2026 ACFW Carol Award Finalists in Christian Fiction

Alongside the Christy Awards, the Carol awards share the spotlight as a top honor in the realm of Christian Fiction books. I've been a member of this organization since 2001. Hard to believe 25 years have passed since I began my journey in this crazy publishing world. I've been on quite the rollercoaster.

But hard work definitely pays off, and this award honors the dedication and commitment of these authors who stuck to their guns and produced a story readers and industry professionals love.

Without further ado, here are this year's finalists:

2026 Carol Awards Finalists

Contemporary

Before I Go by Marilyn K. Blair

Independent Author

Editor – Kelly Barr

What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

Tyndale House

Editors – Elizabeth Jackson and Sarah Rische

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Revell

Editor – Andrea Doering

 

Historical 

The Fourth Magi by Bryan E. Canter

Independent Author

Editor – Ed Marlow

The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee

Tyndale House

Editor – Kathryn S. Olson

Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright

Tyndale House

Editor - Sarah Rische

Historical Romance

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz

Tyndale House

Editor – Kathryn S. Olson

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White

Tyndale House

Editors – Elizabeth Jackson and Kathryn S. Olson

A Song in the Dark by Kimberley Woodhouse

Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)

Editors – Karen Ball and Jessica Sharpe

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Midnight Masquerade by Elle E. Kay

Independent Author

Editor –Sarah Hamaker

Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer

Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)

Editors – Bethany Lenderink and Jessica Sharpe

Innocence Sold by B. F. Randall

Iron Stream Media

Editors – Suzanne Austin and Larry J. Leech II

Novella

Bible and a .44 (part of the From This Moment On collection) by Robin Lee Hatcher

Independent Author

Editor – Deborah Raney

The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White

Tyndale House

Editors – Elizabeth Jackson and Kathryn S. Olson

A Star in the West (part of the On a Midnight Clear collection) by Karen Witemeyer

Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)

Editor – Jessica Sharpe

Romance

Before Grace by Anna Daugherty

Black Rose Writing

Editor - Denise Harmer

Small Town Harmony by Milla Holt

Independent Author

Editor – Sara Turnquist

Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon

Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)

Editors – Jessica Sharpe and Jennifer Veilleux

Meant for Me by Betsy St. Amant

Sunrise Publishing

Editor – Susan Warren

Romantic Suspense

Failed Protocol by Cindy Bonds 

Scrivenings Press

Editors – Kaci Banks and Susie Waltner

Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong

Scrivenings Press

Editors –Kaci Banks and Elena Hill

I Can’t Hear You by Vikki Kestell

Independent Author

Editors - Cheryl Adkins and Greg McCann

Protecting You by Robin Patchen

Independent Author

Editor – Ray Rhamey 

Short Novel

One Nine by Sara Davison

Independent Author

Editor - Jayci Roek

To Capture a Mountain Man by Robin Lee Hatcher

Independent Author

Editor – Deborah Raney

To Reveal a Reckless Love by Tasha Hackett

Independent Author

Editor – Deborah Raney

Speculative

Forever by Gina Detwiler

Ally Press

Editors – Erin Healy and Kristen Stieffel

Echo Nova by Clint Hall

Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media)

Editor – Lisa Laube

Darkfell by Amanda Wright

Quill & Flame Publishing House

Editors – Brittany Eden and Jennifer Frankovic

Young Adult

Sanctified by V. Romas Burton

Quill & Flame Publishing House

Editors - Stephanie Arujo and Jessica Gwyn

This Isn’t Shakespeare by Stephanie Cardel

WordCrafts Press

Editors – Janelle Leonard and Mike Parker

Truth Cursed by Angie Dickinson

Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media)

Editors – Avily Jerome and Lisa Laube

Debut Author

To Have and To Hold by Deb L. Brown

Independent Author

Editors - Cassie Mae and KaTrina Jackson

Tattooed Woman at the Well by Terri McAdoo

Redemption Press

Editor – Lesley McDaniel

The Tragedy of Oli Ricker by Phillip Snyder

Living Tome Publishing

Editors – Emily Whitten and Leilah Wright

ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award - Frank Perretti

Frank Peretti to be recognized as Lifetime Achievement Recipient at ACFW’s Carol Finalists Press Conference at ICRS

Palm Bay, FL -- The 2013 ACFW Carol Award finalists for the best in Christian Fiction will be announced during a press conference by The American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) at 10:30 Monday morning, June 24 in Media Room 106 at ICRS in St. Louis, MO at the America’s Center Convention Complex.

The Carol Awards—named for Christian Fiction pioneering editor Carol Johnson—honor multiple categories of fiction traditionally published in the previous calendar year. Judges include readers, multi-published authors, retailers, and librarians.

The ACFW press conference at ICRS will also spotlight a key figure in the world of Christian fiction. This year’s recipient of ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement Award is prolific author and innovator Frank Peretti. The official announcement will be made during the press conference and will include a short tribute to Peretti’s influence and impact with his groundbreaking novels.

“The very essence of what Christian Fiction could encompass forever changed with the release of (Peretti’s) This Present Darkness,” says ACFW Executive Board member Allen Arnold. “That wasn't Frank’s goal. He quietly wrote the story that God stirred his heart with. But that novel ripped wide the veil between the seen and unseen.” Arnold adds, “That novel brought men and teens in droves to the Christian Fiction aisle (no small feat). It showed how Christian Fiction can be muscular and unabashedly speculative with angels and demons fighting around us and impacted by our prayers. More than 25 years later, Frank continues to quietly write novels from his home in the wilderness...novels that quicken the pace and stir the souls of any who dare dive in.”

Members of the press and ICRS attendees are invited to attend the press conference and hear more about why Frank Peretti was chosen for ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement Award and to be the first to hear the list of finalists of the 2013 Carol Awards.

Peretti and winners of the Carol Awards will be honored at the ACFW conference in Indianapolis at the award gala on Sunday night, September 15 at the Hyatt Regency. Keynote speaker for the 2013 conference is Robin Jones Gunn. Authors, aspiring authors, industry guests, and representatives from every major CBA publishing house and literary agency will gather for this premier Christian fiction conference. www.acfw.com/conference



This press release will be permanently hosted on the official ECPA press archive at www.FrontGateMedia.com/ECPAnews
(originally posted at http://www.ecpanews.org/rush/pr16.html)

ACFW Conference for Christian Fiction - Registration Open!

Are you a writer or author of Christian fiction? Do you WANT to write Christian fiction? Well, I have news for you! ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is the premier Christian fiction organization which holds an annual conference in September at rotating cities throughout the US and...

Registration is now officially OPEN!

Some very important information to read BEFORE you start to register:

*PLEASE NOTE: You are encouraged to study the workshop sessions carefully before registering. Due to severe space limitations, conferees will need to attend only the sessions chosen at registration.

*ALSO NOTE: In an effort to be as environmentally responsible as possible, handouts for sessions will not be available onsite. You’ll receive handouts for your sessions via email the week prior to conference. If you purchase the complete syllabus, that CD of handouts will be included in your registration packet.

*Don’t forget to download the conference app for your iPhone or Android to get the most up-to-date information while onsite:

• iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/acfw-2013-conference/id605348083?l=ru&ls=1&mt=8.
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kitapps.android.builder.acfwconference.

*Please read all the instructions prior to registering. To read the instructions and register, visit www.acfw.com/conference/registration_instructions

2011 ACFW Awards Gala - Winners List

This year, ACFW celebrated it's 10th annual national conference, and the awards banquet was just as spectacular as always. A star-studded evening, complete with corresponding graphics and music from the A/V folks running the show when a winner walked the stage.

And to recap, here is a list of all winners:


Mentor of the Year: Bonnie Calhoun
Agent of the Year: Rachelle Gardner
Editor of the Year: Andrea Doering
Lifetime Achievement Award: Tracie Peterson (also the keynote speaker at the conference)

Genesis Contest Winners:

Contemporary Fiction: Katy Pistole for Jubilee
Contemporary Romance: Mary Curry for War of Hearts
Historical Fiction: Johnnie Alexander Donley for Where Treasure Hides
Historical Romance: Sarah Ladd for Heiress of Winterwood
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller: Dianna T. Benson for Illusion of Safety
Romantic Suspense: Renee Ann Smith for The Children's Corner
Speculative Fiction: Matt Jones for Shield
Women's Fiction: Camille Eide for My Father's House
Young Adult: Nicole Quigley for Like Moonlight at Low Tide

Carol Awards:

Novella: A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour - Rebecca Germany, Editor)
Short Contemporary: A Father for Zach By Irene Hannon (Love Inspired - Melissa Endlich, Editor)
Short Contemporary Suspense: Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense - Emily Rodmell, Editor)
Short Historical: Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired Historical - Tina James, Editor)
Young Adult: Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell - Lonnie Hull DuPont, Editor)
Long Contemporary: Never say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House - Dave Long, Editor)
Long Contemporary Romance: Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson - Natalie Hanemann, Editor)
Mystery: The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour - Rebecca Germany, Editor)
Romantic Suspense: The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press - Rachel Meisel/Susan Downs/Ellen Tarver, Editors)
Speculative Fiction: Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan - Sue Brower/Dave Lambert, Editors)
Long Historical: Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press - Susan Downs, Editor)
Long Historical Romance: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press - Rachel Meisel/Connie Troyer, Editors
Speculative: König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press - Jeff Gerke/C.L. Dyck, Editor
Women's Fiction: Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers - Jan Stob/Lorie Popp, Editors)
Debut Author: Crossing Oceans  by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers - Kathryn Olson, Editor)

Congratulations to all winners. It was an amazing event.

ACFW Conference Blog Tour: Success Stories

This is the second of my two blog posts I'll be sharing as part of the ACFW Blog Tour promoting the upcoming national conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, in September this year.

Today, I'm sharing about success stories that have resulted from connections I've made at the various conferences over the years.

One of the first pieces of advice you'll hear when you get started in a professional writing career is, "Attend a conference." This is a common recommendation, and an accurate one. In this industry (like so many others), it's 50% what you know and 50% who you know. You can't meet new people if you don't get out there and attend conferences or events where you can network.

For me, the majority of my success in this business came as a direct result of attending a conference:

• ACFW Houston 2003 - Jim Peterson: I met his wife, Tracie, in 2002, and I chatted with him this year about my story idea. He was intrigued, so I officially pitched my book to him in 2004. That led to a request for a proposal. Next year in Nashville 2005, he requested the full manuscript. And in 2006, I received the amazing news that my first novel had sold!
• ACFW Denver 2004 - Stuart Vaughn Stockton: It might have taken us 3 years, but this was the year it all began. In 2007, we married, and in 2009, we had our first daughter. But during that 3-year span, our relationship grew and blossomed thanks to many members of ACFW and the conference itself which provided us a mutual location where we could see each other once a year. We lived 2000 miles apart, so ACFW let us meet face-to-face. IM and email took care of the rest. :)
• ACFW Nashville 2005 - Kim Moore: This meeting hasn't led to a contract, but Kim is such a sweet lady and a lot of fun. Our conversations have led to requests for proposals, and Kim loves my writing. One of these days, we might establish a professional relationship in addition to our friendship.
• ACFW Dallas 2006 - JoAnne Simmons: This was the year I received my first contract, but it was also the year Jim and Tracie Peterson stepped down as acquisitions editors of Heartsong. JoAnne took over, and I met her this year. She has now been my editor for going on 4 years, and I love her to pieces. The team at Barbour is top-notch and it's a pleasure working with them.
• ACFW Dallas 2007 - Jessica Barnes: Again, our appointments haven't led to a contract yet, but they have led to requests for manuscripts and strong interest. Every little bit helps. It's getting my name out there.
• ACFW Minneapolis 2008 - Sandra Bishop: Although I officially met her at CCWC in May, we had an actual meeting to discuss agent representation at this conference. I submitted some of my work to her, and it piqued her interest. This year, 2010, we're finally to the point of talking seriously, but we haven't inked a deal at this time.
• Generic meetings with Karen Ball, Terry Burns, Rachelle Gardner, Chip MacGregor, Steve Laube, Liz Curtis Higgs, James Scott Bell, Janet Kobobel Grant, Rebecca Germany, Terry Whalin, Ted Dekker, Karen Kingsbury, and the list goes on. Throw in at least 30-40 other published Christian fiction authors in the CBA, and this conference is THE place to be for Christian fiction.

Not all of those meetings or appointments led to a contract or request, but they were all successful networking connections. Schmoozing is a big part of this business, and getting your name out there is critical. The more people hear about you, the better your chances are to continue getting contracts and making sales.

I have said many times I wouldn't be where I am in my writing without ACFW. The platform they provide is amazing for writers of all stages and levels.

Thanks, ACFW, for providing the platform where I have been able to make so many great connections and begin what is sure to be a promising writing career.

ACFW Conference Blog Tour: Lasting Friendships

This is one of my two blog posts I'll be sharing as part of the ACFW Blog Tour promoting the upcoming national conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, in September this year.

So many of those who know me know I am not one to be a wallflower at any social event. Even if I don't know a soul, I will find someone who is willing to hold a conversation with me. Most folks view me as someone who has "never met a stranger." And it's true...for the most part.

There are times when I willingly blend into the background, but there are other times when I make an entrance and can't help but stand out. I supposed it's part of my personality, but I generally command attention without putting forth much effort. Some folks are just wired that way.

Since 2002, I have attended every annual conference held by ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). That first year in Kansas City, we only had 100 members in attendance...and that included the faculty! So, needless to say, it was a rather cozy bunch. :) Still, to this day I can look back at that conference and recount several meetings of fellow writers I now consider close friends or mentors.

This was the year I met Tracie Peterson for the first time face-to-face after years of emailing and writing. From being a bookstore buddy with Tamera Alexander, to manning the registration table with Jennifer Johnson, or laughing with Linda Windsor when Jennifer admitted how to Linda how Linda's books "affected" her. And who can forget the tale of the "Kissing Bandit" with Kaye Dacus or Brandilyn Collins telling us to be careful, because "there are normals about."

In Houston, there was the stalking of Deborah Raney (whose first book was made into a film) with Cindy Woodsmall (now a NYT bestelling author) and discovering Brandilyn Collins' serial killer from Eyes of Elisha was present in living, breathing form in our main meeting hall. That year also began the identity confusion with Allison Wilson, which still occurs to this day, even though neither one of us look anything like the other. We still have a lot of fun with it though. :)

Next came Denver in 2004 where I first worked with Jeanne Leach and Connie Stevens, helping run the conference bookstore. This was also the conference where I met the man who is now my husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton. And of course, this year, I pitched my first novel to Jim Peterson, eventually landing a contract in 2006. He and his wife, Tracie, remain mentors and great friends.

Then, there was Nashville, where many matchmaking mamas decided to intervene in my relationship with Stuart, believing we were perfect for each other. Ane Mulligan and Lena Nelson Dooley are two who come to mind, although I know there are many more.

Dallas followed for 2 years, and this is where I met another Tiffany. Tiffany Colter, that is. She has since gone on to work with Chip MacGregor, James Rubart, and Susan May Warren on the Masters Seminar series. She also does author coaching, and we both write for the ACFW AFictionado e-zine. We both go by "Tiff" and people confuse us all the time. We have a lot of fun redirecting folks, and sometimes even taking credit for each other's accomplishments.

2008 was in Minneapolis and 2009 was in Denver. Each year, I meet someone new, and each year, the friendships I've established become that much more dear to me. Because of the conferences, I met most of my clients for web design, many of whom have become friends as well. At the conferences is where so much fun, laughter, memories, and good times happen. I can't even begin to recount everyone the conferences have brought into my life, and who are still in my life today, but those I've shared above are just the dusting the surface.

These friends have moved from mere writing acquaintances, to friends and prayer partners, and even babysitters, helping me when I've needed them to be there in a pinch or lend a hand.

So, if you're wondering about the aspects of the conference aside from writing instruction, consider that God might want you to attend so He can use the conference as a means of bringing you together with someone who will become a best friend. If you don't attend, you might miss out on the blessing of a friendship you won't discover...unless you attend.

Thanks, ACFW, for providing the platform where I have been able to meet many treasured friends.

ACFW Conference 2009 - Pitching With Success

To all of my regular readers, I am interrupting the usual author spotlights to post about the upcoming ACFW Conference in September this year. There is a spotlight for today though, so be sure and check it out.

Many know that I'm a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). It's the premier Christian fiction organization, and I owe a great deal of thanks to the members for helping me get published. Every year, they hold a national conference, and this year it's just about in my back yard. Denver, Colorado is only about an hour away. That means over 500 writers, authors, editors, agents and other industry professionals will be coming to the great state of Colorado to teach, learn, pitch, listen to queries, network, meet each other and have a grand time.

To help promote the conference and get folks excited about all that's going to happen, a lot of members have offered to post on our blogs and spread the word. The tour schedule is at the bottom of this post.

Since the ACFW Conference in 2003 is where I first pitched my novel that received a contract in 2006, and since I've received requests from all others to whom I pitched, that's the topic of my post today. For anyone who is attending ACFW (or any other conference), here are some tips I hope will prove helpful to you:

1. Before you make your appointment, study the needs of the publishing house or agency and what they are looking to publish or represent. Present yourself as a well-informed professional who has done your homework. The worst mistake is to sit down and pitch something only to have their eyes glaze over because your story isn't what they are looking to find.
   
2. Remember that any editor or agent is looking forward to meeting you. They wouldn't be at the conference if they didn't want to hear about new stories and discover new talent. You just might be the reason they're there.
3. Practice your pitch with someone who will be honest with you. They can give you valuable feedback on what to cut or change or even give you the extra encouragement you need to feel confident.
4. Dress appropriately. Appearance counts just as much as what you say. The old adage proves true. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Appear professional.
5. Be confident. Sweaty palms or a case of nerves is normal. But you have to believe in yourself and your work before you can convince someone else to buy it. So, be proud of your writing.
6. Start off the meeting with an icebreaker or small-talk. Perhaps mention someone else who recommended this meeting, or why you chose to meet with this person. Oftentimes, the editor or agent will set you at ease and start it off themselves. If not, have something casual ready.
   
7. Choose your words wisely. Keep your pitch to 25 words or less. This is often also called the "elevator pitch" or what you'd say if you were riding the elevator with your dream editor/agent. You want to catch their attention right away and don't want to take the entire 15 minutes to get to the main point.
8. Know the main conflict of your story and highlight it when you pitch. Be ready with more details when asked to elaborate.
   
9. If there is anything unique about your main characters or your story, work that into your pitch. Editors and agents hear hundreds during conference season. You want to make yours stand out.
10. Study the editor or agent as you talk. They might be looking for what you have to offer, but you want to make sure this person is the "right" person for you. Prepare some general interview questions for them instead of waiting for them to direct the entire meeting.
11. Be mindful of the time. When your 15 minutes comes to a close, wrap it up. Don't keep the next appointment waiting or the editor/agent from getting to the next aspect of the conference.
12. Conclude in style. Thank them for their time and ask for a business card if they are open to you submitting to them. Offer a handshake and a smile, and confirm a request to submit if it was offered, or reaffirm a referral if it was given.
    

These tips only brush the surface, but I hope they give you a starting point to help guide you as you prepare for whatever meetings you have. The faculty who are selected to be on staff at the ACFW Conference are top-notch. Many of them have remarked about the quality of the manuscripts or ideas they've received each year. And each year, they return, knowing they're going to find the cream of the crop.

You just might be the one person the editor or agent has come to that conference to meet. Be confident, relaxed, proud. Most importantly, be yourself. You might end up with a successful story to tell!

Visit the other blogs on this tour:

June 15: Christa Allan: Evolving Conference Experiences
http://www.christaallan.com

June 15: Ane Mulligan: A Few of My Favorite Things...
http://anemulligan.blogspot.com

June 17: Margaret Daley: Enhancing Your Conference Experience Through Volunteering
http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com

June 18: Trish Perry: ACFW Conference Friendships at all stages of writing careers
http://www.TrishPerry.com

June 21: Megan DiMaria: Finding restaurants at conference (visit often for multiple postings beginning June 21. Megan will be posting weekly so check back often for her eye on the best eateries and how to save money eating out as well as how to impress your business associates with excellent food.)
http://megandimaria.blogspot.com

June 27: Sharon Lavy: Prayer Room
http://sharonlavy.blogspot.com
http://sharonalavy.wordpress.com

June 30: Kathleen Fuller: Amish fiction, historical romance tracks
http://www.kathleenfuller.blogspot.com

July 2-10: Amish Hearts: Group blog with various conference posts
http://www.amishhearts.com

July 5: Jeannie Campbell: Why I chose the ACFW conference: A newbie’s perspective
http://www.mindhealingfiction.blogspot.com

July 12-19 : Linda Kozar and the Internal MonoBlog- Group blog with various conference posts. (Each blogger will post at least once. One a day until the group blog has all had the opportunity to post.)
http://wwwinternalmonoblogcom.blogspot.com

July 19: Tiffany Colter 1: Long-term return on investing in a writer’s conference (multiple posts)
http://writingcareercoach.blogspot.com

July 22: Tiffany Colter 2: Investing in your professional development (multiple posts)
http://www.TheBalancedLife.com

July 25-31: Writer’s Rest Group Blog: Trusting God to use conference (multiple posts, each blogger please post at least once. One a day until your group blog has all had the opportunity.)
http://writersrest.blogspot.com

July 28: Jennifer AlLee: The Value of Face-to-Face Networking in a Twitter & Facebook World
http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com

July 31: Angie Breidenbach: Confidence at Conference
http://GodUsesBrokenVessels.blogspot.com

August 2: Deb Raney: "What if I Can't Come to the Conference?"
http://www.acfw.com/blog

August 3: Lena Nelson Dooley 1: Uplifting worship
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

August 3-10: Writing By Faith Group blog: 6 authors, 1 great God.
Aug. 4th is Angie Breidenbach: Professionalism 101
http://writingbyfaith.blogspot.com

August 6: Lena Nelson Dooley 2: Connecting with publishers
http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com

Aug 9: Ane Mulligan: A Few of My Favorite Things...
http://www.noveljourney.blogspot.com

Aug 12: Jill Elizabeth Nelson: TBD
http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.html

Aug 15: Cara Putman: First Timers and Calm Nerves
http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com