I just returned from the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) writers conference held in San Antonio and had a great time. Tamela was also there, along with 30 of our agency’s clients.

We had a number of productive meetings with publishers, along with talking with each of our clients. Tamela taught two classes, as did I. Then we each had around 30 individual, one-on-one, 15-minute pitch appointments with authors in attendance.

Saturday night was the Awards Gala. We had a number of client winners and finalists.

Emilie Hendryx was given the ACFW membership award for excellent service to the organization members.

The Genesis Award (which had 257 entries) saw Sami Abrams win the short novel category. We had three others who were finalists: Darlene Turner, Heidi Main, and Deborah Clack.

The prestigious Carol Award (with 361 entries) honored winning clients:

Connilyn Cossette (historical romance)
Kimberley Woodhouse (novella)
Morgan Busse (speculative)
Nadine Brandes (young adult)

We also had finalists: Carrie Turansky, Nancy Mehl, Carla Laureano, and  Lynette Eason.

Plus both Bob Hostetler and Tamela Hancock Murray were finalists for Agent of the Year.

In addition, it was great to have Enclave Publishing, the publishing company I own and run, win in the debut author category with Lindsay A. Franklin.

It was an exhausting but invigorating time. If you write fiction, this is the place to attend each September.

Last, it was delightful to meet many of you who are faithful readers of this blog. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!