Palm Bay, FL: The 2023 American Christian Fiction Writers conference at St. Louis, Missouri’s Hyatt Regency at the Arch included the much-anticipated Awards Gala spotlighting this year’s Christian fiction industry awards.
Author, instructor, and writing craft resource expert James Scott Bell was honored with ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement Award. ACFW CEO Colleen Coble notes that “James Scott Bell has influenced so many experienced and up-and-coming authors in their careers. His engaging teaching and communications skills complement his devotion to our craft.”
Carol Award winners, left to right:
Becky Wade
Sara Brunsvold
Joanna Davidson Politano
Hallee Bridgeman
Janyre Tromp
Carrie Stuart Parks
Photo by Emilie Haney of EAH Creative
Among other recognitions, congratulations are due these Carol Award winning authors for taking top honors in their category along with their publishing houses and editors.
Contemporary
The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen; Kregel Publications; Editors Dori DeVries Harrell and Janyre Tromp
Historical
The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editors Barbara Barnes and Vicki Crumpton
Historical Romance
Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group); Editors Luke Hinrichs and Jessica Sharpe
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks; Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins); Editors Amanda Bostic and Erin Healey
Novella
While Mortals Sleep (O Little Town collection) by Janyre Tromp; Kregel Publications; Editor Christina Tarabochia
Romance
Turn to Me by Becky Wade; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group); Editors Sarah Long and Raela Schoenherr
Romantic Suspense
Word of Honor by Hallee Bridgeman; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editors Vicki Crumpton and Jessica English
Short Novel
Hunted in the Wilderness by Kellie VanHorn; Love Inspired (Harlequin); Editor Dina Davis
Speculative
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck; Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media); Editor Reagen Reed
Young Adult
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes; Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins); Editor Becky Monds
Debut Author
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editor Rachel McRae
Steve Laube, Editor of the Year
Brandilyn Collins, The Martha Rogers Member Service Award
James Scott Bell, The 2023 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award
Rachel Hauck, ACFW’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year
Photo by Emilie Haney of EAH Creative
ACFW congratulates the winners of the 2023 Genesis Contest for as yet unpublished Christian fiction:
Contemporary–Leslie DeVooght – The Heartfelt Formula
Historical–Jacinta Meredith – A Picture of the Past
Historical Romance–Erin Mifflin – A Child So Fair
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller–Cindy Rieke – In the Name of Treason
Romance–Lisa Kelley – Last Wish for Tomorrow
Romantic Suspense–Elaine Clampitt – High Altitude Abduction
Speculative–Andra Loy – Inverse
Young Adult–Andra Loy – Echo of Secrets
Also announced during the Awards Gala were the following:
Agent of the Year–Steve Laube (The Steve Laube Agency)
Editor of the Year–Becky Monds (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Volunteer of the Year–Rachel Hauck
Mentor of the Year–Tari Faris
The Martha Rogers Member Service Award–Brandilyn Collins
Special thanks to the contest coordinators: Genesis—Teresa Haugh, Carol Award—Gabrielle Meyer, ACFW Contests Administrator—Robert Turner, and to the judges, assistants, and ACFW staff.
ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction. Its mission is to “help you tell your stories by inspiring you to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find your audience.”
For more information about ACFW: https://www.acfw.com/
