News Summary
Tallahassee’s literary scene shone brightly at the recent FAPA President’s Book Awards in Orlando, where local authors garnered two Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze medals. This achievement highlights the talent within the Tallahassee Writers Association and emphasizes the importance of literary recognition to inspire emerging authors. The competition featured nearly a thousand entries and was judged by publishing experts, showcasing the high quality of submissions. The upcoming Word of South festival promises to further celebrate local literary talent and engagement within the community.
Tallahassee authors achieved notable success at the 2025 Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) President’s Book Awards held on August 5 in Orlando. During a gala dinner and award ceremony, four local authors, all members of the Tallahassee Writers Association, took home accolades, including two Gold medals, one Silver medal, and two Bronze medals. This achievement underscores the strong literary talent present in the Tallahassee community.
The FAPA President’s Book Awards aim to honor excellence in book publishing, encompassing creativity in design, content, and production. This year, the competition saw nearly a thousand entries from authors around the globe who published works in English. Finalists were selected by a panel of publishing professionals, librarians, and educators, reflecting a high standard of quality among submissions.
Among the award-winning authors from Tallahassee, their works are now accessible at Midtown Reader, My Favorite Books, and through Amazon. The recognition from FAPA not only shines a light on their literary contributions but also serves to inspire and boost the confidence of emerging authors in the area.
This year’s competition was particularly fierce, with judges highlighting the exceptional caliber of the submissions they evaluated. The FAPA organization plays an essential role in supporting authors, publishers, illustrators, and other professionals in the literary community through development and networking opportunities.
The Tallahassee Writers Association has been instrumental in fostering an environment that promotes educational resources, outreach, and the overall advancement of writers in the region. In addition to the awards, the organization helps to cultivate literary talent through various initiatives and support networks.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Word of South festival, taking place in Tallahassee from April 4-6, promises to be a significant event, blending literature and music. This festival will highlight the work of renowned authors, including notable award-winners Barbara Drake-Vera, Evan Bennett, and Raymond Arsenault.
During the festival, writer Paula Walborsky, who has contributed essays and public radio segments, will moderate discussions centered around the Florida Book Awards. Walborsky, who is also an alumna of the Word of South festival, has a unique perspective on writing and community involvement, particularly as a creative voice living with minor Aphasia.
The festival will feature both free events on the weekend and ticketed performances on Friday. Attendees are encouraged to check the official Word of South website for detailed scheduling information and specifics related to various panels and events. The festival is designed to celebrate the convergence of literature and music while offering an open platform for discussion and community engagement.
Overall, the achievements of the Tallahassee authors at the FAPA President’s Book Awards reflect a vibrant literary scene that continues to gain recognition. Events like the Word of South festival play a vital role in promoting local talent and bringing together writers and literary enthusiasts through shared experiences.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Writers Bring Home Florida Authors and Publishers Awards
- Blake Dowling: Remembering a First Love – The Written Word
- Six Tallahassee Authors Receive National Recognition at Book Awards
- Tallahassee’s Pat Spears Paints Poignant Tale of Love Dysfunction
- Florida School District Accused of Anti-Trans Bias in Book Ban
- Wikipedia: Florida Authors and Publishers Association
- Google Search: Tallahassee Writers Association
- Google Scholar: Tallahassee literature
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literature
- Google News: Tallahassee book awards
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
