#United States #Austin #Atmosphere Press #Helen Montague Foster #Lost Graces

Atmospheric Recognition for Literary Excellence

Atmosphere Press has made waves in the literary community by announcing the recipient of its inaugural Book of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade honors the remarkable achievements in independent publishing, and this year's spotlight shines brightly on Helen Montague Foster, the author of Lost Graces.

Set against the backdrop of late 1990s Richmond, Virginia, Lost Graces is a gripping psychiatric thriller that intricately weaves real-life events into its narrative. The story centers on Dr. Nancy Thomas, a psychiatrist who must navigate the tumultuous intersections of ethics, trauma, and her own past while dealing with the haunting realities of events like the Southside Strangler and the Beltway Snipers. As her own fears begin to surface, Dr. Thomas faces the challenge of reconciling her commitment to her patients with the pressing threats of the outside world. This compelling narrative offers an astute exploration of mental health and the complex nature of therapy — an enthralling journey that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Dr. Nick Courtright, the founder and CEO of Atmosphere Press, commented on the significance of this award, saying, "We are honored to recognize Helen Montague Foster for her exceptional contribution to literature. Each finalist exemplifies the dedication and creativity we strive to support and celebrate."

The Atmosphere Press Book of the Year Award aims to highlight outstanding literary works published by the press. In 2024, the publisher released over 200 titles, showcasing the breadth of creativity and innovation in independent literature. From more than thirty staff nominations, five noteworthy titles were shortlisted for this inaugural award:

• - Tesla's Walk by Jimmy Sena (Poetry): A poetic journey encapsulating a day in the life of inventor Nikola Tesla in 1899 Colorado Springs, filled with historical photographs and narratives.
• - I Was a Hero Once by Peter Mahoney (Nonfiction): This introspective memoir chronicles his experiences from serving in Vietnam to engaging in the Vietnam Veterans Against the War movement and life in post-Soviet Russia.
• - Of Aragon by Caroline Willcocks (Fiction): A young girl, Kat Cooke, captivated by Queen Katherine of Aragon, embarks on a journey to unveil the secrets of her past, navigating the intrigues of Henry VIII's court and the choices between love and loyalty.
• - Yellow Yuba by Jocelyn Tambascio (Children's Fiction): A story about Icky the inventor who learns about the importance of responsibility and community, as he tries to fix the destruction he caused.

For further details about the award, the winners, and the finalists, readers can visit the Atmosphere Press website where they provide insights into their mission to encourage innovative storytelling.

Atmosphere Press: Redefining Independent Publishing

Founded on principles of creativity and author collaboration, Atmosphere Press is recognized as a selective and author-friendly hybrid publishing house. Their commitment extends beyond mere publication, offering acclaimed editorial guidance, exceptional design, and a robust promotional strategy, ensuring that authors receive comprehensive support at every step of their publication journey. This latest award marks a celebration of their continuous effort to elevate independent voices in literature.

For media inquiries, please reach out to Dr. Nick Courtright, Founder and CEO of Atmosphere Press, at 512-522-2648 or via email at info@atmospherepress.com.