At the “Next Generation Indie Book Awards”, held on May 24 in New York, Armen Melikian's novel “Journey to Virginland: Epistle I” was recognized as one of the year's best three works of Humor/Comedy.

"I never intended to write a book of comedy per se," Melikian said following the award ceremony. "My focus has always been literary fiction, although I do see the world through the lens of humor, treating it as a grand theatrical stage, and my writing certainly reflects that.

The award, which includes a medal of honor for winners in various categories, is administered by the non-profit Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group. It recognizes the year's most outstanding English-language books released by independent publishers and university presses worldwide.

Armen Melikian holds a Master's degree in International Relations from American University in Washington, DC. He has also studied mathematics at a number of universities including Harvard. Abandoning both politics and science, he has instead devoted himself to literature. Journey to Virginland is his debut novel. Melikian lives in Los Angeles.