2023 Nonfiction Book of the Year

I am beyond honored.

I am beyond honored to have been granted the 2023 Nonfiction Book of the Year award from the American Writing Awards.

All those lonely hours in my office, clicking away on the keyboard, tears running down my face at times, connecting with my son through letters, and reconnecting with God through those same letters, writing about the whole experience in a book... I never thought it would become what it's become.

I want to thank and acknowledge Lucas, my co-memoirist in a way. This really is a book about us and what happened to us. You wrote a full chapter. Many of your letters are part of the book, and your heart bleeds through every page.

You supported the book from the beginning. You cheered me on when you were sitting behind a chain-link fence. Then again when you were freshly out. And now, years later, when that time in your life looks like a distant memory—a life you can scarcely believe existed. You supported the book even though it highlighted the worst moment of your life. You knew others needed this story—they needed to know that life may turn around, forgiveness may be had, and relationships can be mended.

Many of you, readers of my weekly essay, are also to thank. Kim Thompson was an early cheerleader. Nan Wiener, my fabulous editor, spent hours with me on the phone. Lucia Joyce, the biggest Joyce fan. Stacy Zike, Dave Lyznick, Ashley Hockenberry, the Smiths, Julie Rector, Guy Hammond, and many others have supported me.

And finally, to the souls whom the book has touched. I read of your tears and your relating and the hope this story gives you. That means the world to me. Up until the end, up until publication, I was tempted to pull back, to not share, to not open up. I didn't want to put pressure on Lucas or our family or bare my family's secrets. But I'm glad I did. I'm glad others have been encouraged. It was worth it.

Link to the book: Letters to My Son

Link to American Writing Awards