A few weeks ago, I learned my second Weldon novel, Every Day Filled with Hope, is a semifinalist for a Carol Award in the Contemporary category. The finalists will be announced this Thursday evening at the American Christian Fictions Writer’s (ACFW) Conference, and the winners will be announced on Saturday evening.
I attended my first ACFW Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, ten years ago. I was still trying to figure out the difference between a developmental editor, a line editor, and an acquisition editor. Green doesn’t begin to describe my writing level. I was such a baby author.
I left my first ACFW conference overwhelmed by all information provided, but I made many new author friends. I’ve left conferences feeling discouraged as
it seemed impossible to land an agent and get a contract with a publisher. However, I kept attending workshops and reading books on the craft of writing. I kept dreaming of becoming a traditionally published author.
Elk Lake Publishing published my first Weldon novel, Every Window Filled with Light, almost ten years after I completed the first draft. The audiobook was released in June 2023. There was much to learn along the road to publication, but God faithfully equipped me with many mentors.
If you’re rooting for me to win, I have bad news… I’ve looked at all the semifinalists in the Contemporary category, and they are superb. I’m honored Every Day Filled with Hope is included with these excellent novels.
Broken – A Story of Redemption by Jane Daly, ISBN 13-: 9781649496133
The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell by Kelly Flanagan, ISBN-13: 9781514002285
Like the Wind by Robin Lee Hatcher, ISBN-13: 9780785241447
Breath of Heaven by Deborah Raney, ISBN-13: 9798839399594
The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer, ISBN-13: 9781335426215
The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen, ISBN-13: 9780825447693
Awards and recognition are nice, but the best blessings on the writing journey have been connecting with other Christian authors and readers. I am blessed beyond anything I deserve.
If you are searching for something good to read, I highly recommend all the semifinalists for a Carol Award in the Contemporary category.
Happy Reading!
