Announcements

MICHAL finals in 2010 ACFW Carol Awards!

In the midst of catching up on laundry and cleaning the day after our return from California, I opened my email to a surprising discovery. Michal has finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards (formerly Book of the Year for published authors.) Those of you who have followed my blog over the years or who happen to know me, may recall another ACFW contest for unpublished authors known as the Genesis Contest. In 2006, I won that award in the Romantic Suspense category. It was a huge encouragement to my thoroughly discouraged heart to win that year, though totally unexpected. (That contest also underwent a name change from Noble Theme to the Genesis.)

This year, the Carol Award is named to honor editorial pioneer Carol Johnson and others like her who envisioned how Christian fiction could make a mark in the publishing world. You can read the press release about the award here.

The list of categories has grown with typically 5 finalists in each category. Some categories have ties, so there are six to eight in some. Michal is a finalist in the Debut Author Category. Here is the complete list: (Revell has 7 finalists!)

Debut Author

Bonnie Grove – Talking to the Dead (David C. Cook Publishing)
Liz Johnson – The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn (Steeple Hill)
Kirk Outerbridge – Eternity Falls (Marcher Lord Press)
Jill Eileen Smith – Michal (Revell)
Dan Walsh – The Unfinished Gift (Revell)

Contemporary Novella
6 Finalists due to a tie
Barbara Cameron – One Child (Thomas Nelson)
Barbara Cameron – When Winter Comes (Thomas Nelson)
Debra Clopton – A Mule Hollow Match (Steeple Hill)
Susan May Warren – The Great Christmas Bowl (Tyndale House)
Beth Wiseman – A Change of Heart (Thomas Nelson)
Beth Wiseman – A Choice to Forgive (Thomas Nelson)

Historical Novella

Victoria Bylin – Home Again (Steeple Hill)
Vickie McDonough – A Breed Apart (Barbour Publishing)
Vickie McDonough – Beloved Enemy (Barbour Publishing)
Janet Tronstad – Christmas Bells for Dry Creek (Steeple Hill)
Carrie Turansky – A Shelter in the Storm (Barbour Publishing)

Long Contemporary
6 Finalists due to a tie

Christina Berry – The Familiar Stranger (Moody Publishers)
Mary Ellis – A Widow’s Hope (Harvest House Publishers)
Joyce Magnin – The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow (Abingdon Press)
Susan Meissner – White Picket Fences (Waterbrook Press)
Marlo Schalesky- If Tomorrow Never Comes (Multnomah)
Susan May Warren – Nothing But Trouble (Tyndale House)

Long Contemporary Romance

Candace Calvert – Critical Care (Tyndale House)
Denise Hunter – Seaside Letters (Thomas Nelson)
Jenny B. Jones – Just Between You and Me (Thomas Nelson)
Beth Wiseman – Plain Promise (Thomas Nelson)
Cindy Woodmsall – The Hope of Refuge (Waterbrook Press)

Mystery

A.K. Arenz – The Case of the Mystified M.D. (Sheaf House)
Mindy Starns Clark – Under the Cajun Moon (Harvest House Publishers)
Darlene Franklin – A String of Murders (Heartsong Mysteries)
S. Dionne Moore – Polly Dent Loses Grip (Heartsong Mysteries)
Janice Thompson writing as Janice Hanna – Pushing up Daisies (Heartsong Mysteries)

Long Historical

Deeanne Gist – A Bride in the Bargain (Bethany House)
Robin Lee Hatcher – Fit To Be Tied (Zondervan)
Maureen Lang – Look to the East (Tyndale House)
Siri Mitchell – Love’s Pursuit (Bethany House)
Allison Pittman – Stealing Home (Multnomah)

Long Historical Romance
8 Finalists due to a tie

Amanda Cabot – Paper Roses (Revell)
Mary Connealy – Cowboy Christmas (Barbour Publishing)
Mary Connealy – Montana Rose (Barbour Publishing)
Laura Frantz – The Frontiersman’s Daughter (Revell)
Ann Gabhart – The Believer (Revell)
Julie Lessman – A Passion Denied (Revell)
Janice Thompson writing as Janice Hanna – Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas (Summerside Press)
Kathleen Y’Barbo – The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper (Waterbrook Press)

Short Contemporary

Debra Clopton – His Cowgirl Bride (Steeple Hill)
Myra Johnson – Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents)
Vickie McDonough – A Wagonload of Trouble (Heartsong Presents)
Mae Nunn – A Texas Ranger’s Family (Steeple Hill)
Glynna Sirpless writing as Glynna Kaye – Dreaming of Home (Steeple Hill)

Short Contemporary Suspense
6 Finalists due to a tie

Jill Elizabeth Nelson – Evidence of Murder (Steeple Hill)
Sandra Robbins – Final Warning (Steeple Hill)
Virginia Smith – Murder at Eagle Summit (Steeple Hill)
Virginia Smith – Scent of Murder (Steeple Hill)
Jenness Walker – Double Take (Steeple Hill)
Lenora Worth – Code of Honor (Steeple Hill)

Short Historical

Lyn Cote – Her Patchwork Family (Steeple Hill)
Laurie Alice Eakes – The Glassblower (Heartsong Presents)
Laurie Kingery – The Outlaw’s Lady (Steeple Hill)
Lynette Sowell – All That Glitters (Heartsong Presents)
Dan Walsh – The Unfinished Gift (Revell)

Speculative (includes Science Fiction, Fantasy, Allegory)
6 Finalists due to a tie

Kirk Outerbridge – Eternity Falls (Marcher Lord Press)
Donita K. Paul – The Vanishing Sculptor (Waterbrook Press)
Steve Rzasa – The Word Reclaimed (Marcher Lord Press)
Stuart Vaughn Stockton – Starfire (Marcher Lord Press)
Fred Warren – The Muse (Splashdown Books)
Jill Williamson – By Darkness Hid (Marcher Lord Press)

Suspense/Thriller

Terri Blackstock – Intervention (Zondervan)
Colleen Coble – Lonestar Secrets (Thomas Nelson)
Brandilyn Collins – Exposure (Zondervan)
Harry Kraus – Salty Like Blood (Howard/Simon & Schuster)
DiAnn Mills – Breach of Trust (Tyndale House)

Women’s Fiction
7 Finalists due to a tie

Julie Carobini – Sweet Waters (B&H Publishing)
Kathryn Cushman – Leaving Yesterday (Bethany House)
Sara Evans & Rachel Hauck – Sweet By and By (Thomas Nelson)
Rene Gutteridge & Cheryl McKay – Never the Bride (Waterbrook Press)
Deborah Raney – Yesterday’s Embers (Howard/Simon & Schuster)
Deborah Raney – Above All Things (Steeple Hill)
Lisa Wingate – The Summer Kitchen (New American Library/Penguin)

Young Adult

Shelley Adina – Who Made You a Princess? (Hachette FaithWords)
Brandilyn & Amberly Collins – Always Watching (Zondervan)
Jenny B. Jones – I’m So Sure (Thomas Nelson)
Jenny B. Jones – So Not Happening (Thomas Nelson)
Booker T. Mattison – Unsigned Hype (Revell)

The Carol Awards will be presented at ACFW’s Conference in Indianapolis, September 17-20. There’s still time to register here.

Quite a list! I’ve read some of these books and am so thrilled for each finalist! I would love to have Michal win, of course, but in truth, I am grateful and honored simply to final. My competition is stiff and well deserving!

If you’re looking for some great summer reads – check out these books. And stay tuned. I’ll be at the conference in September (I sure hope the dress I bought for the banquet still fits!) and will post the winners as soon as I can.

Congratulations to all finalists!

Selah~

Posted in Announcements, Books, Michal on July 17, 2010 |

MICHAL is in German!

This week I was upstairs, paintbrush in hand, ready to start priming our bedroom window frame, when the doorbell rang. Of course, no one else was in the house to hear the bell at that time, so I set the paint container and brush carefully on the chair and hurried down the stairs. I opened the door to find the postman on my doorstep with the mail, including a big box in his hands.

The box was from my publisher, but I had no idea what was in it. It was too early for copies of Bathsheba, which won’t be out until next year. I had all the bookmarks I needed and hadn’t ordered any copies of anything on my own. Hmm…

German Michal2 I grabbed the scissors to cut the packing tape, and pulled out a plastic wrapped cardboard pack with six books inside. Three copies of Michal in German! And three copies of Abigail in hardcover! I knew the German copies were coming some time, but had no idea when. A friend found the German publisher that carries it on their website. Check it out here. Funny that the title and my name are in English. But the rest, though hard to read here, is definitely in German. The hardcover copies of Abigail are available at Crossings Book Club. Check it out here.

Also, I will soon be able to give you a sneak peek at Bathsheba’s cover! Come back in about two weeks or stay tuned to Revell’s website or Amazon’s website. I can’t wait to share it with you all!

I’m coming up on the final section of Sarai, and working toward the climax. I think it might actually be possible that I will be within my word count without a ton of word cutting. Once I finish the first draft, I’m planning to take July off. Then I will do more research. I’ve got books on Ancient Mesopotamia that I want to read more of, and put myself into the manners and customs of the times a little better. By then galleys for Bathsheba will come and that will mean probably a month of editing. Then back to rewrites for Sarai, and I’ll start figuring out my synopsis for Rebekah’s story.

Also coming soon is another announcement on some upcoming books. Lots of good things ahead, and I am so grateful God has given me the chance to study His Word and write stories about the people He has immortalized throughout the pages of His book.

Other than that, I’ve got a few other writing deadlines I’m wrapping up and then going to spend July painting and visiting and reading. I wonder if we could paint the whole house in one summer…then again, painting is a LOT of work! Two window frames done. Too many to go! Wears me out. :)

Selah~

Posted in Abigail, Announcements, Books, Michal on June 17, 2010 |

Booksigning Saturday, May 15, 2010

I will be at LifeWay Christian Stores in Toledo, OH, this Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to sign copies of Abigail and Michal. If you live in the area, I’d love to meet you! Please stop by and say hello.

Posted in Announcements on May 10, 2010 |

Abigail is a CBA Bestseller!

I just found out tonight that Abigail is #19 on the CBA Bestseller Fiction List for April 2010! Thank you so much to everyone who has read the story and told others about it. Bestsellers come about by word-of-mouth, so please know that I am MOST grateful to you all!

Shalom~

Posted in Abigail, Announcements on March 19, 2010 |

ABIGAIL is an ECPA Bestseller!

Abigail is #18 on the March 2010 ECPA Bestseller’s List! Thank you SO much to my readers and reviewers and influencers who have made this possible. Your support is MOST appreciated! I am grateful and honored to have my work make this list!

In other thoughts…the sun has been shining most of the day. Amazing what a difference the sun makes. I think maybe God puts it there to remind us how much we need Him, not just His creation. I love what Revelation chapter 21:23 says of the New Jerusalem: “And the cityhas no need of sun or moon to shine on it, forthe glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (No clouds! And more importantly for the peace of Jerusalem there will be no need because no one will be fighting over that city as they do present-day Jerusalem!) Just a side thought there~

I finished a proposal for a new series that I’m working on – which I hope will sell sometime in the future. First, I need feedback from my critique partners. Then we’ll see if it’s good enough or if I need to look at it again. In the meantime, I’m headed back to work on Sarai. I left her in Egypt on her way to meet Pharaoh. Lots of interesting things to ponder in these upcoming scenes!

I finished reading Bruxy Cavey’s The End of Religion – Encountering the Subversive Spirituality of Jesus. Don’t let the title scare you–the book is really good. He writes in an easy-to-read style and doesn’t always use commonly known Christian lingo. He addresses some of the familiar doctrinal terms in the appendixes. EndofReligion_small But his purpose is to show the reader that Jesus did not come to start a new religion (and unfortunately even Christianity has fallen into the religion trap over the years) but to forge a relationship between us and God. He is the way to God and there is no other. But in our 21st century western thinking, we don’t realize just how surprising and subversive and shocking His message was to his 1st century hearers. I’m rereading the Gospels with a new look at what Jesus’ listeners might have heard when He spoke. The Pharisees and teachers of the Law hated Him because his words undermined the religion they clung to so desperately. (And they killed Him for it.) They were counting on their good works, their keeping of the Law of Moses (and all their added traditions) to save them. They weren’t counting on a Messiah who said that “no one comes to the Father except through me” or who called them a “brood of vipers” for thinking rituals were more important than relationships.

One of the most disturbing passages in the Bible, aimed at religious people who do so many things to gain acceptance with God, is Matthew 7:21-23 where Jesus says, ““Not everyone whosays to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ willenter the kingdom of heaven, but the one whodoes the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we notprophesy in your name, and cast out demonsin your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘Inever knew you;depart from me,you workers of lawlessness.’”

Jesus came so we could know God, know Him. He came to restore what was broken in Eden when Adam and Eve sinned and were cast from the garden, no longer able to walk with God and talk with Him in the cool of the day. God has always wanted a relationship with men and women. Always. It’s what He planned at Creation and what He will renew when He returns. Revelation tells us: “AndI saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.” Revelation 21:22

We can follow all sorts of rules, practice a zillion rituals, and become the most religious zealot of our time, but those things won’t bring us one step closer to knowing Jesus. He fulfilled the Law because we couldn’t, and He died so we don’t have to. All for want of restoring our relationship with Him.

The author (Bruxy Cavey) made me think outside of the religious box and renewed my love for the honesty and forthright message of Jesus. I want to read it again–and I don’t say that often. Highly recommended!

Selah~

Posted in Abigail, Announcements on March 1, 2010 |

Vote for Abigail…and birthday reflections…

I found out today that Abigail has been submitted as a book club nomination for members of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Book Club for May 2010. Here’s the info I received:

The ACFW Book Club is currently voting on the book we will read in MAY 2010 and YOUR book is on the voting list. We’ve got a lot of great books to choose from for May. Feel free to encourage your reader base to join the ACFW Book Club and join the fun!

MAY 2010 – Historical – GENRE
Polls will CLOSE in SEVEN DAYS from today.

ABIGAIL by Jill Eileen Smith
THE SHERIFF’S SURRENDER by Susan Page Davis
BECOMING LUCY by Martha Rogers
FIT TO BE TIED by Robin Hatcher
A STRAY DROP OF BLOOD by Roseanna M. White

CLICK ON THE LINK TO PLACE YOUR VOTE. (You will have to sign into Yahoo and join the book club to vote, but the club is free. You can also join by sending a blank e-mail to acfwbookclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, but you still have to go to the Yahoo site to vote.)

Honestly, I think the list of books all looks great and it could be tough to choose just one. But if you’re so inclined to vote for Abigail, that would be great! Thanks!

In other thoughts…
Yesterday I celebrated my birthday. Actually, the true family celebrating happened on Saturday, but the official day was yesterday. Randy, Ryan, and I went to Red Lobster Saturday night, then came home and I got to open the gifts my guys had gotten me over Skype with Jeff and Chris. While Skype isn’t as nice as in person, it came close.

The guys bought me a Kindle, which is an e-book reader for those who haven’t heard of it. E-book readers are available from Barnes and Noble (the Nook) and there is also a Sony E-Reader, but the Kindle had the features I wanted. I’ve been playing with it today a little and have downloaded some free books for starters. I’m checking out a couple of Bible versions and I hope to find a purse that might have a Kindle slot that might keep it protected as I take it places. Haven’t looked for one yet, so if you know of any, please email me and let me know.

I started prayer journaling again today. For some reason that I can’t recall (probably too busy) I stopped journaling in November last year. Then a friend reminded me of how cathartic it can be, and so I picked it up again this morning. There is nothing like writing to help me focus my thoughts and calm my spirit.

I read a Facebook status update today that talked about living life in color rather than gray. I like that! It reminded me of a quote Francine Rivers keeps in her office shared from a fellow author. The quote says:

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up and totally worn out, loudly proclaiming…WOW. What a ride!”

As I start a new year at this new age of life, I would remember both thoughts and add to them Psalm 39:4-5

“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man’s life is but a breath.”
Selah

But a breath in living color, used up and poured out for Him!

Posted in Abigail, Announcements, Musings on February 15, 2010 |

February 2010 Christian Fiction Releases

I don’t know if the groundhog day website from Pennsylvania is right – they’re claiming six more weeks of winter, while apparently Buckeye Chuck from Ohio is saying Spring is just around the corner. Michigan is closer to Ohio, and I like Buckeye Chuck’s prediction better. :)

In any case, cold or warm, there is always a reason to snag a good book and live the story vicariously, right? Fiction makes some great downtime and many of the choices on this list look inviting! Of course, Abigail is at the top (alphabetically) and one I’m happy to suggest. :)

BPG_Abigail_3-31_small 1. Abigail: A Novel,The Wives of King David, Book 2 by Jill Eileen Smith from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Turmoil marks her life – what price will she pay for love?

2. A Valentine Wish by Betsy St. Amant from Steeple Hill. Lori, chocolate-lover extraordinary, is unemployed, single, and out of brownie mix. But when a secret admirer pops up at her new job running a chocolate boutique, she might have the ingredients for a special Valentine’s after all!

3. Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll from B&H Publishing. When a female helicopter rescues a US Marshal escorting a heart, they must race against time to uncover the largest child trafficking ring in history.

4. Hometown Promise, First in the Kellerville Series Merrillee Whren from Steeple Hill. Kellerville: Finding family, community and love in one small town.

5. Love’s Winding Path by Lauralee Bliss from Heartsong Presents, Barbour Publishing. A prodigal’s life is never out of God’s reach and His love as two lonely adventurers are about to discover.

6. The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch from Heartsong Presents, Barbour Publishing. Sometimes running away brings you right back where you started.

7. Meander Scar by Lisa Lickel from Black Lion. When Ann is ready to jump back into life with a new love, she discovers the devastating truth behind her husband’s disappearance.

8. My Deadly Valentine by Lynette Eason and Valerie Hansen from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Two suspense filled stories about stalkers and the men determined to protect the women they love.

9. On Wings of Love by Kim Watters from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A dedicated nurse devotes her life helping others, only to discover the man who steals her heart doesn’t want her help.

10. The Pastor’s Wife by Jennifer AlLee from Abingdon Press. A woman must face the husband – and the congregation – she ran from six years earlier.

11. Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allen from Abingdon Press. Leah Thornton stops numbing her pain with alcohol, but discovers the road to redemption might still be under construction.

Happy reading~

Posted in Abigail, Announcements, Books, Musings, New Releases on February 2, 2010 |