I have good news to share. My collection of poetry, Slow Phoenix, which was published last year, has been recognized in the poetry category of the Independent Press Award® (IPA) as a Distinguished Favorite.
Below is an excerpt from their press release:
The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected IPA Award Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence.
The poems of Slow Phoenix explore the intersticial space between contentment and disturbance, whether we are joining the poet in New Jersey, Cameroon, at Devil’s Tower, clearing a building lot, or moving his sons out of the house. “The heart’s pericardium/ membrane aches like hell if you stretch it/ all the way to Chicago.”
In the end, Goldman’s humor and care is about taking ourselves by surprise, appreciating the struggles which bring us more awareness, the ability to look at who we have become. “Get up/ go to the door/ and greet your life/ like a cousin/ you haven’t seen/ for a long time.”
This is a book with incredible variety, which will entertain and gently disturb the reader. The poems, like an able gardener, “show you/ how deep, how close we have to dig.”
In 2022, the Independent Press Award had entries worldwide. Authors and publishers from countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, Puerto Rico, and Switzerland participated.
Awards sponsor Gabrielle Olczak said; “We are proud to announce the winners and distinguished favorites in our annual 2022 Independent Press Award. This year included an array of quality and diverse independent books. It’s crystal clear that independent publishing is pushing on every corner of the earth with great content. We are thrilled to be highlighting key titles representing global independent publishing.”
Full lists of this year’s list of IPA Winners and Distinguished Favorites are available on the IPA website.