Music Awards, Anthologies, and New Beginnings – April 2025 Wrap
April has come and gone, and it was quite the ride. From receiving music awards and anthology publications to meeting Kelsea Ballerini, here are the highlights.
Music Awards News
This month, I received two music awards in the mail, one from the Josie Music Awards and the other from the Rampage Music Awards.
Last October, “Passive Aggressive” won the Songwriter Achievement Award at the 10th Annual Josie Music Awards. I finally got my beautiful plaque, and I’m going to share a photo and video next month on May 17 to celebrate the song being out for a year. I still can’t believe I won this award, and I’m so grateful.
On April 1, I found out that “Kind Heart” won Best Singer Songwriter Song at the Rampage Music Awards. This was a total surprise. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. Here is a picture of me with my trophy.
Both of these awards mean the world to me. Thank you to the Josie Music Awards and the Rampage Music Awards for this recognition.
On top of receiving these awards, voting took place for the ISSA Awards this month. I have eight nominations, and on May 2, I’ll find out if I made the finals in any of my categories. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
My Fun, Festive, and Fairy-Tale Coated Studio Session
I went back to the Vault to finish recording my fairy-tale inspired EP, Happy Ever After Doesn’t Last Forever, and start a new Christmas song.
You can read all about my session in this blog post. Studio days are my favorite, and I had so much fun at this session.
Anthology News
I celebrated three anthologies this month.
First, I received my author copy of HORRORific Tales Volume 2: Cryptids by HORRORific Publishing, which features my young adult folk horror story, “Where Lava Flows.”
Next, I got my copy of A Sparkle of Woodland Magic by West Avenue Publishing. My best friend, Jessica Lee Minneci, and I have a story in here under our pen name, Sadie Lielle. Our young adult fantasy story is called “A Wood of Gold and Shadows,” and it was originally published in Dragon Flight by Dragon Soul Press in January. We’re so excited it found another home in A Sparkle of Woodland Magic.
Also, the first anthology I edited, Prom Perfect by Wild Ink Publishing, came out this month, and both the ebook and paperback hit number one on Amazon best seller lists. Editing this anthology was such a joy, and I’m delighted it’s out in the world.
I’m so glad these three books are on my bookshelf, and I can’t wait to write for more anthologies soon.
#RevPit Fun
This month, I chose my first winner for #RevPit. The book is an adult thriller, and I can’t wait to work with the author on her amazing story.
Being a #RevPit editor has been such a dream come true. I had the most fun reading all my submissions, and now, I’m getting the chance to work with such a talented author. The showcase for the contest isn’t until June, so I’ll be in communication with my winner over the next several weeks as she edits her book and materials for the showcase.
Querying Again
At the beginning of April, I made the decision to seek new literary representation. So, I’m querying again. I’m very hopeful for the future and know I’ll find a new agent to champion my books.
April Interviews
This month, two new interviews dropped, one for music and the other for publishing.
First, I can’t thank Bubba Startz enough for having me on the Scene Project to spotlight Hear Me Out and more. I had so much fun. You can watch my interview here.
Second, I had such a blast chatting with Stacy Frazer about short stories and their benefits for novel writing on her podcast, Write It Scared. Huge thank you to Stacy for giving me a spot on her show. You can listen to my interview on the podcast platforms, including Spotify.
I loved being a guest on the Scene Project and Write It Scared. Thank you to Bubba and Stacy for having me.
Meeting Kelsea Ballerini
It finally happened!
I met Kelsea at her Pittsburgh show on April 12. After loving her music and looking up to her for years, this experience is one I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.
So, that’s a wrap on my April. I’m excited to see what May has in store for me.