Congratulations to the 2009 Bram Stoker Winners

Congratulations to everyone who won the 2009 Bram Stoker Award. Nope, I didn't win - Hank Schwaeble took home the cool haunted house statue this year in the First Novel category. Hank's a cool guy, I'm happy for him. As I said before, I was so thrilled to be nominated and to simply be a finalist for this major award, winning was really secondary. Special thanks to Rocky Wood who spent the banquet in England with my acceptance speech in his pocket. Would have been cool to have him read it, but even so, before we get to the final list of winners, here's what he would have read in my stead at the podium, and though Solomon's Grave didn't win, the sentiments are no less applicable.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone in the HWA who thought my humble little book worthy of such an amazing honor. And, of course, everyone who made the novel what it is today. Janet, for her support, editing prowess and coupons which allowed me to write this book years ago. Fran and Mark for also pouring over the manuscript and making it so much better. Andrew, Amanda and Audrey for their bottomless enthusiasm for their Dad's obsession. David Switzer, Alton Gansky, Mario Kivistik for allowing me to pick their brains from time to time. Cristine Ranghetti and Sara Camilli for getting the book to Dragon Moon, and of course my editor Gabrielle Harbowy and publisher Gwen Gades, for saying 'yes.' Special thanks to Mom & Dad and everyone in my extended family for a lifetime of love and encouragement, and I thank God, for never losing faith in me even when sometimes I did.

To wit: the winners and nominees (winners in bold)

Superior Achievement in a Novel

* AUDREY'S DOOR by Sarah Langan (Harper)
* PATIENT ZERO by Jonathan Maberry (St. Martin's Griffin)
* QUARANTINED by Joe McKinney (Lachesis Publishing)
* CURSED by Jeremy Shipp (Raw Dog Screaming Press)

Superior Achievement in a First Novel

* BREATHERS by S. G. Browne (Broadway Books)
* SOLOMON’S GRAVE by Daniel G. Keohane (Dragon Moon Press)
* DAMNABLE by Hank Schwaeble (Jove)
* THE LITTLE SLEEP by Paul Tremblay (Henry Holt)

Superior Achievement in Long Fiction

* DREAMING ROBOT MONSTER by Mort Castle (MIGHTY UNCLEAN)
* THE HUNGER OF EMPTY VESSELS by Scott Edelman (Bad Moon Books)
* THE LUCID DREAMING by Lisa Morton (Bad Moon Books)
* DOC GOOD'S TRAVELING SHOW by Gene O’Neill (Bad Moon Books)

Superior Achievement in Short Fiction

* KEEPING WATCH by Nate Kenyon (MONSTROUS: 20 TALES OF GIANT CREATURE TERROR)
* THE CROSSING OF ALDO RAY by Weston Ochse (THE DEAD THAT WALK)
* IN THE PORCHES OF MY EARS by Norman Prentiss (PS Publishing)
* THE NIGHT NURSE by Harry Shannon (Horror Drive-in)

Superior Achievement in an Anthology

* HE IS LEGEND: AN ANTHOLOGY CELEBRATING RICHARD MATHESON edited by Christopher Conlon (Gauntlet Press)
* LOVECRAFT UNBOUND edited by Ellen Datlow (Dark Horse Books)
* POE edited by Ellen Datlow (Solaris)
* MIDNIGHT WALK edited by Lisa Morton (Dark House)

Superior Achievement in a Collection

* MARTYRS AND MONSTERS by Robert Dunbar (DarkHart Press)
* GOT TO KILL THEM ALL AND OTHER STORIES by Dennis Etchison (Cemetery Dance)
* A TASTE OF TENDERLOIN by Gene O'Neill (Apex Book Company)
* IN THE CLOSET, UNDER THE BED by Lee Thomas (Dark Scribe Press)

Superior Achievement in Nonfiction

* WRITERS WORKSHOP OF HORROR by Michael Knost (Woodland Press)
* CINEMA KNIFE FIGHT by L. L. Soares and Michael Arruda (Fearzone)
* THE STEPHEN KING ILLUSTRATED COMPANION by Bev Vincent (Fall River Press)
* STEPHEN KING: THE NON-FICTION by Rocky Wood and Justin Brook (Cemetery Dance)

Superior Achievement in Poetry

* DOUBLE VISIONS by Bruce Boston (Dark Regions)
* NORTH LEFT OF EARTH by Bruce Boston (Sam's Dot)
* BARFODDER by Rain Graves (Cemetery Dance)
* CHIMERIC MACHINES by Lucy A. Snyder (Creative Guy Publishing)