I am writing today to let you know that The Crying Tree is one of five recipients of the 2010 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award. Since 1965, the PNBA has presented this annual award to recognize "excellence in writing from Pacific Northwest authors."  Winners have included Raymond Carver, David James Duncan, Diane Abu-Jaber, David Guterson, and Sherman Alexie. You can see a list of this year's recipients here.

I am honored to be included among this group of fine writers, and thank NW booksellers and readers for The Crying Tree's enthusiastic reception. I look forward to meeting with more of you in the coming months as I continue to speak at bookstores and libraries.

My next large presentation will be at the Tigard Library, in Tigard, Oregon on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 18th, at 7 PM.  The subject of my talk -- WRITING FOR CHANGE -- will examine how writing can help form public opinion and create social change.

I hope you will join me.