Christy Awards Challenge

Interview with Deborah Raney

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Interview with Beverly Lewis

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Throughout the year, we will be spotlighting nominated and winning authors through interviews and guest blog posts. These are interviews and posts that are original and created specifically for this challenge!

Today's guest post is from Christy Award winning author Beverly Lewis, whose book The Brethren won the 2007 Christy Award for Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas).

Do you think the Christys are important?

Creating distinction in fiction with an inspirational thrust is very important, yes.

What does the Christy Award mean for you?

Sixteen years of hard work and striving for excellence in my own body of work.

Why do you write Christian fiction?

Not sure I'd want to write anything else. This is my calling in life. My purpose--what gets me up in the morning.

What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Christian Fiction?

Well, for readers who've never experienced the high quality of various inspirational books, I'd encourage them to give "Christian" novels a try
.
For those who've been less than impressed, years ago, by CBA fiction, I think they'll find the bar has been raised quite significantly in recent years. I, for one, continually want to compete with the best writing out there. To give it my all. And I know many other authors who do the same. Several NY publishers have insisted that my stories could easily be published by a secular house. Interesting.

What writers of Christian fiction do you think are influential?

Dekker, Kingsbury, Karon, Kidd, etc.

What do you think are the weaknesses of Christian fiction?

Overtelling, poor editing, weak characters, authors who mimick what's selling instead of writing their own passion.

Besides your own book what is your favorite Christy nominated or award winning book?

Candle in the Darkness, by Lynn Austin; Levi's Will, by Dale Cramer

How did you feel when you heard you were nominated?

Beyond ecstatic.

What inspired you to write the book you were nominated?

The continuing story of Annie Zook's heart-break, and some elements of O'Henry's ending twists.

What are you working on now?

Book Three of my current series, "Seasons of Grace," which will be released on April 6, 2010.

Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country, is a former schoolteacher, an accomplished musician, and an award-winning author of more than eighty books, many of which have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. Her novel The Brethren won a 2007 Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction. She currently has more than 12 million books in print in nine languages. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Interview with Terri Blackstock

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Throughout the year, we will be spotlighting nominated and winning authors through interviews and guest blog posts. These are interviews and posts that are original and created specifically for this challenge!

Today's interview is from multi- Christy Award nominated author Terri Blackstock, who was nominated for her books Last Light (2006 Suspense), River's Edge (2005 Suspense), and Covenant Child (2003 Allegory).

Do you think the Christys are important?

I think the Christys do several things:

-- They encourage excellence, since writers know that judges are going to be poring over every word

-- They promote Christian fiction

-- They introduce authors that readers might not have discovered

otherwise

-- They provide encouragement in this lonely (and difficult) profession

-- They might give second life to a book that didn't get much in the

way of marketing

What does the Christy Award mean for you?

A Christy nomination indicates that I did something right, and that several judges found value in my story. It offers much-needed positive feedback in a profession that offers so much negative feedback.

Why do you write Christian fiction?

I started my career writing secular romance novels (for publishers such as Harlequin, Silhouette, Harper-Collins, etc.). I went into that as a Christian, planning to write only the clean love stories. But in the interest of fame and fortune, I began to compromise, and eventually was writing books as graphic as any others. It took its toll on my spiritual life, and as I grew more successful, I became more miserable. Hoping to get back into fellowship with God, I finally repented of the things I'd written and told the Lord that I would never write another book that didn't glorify Him. I feared that my career was over, that no Christian publisher would ever touch me because of my past. But I tried to break into the Christian market anyway, mostly with suspense novels with strong faith elements that taught biblical principles and reminded readers of God's love and provision--all that while entertaining with page-turners that kept my readers up all night. God made a way for me to find a publisher for my Christian novels, and I've been writing faith-based novels ever since. I now feel that my work has eternal value, and really impacts lives.

What do you think are some of the biggest conceptions surrounding Christian Fiction?

Do you mean misconceptions? If so ... I think people who haven’t read a Christian novel in the last fifteen years think these books are preachy and sappy. But often, when they read one, they're pleasantly surprised to see that it could compete with anything published in the secular market, with the added bonus that they don't have to wade through profanity and graphic sex. Readers remember important lessons when they step into the skin of a character and live through them. That's why Jesus used story. Instead of preaching about God's second chances, He said, "There was once a man who had two sons." Christian novels provide hope, as well as life-changing insights about the human condition.

As for suspense (my favorite genre), I think people who have never read Christian suspense can't understand how you reconcile murder with Christianity. But the suspense genre provides me a great opportunity to show characters turning to Christ or leaning on God as their lives are threatened or their well-being is challenged. When writing about the darkest evil, there’s opportunity to show the greatest light.

What writers of Christian fiction do you think are influential?

Francine Rivers, Randy Alcorn, Frank Peretti and Jerry Jenkins have all written Christian classics that changed the way people thought about their relationships with God, and made it easier to understand aspects of God's character.

What do you think are the weaknesses of Christian fiction?

I know my answer isn't going to be popular, but I think those novels in which Christianity is extremely minimal or nonexistent are weak links in the genre. There's nothing wrong with wholesome, clean books without faith messages, but I don't believe they should be called Christian Fiction. In my mind, Christian fiction should do more than entertain. It should offer something of eternal value, something that changes or enlightens the reader, or helps him see himself more clearly.

I'm especially disturbed by those Christian novels that play into Hollywood stereotypes, such as making evangelical Christian characters petty or mean or hate-filled. Or if they do have a good-guy Christian character, he's Catholic (since Hollywood doesn't like evangelicals). I expect that from secular novelists and movie-makers, but Christians should fight those stereotypes rather than reinforcing them ... because those stereotypes are not true.

Besides your own book what is your favorite Christy nominated or award winning book?

I’d rather not say because I’ve loved so many of them. Many of the writers are dear friends, and I wouldn’t want to upset any of them by excluding them.

How did you feel when you heard you were nominated?

I was very excited and surprised. The first time, it was for a book that isn't what I usually write--Covenant Child--which was women's fiction rather than suspense, an allegory about the amazing grace of God. But I loved the story, so I was excited about having it recognized. The second and third times I was nominated for books that were part of a series. River’s Edge was the third book in my Cape Refuge series. Third books aren’t usually contenders, so I was stunned when that was a finalist. I was probably the happiest about Last Light, the first book in my Restoration Series, because that book was so difficult to write and required so much research. It was great to have a pat on the back for that one.

You've been nominated for multiple books. Which one is your favorite and what inspired you to write that book

Wow, that’s a hard question because they’re all like my children. But probably Last Light (Restoration Series). That book was about a massive global power outage that knocks out all technology, ruins the financial system, and puts the population out of work. Crime is at an all-time high as people kill each other to get food, etc. My characters are a Christian family who realize they have to help those around them, even if it means starving, themselves. They’re forced to depend on God’s provision as never before. In many ways, that book has been prophetic, and the letters I get from readers tell me of all the changes they’ve made in their lives because of this series.

What are you working on now?

I’ve recently put the finishing touches on Intervention, which is releasing on September 22, 2009. It’s about a mother who hires an interventionist for her drug-addicted daughter, but on the way to treatment, the interventionist is murdered and the daughter disappears. Barbara, the mother, sets out in search of her daughter, hoping to find her and clear her name. The mysteries intensify as everyone’s panic grows: Did Emily’s obsession with drugs lead her to commit murder—or is she another victim of a cold-blooded killer?

Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Her suspense novels often debut at number one on the Christian fiction best-seller lists, and True Light, published last year, was number one of all Christian books—fiction and non-fiction. Blackstock has had twenty-five years of success as a novelist.

In 1994 Blackstock was writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening drew her into the Christian market. Since that time, she’s written over thirty Christian titles, in addition to the thirty-two she had in the secular market. Her most recent books are the four in her acclaimed Restoration Series, which includes Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light. She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 and Cape Refuge Series.

In addition to her suspense novels, she has written a number of novels in the women’s fiction genre, including Covenant Child, which was chosen as one of the first Women of Faith novels, and her Seasons Series written with Beverly LaHaye, wife of Tim LaHaye.

Interview with Angela Hunt

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Also in 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree. She completed her doctorate in 2008 and was accepted into a Th.D. program in 2009. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

LInk to Your Reviews

mypalamy@gmail.com (Amy) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:43:00 +0000

Have you started reading and reviewing your Christy books? Just add the permalinks to your reviews below!

Interview with Lisa Samson

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Do you think the Christys are important?

Yes and no. Yes, it encourages writers who are nominated or who win. Yes, it creates a certain amount of community. Yes, it gives novelists something to look forward to if you work hard enough. Yes, it brings novelists together and, as a group, showcases their work to those who know about the awards. No, it doesn't mean God's blessing you more than someone who hasn't been nominated. No, it actually doesn't mean you're a better writer than the people in your category if you win since judges have different tastes and motives for reading. No, it doesn't necessarily mean your novel will have more Kingdom implications than those who haven't even been submitted for nomination. And I think that's what I like about the Christys in general. It's not so ministry-oriented, it's about the novel as an artform, a form of communication, pure and simple.

What does the Christy Award mean for you

It means I get to bite my nails waiting for a call to see if I've won or not. Mostly, the phone doesn't ring! But honestly, I really am honored to be a nominee. Gives me that "yes!" feeling inside.

Why do you write Christian fiction?

Honestly? Because I can't write anything else! I'm at the Oregon Christian Writer's Conference right now, and I was talking at breakfast about how my every artistic pursuit ends up being about God. And I'm not one of those people who draws a clear line between secular and sacred! It almost isn't fair, because I don't think a novel needs to be about God to be "about God." And yet, everything I put out has very clear spiritual themes and plotlines. I'm one of those people the more hip writers complain about when they talk disdainingly about having "overt spiritual messages." It's not like I'm preachy, but good grief, I can't write for a page without some member or the Trinity or the church showing up.

What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Christian Fiction?

That it's a genre. I'm writing in a vastly different genre from Stephen Bly or James Scott Bell. And I'm not even going to get into the "sub-quality" yack-yack you hear on the internet. Lord have mercy! On all of us! Blah-blah-blah-blah-blah.

What writers of Christian fiction do you think are influential?

I have no idea. There are so many different genres now, it's hard to say who's leading the way unless you're reading them extensively, and I'm a little-of-this, little-of-that kind of reader.

What do you think are the weaknesses of Christian fiction?

I would have said before the strictures, but lately, I don't know. We know what the rules are, what the game is. It is possible to work around it even though, every once in a while, you have the perfect word or phrase or line of dialogue and no matter what you think of to replace it, it's just not the same. But that's rare, maybe one or two times a book for me. What I've found most saddening is that now novelists are expected to have the same "platform" offerings as non-fiction writers. So I have to wonder if really great works are being turned away at the expense of a "name" that has a platform, can garner in more book sales, but isn't nearly the artist. It's a shame that the art of the novel is being compromised by this "platform" business. That may prove to be a real weekness if that sort of approach gets so widespread it compromises the entire Christian fiction ball of wax.

Besides your own book what is your favorite Christy nominated or award winning book?

All the Way Home, by Ann Tatlock

How did you feel when you heard you were nominated?

The first time, I was so excited. I'd never been nominated before. These days, I'm delighted too. Embrace Me was such an odd story, peopled with very strange characters, I was surprised the judges went for it, to be honest.

What inspired you to write the book you were nominated for?

I thought about a statistic I heard that within two or three years after an adult comes to faith, he or she has no more friends who are non-believers. And I thought about how in various kinds of churches, people all end up looking the same. You've got the mega church make up lady who's a size 6, or the emergent guy with the cool glasses and the hemp t-shirt, or the independent baptists with their denim jumpers or floral Sunday dresses, or the mainline man in khakis and a blue blazer. Somehow churches homogenize people. (Actually I think all groups do this.) Why? Shouldn't the church be the place where people can be exactly as God made them? It's not that I believe in hyper-individualism, I really believe we are a unit--Christ's Body; but what about individuality? So I wanted to explore that, but in an extreme way, around a mega church pastor, a biker-tattoed preacher working out of an old laundromat, and sideshow performers.

What are you working on now?

I'm rewriting my latest novel entitled "The Resurrection in May" about a woman who survived the Rwandan genocide, an old farmer who nurtures her, and a man who's on death row and refusing to appeal. Who'll bring who back to life?

Lisa Samson is a Christy Award-winning author of 19 books, including the Women of the Faith Novel of the Year, Quaker Summer. Lisa has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as "a talented novelist who isn't afraid to take risks."

Her novel Embrace Me has been named as one of Library Journal's books of the year.

She lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband and three kids.

Guest Post from Mary DeMuth

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Interview with Melody Carlson

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Guest Post from Marlo Schalesky

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Throughout the year, we will be spotlighting nominated and winning authors through interviews and guest blog posts. These are interviews and posts that are original and created specifically for this challenge!

Today's guest post is from Christy Award winning author Marlo Schalesky, whose book Beyond the Night won the 2009 Christy Award for Contemporary Romance.

What do you do when characters just won’t leave you alone? They haunt your dreams, whisper to you in the car on the way to the grocery store, dance through your thoughts when you’re supposed to be doing your job.

What do you do? You write their story. For me, that story was Beyond the Night.

It started with a dream. Not one of those “I have a dream” kind of dreams, but a real, honest-to-goodness, it’s-3am-and-I-had-pepperoni-pizza-last-night kind of dreams. I dreamt Paul and Maddie’s love story. And when I woke up, I couldn’t get the two of them out of my head, or out of my heart. I thought about them in the shower, on the way to seminary classes, in the check-out line at Costco. Everywhere! For weeks, I found myself replaying tidbits of their interactions in my mind, enjoying their humor, laughing to myself at their antics.

But there wasn’t enough for a story. Not a real story that I could write as a book. And then, I realized Maddie was going blind.

“Oh,” said I, “That’s very interesting. But it’s still not enough. Not quite. Not yet.”

Two more days went by, and Paul and Maddie’s story kept teasing my mind. And I knew there had to be more. More than what I’d seen, more that they still had to tell me.

And then I saw it – the big ending twist. The incredible truth that I had no idea about before. It took my breath away. So, after I finished picking my jaw up off the floor, I sat down and started working on the proposal for Beyond the Night – a new type of story. A moving love story. A shocking twist.

As I fleshed out the plot, I realized that this is exactly the type of book I’d like to keep writing – something with the poignancy of a Nicolas Sparks love story matched with the knock-your-socks-off twist of a M. Night Shymalan movie (without the horror!). That kind of story excited me, spiritually, emotionally, mentally. And I figured that there had to be more people like me out there – people who want to be both moved emotionally and surprised and delighted intellectually. People who want to be changed, challenged, and caught with wonder by a story. People who just want something more in their stories, because the typical tale is just not quite enough.

So, that’s what Beyond the Night is. It’s following a dream. It’s letting the characters whisper truths in the dark. It’s coming face to face with unexpected, wondrous light. For me, it was one breath-taking ride. I hope it’ll be that for readers too!

Marlo Schalesky is the author of several books, including Beyond the Night and Empty Womb, Aching Heart. A graduate of Stanford University, Marlo also has a masters of theology with an emphasis in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Married over twenty years, she lives with her husband, Bryan, and their five children in California.

Book Winner!

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:05:00 +0000

Sorry for the delay!

The winner of the set of 2009 winning books is....

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!

Announcing the Christy Awards Challenge!

mypalamy@gmail.com (Amy) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Chances are when you hear the words Christian Fiction, you have a definite impression. Clean. Hopeful. Preachy. Boring. The only thing you read. Wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.

Well, we love Christian fiction. We've read it our whole lives and we know that it's just a category. And like any category of fiction, it can be absolutely incredible or positively snoozeworthy. But one of the things we hear a lot is that people want to give it a try, but they need recommendations.

You may not know but there is actually an award for Christian fiction! It's called the Christy Award and it's been around for quite some time. These are books that have been judged to be among the best Christian fiction has to offer and while we may not always agree with those choices, we're willing to read them and give our own opinion. But we don't like to do anything alone--we're hoping you will join us too! Read more about the history and criteria of the Christy Awards.

We've been working hard to make this a great challenge....for both newbies to Christian fiction and old veterans. We'll be featuring author interviews with Christy winning authors and nominees, hosting giveaways of Christy books, and some guest posts as well. And we'll be spotlighting your reviews!

DISCLAIMER: We realize that this challenge recognizes only those works that have been nominated for the award. This challenge is not a reflection of Christian fiction as a genre. We understand that there are many other excellent books by Christian authors out there, but this is just one way to focus our reading and see whether or not we agree with the experts!

There are several ways you can join in and many different levels to choose from:

Total Christian Fiction Newbie:

This is only for those who have read no Christian fiction before...the challenge is to read one book from any of the Christy Awards Winners!

Baby Steps

1st Tier - 2009 Favorite Category Read All Nominated Books 3-4 books
2nd Tier - Any ONE Years Favorite Category - 3-4 Books or mix 3-4 winners from any category

It's All in the Winners
3rd Tier- 2009 Winners - 9
4th Tier- Any ONE Year's Winners 7-9 or mix'n'match 7-9 winners

Dedicated

5th Tier - Read 2009/or ANY Year All Books 36-40 Books

Hardcore

6rd Tier - Read all the nominees in your favorite category
7th Tier - Read all of the winners in every category

The Christy Challenge--Perpetual Challenge
Read all of the books nominated and awarded the Christy challenge throughout the course of your lifetime.

You can check out the book lists and decide at which level you'd like to join in! Don't hesitate though! If you sign up by November 15th, you'll be eligible for a drawing for one package of the following books!

Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky
You Had Me at Good-bye by Tracey Bateman
Dogwood by Chris Fabry
Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin
From a Distance by Tamera Alexander
The Rook by Steven James
Vanish by Tom Pawlik
I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke

As you can see this is almost a complete set of this year's winners! Many thanks to the publishers for donating these giveaways.

Now...how do you join?

Just write a post on your blog announcing your intentions to join. State which tier you'll be joining and the books you'll be reading. You can see all the nominated and awarded books here. Then drop a permalink to your post in the Mister Linky below. If you do all of this by November 15th, 2009, you'll be eligible to win the aforementioned bundle of books. But don't worry! You can join in at any time.

The challenge officially begins today and ends December 1st of 2010. Unless of course you're doing the perpetual challenge in that case, it lasts just as long as you do. :)

We will be active!

We have several author interviews lined up, giveaways, and some guest posts as well as a twitter account! So be sure to subscribe and also to follow us on Twitter!

About Your Hosts

mypalamy@gmail.com (Amy) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Amy

I'm a twenty something book blogger committed to keeping a passion for the written word alive and promoting a culture of literacy. I blog regularly at My Friend Amy. I write reviews, discuss bookish news, host author interviews, guest posts, and giveaways, explore Southern California's literary scene, and write about the other pop culture arts as well, including my obsession, LOST. I founded Book Blogger Appreciation Week, the LOST Books Challenge, and the Buy Books for the Holidays Project. I love interacting with bookish people and can't wait to get to know you!

I love Christian fiction and my favorite authors are:
Julie Lessman
Francine Rivers
Lisa Samson
Christa Parrish
Susan May Warren
Jackina Stark

Deborah

Deborah Khuanghlawn has been a voracious reader since she was three years old. Reading on average about 300 books a year, her bookshelves are overflowing and her TBR list never ending! She is attending George Mason University for her Masters in History. She is planning on pursuing a career in museum studies or archival history in the Washington DC area. She also enjoys listening to The Beatles, eating Chinese food, playing with her pug and watching the best TV show ever, Lost. Deborah also loves to sprinkle movie trivia into everyday conversation due to her other passion in life of watching movies. She hopes to one day write a novel, but for now is content with reading everyone else's.

I started blogging about 3 years ago because I wanted to tell people about the books I read. I figured I'm going to be reading these books, so I'd like to tell others about them and help them learn about the good books that I've read.

Favorite authors:

Gilbert Morris
Angela Hunt
Melody Carlson
Steven James
Francine Rivers
Susan Meissner

Shauna

I write about what I'm reading and watching at Shaunarumbling, and I focus on learning and education at Treasure Seekers. My favorite Christian authors are Lisa Samson, Claudia Mair Burney, Athol Dickson, Susan Meissner, and Jenny B. Jones, though I also enjoy many others.

About the Christy Awards

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:16:00 +0000

Taken from the Official Christy Awards Website

History

In the spring of 1999, nearly a dozen Christian publishers confirmed the need for establishing a Christian fiction award to recognize novelists and novels of excellence in several genres of Christian fiction. By late summer, ideas and planning had come together to launch The Christy Award, named in honor of Catherine Marshall’s novel and of her contribution to growth of the fiction Christians love to read.

The Christy Award is designed to:

* Nurture and encourage creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview.
* Bring a new awareness of the breadth and depth of fiction choices available, helping to broaden the readership.
* Provide opportunity to recognize novelists whose work may not have reached bestseller status.

How the Awards Work

Every year publishers are invited to submit novels written from a Christian worldview and copyrighted in the year preceding the awards. Each novel is entered in one of several genre categories and/or the first novel category. Each category of novels is then read and evaluated against a ten-point criteria by a panel of seven judges composed of librarians, reviewers, academicians, literary critics, and other qualified readers, none of whom have a direct affiliation with a publishing company.
Catherine Marshall

Catherine Marshall, writer of more than two dozen books and the subject of at least one biography, is one of America's most notable and bestselling Christian writers. Her readers around the world know Catherine as "America's most inspirational author," as described in The New York Times. More than 25 million copies of her books are in print. Nine years in the making and perhaps Catherines's best-known work, the novel Christy has more than 10 million copies in print and is estimated to have been read by more than 30 million people.

The Christy Awards is proud to honor both the novelist and her novel through this annual award recognizing Christian novels of excellence.

Christy Nominated and Awarded Books

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:11:00 +0000

2000

Contemporary

A New Song by Jan Karon – WINNER
By the Light of a Thousand Stars by Jamie Langston Turner
Romey's Place by James Calvin Schapp

Futuristic

By Dawn's Early Light by Grant R. Jeffrey and Angela Hunt – WINNER
Apollyn by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Assasins by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

International Historical

Out of the Red Shadow by Anne de Graaf - WINNER
The Power and the Glory by Clint Kelly
Triump of the Soul by Michael R. Joens

North American Historical

The Meeting Place by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn – WINNER
The Dark Also Rises by Denise Williamson
For Whom the Star Shines by Linda Chaikin

Romance

Whispers from Yesterday by Robin Lee Hatcher – WINNER
Blue Mist on the Danube by Doris Elaine Fell
Surrender of the Heart by Sally John

Suspense

Final Witness by James Scott Bell – WINNER
The Chairman by Harry Kraus
A Ship Possessed by Alton Gansky

2001

Contemporary

Home to Harmony by Phillip Gulley – WINNER
The Trial by Robert Whitlow
The Book of Hours by T. Davis Bunn
Bookends by Liz Curtis Higgs

Futuristic

Transgression by Randall Ingermanson – WINNER
The Mark by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Eli by Bill Myers

International Historical

Unashamed by Francine Rivers - WINNER
The Black Road by Stephen Lawhead
Unveiled by Francine Rivers

North American Historical

Edge of Honor by Gilbert Morris - WINNER
Reaping the Whirlwind by Rosey Dow
Passing by Samaria by Sharon Ewell Foster
Valley of the Shadow by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Romance

A Touch of Betrayal by Catherine Palmer - WINNER
Awakening Mercy by Angela Benson
True Devotion by Dee Henderson

Suspense

The Great Divide by T. Davis Bunn - WINNER
Blind Justice by James Scott Bell
Lethal Harvest by William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn

First Novel

Passing by Samaria by Sharon Ewell Foster - WINNER
Refiner's Fire by Sylvia Bambola
Winter Passing by Cindy McCormick Martinusen

2002

Contemporary

A Garden to Keep by Jamie Langston Turner – WINNER
Ain't No River by Sharon Ewell Foster
Carly's Song by Patricia Sprinkle

Futuristic

Oxygen by Randall Ingermanson and John Olson - WINNER
Desecration by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
The Last Guardian by Shane Johnson

International Historical

While Mortals Sleep by John Cavanaugh – WINNER
Jerusalem's Heart by Bodie and Brock Thoene
Riona by Linda Windsor

North American Historical

Hidden Places by Lynn Austin – WINNER
Edge of Wilderness by Stephanie Grace Whitson
Highland Hopes by Gary Parker

Romance

The Guardian by Dee Henderson – WINNER
Spring Rain by Gayle Roper
The Truth Seeker by Dee Henderson
Wildflowers by Robin Jones Gunn

Suspense

Drummer in the Dark by T. Davis Bunn – WINNER
Out of the Shadows by Sigmund Brouwer
Sadie's Song by Linda Hall

Western

The Long Trail Home by Stephen Bly - WINNER
Picture Rock by Stephen Bly
Sea of Glory by Ken Wales and David Polling

2003

Allegory

Arena by Karen Hancock – WINNER
Covenant Child by Terri Blackstock
A Sword for the Immerland King by F. W. Faller

Contemporary

All the Way Home by Ann Tatlock – WINNER
Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols
Women's Intuition by Lisa Samson

Futuristic

Time Lottery by Nancy Moser – WINNER
The Fifth Man by John Olson and Randall Ingermanson
Ice by Shane Johnson

International Historical

His Watchful Eye by Jack Cavanaugh – WINNER
Hallelujah by J. Scott Featherstone
The Shadow Women by Angela Elwell Hunt

North American Historical

Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin - WINNER
The Tender Vine by Kristen Heitzmann
Virginia Autumn by Sara Mitchell

Romance

True Honor by Dee Henderson – WINNER
The Healer by Dee Henderson
Summer Shadows by Gayle Roper

Suspense

Directed Verdict by Randy Singer – WINNER
Crown of Thorns by Sigmund Brouwer
They Shall See God by Athol Dickson

Western

Toward a New Beginning by R. Williams Rogers – WINNER
Last of the Texas Camp by Stephen Bly
The Outlaw's Twin Sister by Stephen Bly

First Novel

A Place Called Wireglass by Michael Morris – WINNER
Daughter of China by C. Hope Flinchbaugh
Yucatan Deep by Tom Morrissey

2004

Allegory/Fantasy

The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock – WINNER
Crying for a Vision by Walter Wangerin Jr
Dark Horse by John Fischer

Contemporary

Songbird by Lisa Samson – WINNER
Finding Alice by Melody Carlson
The Living End by Lisa Samson

Futuristic

Soon by Jerry B. Jenkins - WINNER
Apocalypse Dawn by Mel Odom
Armageddon by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Historical

Fire by Night by Lynn Austin- WINNER
Beyond the Sacred Page by Jack Cavanaugh
First Light by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Romance

Hideaway by Hannah Alexander – WINNER
Happily Ever After by Susan May Warren
Playing by Heart by Deborah Raney

Suspense/Mystery

Thr3e by Ted Dekker – WINNER
Into the Nevernight by Anne de Graaf
The Lies of Saints by Sigmund Brouwer
Steal Away by Linda Hall

First Novel

Welcome to Fred by Brad Whittington - WINNER
Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston
The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson

2005

First Novel

The Mending String by Cliff Coon – WINNER
The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin
There is a Wilderness by Mark McAllister

General

Bad Ground by W. Dale Cramer – WINNER
No Dark Valley by Jamie Langton Turner
Tiger Lillie by Lisa Samson

Historical
King's Ransom by Jan Beazley and Thom Lemmons – WINNER
Retribution by Randall Ingermason
Third Watch by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Romance

Secrets by Kristen Heitzmann – WINNER
Wild Heather by Catherine Palmer
Winter Winds by Gayle Roper

Suspense

Tiger in the Shadows by Debbie Wilson – WINNER
The Assignment by Mark Andrew Olsen
River's Edge by Terri Blackstock

Visonary

The Shadow Within by Karen Hancock – WINNER
Beyond the Summerland by L.B. Graham
Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul

2006

Contemporary (Standalone)

Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer – WINNER
Grace at Low Tide by Beth Webb Hart
Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin

Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas)

The Road to Home by Vanessa Del Fabbro – WINNER
Living With Fred by Brad Whittington
Moment of Truth by Sally John

Historical

Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs – WINNER
Glimpses of Paradise by James Scott Bell
The Nobel Fugitive by T. Davis and Isabella Bunn

Romance

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist – WINNER
Chateau of Echoes by Siri L. Mitchell
In Sheep's Clothing by Susan May Warren

Suspense

River Rising by Athol Dickson – WINNER
Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo
Last Light by Terri Blackstock

Visionary

Shadow Over Kiriatch by Karen Hancock - WINNER
Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Winchman
The Presence by Bill Myers

First Novel

This Heavy Silence by Nicole Mazzarella – WINNER
Like a Watered Garden by Patti Hill
The Road Home by Vanessa Del Fabbro

2007

Contemporary (Stand alone)

Winter Birds by Jamie Langston Turner – WINNER
Dwelling Places by Vinita Hampton Wright
Straight Up by Lisa Samson

Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas)

The Brethren by Beverly Lewis – WINNER
Escape from Fred by Brad Whittington
The Proof by Austin Boyd

Historical

Madman by Tracy Groot - WINNER
Glastonbury Tor by LeAnne Hardy
Grace in Thine Eyes by Liz Curtis Higgs
Pieces of Silver by Maureen Lang

Lits

Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn – WINNER
The Cubicle Next Door by Siri Mitchell
Everything's Coming Up Josey by Susan May Warren

Romance

The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist - WINNER
Monday Morning Faith by Lori Copeland
The Redemption by M.L. Tyndall

Suspense

Plague Maker by Tim Downs – WINNER
The Begotten by Lisa. T. Bergren
The Hidden by Kathryn Mackel

First Novel

Where Mercy Flows by Karen Harter – WINNER
Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary DeMuth
William Henry is a Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke

Young Adult

William Henry is a Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke- WINNER
Bad Idea by Todd and Jedd Hafer
The Way of the Wilderness by Jonathan Rogers

2008

Contemporary (Standalone)

Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin – WINNER
In High Places by Tom Morrissey
Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson

Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas)

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon – WINNER
A Time to Mend by Sally John and Gary Smalley
What Lies Within by Karen Ball

Historical

A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin – WINNER
Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
Tendering the Storm by Jan Kirkpatrick

Lits

Hallie's Heart by Shelly Beach – WINNER
Doesn't She Look Natural by Angela Hunt
Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd
Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck

Romance

Remembered by Tamera Alexander – WINNER
Lightning and Lace by Diann Mills
Remember to Forget by Deborah Raney

Suspense

The Cure by Athol Dickson – WINNER
My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay
The Pawn by Stephen James

Visionary

Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead – WINNER
Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck

First Novel

The Stones Cry Out by Sibella Giorello - WINNER
Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

Young Adult

Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson – WINNER
In Between by Jenny B. Jones
Maggie Come Lately by Michelle Buckman

2009

Contemporary Romance

Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky – WINNER
Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren
Zoe and Nicky: A Novel in Black and White by Claudia Mair Burney

Contemporary Series, Sequels and Novellas

You Had Me at Goodbye by Tracey Bateman – WINNER
Sisterchicks Go Brit by Robin Jones Gunn
Summer Snow by Nicole Baart

Contemporary Standalone

Dogwood by Chris Fabry – WINNER
Embrace Me by Lisa Samson
Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas

First Novel

Blue Hole Back Home by Joy Jordan-Lake - WINNER
Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler
Safe at Home by Richard Doster

Historical

Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin – WINNER
Shadow of Colossus by TL Higley
Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser

Historical Romance

From a Distance by Tamera Alexander - WINNER
Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy
The Moon in the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen

Suspense

The Rook by Steven James – WINNER
By Reason of Insanity by Randy Singer
Winter Haven by Athol Dickson

Visionary

Vanish by Tom Pawlik – WINNER
The Battle for the Vast Dominion by George Bryan Polivka
Shade by John D. Olson

Young Adult

I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke – WINNER
The Fruit of My Lipstick by Shelley Adina
On the Edge of the Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

Author Interview Index

mypalamy@gmail.com (Amy) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:49:00 +0000

An index of all the author interviews will be posted here!