I wanted to share with you that I received an exciting email last week from the American Library Association that my novel Leaving Cleveland is being considered for nomination for the Sophie Brody Award in literature.

The Sophie Brody Medal was first awarded in 2006, and includes a medal for the winner. It is funded by the Sophie and Arthur Brody Foundation and is given to encourage, recognize, and commend outstanding achievements in Jewish literature.

Needless to say, I am very grateful to even be considered for this acknowledgment. There are 10 well-known readers in the field to whom I have sent my novel to will judge the book. I am over the moon to have my book read by them and hope they will share it with others. I believe the announcement will be at the end of this year.

A happy birthday to one of my mentors, Annie Leibovitz. I was her assistant for a year in 1982. It was a challenging year and really tested my fortitude. In retrospect, it was a lot of fun and absolutely crazy. We parted as friends and had a mutual respect for each other. Those who know of my novel Leaving Cleveland may think it is Annie, but in truth, the photographer in the book is many photographers whom I have had the privilege to work for. It is hard to believe Annie is 74 today. I will always know her as Anna Lou…back in 1982. Here is a photo of her I took in the NYC studio…Fun Times:)

Please share that brief but essential announcement and subscribe to stay up-to-date with Leaving Cleveland.

One of the questions I do recieve a lot is when is the second book coming out.

I am slowly beginning the second book, and I say slowly since I am still waiting to see how the first book is doing with interest and sales. I have begun writing, and it starts with a funeral. I am also researching the city of Boryslav before the Nazis invaded. I am also in the middle of teaching two classes, teaching chess, and creating family time. I really do enjoy the process of writing so for now it is my happy place until it is not.

Steven