I’ve Been Nominated for Author of the Year for the Spillwords Press 2026 Awards

On By Mike U.In Poetry
Image © Spillwords Press

Hey, everyone. I’m delighted to announce I’ve been nominated for Author of the Year at Spillwords Press for my poem “The Bonfire.”  This Spillwords Press 2026 Awards nomination is more than just an honor for me, it’s a validation of my voice as a deaf, introverted writer who wants desperately to connect with people. I’m grateful to Dagmara K. and her staff for publishing my poem and for this wonderful opportunity.

You can read my poem here:

https://spillwords.com/the-bonfire/

If you’d care to vote for me, all you need to do is register at Spillwords Press (it’s free and takes only a couple of minutes). Voting runs from January 26 through January 30. You may cast your vote by following this link: 

https://spillwords.com/vote/

People who know me understand that self-promotion is not my strong point so this sort of thing is always awkward for me. I don’t have any social media presence whatsoever so it’s difficult to get the word out. I believe these awards should be merit-based on the quality of the writing, not on social media popularity. With that said, it’s my sincere hope you’ll take a few minutes to read my poem and cast your vote, and if you enjoy my poem, please spread the word. I’d be beyond grateful to have your support. I’ve always believed my poetry should do the talking, not me, so if you find my poem worthy of your vote for Author of the Year, I’d appreciate it so much.

As an exciting side note, a couple of my good blogging friends are up for awards as well. Maggie Watson has been nominated for both Author of the Year and Publication of the Year, and Lauren Scott is in the running for Publication of the Year. I’m so proud of both of these friends for the recognition of their excellence and I wish both of them the best of luck in the voting.

Congratulations and all the best to all the other nominees. 

72 thoughts on “I’ve Been Nominated for Author of the Year for the Spillwords Press 2026 Awards”

    1. Many thanks, Liz. “The Bonfire” is frightening in the sense that it’s already happening in many ways across our country and the world. I wanted to speak out about it as a warning. Orwell and Bradbury were hugely influential to me, as you can tell here. I hope it’s not too late to change the course of humanity.

      Your support is so appreciated, my friend. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  3. Mike, I am so happy for all of you. This poem you wrote is one of my favorites and you know, that I love your work. Every piece I see is a joy to read and a gift to whoever reads your words. I am so very happy for you. Bonfire is a particular appropriate poem at this time in our world. I congratulate you from my whole heart, I have prayed for this wonderful award to be awarded to someone whose words wrap around me like a reminder of my own saga and pain.

    I too, care about and appreciate both Maggie and Lauren. As you know Maggie’s book touched my heart as an ACOA and someone who grew up being abused almost daily. So her and I have a lot in common. I am beyond happy for her too. The pages of her

    My prayers will be with all of you. Thank you Spillwords. I will also post something on instagram. So happy for you all.

    We are thinking about you and know what a wonderful achievement this would be for any and all of you.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Kindest thanks, Joni. You’ve been such an important and influential person here on WordPress, and your work has left an indelible imprint on my heart and soul. Your support is absolutely cherished and invaluable to me. Thank you for always being such a strident advocate of noble causes and those who write about them. We’re fortunate to have you on our side, my friend.

      Yes, I’m delighted to see Maggie and Lauren nominated as well. They’re two of the most amazing writers on WP, and they represent the best of us as writers and humans. It’s an honor to be named a nominee alongside such wonderful people.

      Wishing you and Scott an upcoming week of peace and warmth, dear friends. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. You are so welcome my friend. I could not be happier for you. When I first read Bonfire I remember thinking who could say this better and I thought of no one. I have told you many times, you and I have a connection because of the way we grew up, but your ability to write is amazing. We bleed through our writing, we express our feelings to the brim and we don’t hold back. You are a phenomenal writer and I am so happy for you. Many blessings and I can not say how happy I am for you and all the nominees. Love and hugs, Joni

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Hey, Melissa! Thank you so much for your kind words and for posting over at your blog. The nomination is exciting, for sure (and man, I’d love to join you and Cindy G. as recent AotY winners), and I’m truly stoked to see Maggie and Lauren among the nominees. I know you’ve said this before, and I agree–a win for one of us is a win for all of us. Thanks for your wonderful support, friend. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Peggy, for your kind support and for stopping by to say hello. I’ve been sort of AWOL for a bit and hoping to get back into the swing of things soon. And, I’ve fallen behind on blog comments (again). I hope your week will be a good one, and I hope that storm hasn’t done too much damage in your area. Keep warm, my friend! 😊❄️

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Good to hear from you, my friend! Prayers and blessings for you! Good luck!🍀
        We’ve been blessed so far, snow and sleet about 2-3”. Worried about freezing rain expected today, maybe, and single digit temps. But God is good!

        Liked by 2 people

  16. Hi Mike

    Many congratulations my friend you are so deserving of this award 🤗

    Whenever I read your work it touches me deeply.

    Thank you so very much for mentioning me and Lauren too.

    To be nominated is an honour in itself.

    I can’t justifiably ask for votes when I have not been active on WP due to my ongoing health problem, that would not sit right with me.

    I hope both you and Lauren are celebrating next week.

    You are both very dear friends who I hold in high esteem.

    Best wishes and much love to you ❤️

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Hey, Maggie, good to see you, my friend! I hope you’re feeling better and getting back to your old self. I’ve been more than a little worried for you, to be honest, and I hope your health problem is resolved very soon.

      I’m excited that the three of us (we Three Amigos) are nominees this year. You and Lauren are wonderful people and brilliant writers, and well deserving of all the accolades and nominations/wins you receive. I’m happy we’re all nominated, for sure, and I wish you and Lauren the best, always. Our friend Melissa Lemay once said, “A win for one of us is a win for all of us.” I agree. I’m just happy to have a small part in this event, and a couple of good friends with whom to share it. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Dear Mike, thank you so very much for your concern.
        The health thing is dragging on longer than anticipated 🙃 but I am trying not to let it overwhelm me
        The 3 amigo’s 🤗 I love that !
        I am happy too and agree with Melissa .
        By averages lets keep fingers crossed that one of us is smiling next week.
        I am smiling now, and am so made up for you and Lauren.❤️ I really am.
        If I stayed on your side I would say we celebrate now.
        Best to you always.
        I am honoured to be in your company and call you my friend.
        🙏🤗 much love xo

        Liked by 2 people

  18. Congratulations, Mike! Your writing is beyond deserving and so is Maggie’s! You both write poetry that goes straight to the heart and soul. I’m honored to be mentioned along with Maggie. Thank you so much! And I’m honored to be nominated in the first place. Self doubt always sits on my shoulder, persistently whispering just before I click ‘publish.’ I’m thrilled for all of us; you both mean the world to me! Congrats and sending the best of luck to you and Maggie! ❤️

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. “Self doubt always sits on my shoulder, persistently whispering just before I click ‘publish.’”

      I live this every single time I post something on my blog, so I definitely get you, Lauren. However, I’m glad you push that Publish button each time because it brings brilliance into the world for the rest of us to experience. I’m truly stoked to see you and Maggie nominated–wonderful, talented, well-deserving people whose poetry plants seeds of hope and healing in the hearts of readers.

      I wish you and Maggie the best of luck, and I’m glad to be nominated along side both of you. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Well, at lease we’re on the same page, Mike, and I can say the same thing about your posts too, my friend. “…brings brilliance into the world for the rest of us to experience” back to you! And I’ve always been in awe of your writing, so I’m really excited to see you nominated with Maggie and me beside you. 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi, Layla. Thanks so much for your generous support and sentiments. It’s exciting for sure, especially when good writing friends are nominated as well. Feels like a family, you know? I hope you’re doing well and the new year is treating you kindly. 😊

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

    1. Hey, Diana. Thanks so much for your generous support. Truly means the world to me, my friend. These nominations are exciting, but also stressful. I suppose it goes with the territory. I’m just glad to see Maggie and Lauren being recognized for their work, too. Cool beans all around.

      Sending you the best vibes imaginable from my little corner of the world to yours. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Hey, Kirsten. Many thanks for your support, friend. I’m doing my best to stay toasty (it was a sultry 8° F here last night). Hope you’re doing the same. Thanks as always for stopping by to say hello. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Xenia. It’s so kind of you, and very much appreciated. I think the highlight is being nominated with friends, you know? It’s nice to see familiar names and faces among the nominees, and I wish them all the very best. I hope 2026 has been treating you generously. Wishing you the best from my little corner of Colorado. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  26. Dear Mike, Congratulations on this powerful nomination — it is so richly deserved. “The Bonfire” is not just a poem; it is a searing moral warning wrapped in haunting imagery and emotional truth. Each stanza burns with urgency, reminding us how fragile freedom is when words themselves become forbidden. The moments of “Freedom” and “Love” are especially devastating — not for their loss alone, but for the courage they represent in a world that punishes truth.

    Your poem does what the finest literature does: it unsettles, awakens, and lingers in the heart long after the final line. It speaks for every silenced voice and honors every soul that ever dared to speak when silence was safer. A truly exceptional work — timely, timeless, and deeply moving.

    I’m having trouble logging into the site at the moment, but I will keep trying and will definitely leave my comment there as soon as I’m able. This poem truly deserves every word of appreciation, my friend. 👍

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, dear Saima. I appreciate your in-depth analysis of this poem. It’s frightening to see what occurs when our voices are wrested away from us, leaving us silently suffering in the face of violent oppression, which is happening all over the world right now and has been for ages. Here in the States, people are literally being murdered in broad daylight for exercising their First Amendment rights for freedom of speech, and globally it’s devastating as protestors are being executed by evil regimes. What have we remaining if we lose our voices? And what are we willing to do to keep them?

      It’s a dark time for humanity…

      Thanks again for your kind words, my friend. I always look forward to reading your thoughtful comments, and I’m so fortunate that my words resonate with you. Sending you thoughts of peace and safety and happiness from southwest Colorado. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  29. Pingback: The Hum of Mosquitoes – Pt. 4 – Helping You To Succeed

Leave a reply to Julie Sheppard aka Reiko Chinen Cancel reply