>2010 ACFW Genesis Finalists

>One of the highlights of the ACFW Conference (which is where I am right now while my blog is on auto pilot) is the awards banquet on the last evening of the conference. Posh frocks, lots of sparkle and glitz, a kilt or two. And three or four dozen very nervous attendees who have the noted honor of being contest …

>ACFW Carol Award Finalists

>ACFW has just announced the finalists for the 2010 ACFW Carol Awards (formerly Book of the Year). These awards recognize excellence in Christian fiction in a variety of categories, and represent fiction titles released in 2009. Here are this year’s finalists: Debut Author Bonnie Grove – Talking to the Dead (David C. Cook Publishing)Liz Johnson – The Kidnapping of Kenzie …

>Novels: MY TOP FOUR PICKS THIS YEAR

>As I might have mentioned earlier, my “best of” lists include mostly books that were published in 2009. However, by my own rules, they qualify if I first read them this year, and I want to give them their due praise. There were a LOT of great books in 2009, but even as I looked back, there were four that …

>ACFW BOTY (Book of the Year) Finalists

>In less than two months, five hundred or more writers will converge on Denver for the annual American Christian Fiction Writers conference. It’s a highlight of my year for many reasons, but one of the most exciting things about the conference is recognition of the winners of two contests sponsored by ACFW: The Genesis winners (for unpublished authors) and the …

>PREMIERE EVENT

> The first Christian Book Expo takes place in Dallas on March 19 – 22. This is an important event for several reasons. It’s a great resource for what is happening in Christian communities across the nation with some of the country’s leading speakers: Henry Blackaby, Don Piper, Max Lucado, Donald Miller, Liz Curtis Higgs, Randy Alcorn, Mary DeMuth, and …

>Conference and Book Signing Pics

>The pictures tell more than I ever could about the conference. I hope you catch the excitement! The gals from “Seekerville” (front) Cheryl Wyatt, Myra Johnson, Julie Lessman, & Janet Dean (back) Debbie Guisti, Margaret Daley (who infiltrated the group), Mary Connealy, & Camy Tang The Three Musketeers – My online buddies Erica Vetsch, Kaye Dacus, & Georgiana Daniels Author …

>Congratulations to ACFW’s Book of the Year Finalists

> Debut AuthorBayou Justice (Robin Miller writing as Robin Caroll)In Between (Jenny B Jones)Sushi for One? (Camy Tang)My Soul Cries Out (Sherri Lewis)Petticoat Ranch (Mary Connealy) Contemporary Novella (*six finalists due to a tie)A Cloud Mountain Christmas (Robin Lee Hatcher)Finally Home (Deb Raney in Missouri Memories anthology)Mississippi Mud (DiAnn Mills in Sugar And Grits Anthology)Moonlight & Mistletoe (Carrie Turansky in …

>Christy Finalists Announced

> 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 …

>Home from the Conference

> The 2007 ACFW Conference exceeded all my expectations. The sessions, meeting new friends, divine appointments, and sharing fears, woes, and triumphs with other writers made it a fantastic experience. My local WIN group took home many honors and the promise of requested submissions from editors and agents. Going full-tilt for three full days wore me out, and I may …