The ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference has frequently been touted as the “high point of the year” for many Christian fiction authors and aspiring writers. Drawing attendees from both North America and internationally, ACFW’s conference is known for bringing together writers, agents, editors, high caliber writing instructors, mentors, and industry guests for its annual gathering. The in-person conference for 2020 was of necessity postponed until 2021. But creativity is a novelist’s bread-and-butter, or kale smoothie. So in addition to the training and networking that takes place online throughout the year, ACFW will this year meet fiction writers’ needs through an innovative virtual conference experience that capitalizes on the unique benefits a virtual conference can offer.

On September 18-19, registered conferees can receive carefully collated and tailored instruction in the craft of writing Christian fiction, virtual Zoom appointments with agents and editors (first pay, first scheduled), handouts where applicable, and full access to all the workshop recordings after the virtual conference.

The virtual experience opens doors for those whose work schedules, international travel complications, mobility restrictions, family situations, or budgets have prevented their presence at a previous ACFW in-person conference. “We’re excited about what the virtual conference will make possible for those who haven’t been able to attend an ACFW conference in the past,” says ACFW CEO Colleen Coble, “as well as offering a taste of the camaraderie and encouragement-boost past attendees have come to expect.”

Among the offerings are workshops on preparing a proposal, video marketing, thriving as a hybrid author, evoking emotion, creating believable conflict on the page, the essentials of editing, book-to-movie, insights from industry professionals, and many other options.

ACFW’s important Carol Awards, Genesis contest winners, and other honors will be included in the ACFW 2020 First-Ever Virtual Conference, rounding out a rich conference experience for Christian novelists and other storytellers.

Newest ACFW Executive Board member Joy Massenburge says, “The 2020 ACFW conference will interact remotely to give fiction writers a mastermind experience from the security of their homes.”

As the industry adjusts to repercussions of a worldwide pandemic, ACFW shifts its focus to how a virtual conference in 2020 can pave the way for both veteran and prospective novelists to gather virtually, grow in their craft, make connections, level the hurdles in front of them, and move forward in their writing career.

More information is available at https://www.acfw.com/conference

Melissa Spoelstra leads women on an exploration of the many names of God in her latest women’s Bible study–The Names of God.

It can be hard to make sense of God with all the injustice and suffering in the world. With so many questions about God, how can we really know Him better?

By learning more about His names!

In The Names of God: His Character Revealed by Melissa Spoelstra, a six-week women’s Bible study, women explore the many names of God found in the Bible: Elohim, El Elyon, Yahweh, Abba, Jesus, Messiah, Holy Spirit, and so many more.

During this time of social distancing due to COVID-19, staying connected to others and studying the Bible are even more important to maintain both social and spiritual connection. Groups have found ways to continue to study God’s word with other believers often through virtual meetings.

Melissa and fellow Bible study author Barb Roose share tips on how to host an online Bible study in this instructional video:

Services like AmplifyMedia.com and Cokesbury.com help groups by making video sessions available from any web browser.

Read week 1 and watch the week 1 video session at www.AbingdonWomen.com/NamesofGod.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker (including the Aspire Women’s Events), Bible teacher, and author who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God’s Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of seven Bible studies (The Names of God, Romans, Elijah, Numbers, First Corinthians, Joseph, and Jeremiah) and four books (Dare to Hope, Total Family Makeover, Total Christmas Makeover, and 30 Days of Prayer for Spiritual Stamina). Melissa makes her home in Pickerington, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.

For more information, visit her website MelissaSpoelstra.com. She is also active on Facebook (@authormelissaspoelstra) and Twitter (@MelSpoelstra).

Media Contact:  Elizabeth Pruitt, Marketing Manager, epruitt@abingdonpress.com, 615-749-6095  

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 6, 2020 – Upon receiving news about the passing of Country Music Hall of Fame musician and best-selling author Charlie Daniels, Thomas Nelson offers its deepest sympathy for his family and loved ones.  Daniels is best known for his legendary country and Southern rock songs including “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

In October 2017, Daniels released his memoir Never Look at the Empty Seats with W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. The book was praised by fellow musicians Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley. In the book, Daniels presented a lesson for everyone, no matter their profession: “Walk on stage with a positive attitude. Your troubles are your own and are not included in the ticket price. Some nights you have more to give than others, but put it all out there every show. You’re concerned with the people who showed up, not the ones who didn’t. So, give them a show and…Never look at the empty seats!”

“Charlie Daniels’ story is one of persistence, faith, and transformation,” said Damon Reiss, vice president and publisher, W Publishing. “We were honored to partner with him to share the inner-most details of his life story so that fans everywhere could discover the man behind the music. His positive outlook on life, which is encapsulated in this beautifully written book, is part of his invaluable legacy.”

In November 2018, Daniels published Let’s All Make the Day Count: The Everyday Wisdom of Charlie Daniels (Thomas Nelson), a gift book that highlighted Daniels’ wit and life lessons he shared through his “Let’s All Make the Day Count” posts on Twitter to inspire people to make the most of every moment.

“Charlie’s message of finding the good in each day, sharing the wisdom of perspective, positivity, and faith meant so much to each of us,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president and group publisher of the Children’s & Gift Book Group at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Our thoughts and prayers go with the many people who were impacted by Charlie and his legacy.”

Daniels was represented by WTA Media.

To read the official statement from the Charlie Daniels Band, click here.

About Thomas Nelson
Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

About WTA Media
WTA Media serves filmmakers and authors through producing and marketing content for faith audience consumers. For more than a decade, WTA Media has led marketing campaigns for top film-making clients including; Kendrick Brothers (War Room and #1 New York Times best-seller, “The Love Dare”), Erwin Brothers Entertainment (I Can Only Imagine), Sony/AFFIRM Films (Heaven Is For Real, Miracles From Heaven), Pure Flix (God’s Not Dead)  and Universal 1440 Entertainment (Unbroken: Path To Redemption). The agency’s author and writer roster includes Charlie Daniels (Country Music Hall of Fame Member) and Randy Alcorn (New York Times best-selling author). WTA Media is a subsidiary of the Educational Media Foundation. For more information, visit www.wta.media.

Contact: Allison Carter, W Publishing, 615-902-2143, allison.carter@harpercollins.com
Stefanie Schroeder, Thomas Nelson Gift Books Division, 615-902-1722, Stefanie.schroeder@harpercollins.com

Bob Goff’s latest book, Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It, released June 23 and debuted at #3 on the New York Times list on July 12.

Media coverage has included features and placements in Woman’s World, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, Readers’ Digest, Life Today, Relevant Magazine, Guideposts Magazine, For the Love with Jen Hatmaker, The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast and more.

Link to NYT list: https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/advice-how-to-and-miscellaneous/

Link to purchase book: https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Big-Youre-Going-About/dp/1400219493

LifeWay Christian Resources and its B&H Publishing Español division received eight awards and recognitions from the Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association (SEPA).

WESTMONT, IL—Suzanne Stabile has signed a contract with InterVarsity Press to serve as the series editor for Enneagram Daily Reflections that will provide daily readings for those who want to learn more about the Enneagram, a personality typing system. The first two books in the series on the Enneagram numbers two and three are scheduled to release on October 6, 2020.

Suzanne Stabile is the author of The Path Between Us and coauthor, with Ian Morgan Cron, of the bestseller The Road Back to You. She is also the creator and host of The Enneagram Journey podcast. As an internationally recognized Enneagram Master, Stabile has conducted more than five hundred Enneagram workshops over the past twenty-seven years. Along with her husband, Rev. Joseph Stabile, she is cofounder of Life in the Trinity Ministry, a nonprofit, nondenominational ministry committed to the spiritual growth and formation of adults.

“I am so pleased to have Suzanne Stabile onboard as series editor,” said Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial at IVP. “Suzanne has been offering Enneagram training for the past twenty-five years and understands the intricacies of each number. Her wise and compassionate approach to the Enneagram will offer a grounding context for the series.”

The Enneagram Daily Reflections series will build on the current interest in the Enneagram and add new voices and perspectives to an already rich conversation about each personality type expressed through the Enneagram. The complete series will have nine volumes, one volume for each Enneagram number. Each volume will be written by a different Christian author, representing their own personality type and providing unique and personal reflections on daily living within the context of that number. The volumes will include 

1. Forty Days on Being a One, Juanita Campbell Rasmus (Spring 2021)
2. Forty Days on Being a Two, Hunter Mobley (October 6, 2020)
3. Forty Days on Being a Three, Sean Palmer (October 6, 2020)
4. Forty Days on Being a Four, Christine Yi Suh (Fall 2021)
5. Forty Days on Being a Five, Morgan Harper Nichols (Spring 2021)
6. Forty Days on Being a Six, Tara Beth Leach (Fall 2021)
7. Forty Days on Being a Seven, Gideon Yee Shun Tsang (Winter 2021)
8. Forty Days on Being an Eight, Sandra Maria Van Opstal (Fall 2021)
9. Forty Days on Being a Nine, Marlena Graves (Winter 2021)

Stabile said, “The authors in this series write from experiences that reflect racial and cultural difference, and they have been influenced by different faith beliefs. In working with spiritual directors, therapists, and pastors they identified many of their own habits and fears, behaviors and motivations, gifts and challenges. And they courageously talked with those who are close to them about how they are seen and experienced by others.

“From a place of vulnerability and generosity they each invite us to walk with them for forty days on their journeys toward transformation. It is our hope that you will not limit your reading to only your number. Read about your spouse or a friend.  Consider reading about the type you suspect represents your parents or your siblings. You might even want to read about someone you have little affection for but are willing to try to understand.  Keeping in mind that the Enneagram is ancient wisdom and some say it is always helpful.”

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

Nashville, Tenn. (July 6, 2020)—Thomas Nelson today announced Jessica Wong as the new associate publisher for Nelson Books, a nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson. Wong has spent seven years working in editorial for Thomas Nelson, most recently serving as the executive editor for Nelson Books.

As associate publisher, Jessica will lead the editorial strategy for Nelson Books, overseeing the editorial process and helping to shape the acquisitions strategy for the imprint. She will continue her market-leading acquisitions and brand author management work and assume day-to-day management of the editorial production team.

Jessica began her career at Thomas Nelson in 2007 as an editorial assistant and returned in 2014 as a senior acquisitions editor for Nelson Books. She has excelled in both acquisitions and author relationship management and is the trusted editorial strategist for top industry author brands, including Lysa TerKeurst (Uninvited, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, and forthcoming book, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget) and Jen Hatmaker (Of Mess and Moxie and Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire).

“I am thrilled for Jessica to step into this role. During her seven years at Thomas Nelson, she has proven herself as not only a gifted editor, but a savvy leader who is skilled at balancing mission and business considerations when evaluating projects,” said Tim Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books. “I look forward to her taking on this new role where she will shape Nelson Books’ editorial functions and expand her influence on the imprint as a whole.”

About Thomas Nelson: Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:  Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications
615-902-2137  Chelsea.taff@harpercollins.com

Ada, Mich. (June 30, 2020)—On June 28, The INSPY Advisory Board announced their list of 2020 INSPY Award Winners. This list includes four Baker Publishing Group titles: Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes (Debut Fiction), A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz (Historical Romance), The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jamie Jo Wright (Mystery & Thriller), and Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker (Speculative Fiction). The INSPY Awards were created by bloggers “to discover and highlight the very best in literature that grapples with expressions of the Christian faith.” This season’s awards were given to books published between January 1 and December 31, 2019. For a complete list of winners, please visit 2020 INSPY Award Winners.

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes

(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764232664; ebook ISBN 9781493418787; $14.99)

The INSPY Board: “When it comes to debut novels, Whose Waves These Are impresses as not just a superior story but a stunning debut.”

A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz

(Revell; ISBN 9780800726645; ebook ISBN 9781493416622; $15.99)

The INSPY Board: “Laura Frantz easily transports readers back in time with her vivid descriptions, beautiful dialogue, and charming characters. . . . A Bound Heart is a book that readers will keep coming back to again and again.”

The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jamie Jo Wright

(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764230301; ebook ISBN 9781493417285; $14.99)

The INSPY Board: “The Curse of Misty Wayfair is a unique and powerful story. . . . We were riveted by the complexity of both story lines and how they weave in and out of each other. . . . The suspense kept ratcheting higher until we were all surprised by the unpredictable conclusion.”

Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker

(Revell; ISBN 9780800728519; ebook ISBN 9781493417735; $14.99)

The INSPY Board: “Smucker takes readers on a man’s faith journey, reconciling his past with his present and reckoning with his views on God in the midst of life’s hurdles. Told with elements of magical realism Smucker’s take on visionary fiction is an immersive reading experience.”

Baker Publishing Group (Bethany House, Revell, Baker Books, Chosen, Brazos Press, and Baker Academic) is a leading producer of Christian resources that give insight and inspiration to readers worldwide. Our divisions reflect the broadest scope of topics, which includes fiction, self-help, inspiration, professional books, Christian living and academic titles.

Contact: Karen Steele, (616)676-9185 x100 ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

CAROL STREAM, Ill.— June 30, 2020— Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) is pleased to announce that two Tyndale fiction authors, Carla Laureano and Jolina Petersheim, received INSPY Awards, which were announced online on June 29th at www.inspys.com. INSPY Awards were created by bloggers to discover and highlight the very best in literature that grapples with expressions of the Christian faith. 

Author Carla Laureano won the 2020 INSPY Award in the Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense category for her title Brunch at Bittersweet Café. In it, baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around.  Publishers Weekly praised Brunch at Bittersweet Café, saying, “With fun food scenes and organic spiritual elements, Laureano’s book will be relished by sweet-toothed inspirational readers.” Brunch at Bittersweet Café was also awarded Gold in the Religious category for the 2019 Foreword INDIES.  This is Laureano’s first INSPY Award.  

Jolina Petersheim won her 2020 INSPY Award in the General Fiction category for How the Light Gets In, an engrossing novel about marriage and motherhood, loss and moving on.  When Ruth Neufeld’s husband and father-in-law are killed working for a relief organization overseas, she travels to Wisconsin with her young daughters and mother-in-law, Mabel, to bury her husband. She hopes the Mennonite community will be a quiet place to grieve and piece together next steps. Ruth and her family are welcomed by Elam, her husband’s cousin, who invites them to stay at his cranberry farm through the harvest. Sifting through fields of berries and memories of a marriage that was broken long before her husband died, Ruth finds solace in the beauty of the land and healing through hard work and budding friendship. She also encounters the possibility of new love with Elam, whose gentle encouragement awakens hopes and dreams she thought she’d lost forever. Publishers Weekly praised How the Light Gets In, saying, “With skillful plotting and vibrant characters, Petersheim reveals the pain of loss and the healing that comes from mercy and forgiveness.” This is Petersheim’s second INSPY Award.   

Karen Watson, publisher of Tyndale Fiction titles, shared, “Carla and Jolina represent some of the best in a new generation of skilled inspirational writers. They write with honesty about the challenges and hopes that define relationships in today’s culture. We are proud to have them represent Tyndale Fiction! We are also appreciative of the work of the bloggers who help bring reader awareness to the work of inspirational authors. In today’s environment, inspirational writers are an important source of hope and encouragement. The Inspy Awards help convey an important message to fiction readers across the spectrum: Take a fresh look at Christian fiction. You will be pleasantly surprised!”

The INSPY Awards are online at:  www.inspyawards.com  Facebook: @INSPYAwards  Twitter: @INSPYs

For more information on Tyndale titles, please visit www.tyndale.com. 

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $100 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact: Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com, 630.784.5125

Memories of Glass, The Medallion, and The Seamstress Earn Prestigious Recognition

CAROL STREAM, ILL. (July 1, 2020) – American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) has announced its Carol Award finalists for 2020. Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) was recognized with all three finalists in the historical fiction category:  Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson (editors: Stephanie Broene and Kathryn Olson), The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke (editors: Broene and Olson), and The Seamstress by Allison Pittman (editors: Jan Stob and Sarah Rische).

“We are thrilled to be the publishing partner for these three talented authors and grateful to ACFW and the Carol Award judges for this recognition,” said Stephanie Broene, senior acquisitions editor at Tyndale House. “Each of these stories offers readers a glimpse into another world and time with an entertaining story that will hopefully impact them in memorable ways.”

In Memories of Glass, Melanie Dobson transports readers through time and place, from World War II Holland to contemporary Uganda, in a rich and inspiring novel that draws from true accounts to shine a light on a period of Holland’s darkest history and brightest heroes.

Cathy Gohlke’s The Medallion is an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival. Similar to World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale, The Medallion tells the compelling story of two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet are eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.

The Seamstress, by Allison Pittman, is a beautifully crafted story that breathes life into a cameo character from the classic novel A Tale of Two Cities.

The full list of finalists is available at https://rushtopress.org/6996-2/.

For additional information about all Tyndale books and Bibles, visit tyndale.com. More information about the Carol Awards is available at https://www.acfw.com/contests.

The American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian fiction.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $100 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.