Catalina Claussen was recently honored by the New Apple Book Awards for Excellence in Independent Publishing. Her debut novel, “Diamonds at Dusk,” published by Progressive Rising Phoenix Press, was chosen as the 2018 solo “Medalist Winner” in the young adult romance category.

This is the third accolade for “Diamonds at Dusk,” which was selected as a finalist in both the 2016 Arizona-New Mexico Book Awards and the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards in the United Kingdom.

“I am humbled by the recognition.  It is certainly unexpected for a first novel.” In this book and the sequel, “Diamonds at Dawn,” Claussen depicts life unique to southwestern New Mexico. “We are blessed to be here. As residents, we are called into an intimate relationship with the land and each other like no other place I have experienced.”

“There seems to be a place for rural fiction once again,” says Claussen, “and who doesn’t love a good green chile chicken enchilada?”

Claussen enjoys the vibrant, supportive arts community in Silver City. She has been a guest on the show “Use Your Words” hosted by Elise Stuart and JJ Amaworo Wilson on Gila/Mimbres Community Radio and enjoyed reading for audiences at Tranquilbuzz Coffeehouse, Javalina Coffeehouse, Silver City Public Library, Bayard Public Library, and WNMU.  She participates weekly with a writer’s group and is a frequent contributor to the Silver City Quarterly Review, edited by Chris Lemme.

Claussen will be signing her work at the Tucson Festival of Books on Sunday, March 3. She will also be a panelist at the 2019 Author Festival hosted by the Octavia Fellin Public Library in Gallup, NM on April 13.

Her books are available locally at Circle Heart Western Wear, the Mimbres Cultural Heritage Site gift shop, La Tienda del Sol, the WNMU Bookstore, and Tranquilbuzz Coffeehouse.