Congrats to my friend, Gail, the Utah Poet of the Year

Congratulations to my friend, Gail Schimmelpfennig, the Utah Poet of the Year


I had a good day, despite the fact that I managed only two hours of sleep the night before. I’m just on a night schedule, I’m fine.

Saturday, October 10, I had a book signing with some fellow writer friends, Larry Correia—author of Monster Hunter International, John Brown—author of Servant of a Dark God, Jessica Day George—author of Dragon Spear, and Mette Ivie Harrison—author of The Princess and the Bear. We were at the Sugarhouse Barnes and Noble, doing a panel that answered audience questions about writing. It was lots of fun and it’s always good to see my friends and visit with fans. A few people who had read book two came to say hello, and ask about book three. I don’t have a release date yet, but The Secret Empire is progressing well. I’m rewriting the manuscript now.

After the event, my wife, Tammy, most of us panelists, and some friends went over to the Noodles and Co. for some food. It was a great time, and I’m so thankful for my wife, friends and fans. They really do keep me going when times are tough.

Then, my wife Tammy and I went by the Salt Lake City Library to honor a friend for a massive achievement. I met Gail Schimmelpfennig in a writers group several years ago and immediately liked her. She is one of those really awesome people and helped me when I was a newer writer. It’s important to know that Gail is a breast cancer survivor. Her book, The Frozen Kingdom, is a powerful collection of poems inspired by her struggle to live. I heard her read from her book Saturday night, and her poems are powerful and moving. I’m reading the book now, and she truly is an astonishing poet.

Heartfelt congratulations to dear Gail, for her book, The Frozen Kingdom, published by the Utah Poetry Society. I’m so thankful that I was able to attend the beautiful ceremony honoring an exceptional woman.


Paul Genesse
Author of The Golden Cord
www.paulgenesse.com