Snoopy Dancing … Yep, that was me yesterday!
Funny thing is, if you would have told me a couple years ago that my contemporary romance would final in ACFW’s Genesis contest for unpublished authors, I would have laughed at you. You see, my specialty is general/contemporary fiction (think relational dramas) with a male protagonist. I do that very well but, unlike romance, there’s little calling for it. So I convinced myself to try something new, something outside of my box, something that was a stretch.
Oh boy, was it a stretch! That manuscript and I had plenty of boxing matches. When I typed “The End” I figured it was truly The End. It was lousy and headed for the recycle bin, or so I thought. My critique partner Shannon Vannatter knew how I struggled with it and asked to read it. Miracle of miracles, she loved it! Well, maybe it wasn’t headed for the trash.
This past year I’ve worked on it with all my uber-fantastic critique partners, and with their help, some creative wrestling, and a ton of prayer, I’ve turned it into something contest worthy.
Unbelievable.
I love God’s sense of humor. 🙂
I’m thrilled and humbled to have made it this far. I couldn’t have done it without my great cloud of witnesses.
Thank you all so very, very much! I love Snoopy Dancing with you!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2a
Congratulations to All the ACFW Genesis Finalists!
Contemporary Fiction
Michelle Massaro
Anne Prado
Chris Storm
Contemporary Romance
Brenda Anderson
Amy Matayo
Cindy Wilson
Historical Fiction
Nancy Kimball
Kathleen L. Maher
Terri Wangard
Historical Romance
Karen Barnett
Brandy Vallance
Becca Witham
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rich Bullock
Christen Civiletto Morris
Matthew Sheehy
Romantic Suspense
Arlene Coulter
Kelli Hughett
Pat Trainum
Speculative Fiction
Caleb Jennings Breakey
Carla Laureano
Amanda G. Stevens
Women’s Fiction
Susan Hill
Rachel Moore
Erin Taylor Young
Young Adult
Kathleen Freeman
Teresa Lockhart
Rondi Olson
Comments 8
Too cool, Bren.
Nicole, you’re one of that cloud of witnesses. Thank you so much for your prayers, support, encouragement, & friendship!
I’m so thrilled for you, Brenda. And I laugh with you, understanding God’s humor in these things. The manuscript that won me the Genesis four years ago I entered on a whim, never expecting to get past the first round. I just wanted some feedback on it. Instead it won. Go figure. Maybe God will grant you the same gift–I know I will be cheering you on!
Thanks, Chawna. Believe me, it’s a tremendous gift just to be chosen as a finalist! I think I’d be in complete shock if I won, but I certainly wouldn’t complain. 🙂
Thanks for being in my cheering section!
Wow Brenda! I’m not sure what words should go here, but I’m incredibly proud of you! And I believe God has more in store….
Thank you Gary! Your support means the world to me!
Can I rejoice with you enough? Woo hooooooooo! I am so happy for you and continue to do the Snoopy, even now! Oh wait–come September, I hope to do the Snoopy with you at the conference when they announce you’re #1!
That would be sweet, Steph! I can’t wait to thank you in front of 1000 people! Yikes! There’s a scary thought. =)