Dear readers,

I would like to present to you the Reader’s House Magazine in-depth review of The Space Traveller’s Lover here: The Space Traveller’s Lover by Omara Williams – Reader’s House

I am truly honored by the Editor’s review, which reveals the fundamental questions and paradigms presented in my book, inviting readers to embark on an adventure that is as much a journey of wonder as it is of self-discovery as it states: “The Space Traveller’s Lover ultimately poses a fundamental question: What do we truly desire, and what lengths are we willing to go to attain it? Omara Williams invites readers to embark on this enchanting journey infused with hope, revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

You can find the whole text below:

A thrilling blend of romance and sci-fi, rich world-building, gripping tension, and unforgettable characters—an unmissable, heart-pounding interstellar adventure!

Omara Williams’ The Space Traveller’s Lover is a captivating blend of fantasy and romance that transports readers into a world where dreams and reality intertwine. At its core, the narrative follows Erin, a protagonist haunted by mysterious dreams of a golden-uniformed soldier. This recurring dream sets the stage for a journey filled with emotional depth and imaginative exploration, where Erin’s longing and emotional struggles come to life through vivid descriptions and an enchanting plot.

The structure of the book is divided into multiple parts, each consisting of several chapters that build upon Erin’s experiences and the unfolding mystery surrounding her dreams. Williams skillfully crafts a narrative that oscillates between light and darkness, echoing Erin’s internal battles with hope, fear, and the desire for connection. Themes of love, loss, and destiny resonate throughout, inviting readers to ponder their own relationships and the unresolved questions in their lives.

Williams’ prose is lyrical and poignant, immersing readers in extraordinary settings—from marbled corridors to a vivid ocean lined with a sky-piercing tower. The author’s ability to create a sense of urgency juxtaposed with ethereal beauty enhances the reading experience, making it both thrilling and deeply affecting.

While the book does delve into complex themes, it remains accessible and engaging for a wide audience. The inclusion of relatable characters, particularly Erin’s dynamic with her adoptive mother, adds an extra layer of realism to the fantasy elements. The Space Traveller’s Lover ultimately poses a fundamental question: What do we truly desire, and what lengths are we willing to go to attain it? Omara Williams invites readers to embark on this enchanting journey infused with hope, revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

A must-read for those who love their sci-fi infused with passion and high stakes.

And you can find more reviews on my website here: Reviews – Omara Williams

Dear Readers,

As my debut sci-fi novel, “The Space Traveler’s Lover”, shows, ancient civilizations have greatly impacted modern science fiction.

Being an enthusiastic researcher and follower of ancient alien theories, I drew inspiration from the remarkable discoveries of our ancient past while crafting “The Space Traveller’s Lover”. In this, my debut science-fiction novel, I weave together historical findings with descriptive storytelling to explore the fascinating possibility that an advanced alien civilisation once visited Earth and coexisted with Humans in a state of relative harmony, sharing knowledge and cultural insights. However, this utopian balance was ultimately shattered by a catastrophic event initiated by human actions. This unforeseen disaster led to dire consequences and a steep price to pay.

In my story, I explore themes of love, loyalty, duty, and the human spirit through the main characters: Rothwen, an alien soldier assigned to destroy Earth, and Erin, a bright and brave human determined to stand her ground. At the same time, I also delve into fundamental questions of our time: Are we alone in the Universe? Did aliens visit us in the past? What is the meaning of life? Can we control technology with our minds? Is it possible to live forever while travelling anywhere in the Universe? Can we harness an infinite source of energy? Find out more by visiting my website.

Ancient civilisations that emerged after the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago, possessed a profound understanding of astronomy and mathematics. They built impressive monuments, pyramids, and temples that reflected their deep desire to study and worship the heavens. But what prompted this focus? After the ice melted, catastrophic flooding reshaped the landscape, changed sea levels, and claimed the lives of millions of people and animals. How did humanity manage to recover from such devastation, master scientific knowledge, and construct elaborate massive structures while organising itself into large cities and developing art, culture, and religion?

Across the globe, we have discovered remnants of these ancient civilisations that share similar knowledge and beliefs despite being separated by thousands of miles on different continents. It appears that a highly advanced global civilisation influenced these ancient people in a way that profoundly impacted their way of life. This influence ushered them into an era of scientific discoveries, advancements in farming and animal domestication, and the construction of impressive monuments aligned with the heavens, establishing large cities that facilitated unprecedented human interaction and cooperation.

Ancient people from the Americas, Asia, Africa and Indonesia created a sophisticated infrastructure that continues to baffle us today. Even with our state-of-the-art technology, we still cannot fully explain or replicate these architectural feats. In Bolivia, we find the ancient city of Tiahuanaco, known for its impressive stone monuments. This site was once the centre of a civilisation that boasted more than 40,000 inhabitants around 500 AD to 1000 AD. As part of this remarkable complex is the temple of Puma Punku, with some of the largest and most precisely cut megalithic stones found anywhere in the world. Puma Punku is situated at an elevation above the natural tree line, which rules out using them to transport the massive stones. Around that same period ( 800-1200 AD ), a bustling city with more than 30,000 inhabitants existed to the north in the Yucatán Peninsula: Chichén Itzá. This impressive Mayan city features elaborate temples that are precisely aligned with Venus, the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth’s seasons, showcasing the highest level of mathematical accuracy and architectural prowess.

Going back 4,500 years and nearly 8,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, we find the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Standing 147 meters high, the most recognisable pyramid in the world is oriented toward the cardinal points with remarkable accuracy, while the ratio of its edges, base and height encodes geometrical principles and mathematical constants. Additionally, the main four shafts within the pyramid are each precisely aligned with a star, demonstrating the Egyptians’ exceptional knowledge of astronomy.

Another 6,000 miles to the southeast, across the Indian Ocean, lie the remains of arguably the oldest giant pyramid constructed by an advanced ancient civilisation: Gunung Padang in West Java, Indonesia. This site, located atop a dormant volcano, features thousands of volcanic stones that form a series of four successively smaller terraces connected by steps and upright columns. The dating of its construction varies widely, ranging from 45 BC to 22 AD, with some estimates suggesting it could date back as far as 27000 years ago.

To the north, near ancient Mesopotamia and what we now know as Turkey, is Göbekli Tepe, whose well-preserved ancient ruins fill us with wonder and astonishment. This site is among the world’s oldest megalithic constructions, dating from 7,000 to 9,500 BC. It boasts large circular structures surrounding massive stone pillars carefully decorated with abstract pictograms and depictions of wild animals. Some of these pictograms correspond with solar calendars and other astronomical features, such as meteor showers and constellations, revealing that the inhabitants of Göbekli Tepe were keen observers of the sky.

Ancient alien theories offer an intriguing explanation for these ancient mysteries. It suggests that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in ancient times and contacted humans, thereby influencing our civilisation, technology, and culture. Proponents of these theories argue that many ancient monuments, artefacts, and myths serve as potential evidence of such encounters. However, although some puzzling discoveries may lend some support to these ideas, the absence of empirical and conclusive evidence means that they remain a controversial and speculative area of study.

Nevertheless, these theories continue to capture the public’s imagination and spark debates about humanity’s origins and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. At the same time, science fiction literature and films have long explored the fascinating possibilities of alien encounters with humanity. These depictions range from harmonious collaborations to catastrophic conflicts, offering a rich spectrum of scenarios that not only entertain but also prompt critical questions about our place in the cosmos and the implications of contacting intelligent life beyond our planet.

As I continue writing the second volume of The Space Traveller’s Lover, which will further explore intergalactic space battles and the clashes of civilisations, I am delving deeper into ancient alien theories and the greatest mysteries of our times. My goal is to open a wide field of possibilities that will prompt us to reflect on and evaluate our unique place in the Universe.

Omara Williams in Chichén Itza, Mexico

Dear readers,

It is my honour to announce that The Space Traveller’s Lover has been selected as a 2025 International Impact Book Award Winner in the Science-Fiction, Space Adventures category!

The International Impact Book Awards is a prestigious platform that welcomes submissions from self-published authors, traditional publishing houses, and innovative publishers alike. Winning an International Impact Book Award is more than an accolade – it’s a testament to the quality and significance of one’s work.

I am thrilled, humbled and honoured to be receiving this prestigious award.

Here is the letter from Nim Stant, CEO and Founder

      Dear Omara,

        Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment!

         Being selected as a winner at the International Impact Book Awards is a testament to your exceptional talent, dedication, and creativity.

         Your work has truly made an impact, and it is our honour to celebrate this remarkable achievement with you.

         Your certificate and digital emblem are enclosed, and your book will be featured on our social media and winners page on February 24 .

         Once again, congratulations on this outstanding recognition. We can’t wait to celebrate your success, whether in person or from afar.

This is a very special award indeed, and I was eagerly waiting for the results.

When I found out my book had been selected as a winner, I felt very emotional but also grateful.

For more about The Space Traveller’s Lover, please visit my website OmaraWilliamsBooks.com 

The book is available on Amazon here!

International Impact Book Award Winne

International Impact Book Award Winne Certificate

Dear readers,

Today, I bring you the latest review of my debut novel, “The Space Traveller’s Lover”, from the Bookstagram Team!

The Space Traveller’s Lover

Author: Omara Williams

Review by: Bookstagram Club

Rating: 4.8/5 Stars

Introduction

Omara Williams’ The Space Traveller’s Lover is a fascinating blend of science fiction, romance, and existential dilemmas that kept us hooked from start to finish.

Plot & Narrative

The story follows Rothwen, an elite alien warrior sent to eradicate humanity. However, his mission takes an unexpected turn when he meets Erin, a human woman who challenges everything he knows. Their growing connection adds layers of complexity, making Rothwen’s internal struggle deeply compelling.

Themes & Social Commentary

At its heart, The Space Traveller’s Lover explores love, identity, and the moral complexities of war. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about duty versus personal values, making it a gripping read beyond just the romance and sci-fi elements.

Writing Style & Pacing

Williams masterfully balances an epic interstellar conflict with an intimate, emotional connection between the protagonists. The writing is vivid and immersive, making it easy to visualize alien landscapes, advanced technology, and cultural contrasts.

Characterization

Rothwen is a refreshingly complex character, torn between duty and newfound emotions. Erin, on the other hand, is strong, intelligent, and plays a crucial role in shaping the story’s direction. Their romance feels organic, built through shared experiences and genuine understanding.

Strengths

• Emotional depth: The relationship between Rothwen and Erin is heartfelt and believable.
• Vivid world-building: The descriptions of alien civilizations and space settings are rich and immersive.
• Strong pacing: A perfect balance of action, romance, and introspection keeps the reader engaged.

Final Verdict

The Space Traveller’s Lover is a fantastic read for those who love sci-fi with a heart. It is a unique take on first-contact stories and a must-read for fans of space operas and star-crossed lovers.

Find your copy here: https://amz.run/7apX

Visit https://www.omarawilliamsbooks.com

Bookstagram Club Review

Dear readers

We start the year 2025 by announcing that The Space Traveller’s Lover has been selected as a Maincrest Media Award Winner!

The Maincrest Media Book Award Program establishes the benchmark for excellence in books and the publishing community as a whole.

I am truly honoured and thrilled by this prestigious award!

The complete list of awards for 2023 and 2024 can be found here.

Since I published my book in February 2022, it has received numerous awards and rave reviews. It has been a fantastic journey.

The Judges for the Maincrest Media Award gave the following evaluation for The Space Traveller’s Lover:

Maincrest Media – Judgment Assessment of The Space Traveller’s Lover

BOOK TITLE: The Space Traveller’s Lover

PLOT: The story is original, engaging and well-paced. The book follows a clear and logical narrative arc. The writing includes information to make a reader want to continue reading and stretch their imagination.

CHARACTER: The characters are memorable and believable and their goals and motivations have been well established. The characters’ strengths, weaknesses, backstory and conflicts evoke a strong emotional response in the reader.

THEME: The book has a strong, unifying theme. The book presents new and original ideas. The book appeals to the reader in an emotional or logical manner. The theme is relevant to the author’s genre of writing.

STYLE: The author’s word choice, sentence fluency, voice and tone have been well established. The author uses descriptive imagery where appropriate. The author’s use of language enhances the overall reading experience.

APPEAL TO TARGET AUDIENCE: The target audience of the book is clear and the contents of the book is in line with other highly regarded books in its genre. The book has a professional interior layout and typeface. The book includes relevant front and back matter to explain key elements of the plot, characters and setting to enhance a reader’s overall experience. The book is free from grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.

This book has been selected for a Maincrest Media Book Award in the Science Fiction – General category.

I am so proud! This gives me more impetus to finish Volume II of The Space Traveller’s Lover, which I’m currently working on.

Maincrest Media Award Winner – January 2025

Dear readers,

As I mentioned before, the beautiful reviews from my readers are very special to me. I consider success as an author to be defined by how well readers receive the book and are moved by the story.

I would like to summarise the most touching reviews I have received recently. They have moved me to the core, as I realise that my mission as an author has been fulfilled.

I wanted to immerse the readers in an outrageous alien world while they ponder our moral duties as inhabitants of this Galaxy. I wanted them to feel intense emotions and root for the main characters as they fight impossible odds.

And that’s precisely what the following reviews show (hover and click on each review title to go to the review on Amazon):

You can find more reviews on Goodreads and my website Reviews – Omara Williams

The book Link is here: https://www.amazon.com/Space-Travellers-Lover-Omara-Williams-ebook/dp/B09SH9KBTD/

Dear readers

My debut novel, The Space Traveller’s Lover, was featured in the beautiful L’Heure magazine this December.

Describing my incredible journey as an author, the front cover headline reads,

Omara Williams,

From Cuba to the Cosmos!

Her Inspiring Journey from Nuclear Engineering to Science Fiction Mastery.

You can download the December issue here to discover more of my story. It also includes an extensive interview in which I talk about my journey to becoming an author and offer advice to aspiring authors and women in leadership roles! You can also view it on my website: Magazines—Omara Williams.

Here is the full interview. I hope you enjoy it!:

1. Growing up in Cuba, how did your early experiences shape your passion for writing?

From a very young age, I developed a passion for learning, reading, and writing about my favourite science subjects. Whenever I had some free time from school chores, I would go straight to my books and spend long hours reading, writing, and listening to music. Although my family and friends used to complain, over time, they accepted me for how I was: a very studious girl with a passion for science and very little time for anything else. But I couldn’t feel happier, as it was the perfect way to escape from an environment of scarcity, misery and fear. I was not fond of the communist ideas, so I decided to live in a world that I would create for myself.

2. Can you describe the moment you decided to write The Space Traveller’s Lover? What inspired you?

In spite of my busy schedule, I always thought about writing and publishing a book. But it actually took a lot of perseverance and self-motivation to convince myself that I could do it. I started wondering, “What would we do if a more advanced civilisation invaded our planet and took everything we hold dear?” What is the most fundamental human emotion that could decide our fate?” Eventually, the story unfolded in my head, and I kept dreaming about it. On a piece of paper, I wrote down the advantages and disadvantages of publishing a book. I stuck the paper on my office wall so I could see it every day. Soon, I started writing down whatever came to mind in my spare time. Seeing all my ideas come to life in the form of written words on a document was such a relief. Then, after that, I could not stop as I learned again that stretching my imagination and writing stories was something that I really enjoyed.

3. How has your background in science and engineering influenced your writing style and themes?

My background in science and technology plays a crucial part in my writing style and themes. I chose the subject of science-fiction because this is the perfect background to explore the fantastic mysteries of our physical world with limitless imagination. In my novel “The Space Traveller’s Lover”, I delve into the most fundamental questions of our times: Are we alone in the Universe? Did aliens visit us in the past? What is the meaning of life? Can we ultimately control any technology using our brains? Can we live forever while travelling to any part of the Universe? Can we harness an infinite source of energy?

4. What challenges did you face while learning English, and how did you overcome them in your writing?

I started to teach myself English when I was twelve years old. At the time, it was not seen as an appropriate language to learn because it was the language of the “enemy”. But I was determined to learn it, especially when I discovered rock music. I wanted to learn the lyrics of the songs I loved. When I started writing the book, I found it hard to find the right words at first, and I had to double-check every sentence. But eventually, it became second nature. I am proud to say that writing “The Space Traveller’s Lover” allowed me to become a proficient writer and speaker in the English language.

5. Your novel combines science fiction with romance. How do you balance these two genres?

Although science fiction and romance seem to be dissimilar subjects, I found common ground while writing my book and seamlessly integrated the two. Throughout all the fast-paced action, futuristic technology and alien invasion, the characters’ emotions and desires shape the plot as the story unfolds, offering the readers the chance to wonder not only about nature’s mysteries but also about what it means to be human.

6. What message do you hope readers take away from Erin’s journey in The Space Traveller’s Lover?

There are many important messages that I want the readers to take away from my novel. They are important to me because they represent my values. We live on a beautiful, unique planet; let’s preserve its rich biodiversity and delicate environment. Let’s love our planet. We can’t discard the possibility of an alien invasion, and we must be prepared. Hostility is not an option. And finally, when all seems lost, don’t give up. Fight for what you believe in with all your strength and resolve.

7. As an accomplished software manager, how do you manage your time between your career and writing?

I manage my time by following a strict schedule where I write down my priorities and goals. It is all about discipline and perseverance. I also make sure to frequently review and update my schedule and celebrate every milestone I achieve. Although it wasn’t easy at first to follow a strict routine, now I am driven by the satisfaction I get when reaching my goals.

8. How do you approach character development, especially for strong female protagonists like Erin?

As I create the main characters, I draw their physique in detail and define their traits, strengths and weaknesses. It is very rewarding to see the characters develop their unique personalities as I put them in difficult circumstances. As I interiorise their emotions and struggles, I get attached to them. I created the protagonist, Erin, to be intelligent, beautiful and fiercely independent, with a strong sense of love and duty, the qualities that I greatly admire. As Erin embarks on a journey of self-discovery, it was easy for me to be fighting with her at every stage.

9. What role does music play in your life and work, especially in relation to your writing?

My life has always revolved around music, more specifically rock music. It all started when I discovered Elton John’s songs playing on the short-wave radio stations banned in Cuba. It was music that helped me improve my English, and it was music that introduced me to another world far away from my country’s hardships. Now living in England, I play my favourite songs every day and enjoy going to rock concerts to see my favourite bands like The Strokes. While I sing the lyrics in my head, I feel all kinds of emotions. I always play music while I write. While writing “The Space Traveller’s Lover”, many ideas came to me while listening to my favourite songs.

10. How do your interests in astronomy and the cosmos influence your storytelling?

As I learned extensively about astronomy and cosmology and travelled around the world watching the night sky and total solar eclipses, I gathered a wealth of knowledge that helped me in my journey of writing science-fiction stories. Many scenes in my book are inspired by those unique experiences, and I apply all my scientific insights to describe the aliens’ advanced technology and world-building abilities.

11. What do you believe are the most important qualities for women in leadership roles, based on your own experiences?

To be in a leadership role and be successful is very challenging; you need the ability to see the big picture as well as delve into the minor details and efficiently delegate. You need to be able to identify the challenges ahead, proactively address them and replan if necessary. This demands sound technical knowledge, attention to detail, and excellent organisational and communication skills. From my own experience, continuous learning, adaptability, resilience, and teamwork are essential qualities in a leadership role.

12. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who come from unconventional backgrounds?

The road to becoming an author is full of obstacles, but none that can’t be surpassed with determination and commitment. My advice to aspiring authors would be that no matter your background, if you have a story to tell and enjoy the creation process, you should not give up. Set small goals to start with and persevere. You will find it gets easier as you progress, and more ideas will materialise. Chapter after chapter, you will finish your book, and there will be a broad audience out there ready to read and enjoy your work.

13. How do you define success as a writer, especially after the acclaim you’ve received?

Since I became an author, the definition of success for me has evolved. I never expected the reception that “The Space Traveller’s Lover” has had, so I did set my success bar very low. Now, after winning multiple awards and becoming an Amazon best-seller, the bar is very high. But most special to me are the beautiful reviews from my readers, so I would say that success is defined by how well your readers receive the book and are moved by the story.

14. Can you share a memorable moment from your journey as a self-published author?

I have many memorable moments to share, from when I received the first copy of my published book to when I received your invitation to appear in L’Heur magazine. But if I were to pick one, it would be the first time I received an award. I could not believe the e-mail notification from the Book Excellence Awards telling me that they had selected my book, out of thousands of entries, for its high-quality writing, design and market appeal. That was the moment I realised that I had accomplished my dreams in this remarkable journey.

15. What are your plans for future projects or books? Can we expect more from you in the science fiction genre?

Of course, I am planning future astronomy-related travels and writing my next book, which will be the second part of “The Space Traveller’s Lover”. I am gathering all my ideas and filling a notebook with pictures and notes, which I intend to put together for the sequel.

L’HEURE Magazine – December Issue – “From Cuba to the Cosmos!”

Dear readers,

When my debut science fiction novel, The Space Traveller’s Lover, was published in February 2022, and I saw it available in all the online bookstores, I realized that my dreams of being a published author had come true. Something I once thought was impossible had become a reality, and the five years of hard work I put in had finally paid off. But my journey to becoming an author started much earlier, in my childhood, when I first recognized my passion for reading and writing. It was a defining moment that set the course for my future.

My early school memories are shaped by my love of books and my curiosity about nature. My mind was in a constant state of inquisitiveness, and the more I learned about the physical world, the more I wanted to know. I was always taking notes about subjects close to my heart, like astronomy, physics, chemistry, and making up stories. I used to spend countless hours weaving fantastical tales inspired by everything around me—the shapes of clouds, the constellations in the night sky, and the mysteries of the Universe.

My boundless imagination and far-fetched dreams were the perfect escape from an environment of scarcity, misery and fear. I was not fond of the communist ideas imposed on Cuba, my country of birth, so I decided to live in a world that I would create for myself.

While I had filled numerous notebooks with fantastic stories, I did not immediately pursue writing as a career. Instead, I followed my love of science and enrolled at Havana University to finish my BSc Honours degree in Nuclear Engineering. This was a challenging but rewarding time of my life, where I learned to operate Nuclear Reactors during a training stint in Russia and conducted research in fuel payload optimisation at the University. Little did I know that a seemingly routine trip to a sandy beach would change my life so dramatically. It was there that I met the man who would become my husband and take me to England to start a new life.

When I arrived in England, everything felt so different to me, but I loved it and adapted very quickly. Having resolved to continue a career in software engineering, I completed several diplomas in Information Systems at Leeds University and soon found a job. Years later, with a successful career in software management and a resurging passion for science fiction, I decided to pick up my pen once again and asked myself, “What if?”. And from that question, The Space Traveller’s Lover was born—a novel that blends my scientific knowledge, my passion for space exploration, and my flair for romance into an immersive tale of love, duty and what it means to be human.

My fascination with the unknown and the search for answers inspired this novel. I also wanted to create a story that would captivate readers and inspire them to consider the endless possibilities of our Universe.

In The Space Traveller’s Lover, I delve into the most fundamental questions of our times: Are we alone in the Universe? Did aliens visit us in the past? What is the meaning of life? Can we ultimately control any technology using our brains? Can we live forever while travelling to any part of the Universe? Can we harness an infinite source of energy? Despite the fact that we do not have an explanation for these mysteries right now, I provide a backdrop in which they could all be possible because I stayed true to our latest scientific understanding throughout the story.

The success of my debut self-published novel, The Space Traveller’s Lover, indeed took me by surprise. Not only did it reach Amazon’s # 1 Best Seller in the Category of YA War & Military, but it has also been awarded several accolades, such as the Global Book Awards, Outstanding Creator, Bookfest, Literary Titan, PenCraft Best Book and NYC Big Book Award.

But it was not all plain sailing after I asked myself that “What If?” question. Finding the time to write and sticking to a strict schedule was far from straightforward. For starters, taking care of my family and working a demanding full-time job were my priorities. And how would I reconcile my fear of failing with the desire to be a successful author? It all came down to a battle of willpower. I found myself in periods of self-reflection, really digging deep to confront those times when I could have been writing but chose not to. It was a wake-up call to hold myself accountable and recognise the missed opportunities to create.

As I dedicated my weekends and evenings to writing, I discovered the immense joy of the creative process. Writing, I realised, is not just about crafting stories and characters; it’s about uncovering one’s true self. In that moment, I embraced my identity as an author and began to weave the stories that my heart longed to tell. Page after page, my ideas ignited one after another, and each character became an integral part of the narrative. By immersing myself in their experiences, I felt their emotions as if they were my own. Their struggles and desires became mine, and completing the book became a personal mission. The more I created, the more I found the inner strength to persevere until I reached my goal, and that brought me an unparalleled sense of self-satisfaction.

Once I had completed the first draft, I embarked on a long self-editing process, closing all the loose ends, improving the dialogue, deleting unnecessary scenes, and checking grammar and spelling. I spared no time and effort to ensure my book achieved the highest quality before I sent it to a professional editor. Then came the decision of how to publish my book. I had three options: self-publishing, traditional publishing, or hybrid. Each path has its advantages and disadvantages, and after careful consideration, I chose self-publishing. This was because I had a budget to put my book on the market as soon as possible. However, as a self-published author, you must handle all marketing and promotion on your own, which can be very costly and time-consuming.

I discovered that publishing a book was more challenging than I had ever anticipated. Still, I also realized that hard work and perseverance bring significant rewards and a strong sense of self-fulfilment. The numerous positive book reviews I received reinforced my belief that every ounce of effort I invested in writing my book was absolutely worth it.

So, I have a message for all the aspiring authors out there: don’t give up! It’s never too late to start, set short-term goals and celebrate every milestone that you achieve. Every page you write takes you closer to your dreams.

London Book Fair 2023

Dear readers

It is my honour to announce that The Space Traveller’s Lover has been selected as one of the winning books for the 2024 PenCraft Book Awards for literary excellence.

The Space Traveller’s Lover had previously been selected as the winner of the 2024 PenCraft Seasonal Book Award Winter Competition. So this is a double honour for me! See the announcement here. https://www.omarawilliamsbooks.com/2024/02/04/the-space-travellers-lover-pencraft-2024-best-book-awards-winner/

This is the very special message I received from the PenCraft Contest’s Editor in Chief:

Hi Omara,

 We are pleased to announce that our judges of the 2024 PenCraft Book Awards for literary excellence voted your book “The Space Traveller’s Lover,” as our Romance – Fantasy/Sci-Fi  Genre’s  Runner-Up Winner. 

 We want our PenCraft Book Awards to represent true book winners, and your book was indeed one that met that criteria. Books that win our competition are examples of literary excellence and have demonstrated notable popularity with readers.

 This year’s competition was daunting, with around 1400 book entries to compete against, showcasing an impressive array of talent and creativity across numerous genres. Each entry brought something unique to the table, making the judging process both challenging and exhilarating. Being a winner in the 2024 competition is certainly something to crow about – you’ve not only beaten out many contenders but also distinguished yourself among a pool of exceptional writers and storytellers. This achievement speaks volumes about your hard work, and dedication, as an author.

 To select our winners, the many PenCraft Award submissions are culled down by using a judging criterion that incorporates a recommendation from the initial AuthorsReader’s reviewer or PenCraft Book Award reviewer and then finalized by further evaluation by our judges. Their final evaluation considers not only how well the book was written and crafted but also, among other things such as the book’s marketplace popularity and how professional the book’s cover looks. The promotional effort taken by the publisher or author is another yardstick considered. From this entire process, the winners of each category are determined. Some book categories lacked winners because the submissions received did not meet our required literary standards.

 Each winning book receives a listing on PenCraftAward.com naming the book, the author and a link to Amazon’s book description and author’s Bio.

When I was writing The Space Traveller’s Lover, I never imagined that I would win so many awards for my debut novel, so I am overwhelmed by all the attention the book is having. Of course, I wish I could read more readers around the world and become a huge best-seller. This is my dream…

2024 PenCraft Book Awards Winner

Dear readers,

It is my honour to announce that “The Space Traveller’s Lover” has been selected as the 2024 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favourite in Science Fiction!

This is the Press Release:

NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favourite 

Author Omara Williams receives international recognition through the NYC BIG BOOK AWARD®!

The NYC Big Book Award recognized The Space Traveller’s Lover in the science-fiction category as a Distinguished Favourite.

The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, designers, booksellers, librarians and professional copywriters. Winners and distinguished favourites are based on overall excellence.

​In The Space Traveller’s Lover, readers are invited to embark on an enthralling journey through mystery, love, and the extraordinary. Omara Williams masterfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense, immersing readers in a world where love and duty become inseparable threads in the narrative fabric. With its fantastic world-building, vivid imagery and futuristic technology, this is an exhilarating tale that will appeal to fans of epic love stories and science fiction alike.

NYC Big Book Award received book submissions worldwide. Journalists, well-established authors, small and large press, and first-time indie authors participated in record numbers.  Entries this year were received from the United States as well as countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Cyprus, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.  Cities represented included Asheville, Beijing, Colorado Springs, Dublin, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Singapore, Tel Aviv, and Vancouver were among the entries.

​Publishers included Atmosphere Press, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Beaufort Books, Beyond Words Publishing, Blackstone Publishing, Familius Publishing, Flatiron Books, Hachette Go, HarperCollins Leadership, Oceanview Publishing, Old Stone Press, Rowman & Littlefield, Simon & Schuster, Ulysses Press, Watkins Publishing, Westminster John Knox Press to name a few.

“We were delighted to see so many quality publishers and authors from around the world participate this year. I can’t wait to share these books with a global readership,” said awards sponsor Gabrielle Olczak.

Published by AuthorHouse, The Space Traveller’s Lover is available on Amazon as follows:

Hardcover  – https://amzn.to/3HyM6xq

Paperback  – https://amzn.to/3MaQoPf

Kindle format – https://amzn.to/3hrhC64

About the Author

Omara Williams earned a BSc Honours in Nuclear Engineering from Havana University and several Information Systems diplomas from Leeds University. She is currently an award-winning software manager. When she is not working, she enjoys watching the night sky, investigating ancient alien theories, and chasing total solar eclipses. She lives with her husband and daughter in Cambridge, England.

See the whole list of awards here: About the Author – Omara Williams (omarawilliamsbooks.com)

NYC Big Book Award

NYC Big Book Award Seal