Way, way back in the original iteration of the Clitorides, the presenter would offer a fictional acceptance speech from the winners.
It was tongue-in-cheek but it was also written solely for the dozen or so people that corresponded regularly. Those of us that were "outsiders" didn't get the inside jokes (and, if I'm honest, probably glad we didn't).
Still, here goes ... I'd like to thank the Committee ...
Wait, sorry, that's for when I win the Pulitzer. There is a Pulitzer for erotic fiction ... right?
Right? Well, crap.
No speech then.
Instead, I'll simply offer my sincerest thanks to all who nominated Runaway Train and then went back to vote for it.
As far as Author of the Year ... I'm truly humbled. I have been the runner-up a couple of times previously (and that astounded me) so to actually win is something I've never expected.
I don't write for platitudes or profit. I write because it's fun for me. To know that the readers in SOL-land enjoy what I'm doing is icing on the cake.
Thank you all so much!