Debra Prinzing

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It’s official: Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways is “Award-Winning”

March 23rd, 2009

09-awards-logoThe tan envelope arrives in today’s mail. I open it up, hardly able to focus on the letter from Denise Cowie, chair of the 2009 Garden Writers Association Media Awards program.

But, yes, it seems I read this right. “Your entry has received a Silver Award of Achievement,” the letter explains.

The work: Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways

The category: Writing, book

new-book-cover-webAfter whooping it up with my husband, Bruce, I call Jennifer Gilbert at the GWA headquarters to ask whether a letter was sent to Clarkson Potter regarding the “Overall Product” category (which encompasses writing, photography, design and production).

Yes, she assures me, Stylish Sheds has also won a Silver Award for Overall Product. The letter went to our editor, Doris Cooper.

Then I call Bill Wright in Seattle. “Did you open your mail yet?” I ask. “Do you mean my e-mail?” he replies.

“No, your regular mail.”

“It hasn’t come yet today.”

“Oh, well, guess what? We won a Silver Award from Garden Writers for Overall Book Product and I won a Silver for Writing.”

His reply? “Yeah, I got the letter on Saturday saying I won a Silver for Photography.”

What? How could he not be as excited as I am?! He’s known for two days and he didn’t call to tell me!!!

Maybe I’m putting too much emphasis on this, but I love to win – and I love accolades. (Sorry, I know that statement reveals my desire for human affirmation. It often puts me in a bad position because sometimes my motivation to write is more for the accolades than a paycheck!)

Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways, this labor of love, has been positively recognized by many reviewers, purchased by book buyers, and supported by our patient family and friends. That should be reward enough.

But just this once, it’s nice to win something. Even if it’s merely a “certificate” that you can take home and frame.

P.S. We’re eligible in all three categories (Writing, Photography and Overall Product) to be judged for a Gold Award. But we have to wait until the 2009 annual symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina (in September) to know the results.

19 Responses to “It’s official: Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways is “Award-Winning””

  1. Melanthia Says:

    Congratulations. Well deserved.

  2. Karen Says:

    Congrats on your award and on the success of this book! Sheds are really hip now, probably a lot thanks to you!

    Karen’s last blog post..What is a Tree Worth?

  3. High Desert Diva Says:

    Congrats!

    High Desert Diva’s last blog post..Spring

  4. Theresa/GardenFreshLiving Says:

    Yippee! Congrats ~ Congrats ~ Congrats!

    You deserve it.

    Theresa/GardenFreshLiving’s last blog post..My new MEGA Composter: bigger IS better!

  5. Scott Says:

    Kudos! The award is well-deserved. Stylish Sheds makes me want to do the Walden thing in my backyard each time I open it.

  6. Sarah Lynch Says:

    Well done and truly deserved!

  7. Daniel Mount Says:

    Bravo Debra! Accolades are way better than pay checks. And they’ll keep the pay checks coming. looking forward to tea next week.

  8. David Says:

    You two deserve it. Completely and utterly.
    It is a beautiful, complete thought,
    a place to get lost,
    a glimpse into the souls of each of the shed’s owners/creators,
    and a peek into yours by the way you have shown and told them.
    In your finding of, and offering of their stories, we are enriched.

    Huzzah!!!

  9. Kathy from Cold Climate Gardening Says:

    Woo-hoo! Congrats!

    Kathy from Cold Climate Gardening’s last blog post..Mud Season Chores: Cleaning up

  10. debra Says:

    dearest friends and kind correspondents . . . thank you for your encouragement. it means volumes! xoxo Debra

    debra’s last blog post..It’s official: Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways is “Award-Winning”

  11. Catherine Says:

    How exciting! Congrats!

    Catherine’s last blog post..Worth the trip outside.

  12. Lorene Says:

    Yes, it feels good to see an outward indication that our readers “get it”
    I am so pleased and celebrate with you that you have been heard! You’ve got a message, and the world needs to hear it – NOW!
    much love,
    Lorene

  13. Doug Green Says:

    Congrats! Always feels good to know that others think highly of what you’ve done – and you done good. 🙂

  14. Huy Says:

    Debra, I think some of us have become rather jaded and have lost our childlike appreciation of praise. It’s refreshing to see that you still get excited about recognition. It’s well deserved. The book is awesome.

    Huy’s last blog post..JN40: The standard depressing birthday reflection on mortality and the meaning of life

  15. Bonnie Manion Says:

    Debra,
    How utterly exciting! I’m so proud of you and Bill! I knew your lovely book was hitting a “high chord” in the garden world! May we have an encore? Congratulations….Bonnie

    Bonnie Manion’s last blog post..“Anatomy of a Backyard Chicken Coop”, Intro

  16. Dee/reddirtramblings Says:

    I am so happy for you and for Bill. It is a beautiful book, beautifully written.~~Dee

    Dee/reddirtramblings’s last blog post..Say Goodbye to Spring

  17. Kim Says:

    Congrats! I’ll have my fingers crossed for you in September when we’re both sitting there at the GWA awards banquet!

    Kim’s last blog post..Papaya progress

  18. Marti Says:

    I LOVE your book. I purchased a copy in January (?) and have read it cover to cover. The inspiration is priceless.

  19. Garden Sheds Says:

    Well done!

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