Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the ACFW national conference in St. Louis. Many of our IBLF blogging buddies were there. What fun to see Cara, Deb, and Jody. I heard Angela was there, too, but I don’t think our paths crossed. There is something so energizing about meeting up with writing friends. It renews my passion and my dedication to the writing craft.
Many of my dearest author friends were part of the Baker Publishing breakfast on Saturday morning. This included authors from both Bethany House and Revell. A collection of precious friendships in full flower and new relationships just starting to bud. I wish we could have had more time to catch up with each other.
Not only did I come home renewed from seeing dear friends, but I also brought home some exciting new hardware. My novella, A Texas Christmas Carol, won the prestigious ACFW Carol Award! What a huge honor. Here is a somewhat blurry montage of what happened, captured by various friends in the audience. My mind is still a bit blurry about it all too! You might notice that one of my friends from the breakfast photo, Gabrielle Meyer, is the person who presented the award to me, making the moment extra sweet.
As timing would have it, the e-single version of my winning novella released this week with a new cover.
Since I’m still in a celebratory mood, I’ll give away a Kindle copy of
A Texas Christmas Carol to one reader who leaves a comment today.
If books awards were like the Oscars, and you could create an award category to value the aspects you most enjoy reading, what category would you want to include?
- Funniest Fictional Moment
- Most Tear-Jerking Scene
- Most Swoony Hero
- Cleverest Heroine
- Most Heart-Pounding Suspense
- Biggest Plot Twist
- Most Surprising Whodunit
- Best Sigh-Inducing Kissing Scene
- Most Spiritually Poignant
- ???
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Rebecca Reed says
It was so nice to connect with you again last week Karen. Congratulations on your winning novela. Your writing deserves such recognition. I can’t wait for the next award-winning story!
Karen Witemeyer says
Rebecca! I was so happy our paths crossed several times during the weekend. I’m so excited for the new opportunities you’ve found for publishing as well. There are great things ahead for you!
Rebecca Reed says
Aww, thanks, Karen! That’s very sweet.
Karen Zimmerman says
I like the Funniest Fictional Moment and Most Heart-Pounding Suspense categories. I would add a Character With TheMost Spiritual/Emotional Growth category.
And, Karen, I am so happy for you and proud of you for the lost deserved award.
Karen Witemeyer says
Great choices, Karen. And thank you so much for your warm congratulations. 🙂
Joy says
Congratulations! I think I would like to include the category: Most Endearing Side-Character. Sometimes those side-characters steal the show! Ha! Funniest Fictional Moment would be one of my favorite categories though. I love books that make me laugh unexpectedly!
Karen Witemeyer says
Yes! I love the addition of the Most Endearing Side-Character. Those are some of my favorites! You’re so right about them stealing the show. In the most delightful way possible.
Jody Hedlund says
CONGRATS, Karen! So thrilled for you!! And I loved being able to catch up with you a little bit. But it wasn’t long enough!
Karen Witemeyer says
Me, too, Jody! I think I would have wanted an entire day to do all the catching up I wanted to. Even that might not have been long enough. 🙂
Joy C Hannabass says
I think Most Spiritually Poignant would be a good category, but really I like a lot of them. Funniest Fictional Moment, Most Tear-Jerking Scene, Most Swoony Hero and Most Heart-Pounding Suspense would all be great categories. I can’t choose just one.
And congratulations Karen on a very well deserved win!! I am absolutely thrilled for you!
Karen Witemeyer says
The best books have all those elements, don’t they, Joy? 🙂 Thank you for your sweet congratulations.
Deborah Raney says
It was wonderful to see you, Karen, but time was much too short! Warm congrats on the Carol Award!
Karen Witemeyer says
Thanks, Deb. I think I sat behind you at one of Keynotes. I saw your pretty head bobbing in agreement with what Liz was saying. 🙂
Lynn Austin says
Congratulations, Karen! Time to celebrate!!
Karen Witemeyer says
Thanks, Lynn! 🙂
D'Ann Mateer says
Congrats, Karen! It was such a fun book!
Karen Witemeyer says
Thanks, D’Ann. 🙂 I have to admit that I really have fun writing these shorter stories. It was fun to see this Dickens retelling connect with the judges.
Betty Strohecker says
Congratulations!
Karen Witemeyer says
Thank you, Becky!
Amy B. says
Congratulations! Your novella sounds fun! I love Christmas stories. In answer to your question, mystery is my favorite genre so Most Surprising Whodunit is definitely up there, but I also love to laugh & I admire any kind of cleverness so I am also leaning towards Funniest Moment & Biggest Plot Twist. Choosing one is too hard! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
Karen Witemeyer says
Wonderful choices, Amy! I think every book needs at least a touch of mystery. 🙂
Lenora Nazworth says
Karen, congratulation on your win! That’s always exciting. Sound like a great time. Next year, next year!!!
Karen Witemeyer says
Thanks, Lenora. It was a wonderful weekend. Hope to see you next time!
Emilee says
Congratulations Karen!! So very happy for you!
This might be cliche, but what about best ending/favorite ending?
Some of my favorite books of yours have some of my most re-read & enjoyed ending- like “More Than Words Can Say”, “More Than a Pretty Face” & “Heart on the Line”…just to name a few.
Karen Witemeyer says
That’s a great category, Emilee! I like it.
And thank you for your sweet words. 🙂 You always bless my heart.
Patti Jo Moore says
SO HAPPY for you, Karen!! And such a well-deserved award!
I sure missed seeing my writing friends (including you!) at ACFW this year. I still have such wonderful memories from the previous in-person conference in 2019. Maybe next year!
Hugs, Patti Jo 🙂
Karen Witemeyer says
Thanks you, Patti Jo. I missed seeing you, too. Hoping for next year!
Becky Wade says
Warmest congratulations, Karen, on your newest Carol Award! Bravo!
Karen Witemeyer says
Thank you, Becky! I missed seeing you at ACFW this year. I hope we can connect in person sometime soon. 🙂
Ann Leatherman says
I would go with Most Spiritually Poignant. I like a variety of “clean” books, the ones with a good spiritual message speak to me the most.
Karen Witemeyer says
Love that, Ann! I’ve always enjoyed books that challenge me on a spiritual level and help me mature in my faith walk.
Tammy Rogers says
Congratulations, Karen!
Most swoon worthy hero would be my pick!
Karen Witemeyer says
My favorite element! 🙂
Karen Witemeyer says
WINNER – Congratulations to Amy B! Amy – I’ll be emailing you the instructions for claiming your e-book. Have fun!
Amy B. says
Thank you very much! I can’t wait to read it!