In a moment that feels nothing short of surreal, I am beyond proud to share that the PBS/WHRO television segment directed by the talented Samuel Moreno from Old Dominion University has officially won a Telly Award. This recognition is more than just a trophy. It is a celebration of the countless hours of dedication, storytelling, and belief that went into a project that started as a local spotlight and has now resonated with audiences far beyond what any of us could have imagined.
The segment, which aired late October 2024, was a turning point in my journey as an author. With the incredible help of Peyton Buckley and H.G. Nedvin, this team crafted something far more powerful than just a feature. They created a piece of work that carried my voice and my story into homes across the region and now across the country. Their vision captured not just what I do as a writer but why I do it. They saw the heart behind the pages. They saw the long nights, the quiet persistence, and the passion behind every sentence. They brought it to life with authenticity and utmost care.
Samuel Moreno’s direction was nothing short of brilliant. His cinematic touch gave the segment a grounded yet visually rich quality. From the first frame to the last, his understanding of narrative structure turned a simple profile into something intimate and powerful. His leadership made it possible for the segment to speak not only for me but also for the broader artistic community in our area.
Peyton Buckley and H.G. Nedvin were the heartbeat of the production. Their energy, creativity, and attention to detail transformed a story about a local author into a documentary-style portrait that captured imagination and emotion. In the process, they did not just highlight my journey. They announced themselves to the world as rising filmmakers with a deep understanding of story, humanity, and timing.
This Telly Award win marks a defining moment. It validates their talent and signals that the stories we are telling from Hampton Roads matter on a national stage.
The timing of this achievement is nothing short of poetic. As we prepare to release Writers Block: The Next Chapter, this award serves as a reminder that every step along the journey matters. This project has brought new attention to my work at a time when the second installment in the Writers Block series is poised to make its own mark. It feels like everything is aligning. As if the universe is saying this is the moment to keep pushing forward.
I want to thank every person who believed in this project. To Samuel, Peyton, and H.G., thank you for putting your heart into this and for treating my story with respect and artistry. This win belongs to all of us.
And to everyone who watched the segment, shared it, and supported our journey, thank you for making this moment possible. We are just getting started.
The next chapter begins now.
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