I just returned from the Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference, and I’m thrilled to announce that my debut novel, MISTAKEN, took home a Cascade Award in the Published Historical Fiction Category. [In celebration of this win, I’m hosting a special GIVEAWAY. The winner can choose either a copy of Mistaken or my newest release, Out of the Ruins. Details can be found below.]
I’ve been a part of Oregon Christian Writers for about five years, benefitting greatly from their conferences and teaching. I met my critique group at OCW, and first pitched Mistaken to my publisher at the 2011 OCW Summer Conference. In many ways, OCW is my writing home.
To hear Susan May Warren read the first line of my novel at the awards ceremony…
“Laurie Burke clutched the steering wheel of her father’s Model T as the car lurched down the deserted road toward the beach, the headlights barely denting the dark night.”
It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Actually, I didn’t hear anything after the first two words–my character’s name. After that, my ears were buzzing, and I leaned over to grasp the arm of my critique partner and dear friend, Heidi Gaul. I don’t know if I grinned or cried. Maybe both. I hadn’t expected to win. Just being in the finals alongside two multi-published authors I greatly respect felt like more than enough. Thankfully there were no acceptance speeches, 
because I’m sure I couldn’t have put two words together. Award presenters Jeff Gerke and Susan May Warren were having fun posing for selfies with each of the winners. As you can see, I was so tense it looks like my shoulders are up around my earlobes.
Other highlights of the conference?
- Listening to keynote speakers Allen Arnold and Dan Walsh as they reminded us that we’re not writing FOR God, we’re writing WITH God. I’d come in the first day feeling a little uncertain because of an announcement from my publishing house, Abingdon Press, that they were reassessing their fiction program beyond 2015. (See article in Christian Retailing). My contract shouldn’t be affected, but I was nervous for those who’ve worked alongside me. Hearing Allen speak of God’s great adventure was heartening. I know He’s in charge, He has a plan for the future of publishing, and I’m eager to join in the adventure–whatever it may be.
- Reconnecting and getting to say “thank you” to Jessica Barnes of Guidepost Books. She was the first editor to ever express serious interest in one of my manuscripts (back when she worked for Waterbrook Multnomah) and that encouragement was a powerful motivator for me.
- Attending Susan Meissner’s coaching class on 3-Act Structure. I can’t wait to get back to work on my current manuscript!
- Hanging out with writing friends, both new and old.
- Seeing three special awards given out at the Cascades Awards: Writer of Promise to April McGowan; Trailblazer to Judy Gann, and Spirit Award to Petey Prayter. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation each time. The faculty made great choices!
It’s time to get back to work. After spending so much of the past three months talking up the launch of OUT OF THE RUINS, it was a joy to revisit Mistaken–a story I dearly love. Now I need to turn my attention to the final edits on Beyond the Ashes (releasing June 2015), and to writing the third installment of the Golden Gate Chronicles series. I can’t wait to jump in with both feet.
I hope you had a great week. Mine was certainly one to remember!
In celebration, I’m hosting a giveaway. The winner can choose either Mistaken or Out of the Ruins. Good luck! Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. I’d love to hear stories of times you have won (or perhaps NOT won) an award. How did you feel when your name was (not) called? Please leave your comments below [don’t forget to fill out the Rafflecopter entry].
So happy for you, Karen. Loved your comments above too.
Thanks, Mary! I owe OCW a huge debt of gratitude. What a great organization!
The only award I can recall right now was probably 15 years ago. I don’t remember exactly, but it was some kind of award for helping with my daughter’s girl scout troop.
Both your books look great. Congratulations for winning your award! Thanks also for giving away one of your books; I’d love to win!
Girl Scouts always sounded like such fun. I imagine it’s a lot of work for the leaders!
I don’t remember winning an award for anything, but I have sure been blessed with wonderful family and friends in my life and the love of God, whose name is above all other names! I’m as excited for you and the award you’ve won as I would be winning one myself!
You’re a winner in my book, Terry! Your words of encouragement have always been a blessing to me and to others!
I think if I remember correctly I won an award for service as a girl scout leader. It was when my daughter was going thru the girl scout faze. The original leader stepped down and the thought of disappointing the girls I agreed to step in. It was actually fun, glad I did it.
I always wanted to be in girl scouts, but never had the opportunity. I’m sure all the girls you served will remember you fondly!
I received an award for perfect attendance my senior year in highschool. I had the hardest time not bursting out in laughter while all my classmates snickered, I got sick that year and missed almost THREE months! Lol. My principal whispered to me, ” How did you pull that off?” With a laugh when I accepted the award. Yes, I’ve won other awards…however this one is by far the most fun and the most memorable! 🙂
Missed three months and still got perfect attendance? That’s amazing! Lol!
Congratulations!! I am so very happy for you!! I have heard wonderful things about your books and look forward to reading them.
I can’t think of a time I have won an award. Maybe something in school, but I don’t remember anything specific.
Thank you for this opportunity to win!
Stephanie C.
Thanks, Stephanie!
Congratulations on the award. Thanks for having such a fun contest.
Thanks, JoAnn!
Congratulations. I never did win an award but having my health now is an award in itself. Best wishes.
So true, Anne. Health is a blessing that should never be taken for granted.
Yes, I did win an award once for The People’s Choice Award on a Quilt I had entered in a Quilt Show. I was so touched that my design was liked and voted for by so many people..
Neat! I’ve always love quilts, but I’ve never tried my hand at quilting. How exciting that yours was chosen by the people!
It is a great feeling of accomplishment and humbling at the same time.
Congratulations to you!
Thanks, Nancy!
I’ve never received an award!! But I have won giveaways before! Yes definitely not the same thing haha!!!! I own your book out of the Ruins!!!!! I won it in a giveaway!!!! I haven’t had a chance to read it yet 🙁 but I hope to very soon!!! 🙂
Aren’t giveaways fun? It’s a good way to find new authors to read. I can’t wait to hear what you think of Out of the Ruins. 🙂
Congratulations on your win! So very exciting for you! I haven’t won many awards…but I did win the “Just Call Me Grace” award at the end of a college choir tour. I’m sure you can figure it out, but I won it because of my extreme clumsiness. It came from friends who love me, so it didn’t hurt my feelings. 🙂
Lol! I’ve always been a little clumsy, too. I was concentrating really hard as I climbed the steps to the OCW stage. I kept thinking, “Don’t trip!”
Congratulations, Karen. Wonderful news!
I once won a literary knowledge quiz with my team (foursome). Each on us won a coupon of a certain amount of money to be spent in a bookshop! I was thrilled 🙂
Ooh, great prize! I’d love that. 😀
I don’t think I’ve ever received an award except when my husband and I were leaving our church to move to Florida, they brought us up in front of the church to give us a CD and book because we worked every Sunday in the nursery. I was embarrassed but proud knowing how much everyone loved us. It was a humbling experience.
That was very sweet of them! Sounds like you had a wonderful home church.
I haven’t received any awards, but have had to give out some. I don’t like having to get in front of people to speak, but do like seeing the responses from those who receive the award.
It must be a little frightening to be the award presenter, too! It would be fun to see people’s responses. 🙂
When I was in eighth grade I was surprised to earn the trophy for best grade in Industrial Arts (drafting and woodworking). I guess a boy usually wins, but I think my neatness in drafting put me over the edge 🙂 My dad who was an engineer was so proud!
Congratulations Karen! You are an excellent author and deserve it!
Nope. No “formal” awards! 🙂 Congratulations on yours….got my copy of Out of the Ruins and can’t wait to dive in. Would be nice to win Mistaken to add to my Karen Barnett collection. Enjoying my Kindle more than I thought I would!!!
Blessings,
Tina
Oh good, Tina! I was wondering whether you ever received your copy. 🙂 I’m glad to hear it arrived safely.
I bet your dad was super-proud! Did you pursue drafting or did you end up in another field?