I’ve been thinking about Pat Conroy a lot lately. He is one of the greats, ever in the history of the world. There’s simply no denying that. And news of his illness has been met in the literary world–or, really, the world in general–with immense sadness and a collective will to bolster his fighting spirit and see him come through with flying colors.
As a big Pat Conroy fan, when I saw that the long list for the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize had been announced, I had to click over to see who was on it–and was shocked to see Dear Carolina! Talk about a fabulous way to wake up! I couldn’t believe that my little book had taken a spot next to favorites like Mary Alice Monroe, Jan Karon, Dorothea Benton Frank, Mary Kay Andrews, Nicholas Sparks, Kim Boykin, Wendy Wax, Colleen Oakley, Kathy and Becky Hepinstall… Even Harper Lee!
Now, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword because it’s incredible to see your little book amongst the stars. But you also know that there is not even a chance that you will win!
But that’s okay. Because it’s Oscar season and I know the phrase well: It’s an honor to be nominated.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart to SIBA and my fabulous indy stores who have loved Dear Carolina so well and really given me a career–and, of course, to Pat Conroy. What a privilege!
Don’t forget: This week, I am giving away TWO of my snazzy new beach bags filled with my cute new cups , lots of Hershey’s Kisses (they’re important in Lies) and some of my favorite beach reads!
Bag 1: The Idea of Love by Patti Callahan Henry (signed hardback!), Miss Hildreth Wore Brown, Olivia deBelle Byrd, A Peach of a Pair, Kim Boykin
Bag 2: Doll-baby, Laura Lane McNeal, Palmetto Moon, Kim Boykin, Save My Place, Olivia deBelle Byrd
Don’t forget, anyone who orders Lies and Other Acts of Love between now and April 11: email me at kristy @ kristywoodsonharvey.com to be entered to win a $1,000 Shop Design Chic gift card and get some adorable quote printables from my fabulous friend Maghon at All She Wrote Notes. It’s available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for only $8.82!
Buy from an independent bookstore and get TWO entries! If you don’t have a favorite indy, order online from one of mine: Indiebound, Duck’s Cottage or MacIntosh Books!
Congrats Kristy!!!! How exciting to see your book on the list. I too am a huge Pat Conroy fan. Love him.