So, I submitted my manuscript to the Royal Palm Literary Awards contest because the judges gave wonderful feedback on what they liked and what they saw as needing improvement.
The Compass Crimes series overlaps a few categories, so I entered it into two categories: Mystery or Crime and Thriller or Suspense.
East of Evil is a semi-finalist in the unpublished Mystery or Crime AND Thriller or Suspense categories.
This may seem like a small thing in the big scheme of life, but I am embracing it because I really needed good news.
My mother–my most devoted fan–passed away last week. Calling family and friends to tell them is soul-crushing. All have been kind.
My best friend, an uncle, and an aunt are traveling from afar to spend the weekend, which will be healing.
Thank you to everyone on social media, at church, and elsewhere for your kindness.
H. Jo Butterworth, Esq.
This is my favorite photo of my mother. She became too ill to read by the time my first book was published. She said she was proud of me, which is enough. See you in heaven, Mom.
