I’m excited to announce that my novel, Hessman’s Necklace, has been named a Finalist in the Suspense category of the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is an international literary competition that highlights independent authors and small presses each year. With entries from all over the globe and more than 80 categories, the program is known for its commitment to celebrating creativity, originality, and quality in indie publishing. It’s a great feeling to see Hessman’s Necklace recognized among so many impressive suspense novels.
What makes this recognition even more special is the journey the book took to get here. Hessman’s Necklace began as a short story written for Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine in 2016. After a long wait and a form rejection, I expanded it into a novelette and placed it with the legendary Black Mask magazine, which accepted it for publication. But after receiving the contract, I realized I wasn’t ready to let the story go. Instead, I withdrew it and decided to expand it into a novel—a decision I’m so happy I made, even though the process took years of rewrites, character changes, and stubborn drafts.
Sometimes the stories that won’t let go end up being the most rewarding. I’m grateful for the encouragement from readers, writers, and the indie community throughout this journey.
If you want to check out other finalists or learn more about the awards, you can see the full list here: https://indiebookawards.com/winners.php?year=2026.