Local author wins award for newest work

HOUSTON - Oct. 9, 2018 - PRLog -- Houston author Cheryl Lacey Donovan has won the 2018 AALAS award for Female Author of the Year for her non-fiction work "Can I Be Me: Living Authentically in Purpose On Purpose."

The award is presented annually by the African American Literary Award Show, the first and only event to recognize, honor, celebrate and promote the achievements and contributions of African-American authors, writers, publishers, artists, and related entertainment industries. Books are nominated by the general public, and winners are selected by a one-month voting process.

Published by Peace in the Storm Publishing, "Can I Be Me" is a self-help piece designed to help others live more authentic lives. The paperback edition came out June 5.

During the ceremony, Cheryl said she was "in a place" when she wrote the book. "I want people to know they don't have to allow their pain to become their identity," says Donovan. Cheryl praised the work of the other finalists. Among these was Nikki Giovanni, whose novel "A Good Cry: What We Learn From Tears and Laughter" was among the nominees.

Donovan has been on a multi-city tour that included the moderation of panel discussions on topics covered in her book at the NAACP and Congressional Black Caucus National Conventions.

Can I Be Me? can be purchased from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Can-Living-Authentically-Purpose-P...