News & Events

I Was Awarded a Grant to Complete My Autobiographical Novel

Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County logo.
July 27, 2026 by Liza Achilles 18 Comments

I have exciting news! I was awarded a grant from the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County to complete my autobiographical novel. This is a FY26 Artists & Scholars Project Grant.

My autobiographical novel is about a secret I kept for 30+ years and the intersection of philosophy, psychology, spirituality, and consciousness. I don’t like to say too much about my creative writing as I’m working, so this is all I would like to say publicly for now. Rest assured that once I finish the book and enter the prepublication stage, I will be shouting to the moon and stars all about it. I estimate that I am two-thirds of the way through the book, and my plan is to finish in the spring of 2027.

But don’t get too antsy about getting your hands on a copy next year, because it can take a year or more to publish a book once a publisher signs on. And it will take me time to find the right literary agent and publisher for my book. (Fingers crossed! If you have any luck lying around unused, perhaps a four-leaf clover or magical amulet that you don’t need, feel free to send it my way!). The traditional publishing industry moves slowly but surely, and I hope to go traditional with this book.

I would like to extend my thanks and immense gratitude to the elected officials of Montgomery County, the staff and board of the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, and the judges of the FY26 Artists & Scholars Project Grant for this amazing opportunity. This funding will help me dedicate sufficient time and brain energy to this very demanding project. Thanks to all of these folks and to everyone who supports working artists!