My Novel Wins Second Place at the BRMCWC!

Me with Alton Gansky -- the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC).

This picture was taken right before he awarded  me . . . . ***drum roll***

SECOND PLACE FOR MY NOVEL "DARKNESS TREMBLES"!!!! 

There are about 375 attendees at the BRMCWC this week and Al said that this year they had the most contest entries they've ever had. There were several contest categories: devotionals, plays, Bible studies, nonfiction books, articles, and novels/novellas. My novel won second place in the novels/novellas category!! Wow, right?

 

Here's me with my writing buds: Marcia and Lori!! Marcia won lots more than I did for her great writing!! And Lori has Les Stobbe as her agent already -- they were very gracious to let  me sit with them . . . haha

 

Here I am with D'Ann and Pastor Kenn, my other new writer friends . . . who were as thrilled for me as if they has won themselves!! These are some great people!!

 

OK, rrrreeeaaalllyyy bad pic of me, but my new friend Edie looks absolutely GREAT!! She is one of the most valuable reasons for coming to BRMCWC. I don't have pictures, but Vonda Skelton, Eva Marie Everson, Michelle Adams, and Angela Hunt all played a huge role this week as well.

I've been living on top of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains all week, but really haven't really seen them . . . . did you know Billy Graham lives here in Black Mountain, NC? His house is right up the hill somewhere . . . I didn't get to see him either. But I did get to see lots and lots of really wonderful people . . . meet them, listen to them, talk with them, worship with them, laugh with them, and learn with them . . . I'm exhausted but so blessed to have been able to come this week.

Five days ago I headed to North Carolina with only two goals for the week: receive feedback on my novel and make contacts in the Christian publishing industry. I really did not expect to win anything since it's my first time here and my first novel . . . all I needed was for my work to be critiqued, for someone to tell me, "This is what's wrong with it. Fix these things and that thing and then do this if you want to be a better writer."

Not only did I get some wonderful feedback (the first 30 pages had more hash marks than an ice rink after a hockey tournament) but I made connections with writers and with the publishing world . . . some timely and personal connections. I just love the heart of the owners and editor at Sonfire Media -- they're amazing people! And there was no end to the amount of God's children available to encourage me, cheer me, inspire me -- both in my fiction and freelance writing.

I signed up for this conference in early November. I sent in my novel for a critique and for the contests in early November too -- more than six months ago.  Since last fall an overwhelming amount of charcoal colored distractions have been weighing on my life, all of them fighting desperately to keep me from writing, to keep me from coming to this conference. But God . . .

I know that God has been moving, leading, prodding me along this week . . .

I know I couldn't have managed without Him . . . 

I know there is only one God and one reason I write . . .

I know I am frantic for Him to remain the center of that reason . . 

I know He has His own set of plans for me . . . 

I know second place isn't first place but it is still the exact place He wants me right now . . .

I know He knows everything about me and loves me regardless . . .

Julie

Comments

[Bridette Angelo]

Julie,
We are here at writer's group. Just read your fantastic news. We cheered!!! All of us are happy for you. Jo, Don, Amanda, Joe, and I attended.

Nobody posted new stuff for me to read. I read Gordon's posting of other's works. Did make some comments for Jo and Don. I didn't have Amanda's. I think I will print people's writing. Just seems to work better for me. I'm not computer savvy enough.

WTG--We are so proud of you!
Rejoicing with you,
Bridgette

[Jeff Webb]

Hey little sis, I'm very proud of you. Congratulations on your good news!

[Megan Hemphil]

Yay, Julie! I'm so proud of you - you're an amazing woman and a huge inspiration to me. I'm so happy for you!

[Linda Judson]

How wide...how long...how deep...is His love! Blessings in abundance...

[Michael]

Rock it girl!!

[Kimberly Hutchinson]

Congratulations!!! That is awesome!!!!