Christy Awards and ICRS

Ane and Jonathan Rogers

Heather Ivester of Mom 2 Mom Connection,

Ane, Susan May Warren, Steeple Hill Editor Joan Marlow Golan and Gina

Ane, Dee Stewart and Gina acting stupid

Lisa Samson and her biggest fan!

Tracy Groot and Ane

Debbie Macomber and Ane

Gina and one of her favorite ladies in the CBA, Colleen Coble

I hope you all aren't getting sick of hearing about the Christy Awards and ICRS because I've still got more to say. I know, hard to believe that I would being as shy and quiet as I am.

This was Ane's and my first year at both. We were invited to The Christy's as media by Jeane Wynn of Wynn-Wynn media. We were delighted and thank her very much for including us. (She did an awesome job by the way. Kept everything flowing smoothly and everyone feeling special.)

At the Christy's we ran into lots of friends we've met through writing conferences, ACFW, Blue Ridge Mountain Writer's Conference, and of course, Novel Journey. It was like a family reunion.

I ran into my buddy Ray Blackston who I'd originally met years ago at Blue Ridge Mountain Writer's Conference when he was just coming out with his first novel, Flabbergasted (which I loved). Turns out Ray is newly engaged to the beautiful, raven-haired Kathy. She informed me she's not a writer but is an avid reader. I told her that was probably for the best. I can't imagine how much tuning out would occur in a household with two introspective writers. Lots of burnt meals, children left at school, missing car keys, etc.

Their big date is Sept 22! Congratulations Ray and Kathy!!

We sat at a table in the back of the room so that we could get up without too much disruption and set up for interviews. I was excited to sit at a table with my e-friend Heather Ivester and her husband and one of my favorite publicists, Rebeca Seitz and her husband, Charlie, of Glass Road PR, among others.

Michelle McKinney Hammond gave the introductions and Lauren Winner gave a fine key-note address explaining why she reads Christian fiction. It's nice to be reminded that what we write really does affect people in their daily lives.

The awards were given and the winners seemed genuinely humbled by the experience. The most memorable acceptance speach to me, was Tim Downs who gave a very sweet and heart-felt thanks to his wife. (Tim thanks for running off after the ceremony, I wanted to meet you in person!) Sigh.