We are thrilled to report that one of our local L.A. authors, Michael J. Bowler, has taken the top prize in Young Adult Fiction for his book, Spinner. The Indie Author Project works in partnership with public libraries across California to hold the annual California Author Project contest. Participating libraries, including The Los Angeles Public Library, solicit submissions from our local author community in the genres of Adult and Young Adult fiction, looking for the top independently published e-books in the state. From those submissions, Mr. Bowler was chosen.

Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author who grew up in Northern California. He taught high school in Hawthorne, California, both in general education and to students with disabilities. He’s made low-budget horror films, written stage plays, and coached strength training at YMCA’s. He continues volunteering as a youth mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, spent thirty years mentoring youth within the juvenile justice system of Los Angeles, and adopted a child in January of 2020. He is a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of children and teens in California and hopes his books can show young people they are not alone in their struggles.

If you are a local author interested in entering the 2021 content watch this space—we will announce the next submission period this spring. You can also submit your independently published ebook year round to our Indie Author Project platform to be featured in our collection and at participating libraries across California.

Congratulations, Michael—we can’t wait to read your next book!