Elvis-Inspired Book Wins Big at the 2019 Independent Publishers Book Awards

TAMPA, Fla. - June 18, 2019 - PRLog -- Diehard Elvis fan-turned-author John Slayton has been awarded top honors at the 2019 Independent Book Publishers Awards (http://www.ippyawards.com/) for his original Elvis-inspired book, Running to Graceland.

Set in the summer of '81, the story follows two rebellious southern high school graduates—Jack and Curtis—as they venture out on one last road trip. They knew it would be a wild adventure they'd remember for a lifetime—but they never imagined a stranger would die in their wake and they would end up scrambling to stay one step ahead of the law.

As they frantically try to find a way out of the mess they are in, Elvis' ghost appears in Jack's dreams. The King promises them if they head to Graceland, all their problems will be solved, and they'll find salvation.

"Pop culture had a profound influence on the youth of America in the 80's as it does still today," said John. "There was no figure in the 20th century that was more mythologized than Elvis Presley in the years following his death. He was an obvious choice as an icon for struggling teens trying to come to grips with their place in the world—while their futures hang in the balance."

Running to Graceland is also a finalist Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the recipient of the 2018 Royal Dragonfly Book Award (https://www.storymonsters.com/book-briefs/2018-royal-drag...) and a 2019 eLit Book Awards Bronze Medalist.

Author John Slayton is available for interview on all things Elvis, and of course, his award-winning novel. Please contact his publicist Katharine Bolin at 507-319-7704 or kb@sweetreachmedia.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife Sandra. He is a graduate of the Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing at Florida International University and performed his undergraduate work at the University of South Florida. Running to Graceland is his debut novel. Read more about the author and his work at johnslayton.com.