Mexican American writer, author and immigration advocate Rudy Ruiz was recently honored at the Los Angeles Latino Book & Family Festival. The author received three new awards for his critically acclaimed debut book "Seven for the Revolution."

The festival, which took place at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California on Nov. 7, offered a full day of activities, which included food booths, seminars, author panels, the Latino Books into Movies awards and a very special Salute to Latino Veterans. Three short stories from Ruiz's collection, "Seven for the Revolution," received Latino Books Into Movies Awards, which was organized by Latino Literacy Now, a non-profit founded by actor Edward James Olmos.

"Inverted," a dystopian tale that depicts U.S. refugees as they travel south of the border in search of a better life, won first place in the area of Action & Adventure. "Bending the Laws of Motion" won second place in the Kid & Family category. Additionally, the post-apocalyptic, survivalist tale "Liberty Lost" won second place in Science Fiction & Fantasy. Ruiz and his fellow winners and finalists will be packaged and promoted by Latino Literacy Now, an organization dedicated to cultivating Latino-themed content. Winners and finalists will be marketed to Hollywood producers and directors.

"I'm very honored to be recognized and included in this innovative program," Ruiz stated in a press release. "We definitely need more Latino-themed content, and more opportunities for Latinos within publishing and entertainment. It is the only way that our voices and our stories will be humanized and heard nationally and internationally. I'm very grateful for the wonderful advocacy effort that is being made by Latino Literacy Now in this influential arena."

In addition to the author's win at the Los Angeles Latino Book & Family Festival, he keeps busy. He's the co-founder of the marketing agency Interlex, a frequent contributor to CNN and he's the founding editor of the political website RedBrownandBlue.com. In 2008, he also contributed to "Going Hungry: writers on desire, self-denial, and overcoming anorexia."

Cecilia Velastegui, Cecilia M. Fernandez, Marta Acosta and many others were also presented with Latino Books Into Movies awards.

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