CHANDLER, AZ (November, 2017) – Winners of the 2017 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards have been announced and October Song: A Memoir of Music and the Journey of Time by David W. Berner has earned this year’s $500 Grand Prize as well as a First Place designation in the Biography category. In the vinyl era, David W. Berner played rock ‘n’ roll in a neighborhood garage band. Decades later at the age of 57, he enters a national songwriting contest and quite unexpectedly is named a finalist. He’s called on to perform the song live at a storied venue for Americana music. Grabbing his old guitar and the love of his life, David hits the road, hoping to live out a musical fantasy he thought had been buried long ago. October Song is a powerful examination of the passage of time and love, and the power of music and dreams.

“I want to congratulate all of our winners. What impressed me most about this year’s book awards is the quality of writing talent who entered our contest," says Linda F. Radke, president of Story Monsters LLC and director of the Dragonfly Book Awards contests. “We had 66 entries earn First Place awards, which means the judges scored them with a minimum of 72 out of 80 points.”

There was a $100 prize drawing for all First Place awards, and the winner was Cub’s Wish by Angie Flores. The book won First Place in the Gift Books category.

Now in its eighth year, the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest for 2017 more than doubled the number of its entries over last year. “We have seen an increase in entries from both traditional and independent publishers” says Radke. “I love that we offer a place for all authors to be recognized.”

For a complete list of winners, visit www. DragonflyBookAwards.com and click on “Winners.” The next Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. The final deadline for submissions is October 1, 2018. The final deadline to enter the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, which recognizes outstanding children’s literature, is May 1, 2018. Visit the website for details about Early Bird Special pricing and new categories added.

For more information about the Dragonfly Book Awards, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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