While attending the Georgia Author of the Year Awards, 13-year-old Nicole Izmaylov was looking at a table displaying not only her book, “Ronnie and BB,” but the other books up for Best Picture Book.
"There was one in English and Spanish, another in 3-D and I thought there was no way my book could win against all these amazing picture books," Izmaylov said.
But Izmaylov was wrong. During the presentation, “Ronnie and BB” won the award for best picture book, much to the surprise to the 13-year-old Webb Bridge Middle School student.
"When we took a seat they showed us a slide show and telling us the winner of each category," Izmaylov said. "They were showing all of the books and giving descriptions of them. I was still thinking there was no way I could win. But they finally said the winner of the children's picture book category is Nicole Izmaylov. I was just so amazed. I could not believe my book had won."
“Ronnie and BB” beat out Billie Dixon's "Where Did Bootsie Go?," Horrace Forrest's "Things I Like in 3-D," and Zarle Williams' "If I Could Be a Zebra."
One of the judges that helped decide the winner of the picture book category was shocked when she learned Izmaylov was just 13. The judge told Izmaylov that she had no idea she was only 13 while judging the book.
"She said she was absolutely amazed a 13 year old could write such a book," Izmaylov said. "She said she would be watching my future career very closely and told me to keep writing."
Izmaylov said the award, both a certificate and a trophy, has given her a lot of motivation since the June 20 ceremony, which was held on campus at Kennesaw State University.
"Finding out that I, as a seventh grade 13-year-old could write a book that would win the Georgia Author of the Year Award is inspiring," Izmaylov said. "It's encouraging me to keep writing."
Izmaylov said her parents told her how proud they were of her. Her sister Michelle, also a writer, congratulated her and gave her more words of encouragement.
"My sister said she was really proud of me," Izmaylov said. "She told me that I should definitely keep writing because if I can win this award at 13 then let's see what you can do as an adult."
On the heels of this award, Izmaylov said there are still plans for more books. She's still working on her first novel, a fantasy book centered around a dragon. Izmaylov also has been tinkering with the idea of another fantasy book about people who can transform into animals.
Izmaylov's future is bright, seeing as she's already achieved so much. She was asked if there was any advice she would give to those in her shoes - young, aspiring authors who are hoping to make a name for themselves.
"I would tell them this. No. 1, just because you're young it doesn't mean you don't have talent," Izmaylov said. "In fact, the younger you start the more experience you'll have so the later in your career the better stuff you'll be able to write. When people tell you, 'Oh you can't do this because you're too young,' don't listen to them. Just do it.
"And the other thing I'd say is it's always important to keep your audience in mind when you're writing something," she added. "But remember to write for yourself because if you like it and you enjoy it then chances are your audience will, too. If you're just writing so that someone somewhere can read this book then it's not going to end up that good. But if you read it and you can read your book and enjoy it and say this is a good book then your audience will enjoy it, too."
