I have no idea how to properly capture these thoughts and feelings, but here goes…

Right now I exist in a state of disbelief. The operating system of my brain has crashed. It’s just a blue screen refusing to comprehend anything, while my body smiles and laughs and shakes hands and my mouth says “Thanks! I still can’t believe it.” I’m sure that’ll all settle down eventually. But for now, I’m enjoying the dissonance.

Last night we won one of the biggest awards in writing. I’m happy. It’s as simple as that.

Someone asked why I use the pronoun “We” when talking about this win. I say “We” because even though my name is on the book, I did not create it alone. Even beyond the editorial help of my agent, editor, and select others, Hell Of A Book—like every other good thing in my life—only came into being because of the people around me. The friends and family who not only sustain my life, but enrich it. This win is theirs as well.

It takes a village to raise a child, and I am still somebody’s child.

I am still a part of a village, so I thank my village.

I would like to pause here, briefly, to send love, respect, gratitude, and admiration to fellow finalist Robert Jones Jr. I have only known him for a few weeks and, even then, only through the much-maligned conduit that is social media. But within that time and even through that flawed medium, his light is visible. He and I spoke through Twitter a few weeks back saying “There is no competition here. If you win, I win. If I win, you win.” We both meant it. So, by my math, this win is his as well. He is part of the “We.” I stand in awe of his talent and look forward to his future works.

Go buy and read The Prophets right now. Dude’s a beast!

For brevity’s sake, I’ll wrap up here. Thank you for your love, support, and readership. Also, if anyone knows how to make it happen, please let Nic Cage know that a diehard fan and National Book Award winner wants to meet him one day and maybe be gifted that pink leather jacket of his. Or, if you can’t make that happen, please just tell him Jason Mott says hello and wishes him well.

Deepest Gratitude,

Jason Mott

National Book Award Winner, Outsider, and forever one of those goddamn Mad Kids