Benton's Books

2005 Silver Medal Awards

Given to books that are excellent examples of their genres.

Presented by the Militaray Writers Society of America

Simple Survival: A Family Outdoors Guide

by Gary L. Benton

I am honored to announce that my book, Simple Survival a Family Outdoors Guide, has won the Military Writers Society of America's Silver Award for excellence in the reference and guide category! I feel especially honored because as a retired military Noncommissioned Officer, I know the evaluation board is made up of prior active duty personnel and some retired with very high ranks. It is a honor to be selected from what I know is a tough group of men and women who have selected my book based on its merit and nothing else. If I learned anything in the military it was the our members were very rarely ever recognized or awarded for things that were undeserving, so I know the board looked at my book long and hard before making a decision. It is this knowledge that adds a lot of meaning to the award.

For most authors it is deeply satisfying just seeing the finished product in print. It is a great feeling to pick up a book, see your name on the cover, and know the information inside was written by you. Most folks don't realize the simple act of writing a book is at times very difficult task and to keep it organized can be a real headache. The finding of a publisher, editing, proofing, cover design, and many other aspects of the job can become very frustrating at times for an experienced author and real nightmare for the beginner. Most authors, I suspect, are like me, they'd prefer to write and leave the rest for someone else to do.  But, it is the awards or recognition by others, that mean the most to me and keep we writing. 

If you'd like to look Simple Survival over, visit my survival site by clicking here. Or, you can visit my publisher here.

Y'all have a great day and take care.

Gary Benton, a.k.a., "WR Benton"