On Thursday 24 May, the Florida Historical Society (FHS)
presented me with the 2007 Patrick D. Smith Literature Award for Paper Woman at
the annual awards luncheon. I received a medallion (pictured) and a
certificate. Fortunately, the FHS didn’t expect a lengthy acceptance speech. I
was somewhat tongue-tied in my ability to adequately express the honor I feel
at receiving an award for my very first published book, and my joy at being in
the company of so many other award recipients, and my gratitude toward Mr.
Smith -– alas, unable to attend the luncheon due to health concerns.

The Belleview Biltmore Resort, where the ceremony was held,
is located on the west coast of Florida in Clearwater, south of Tampa. It was
built by Henry Plant — Florida pioneer, railroad magnate, competitor of
east-coast railroad magnate Henry Flagler — and first opened in 1897 as a
winter retreat for steel magnates, presidents, tycoons, and industrial barons.
After you walk through the modern lobby, you enter the period portion and can
feel the pre-stock market crash vibes of the resort, from the high ceilings, to
the spacious Tiffany dining room, to the gentlemen’s pub downstairs. The
current lobby was added in the 1990s. However for many decades, guests stepped
off their private railroad cars and walked up steps into another lobby, now a
roomy restaurant, located in the middle of the building. In 1942, the U.S. Army
Air Corps blacked out windows in the Tiffany dining room and housed military
personnel in the hotel. And in 1980, the Belleview Biltmore received a listing
on the National Registry of Historic Places. Ahhh, historic Florida at its
best. If you’re visiting Clearwater, the Belleview Biltmore tour is well worth
your time.

Many thanks to the FHS for honoring me with the Patrick D.
Smith Literature Award!

Next up: the Historical Novel Society conference in Albany,
NY, the weekend of 9 June 2007.