Maria Illich's short story "Night Vision" is included in the Woodlands Anthology published by Moon Shadow Sanctuary Press. Also included in the anthology is her husband's poem "In a Fading Time."

 Press Women of Texas

PWT 2021 Communications Contest

2nd Place in Short Story, Fiction, “Dark Phoenix”

National Federation of Press  Women  

NFWP 2020 Communications Contest

First Place in Children's Books, Fiction: The Legend of the Ladybug by Maria Illich 

Press Women of Texas
PWT 2020 Communications Contest
First Place in Children’s Books, Fiction:
The Legend of the Ladybug by Maria Illich
“Sweet story and legend. Encourages (children) to learn new words and concepts.” — Contest Judges
Second Place in Single Poem:
“Cibolo Creek Addresses Humanity” by Maria Illich
“Powerful, imaginative, and concrete! Powerful imagery. Very nice!” — Contest Judges

Purifying Wind (An anthology featuring the vulture)
Editor’s Choice Award:
“Dark Phoenix” by Maria Illich
“This work is tender and beautiful. I sobbed in the reading of it.” — Editor D. Ellis Phelps

Maria Illich is selected as a juried poet for the 2018 Houston Poetry Fest. She has also been selected multiple times in the past (2014, 2012, 2011, 1990).

Maria Illich’s The Morcant Twins & the Curse of the Griseum is nominated for a 2014 Silver Falchion Award.

Maria Illich’s The Morcant Twins & the Curse of the Griseum is nominated for a 2014 CYBILS Award.