, the kinship between queers, the small quiet moments that are the grounding in which we hold on when everything crumbles, and of course, about empanadas, traditions, and what we carry with us when we have to leave our homes in the hopes of finding our path.
And I will probably still write about all of these, about you and the wonderful world of queers I have lived in for many years.
Thank you for saving my life.