NYC Big Book Award Ceremony

There are certain moments in life that feel almost suspended in time.

Moments where everything slows down just enough for you to fully absorb the meaning of where you are, and connect with the people who surrond you. Attending the NYC Big Book Award ceremony was one of those moments for me.

Receiving the Distinguished Favorite Award in the Fantasy category was already an incredible honor in itself, but being able to attend the ceremony in person transformed the experience into something deeply personal and unforgettable.

It wasn’t simply about receiving recognition for my

work; it was about standing in a room filled with storytellers, dreamers, creators, and passionate voices who all understand the vulnerability and courage it takes to bring a story into the world.

As I reflect on the evening, I realize that what touched me most was not only the award, but the overwhelming sense of connection. Writing is often a quiet and solitary process.

So much of it happens in late nights filled with revisions, moments of self-doubt, bursts of inspiration that arrive unexpectedly, and the constant internal dialogue between imagination and discipline.

Writers spend countless hours building worlds that only exist in their minds long before anyone else ever sees them.

Because of that, there is something profoundly moving about stepping out from behind the pages and sharing space with others who truly understand that journey.

Walking into the room, I immediately felt the energy of creativity all around me.

There was excitement in the air, but also warmth, humility, and mutual respect among everyone present.

Each person carried a story, not only the story they had written, but the personal story that brought them there.

Behind every book is perseverance, sacrifice, resilience, and hope. Being surrounded by people who had each fought their own creative battles reminded me that storytelling is not merely an artistic pursuit; it is an act of persistence and belief.

When my work was recognized, I experienced a mixture of emotions that are difficult to fully put into words.

Gratitude was certainly the strongest among them.

Gratitude for the opportunity, for the recognition, and for every person who believed in my work before I fully believed in it myself.

I thought about the long path that led to that moment, the early ideas scribbled down in notebooks, the drafts rewritten countless times, the moments when continuing felt difficult, and the determination that kept me moving forward anyway.

Fantasy, in particular, holds a special place in my heart because it is a genre built on imagination, wonder, and possibility.

It allows us to explore truths about humanity through worlds that do not exist, yet somehow feel deeply familiar.

Fantasy invites readers to dream beyond limitations, to confront fear and hope through myth and adventure, and to rediscover the power of courage, transformation, and resilience.

What made the evening even more memorable were the inspiring encounters I had throughout the ceremony. I met authors from different backgrounds, genres, and experiences, and every conversation left an impression on me.

Some shared stories about the challenges of publishing.

Others spoke about the emotional reasons behind the books they had written. There was such honesty and passion in those interactions. It reminded me that literature creates bridges between people who may never otherwise meet.

One of the most beautiful aspects of the night was realizing how supportive and encouraging the writing community can be.

Creative work is often associated with competition, but what I felt most strongly at the event was encouragement. There was a genuine celebration of one another’s accomplishments. People listened to each other’s stories with curiosity and respect. There was room for every voice, every perspective, and every journey.

Awards are meaningful not because they define success, but because they acknowledge the heart, time, and dedication poured into creative work.

They remind us that stories matter.

They remind us that words have the ability to move people, inspire imagination, and create emotional connections that transcend distance and difference. This experience also gave me renewed motivation as a writer.

Creative journeys are rarely linear. There are periods of confidence and periods of uncertainty.

There are moments when inspiration flows effortlessly and moments when doubt grows louder than creativity.

Yet experiences like this serve as powerful reminders to continue believing in the work and in the stories waiting to be told.

I left the NYC Big Book Award ceremony carrying far more than an award. I left with memories, conversations, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the literary world and the people within it.

I left feeling reminded that storytelling is both deeply personal and beautifully collective, that while writers may create alone, stories ultimately belong to everyone who connects with them.

Most of all, I left feeling grateful.

Grateful to the NYC Big Book Award team for creating such a meaningful and celebratory event.

Grateful to the readers who give stories life by embracing them.

Grateful to fellow writers whose passion continues to inspire me.

Sincerely,

Sara Fanfarillo