In case you are curious about how Christy winners are chosen, the committee explains it this way: "Publishers submit novels copyrighted in the year preceding the award in one of nine categories. Each category is read by a panel of 7 judges who evaluate each novel against a 10 point criteria."
The Carols work about the same way, except that both authors and publishers may submit their work.
My congratulations to all my friends who made either (and in some cases, both) these lists. Authors don't necessarily write to win awards, but it's nice when they come along. I've been fortunate enough to receive some myself. Was I proud of the awards? Absolutely. Am I jealous that friends of mine received honors this year? Not at all. Because as Christian novelists, we write for one reasons--to glorify God. Doing that is reward enough.
What about you? Are there rewards for which you strive? Do awards matter?
(logo from American Christian Fiction Writers)
6 comments:
Awards are cool! But that can't be the only reason you write. If your priority is to get an award, you're probably going to be disappointed.
Well-said, Erica. Thanks for your comment.
Doc, having won and finaled for awards, I can honestly say I'm torn no matter which way it comes out. Yes, it's nice to win, but it can set up expectations that aren't healthy. And when you don't win, even if you try not to be disappointed, we're sort of wired that way, especially if you come from the world of competitive sports.
One has to remember that, as Kipling put it, triumph and disaster are merely two "imposters." Keep your head about you when all around you are losing theirs. Most of all, keep writing.
Jim, I appreciate your dropping by with a comment, especially one that contains so much common sense. I agree--it's hard not to let our eyes turn green when others win awards and we don't. But, putting those things behind me, I keep pressing toward the mark...or, at least, that's what I want to do.
Thanks for your comment.
Rick, I know you'd never do this on purpose -- but recently a romance writer outside our market got sued by a photographer for using a shot she'd gotten from Google or wherever. The photographer notified her, she took it down within minutes, and then he sued her to pay him anyway!
I just went to my blog and pulled all non-free photos off. You may want to check into doing the same.
Love the "awards season" so I can see which books I read and loved are finalists.
Deb, I've read the same info on a couple of writer's loops. Don't know if you're telling me this particular picture might cause problems, but I changed it to a royalty-free one just in case. Thanks.
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