This is it, folks--the biggest award in Christian Fiction--the Christy Awards. When I read the list, I got goosebumps. Here's why:
- The first writing class I ever took was an online class someone recommended to me. The teacher? Michelle Buckman. She has several published novels and is now a Christy finalist for her young adult book. I am so proud of her and know that even in the beginning of my writing path, God was directing me to people who would make a difference in my life.
- Going down the list, I have taken workshops from or heard EIGHT of these authors speak. Jane Kirkpatrick is one who stands out. Again, early in my career, she spoke on the divine call to write. I wept in her class because it was like she had seen into my heart and knew my desires. What a lovely person. Most recently, I took Angela Hunt's continuing workshop at Mount Hermon. I will be digesting her words for years to come.
- Of this impressive list, I've read FIVE of the finalists' books, each one excellent. One outstanding read is Catching Fireflies by Charles Martin. I tell everyone who will listen that they should read his books. I've never met him or heard him speak, but his writing touches me in a way that few authors do. And we usually have a fight at our house on who gets to read the latest Martin book.
If you haven't read Christian Fiction lately, I would point you to this list. Pick your favorite genre, and you will be blessed. Enjoy.
PRESS RELEASE From Wynn Wynn Media
Media Inquiries: Jeane Wynn
Wynn-Wynn Media, LLC918-283-1834
For Reservations: Donna KehoeCA2000DK@aol.com
2008 CHRISTY AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED
Ann Arbor, Mich.-The Christy Advisory Board is pleased to announce nominees in nine categories for the 2008 Christy Awards honoring Christian fiction. The Christy Awards dinner will be held Saturday evening, July 12, 2008, at The Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida. Visit the Christy Awards online at www.christyawards.com for more information about the dinner and to make reservations.
The Christy Awards 2008 Nominees
CONTEMPORARY (STAND ALONE)
Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin (Thomas Nelson)
In High Places by Tom Morrisey (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson (Thomas Nelson)
CONTEMPORARY (SERIES, SEQUELS, AND NOVELLAS)
Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon (Viking Penguin)
A Time to Mend by Sally John and Gary Smalley (Thomas Nelson)
What Lies Within by Karen Ball (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
HISTORICAL
Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Tendering in the Storm by Jane Kirkpatrick (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
LITS (four nominees due to a tie)
Doesn't She Look Natural by Angela Elwell Hunt (Tyndale House Publishers)
Hallie's Heart by Shelly Beach (Kregel Publications)
Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck (Avon Inspire, a division of HarperCollins Publishers)
ROMANCE
Lightning and Lace by DiAnn Mills (Barbour Publishing)
Remember to Forget by Deborah Raney (Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster)
Remembered by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
SUSPENSE
The Cure by Athol Dickson (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay (Moody Publishers)
The Pawn by Steven James (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
VISIONARY
Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck (NavPress Publishing Group)
Scarlet by Stephen R. Lawhead (Thomas Nelson)
FIRST NOVEL
Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee (NavPress Publishing Group)
The Stones Cry Out by Sibella Giorello (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
YOUNG ADULT
Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson (NavPress Publishing Group)
In Between by Jenny B.Jones (NavPress Publishing Group)
Maggie Come Lately by Michelle Buckman (NavPress Publishing Group)
The winners will be announced in July. Any favorites of yours here?
1 comment:
Very impressive list. Angela Hunt is one of my favourite authors. Recently I discovered Jane Kirkpatrick, as she's going to be the main speaker at the 2008 ICWF Fall Conference in Edmonton, AB. Other names I'm familiar with.
Post a Comment