Fresh Fiction Award Categories

Contemporary Romance

Contemporary Romance - the story takes places in this century (21st). There must be a "happily ever after" (HEA).

Historical Romance

Historical Romance - the setting is in the past, anything set earlier than 2000 is historical. Romance must be included with a HEA to be considered in this category.

Romantic Suspense

Romantic Suspense - the suspense and romance are drivers in this fiction category. The suspense can be low key to heart pounding action but there must be a romance including a HEA.

Paranormal Romance

Paranormal Romance - shape-shifters to psychic ability, romantic to suspense. Must include a HEA. Urban Fantasy without a HEA should be put in Fantasy category.

Erotic Romance

Erotic or Sensual Romance - Must include a HEA, but may include multiple partners. Not restricted to contemporary time period.

Cozy Mystery

Cozy Mystery - there is a murder but it's off-camera. The sleuths are amateurs. Romance is not required.

Suspense / Thriller

Crime Fiction � heart pounding suspense to page eating thrillers. The suspense can be low key as in a psychological suspense to heart pounding action in a serial killer thriller. Romance is not required.

Science Fiction / Fantasy

Science Fiction / Fantasy - the fiction is set in a world that doesn't exist, it might exist but probably not. Urban Fantasy is included in this category. HEA is NOT required or expected. Romantic elements may be included.

Women's Fiction

Women's Fiction � the primary character is a woman, may be a group of friends or family as well. Psychological or suspense not necessary. Romantic elements may be included but no HEA is required.

Inspirational & Family

Inspirational & Family - spanning fiction with a strong positive message. From faith-based to exploring relationships between family, friends, and life. Strong romantic elements are usually present and a HEA can be included.

Time Slip

Time Slip - combines two different periods, at least a generation apart. A romance may be included or not. Outlander is an example of time slip. Time travel is also in this category.

Young Adult

Young Adult - the audience for the book is from age 13 up. HEA not required. Coming of age novels would fit here as well.

Historical

Historical Fiction - the setting is in the past, anything set earlier than 2000 is historical. Fictional or real characters can be used as long as the work is fiction. A HEA or romantic elements are not required.

Debut Book

Debut Book (or author) - the book was published in 2018 and is the first published book by the author, or the author debuted in 2018. Please include author name and book title.

Best of 2018

A novel that is your best read of 2018. This must be a novel and published in the United States during 2018.

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom