Last week was quite a week! Last Monday I turned in a huge round of revisions that I honestly didn’t think I would survive–and Sunday got dubbed “the day of the nervous breakdown”…but with God’s grace and help, it all came together! And then just a few days later, I got the email that I was a finalist in the Christy Awards for Be Still My Soul.
The Christys are one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. I was dumbstruck. I had no idea my publisher had even entered my book. When I got the news, I started shaking so much so, that I could scarcely dial the phone to call my husband. It was such an exciting moment. As soon as it truly sank in, I was very curious as to who the other authors would be in my category–wondering about a handful of possibilities including Laura Frantz’s Love’s Reckoning and Elizabeth Camden’s Against the Tide as well as a few other titles. Just hours later, the announcement was made:
I have started Against the Tide and am very eager to finish it. Elizabeth Camden’s books are so very popular among readers and I’ve been following and enjoying her blog for some time now. Laced with romance and adventure, Against the Tide made lots of top favorite lists of 2012! Another book that topped a ton of favorite lists for 2012 was Laura Frantz’s Love’s Reckoning. I admire Laura not only as a writer, but as a friend and she is a powerful story teller of the colonial era. I am so happy for both of these ladies and it’s just such an honor for Be Still My Soul to be beside their books in this category.Â
I cannot express the joy that I’ve experienced over the last few days with this all. I’m still trying to figure out what to make of it! It’s been such a fun few days. And thank you to all my friends and family for the warm wishes! The awards were announced at noon last Friday and as soon as they were, my phone started dinging off the hook as emails and warm wishes were flying in. It was so fun to be able to celebrate with you! A new adventure entirely for me and it’s just one more reason why I love being a part of the Christian fiction community. Thank you!
I am not surprised at all, Joanne. Be Still My Soul is such an inspirational story. It truly deserves an award…and may I say that Though My Heart Is Torn will more than likely be nominated one day as well. God has truly blessed you and I am so happy for you. This is going to get your books out there more, so that more readers will be able to fall in love with Gideon and Lonnie. Congratulations and praying that you win! Hugs and God bless.
Thanks a million, Debbie! It has always meant so much to me to have you care about Lonnie and Gideon’s story as you have–such an encouragement to this writer! Still a bit overwhelmed by it all and so thankful for this wonderful surprise, come what may! 🙂
I agree with Debbie, this will increase your exposure by being a finalist. Your books are so wonderfully delicious and as a new author it is SOOO exciting to see God blessing and honoring your obedience in sharing your gift of storytelling.
Thanks Nettie. I just love you to pieces! I am so thankful for you and ALL your help in making it through those tough edits.
OF COURSE you were nominated! Your books stand out from the crowd, Joanne Bischof! Appalachian setting, interesting married romance, relatable characters–you have it all. Congrats, girl. You totally deserve it!!!
Heather ~ You are such a dear and I’m so thankful to know you my Appalachian friend! And isn’t married romance, just the sweetest 😉 Thank you!!
Lovely! What an eventful, emotional, roller coaster week this has been for you, my friend. Congratulations on getting that edit done and on the Christy nomination. Both are HUGE and worthy of shaking hands and thankful hearts.
Oh, Lori…you know me so well and It’s been such a blessing to have our journey’s sort of parallel and ebb and flow as we are both working on our projects with WBM. Thank you!!
So excited for you! I was expecting your story to be on that list 🙂
Thank you, Lisa! You are so sweet! 🙂
I was so happy to see your name on the list, Joanne, but not at all surprised. You’re a wonderful storyteller.
Kudos on completing the edits. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in your series. You really left us hanging. 🙂
Thank you so much, Keli. That means a ton! I’m excited for what lies ahead in your own writing future!
<3 <3 <3 So excited for you!!!!!!!! can't wait for the next story. You put in the work, the time, the prayers, and are so diligent to your gift of inspiration and weaving the written word. Couldn't be more proud of you! thanks for touching your readers.
~Ashley
Thank you dear friend. Hehe, I can’t wait to GET you the next story! Oh, it’s so much better than it was! LOL… Those edits were tough as could be but so very worth it in the end. Love and hugs!
Congratulations, Joanne! It doesn’t surprise me that Be Still My Soul was nominated and made the finals! Hopefully it goes all the way. 🙂 Keep up the great writing, for I hope to read lots of books written by your hand in the future.
All the best,
Andrea
Andrea,
Thank you for your sweet comment! This is all so out of my realm that it’s just so surreal to even get to be a part of it. I think I’m still pinching myself 😀 I hope you have a great day!
No surprise to me, Joanne. Your artful storytelling is well-deserving of the prestigious recognition. Congratulations!
Mona, thank you! I am so blessed by you and you are such an encouragement to all who cross your path.
Honey, some writers write in colour, you write in tropical sunsets, prairie sunrises and the sky after the storm.
You deserve this honour.
Wow, Jennifer…just thank you! That is so sweet. Oh and P.S. I just started Courting Morrow Little…I’m so in love with this story! 😉 I think it goes best with the Last of the Mohicans soundtrack..of course 😀
CML is my favourite Laura Frantz book!!! It’s awesome. Red Shirt is awesome.
I can see why! It’s a gorgeous story and fantastic writing. I may be addicted. 😉
Congrats! I have not read this book yet, but it is on my wishlist.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Susan, I’m so glad to hear it! If you get the chance, I hope you enjoy Lonnie and Gideon’s story. 🙂
Joanne I was SO thrilled to see Be Still My Soul on the Christy list, I shrieked with joy! So happy for you, my friend.
How fun…I was just reading your blog! Thank you, thank you! You are such a great friend!
Wow I am super late to this party but YIPPEE I am still celebrating with you and for you in spirit! You know I’m so excited for you! Have fun at the Christys!!
Thank you so much, Jocelyn! And I am so excited for YOU!!!
Congratulations! I’m so thrilled to hear your wonderful news. All the best in the competition. In my eyes you’re already a brilliant writer!
Blessings for a wonderful weekend,
Dotti 🙂
Oh, Dotti you are such a dear. Thank you for your sweet support. I treasure you and can’t wait until we can meet and I can hear that pretty accent of yours 😉 ACFW?? I hear you are going!? Lots of love!
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