I'm still in shock as I write this - 'Playing with #Fire' just won seven first-place awards at the Outstanding Creator Awards, including Best Fiction Book! As a pediatrician who sees her patients struggling with cyberbullying and online trauma daily and as an author who poured her heart into telling Everly's story, this recognition feels surreal and deeply meaningful.
When I started writing about a cyberbullying survivor finding her strength in a wrestling ring, I wanted to capture what I witness in my practice: how deeply online harassment can wound, but also how resilient teenagers can be when they find the right support. Everly's journey from a traumatized teen to someone who reclaims her life, aided by pro-wrestling and Fire's unexpected friendship, reflects what I've seen countless times in my young patients (minus the pro-wrestling, at least so far) - healing becomes possible when we find our tribe and our strength.
The awards in categories like Social Media, Psychological Fiction, and Grief/Trauma mean so much because they recognize the core message of the book - that healing is possible, that kindness matters, and that sometimes the most unlikely circumstances (like being pushed into learning pro-wrestling!) can lead us to exactly what we need. The path to recovery often comes from unexpected directions.
To everyone who has read Everly's story, who has shared in her struggles and victories, thank you. And to those who haven't met her yet - you can find 'Playing with #Fire' here on my homepage and on Amazon. I hope Everly's journey resonates with you as much as it has with others.