14 Year Old Author Tori Turner Speaks On Her Recent Literary Award Nominations

NEW ORLEANS - Aug. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Teen Author Tori Turner has been nominated by the prestigious African American Literary Awards Show for her first published work "When I Decided to D.R.E.A.M. BIG!"  The 14 year old is also known for her social entrepreneurship and service efforts in her community and around the US. 

Tori resides in New Orleans, LA.

Tori speaks to media on her nomination:

How did it feel when you found out you had been nominated for not one but two AALAS awards for your first published work?

"At first I was shocked!  The first thing I did was go to the website to see the nominations with my very own eyes.  It is an honor to see my name listed among all of the noted authors who have so much more experience and are more established than I am."

How will you feel if you win?

"Of course I would feel blessed, honored, & happy all at the same time."

Since this is your first visit to New York City, what are you most looking forward to besides attending the award show?

"As an aspiring actress, there is nothing more exciting than the chance to see other actors and actresses in action.  I absolutely love Vanessa Williams and Cicely Tyson, so I am really looking forward to seeing them on Broadway in "The Trip to Bountiful."  I can only dream of actually meeting them in person!  I am also looking forward to standing in Times Square and seeing the Statue of Liberty."

How does it feel to be nominated in the same category as other label mates?  Do you feel any competition?

"It feels great!  I am just as happy for them as I am for my nomination.  The good thing about the publishing company that I am signed to (Delphine Publications) is we are not just label mates, we are family.  If one of us wins we all win! They have my full support and they deserve this honor just as much as I do."

What does your nomination mean to other youth that have big dreams and aspire to write?

"My nomination is a victory for us all.  I am living proof that you can D.R.E.A.M. BIG and as long as you keep God first and work hard you can achieve anything! I want all youth to know that they should never give up because all of the hard work will pay off!"

The African American Literary Awards Show celebrates, honors, promotes and recognizes excellence within African American literature each year.  

Tori is recognized in The Best In Non Fiction and Break Out Author of the Year categories.  The 9th Annual African American Literary Awards Show will be held on September 26, 2013 at Landmark on the Park in New York City.  

Avid readers, fans and supporters of Tori Turner can vote until Friday September 6, 2013 online at www.literaryawardshow.com (Best In Non Fiction and Breakout Author of the Year)

Tori Turner is one of the youngest published authors in the country.  She was named a featured author at the 2013 Essence Festival.  She wrote her first full length work and was offered a publishing deal at only thirteen years old.  Tori is also CEO of T Star Entertainment, Inc. and Executive Director of Tori Turner's D.R.E.A.M. BIG Foundation.

Fans of Tori Turner can look forward to the first installment of her first series of novels Winter 2013. 

For more information on Tori Turner, visit www.officialtoriturner.com; follow on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram @officialtoriturner

You can also contact CCMG-Media, Kim Carter Evans at kevans@officialtoriturner.com or 504.233.2264 for booking.