It’s awards season, and Blue Mountain Rose has been named a finalist for a Viola Award from Creative Flagstaff.
The Violas are Flagstaff’s Oscars for the vibrant arts community in our mountain town.
The book, set in a fictional Shakespeare festival in Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of three finalists in the Excellence in Storytelling category. The other finalists are Beyond Words: How Our Stories and Strategies Inspire Leadership Action by thought leader Julie Lancaster, and Poet Brews, a weekly open mic event for writers.
UPDATE: Congratulations to Poet Brews and its founder, Margarita Cruz, for winning the Viola for Excellence in Storytelling!
“Blue Mountain Rose” author Julie Hammonds reads from her book at Poet Brews [photo by Margarita Cruz, March 3, 2026]
The Viola Awards celebrate artistic excellence and recognize artists, educators, organizations, and leaders who make positive contributions to the arts in Flagstaff. Named after Viola Babbitt, a longtime advocate of the arts and painter, the Violas bring the arts community together with a night of celebration as winners are announced. This year’s event takes place April 25.
Learn more about the Violas or buy a ticket here.
Upcoming events for Blue Mountain Rose fans
Blue Mountain Rose author Julie Hammonds is often invited to speak to book clubs and other groups. “It’s a treat to talk with people who know my friends Richard Keane, Peter Dunmore, and Kate and Beth Morales,” Julie says. “The conversations are always lively, and I learn new things about my book every time I get to see it through a reader’s eyes.” Her next presentation is April 13, 2026.
To invite Julie to speak with your book club, send an email to publicity manager Myles Schrag at marketing@soulsticepublishing.com.
For more events, visit the Events page.
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