2011 INSPY Award Winners

The INSPY Advisory is pleased to announce the 2011 INSPY Award Winners:

Creative Nonfiction: Passport Through Darknessby Kimberly L. Smith

In Passport Through Darkness, Mrs. Smith portrays sacrificial Christian living as the absolutely normal and healthy choice for all Christians. She and her husband are willingly transparent with their weaknesses and present a realistic picture of what a Christian living looks like: hard, messy, and painful, but right and worthwhile. Passport Through Darkness is a powerful story that can change who you are at a fundamental level.

General Fiction:City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell(Henry Holt & Co, September 2010)
We chose City of Tranquil Light because it tells a compelling story with complex characters that feel true to life, characters we care about. Bo Caldwell’s prose is lyrical.

The characters live a very real faith. Everything they do has Kingdom service in mind, yet they never come across as preachy. Their faith is organic. Serving Christ is what they do, it’s who they are. Because of that, this book’s appeal goes beyond that of the Christian community.

Literature for Young People: Saint Training by Elizabeth Fixmer (Zondervan, 2010)

Saint Training is realistic in its examination of religion without stereotype or fundamentalist views. An inspiring read, relevant to young readers and a stand out in its genre. Mary Clare is very down to earth and anyone will be able to relate to her struggles.

Mystery/Thriller: The Bishopby Steven James

Steven James did not shy away from the “tough” questions about God and we appreciate that an author – a Christian author at that, would be up-front and center with the real tough spiritual questions. The Bishop treats the reader as intelligent and with a mind of her own. The plot was engaging and the characters felt real.

Romance:Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Cathy West (Oak Tara, March 2011)

Catherine West gives us a gritty and moving account of the Vietnam War as experienced by an intrepid journalist providing innovation of the setting, time period and subject matter. The edgy realism and poignant honesty that flow from West’s pen in Yesterday’s Tomorrow place it head-and-shoulders above some of biggest bestsellers on bookstore shelves today, and it easily fulfills all the requirements set forth to make it the INSPY Award Winner for Romance.

 
Speculative Fiction: The Falling Away by T.L. Hines (Thomas Nelson, September 2010)

Non-linear plot lines that all converge without being predictable, responsible treatment of mental disorders without cliche; self sacrifice, demonic encounters and the power of Grace; all these reasons and more make The Falling Away by T.L. Hines the speculative INSPY winner. In his own distinctive “noir bizarre” style, Hines explores powerful truths about life, death and redemption. The author managed to tackle a familiar subject (spirituals warfare) in a most unconventional way. Full characterization meshed with a tight plot that is engaging even for newcomers to the supernatural thriller. Ultimately, more than one character learns important truths about the fallen world we live in and the spiritual dangers one may face from without and within. This novel is an embodiment of the concept that God’s power is made perfect in human weakness.

2012 GMA Dove Awards To Return To Atlanta's Fox Theatre

 The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will return to the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA for the second year in a row to host the 2012 event. Mitchell Solarek, chairman of the board of The Gospel Music Association (GMA), made the announcement at a Dove Awards kickoff reception hosted by CCM Magazine held earlier this week in Nashville.

The GMA Dove Awards is Gospel music's biggest night of the year, featuring top artists from the many different genres of Gospel and Christian music. The event will be an evening of music and celebration held at the Fox Theatre on Thursday, April 19, 2012, and will be televised nationally on GMC (www.watchgmctv.com) on Sunday, April 22, 2012.

Mitchell Solarek, speaking to record label executives, recording artists and other industry VIPs, said, “Following last year’s outstanding event, we are excited to return to the Fox Theatre for another diverse program showcasing the most talented group of artists from within the Gospel and Contemporary Christian music genres.”

The decision last year to move the industry event to Atlanta marked the first time ever the GMA Dove Awards had been held outside of Nashville in more than four decades. The sold-out show at the Fox Theatre also garnered the highest ratings for the event to date on GMC, with more than 1.5 million viewers tuning in to watch Sherri Shepherd host the broadcast and to see an array of leading artists perform and take home honors at the annual awards show -- including Female Vocalist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris August, and stars such as Third Day, Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, Chris Tomlin, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and Kenny Rogers.

“The Fox Theatre is thrilled to host this prestigious national event honoring the top artists in Gospel music again this year,” said Allan C. Vella, General Manager of the Fox Theatre. “Last year’s event sold out quickly, which speaks to the enthusiasm and support of the Atlanta community. The GMA Dove Awards is already becoming a much anticipated event on the Atlanta entertainment calendar and the Fox Theatre is proud to be a part of it.”

In 2012, Dove Awards will be handed out in 43 categories. The Dove Awards nominations go to recordings released during the eligibility year from November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2011 and voted on by the members of the GMA.

Tickets to the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will go on sale in early 2012.

Related articles

• D.C. Music Producer Releases 'Tis the Season' Christmas Gospel CD and Gives Free Concert (christianfiction.blogspot.com)

Christian Retailing Retailer’s Choice Awards Announced

I’m excited! Some of my favorite books of 2010 (and friends) have been picked as finalists for the 2011 Christian Retailing Retailers Choice Awards. Publishers submit books that they feel fit the nominee criteria for the award. Those nominees are “judged on the impact they have had on staff and customers, their ability to be evocative, open minds to new ways of thinking and encourage and affirm Christlike living.” Winners will be announced at Christian Retailing's Retailing ReBoot 2011 event, to be held April 26-28 at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando, Fla.

Nominees in the various Christian Fiction categories are:

Fiction: Contemporary Romance

Lydia's Charm, Wanda E. Brunstetter (Barbour Publishing)
Nightshade, Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing)
Seek Me With All Your Heart, Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)
Tender Vow, Sharlene MacLaren (Whitaker House)
The Bridge of Peace, Cindy Woodsmall (WaterBrook Multnomah)
They Almost Always Come Home, Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon Press)
Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball, Donita K. Paul (WaterBrook Multnomah)

Fiction: General

Greater Love, Robert Whitlow (Thomas Nelson)
Her Mother's Hope, Francine Rivers (Tyndale House Publishers)
Unlocked, Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan)

Fiction: Historical Romance

Embers of Love, Tracie Peterson (Baker Publishing Group)
Here Burns My Candle, Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Multnomah)
The Gathering Storm, Bodie & Brock Thoene (Summerside Press)

Fiction: Mystery and Suspense

Immanuel's Veins, Ted Dekker (Thomas Nelson)
The Bishop, Steven James (Baker Publishing Group)
The Twelfth Imam, Joel C. Rosenberg (Tyndale House Publishers)

First-Time Authors

Crossing Oceans, Gina Holmes (Tyndale House Publishers)
Life Without Limits, Nick Vujicic (Doubleday Religion)
The Devil in Pew Number 7, Rebecca Alonzo (Tyndale House Publishers)

Congrats to the nominees.

On a side note: I still wish for the day that Christian Retailers are more racially inclusive.  So I will I add a Category that will be added on that great day my wish comes true.

Fiction: Regardless of the Color of the Author

In the Midst of It All, Tiffany L. Warren (Hachette)

The Someday List, Stacy Hawkins Adams (Revell)

Inconvenient Friend: Rhonda McKnight (Urban Christian)

More Church Folk, Michelle Bowen (Grand Central)

Selling My Soul, Sherri L. Lewis (Urban Christian)

Samson, Jacquelin Thomas (Gallery)

Long time Coming, Vanessa Miller (Abingdon Press)

Booklist Top 10 of 2010

This week Booklist Announced its Top 10 of 2010 Inspirational Fiction. In gist they are below:

1. The Bishop. By Steven James. 2010. Revell,

Deceit. By Brandilyn Collins. 2010. Zondervan,

Fatal Convictions. By Randy Singer. 2010. Tyndale

Her Mother’s Hope. By Francine Rivers. 2010. Tyndale,

A Hope Undaunted. By Julie Lessman. 2010. Revell.

I Shall Not Want: The Psalm 23 Mysteries. By Debbie Viguie. 2010. Abingdon.

Maid to Match. By Deeanne Gist. 2010.

A Memory between Us. By Sarah Sundin. 2010. Revell,

More Church Folk. By Michele Andrea Bowen. 2010. Grand Central.

The Voyage of Promise. By Kay Marshall Strom. 2010. Abingdon,

Click here to read more about these books.

Christian Fiction Blog will share it’s Top Ten 2010 in time for Thanksgiving.  We are also accepting nominations for Fan Favorite and Book Club Favorites for 2010. Leave your nominations here or on our Facebook Fan Page.

INSPY Awards Short List Announced

The INSPY Advisory Board is pleased to announce the shortlists for the 2010 INSPY Awards.  We thank you for your enthusiastic nominations of books and acknowledge the difficulties in narrowing the field with so many quality nominations.

General & Literary Fiction

The Christmas Glass by Marci Alborghetti, Guideposts, 1st October, 2009

Life in Defiance by Mary DeMuth, Zondervan, 1st May, 2010

Lost Mission by Athol Dickson, Howard Books, 1st September, 2009

Lucky Baby by Meredith Efken, Howard Books, 13^th April, 2010

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes, Tyndale House, 1^st May, 2010

Creative Non-Fiction

Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans, Zondervan, 15th June, 2010

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller, Thomas Nelson, 29^th September, 2009

Halfway to Each Other by Susan Pohlman, Guideposts, 1^st September, 2009

God Hides in Plain Sight by Dean Nelson, Brazos Press, 1st October, 2009

Hear No Evil by Matthew Paul Turner, Waterbrook Press, 16^th February, 2010

Historical Fiction

The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz, Revell Books, 1^st August, 2009

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen, Bethany House, 1^st January, 2010

The Fiddler’s Gun by AS Peterson, Rabbit Room Press, 1^st December, 2009

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell, Bethany House, 1^st April, 2010

Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers, Tyndale House, 1^st March, 2010

Thriller/Suspense/Crime (the category I will be judging)

Priceless by Tom Davis, David C Cook, 1^st June, 2010

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker, Center Street, 27th May, 2010

The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello, Thomas Nelson, 16^th March, 2010

The Knight by Steven James, Revell Books, 1^st August, 2009

Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig, Abingdon Press, 1st March, 2010

Speculative Fiction

Green by Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson, 1^st September, 2009

The Last Christian by David Gregory, Waterbrook Press, 4th May, 2010

A Star Curiously Singing by Kerry Nietz, Marcher Lord Press, 1^st October, 2009

Eternity Falls by Kirk Outerbridge, Marcher Lord Press, 1^st October, 2009

Rooms by James L. Rubart, B&H Publishing, 1^st April, 2010

Amish Fiction

Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughety, Summerside Press, 1^st September, 2009

An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller, Thomas Nelson, 16^th March, 2010

Winter’s Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray, Avon Inspire, 1^st February, 2010

Anna’s Return by Marta Perry, Berkley, 1^st June, 2010

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman, Thomas Nelson, 30^th March, 2010

Romance/Romantic Suspense

A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley, Thomas Nelson, 29th December, 2009

Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris, Zondervan, 1^st April, 2010

Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter, Thomas Nelson, 6th October, 2009

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Patillo, Guideposts, 1st February, 2010

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren, Summerside Press, 1st February, 2010

Young Adult Fiction

A Little Help From My Friends by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt, FaithWords, 15^thOctober, 2009

This Gorgeous Game by Donna Freitas, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 25^th May, 2010

So Over My Head by Jenny B Jones, Thomas Nelson, 4^th May, 2010

Beautiful by Cindy Martinusen Coloma, Thomas Nelson, 3^rd November, 2009

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr, Little Brown, 1st October, 2009

Note: Dates from the publishers’ sites were used to determine eligibility

Related articles by Zemanta

• The INSPY Awards (bookingmama.blogspot.com)
• Fall Hard for Amish Lit (deegospelpr.com)
• Readers Favorite 2010 Award Winning Authors (prweb.com)

TMA: Thank your Favorite Blog and Blogger

Happy Monday. I love November. It's one of the few months of the year where instead of buying gifts we give thanks. We honor those who mean a great deal to each other. This month I would like for us to also honor the blogs that have meant so much to us. I will begin with me:

1. Faith*In*Fiction - although new content is rare now. Bethany House AE David Long inspired some of the best Christian publishing blogs out there. He invited me into his community and have forged eternal friendships because of it, including...

See who I give thanks, then Join in on the fun at Blog Thanks Award

CCM Magazine Needs Your Vote!

CCMMAGAZINE.COM ANNOUNCES 2009 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

Voting Is Open Now Through March 31

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) 2 February 2009 – The premiere source for Christian music, CCMmagazine.com announces that voting for its annual 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards has begun. Voting began February 1 and continues through March 31 in a variety of categories at www.CCMmagazine.com/readerschoice. Winners will be announced in May.

Fans can vote for their favorite artists in Best Band, Duo or Group, Male and Female Artist, New Artist, Artist, Album, Song, Songwriter, Producer, Tour and Festival, as well as their favorite artists in Hip-Hop, R&B, Hard Music and Worship. This year’s Readers’ Choice Awards also give fans the chance to vote on their favorite artist of faith in the general market, and fans can give their input on Most Underrated Artist and Breakout Artist of 2009.

By voting and entering a valid e-mail address, fans will automatically be entered to win select prizes including CD bricks from winners, an autographed drum head and drum sticks from Skillet, a Switchfoot tour book and an autographed Dove Awards program, among other prizes.

To familiarize fans with new artists from the past year, CCMmagazine.com will spotlight one Best New Artist nominee every day during the month of February. These new artist spotlights will feature a “New Artist 411” and video introduction of the artist.

About CCMmagazine.com (www.CCMmagazine.com):
CCMmagazine.com explores redemptive music and the culture it influences, carrying on a tradition of informative journalism for over 30 years now exclusively online. With news, interviews, videos, podcasts, downloads, streaming music, exclusive contests and giveaways, feature stories, reviews and more, CCMmagazine.com is the place to go for your music, right now. CCMmagazine.com is the premiere place for the music of artful Christians, whether independent or signed to a Christian or mainstream label.

Christian Fiction News: Dee & Marina Reports, Tony Dungy 1Million Sold

Christian Fiction News for the week of November 10, 2008

Dee & Marina Reports Talk Radio gone Gospel

Join me, Dee Stewart and my galpal Marina Woods as we host a new talk radio show covering current Christian news, rumor control, people to watch and more hot topics. The show airs tomorrow 7pm EST on Blog Talk Radio.

Call-in Number: (646) 649-1066

Click here to set a reminder, listen, chime in and chat.

Cross Walk Book Review: Burney's Wounded

You may be skeptical when it comes to the phenomenon of stigmatica; many evangelicals are. But the boo k does not push a conclusion. Instead, the issue is merely an invitation to shed your preconceived ideas about the way God works, much as first-century Jews were forced to do when Jesus arrived. If you can embrace this mindset, you’ll be blessed by the book. And if, like Gina, you are truly hungering for more of Jesus, this story will whet your appetite even more.

Author: Claudia Mair Burney
Title: Wounded (A Love Story)
Publisher: David C. Cook
Click for Full Review:Burney’s Talent Conveys Love for People, Jesus and Fiction

Bertrand's Book Proposal Tips for Novel Writers

How likely are you to put down money for the rough, uncut rock? Not very.For one thing, you're looking for finished stones, and there are plenty out there to choose from. Why would you bother with one that needs so much work-- especially when the seller expects you to pay top dollar?

As a consumer, you don't expect to have the jeweler's work thrown into our lap. What you're looking for is a stone ready to wear. That's common sense. But you'd be surprised how many aspiring authors neglect common sense when it comes to shopping around manuscripts.

Read On...

>Tony Dungy Wins ECPA Platinum Awards

Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker wins the PLATINUM AWARD. This award is a statement that his book, Quiet Strength has sold over 1,000,000 copies.

American Idols on Doves

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 10, 2008 – American Idol® previous finalists Phil Stacey, Mandisa and Chris Sligh; Dove Award Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant with country icon Wynonna, 19 Recordings/Jive Recording Artist Jordin Sparks; Ricky Skaggs and The Whites and Point Of Grace with Cindy Morgan are the latest performers added to the increasingly luminous line-up for the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards telecast, according to the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and Gospel Music Channel (GMC). Gospel and Christian music’s biggest night of the year will take place live on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry House and will be broadcast live nationwide on the Gospel Music Channel television network from 8 – 10 p.m. (ET). The Dove Awards will also be broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio on XM 32 “The Message.”

Genesis Winners Announced

Congratulations to this year's Genesis Award Winners. I have a few notes for some of my friends. :)

Genesis Award Winners

Contemporary Romance
3rd place: Jennifer Hudson Taylor, By His Plan

2nd place: Jennifer Lynn Cary, On The Court

1st place: Audra Harders, Rough Ride

Historical Romance

3rd place: Audra Harders, Precious Possessions
2nd place: Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Promised Blessings
1st place: Pam Hillman, Stealing Jake's Heart


Romantic Suspense
3rd place: Suzan Robertson, The Circle Game (Way to go, girl!)
2nd place: Dineen Miller, Manna Reign
1st place: Marci J. Burke, Shadow of Doubt


Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory

3rd place: Rebecca Grabill, Out of Darkness

2nd place: Chris Mikesell, Revival (What!!!!!)
1st place: Sally A. Apokedak, The Kisses of an Enemy (good going, Sally)

Historical Fiction

3rd place: Marcia Gruver, Love Never Fails AND Yvonne Anderson, Mom's Mirror
2nd place: Tina Helmuth, Hidden Snares
1st place: Carla Stewart, A Dandelion Day


Young Adult

3rd place: Sally Apokedak, Prisoners of the Throne (again!)

2nd place: Linda Fulkerson, The Rod of Schmazel

1st place: Rachael Phillips, Song of the Orphan Train

Contemporary Fiction
3rd place: Myra Johnson, Pearl of Great Price

2nd place: Angie Poole, Gravehopping With Myrna
1st place: Jennifer Griffith, Gumbo Ya Ya

Women's Fiction

3rd place: Kathleen Sprout, The Choice

2nd place: Ane Mulligan, When the Wind Blows (Ane, stop entering!!! :) so i can go for it next year)

1st place: Kristine Pratt, Identity Theft


Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

3rd place: Janet Rubin, Beneath the Steeple
2nd place: Gina Holmes, Deception Burning (You, too, Gina!!!)
1st place: Jane Robertson, Curst Be the Tie

Chick/Mom/Hen/Lady Lit

3rd place: Jenness Walker and Tracy Bowen, Bliss

2nd place: Georgiana Daniels, Honey Do Inc.
1st place: Carrie Padgett, Oh Shop It

2007 Hurston/Wright Award Nominees Announced

The Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation is pleased to announce nominees for its annual Legacy Award program.

The Hurston/Wright Legacy Award 2007 nominees are:
(Listed alphabetically by author)

Fiction:

Dominion (Grove/Atlantic, Inc.)
by Calvin Baker

All Aunt Hagar's Children (HarperCollins Publishers)
by Edward P. Jones

Nowhere is a Place (Dutton)
by Bernice L. McFadden

Jump at the Sun (HarperCollins Publishers)
by Kim McLarin

Half of a Yellow Sun (Knopf)
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Wizard of the Crow (Pantheon Books)
by Ngugi Wa'Thiong'O

Debut Fiction:

Ancestor Stones (Grove/Atlantic, Inc.)
by Aminatta Forna

Unburnable (HarperCollins Publishers)
by Marie-Elena John

Get Down (Farrar, Straus, & Giroux)
by Asali Solomon

Nonfiction:

The Last "Darky": Bert Williams, Black-on-Black Minstrelsy, and the African Diaspora (Duke University Press)
by Louis Chude-Sokei

Before the Legend: The Rise of Bob Marley (HarperCollins Publishers)
by Christopher John Farley

BookMarks: Reading in Black and White (Rutgers University Press)
by Karla FC Holloway

Unbowed: A Memoir (Knopf)
by Wangari Maathai

The Skin Between Us: A Memoir of Race, Beauty and Belonging (WW Norton)
by Kym Ragusa

The River Flows On: Black Resistance, Culture and Identity Formation in Early America (Louisiana State University Press)
by Walter C. Rucker

Poetry:

Wind in a Box (Penguin)
by Terrance Hayes

Teahouse of the Almighty (Coffee House Press)
By Patricia Smith

The Architecture of Language (Coffee House Press)
by Quincy Troupe