I made the 2023 wattys shortlist

I'm really excited to announce that The Return of the Gods was picked for this year's Wattys Shortlist.

I was really surprised when I got the email announcement because of all the books I submitted, this one was the least likely to make it, in my opinion, and also this was my third time, so I didn't have high hopes. Not that I think this book is bad, it's just the first book I ever wrote. And on a technical level, there is a lot I would have written differently if I were to write it now since there's five years of extra experience I'm working with since those days.

But honestly, I'm surprised to have been picked at all given that this year there are only 69 (hah) completed stories chosen. I think last year it was around 300? Given the fact that there will be only 10 winners, I doubt I'll be among them, but getting on this list is akin to winning for me given how low those chances were, so I'm very, very happy with this.

I guess we'll wait and see.