2013 Shortlists announced
We are pleased to reveal the 2013 INSPY Award shortlists:
General Fiction
• Into the Free by Julie Cantrell
• Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke
• The First Gardener by Denise Hildreth Jones
• The Messenger by Siri Mitchell
• Stardust by Carla Stewart
Romance
• To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander
• Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden
• Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz
• Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann
• My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Mystery/Thriller
• Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins
• A Plain Death by Amanda Flower
• Placebo by Steven James
• Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig
• Proof by Jordyn Redwood
Literature for Young People
• Wreath by Judy Christie
• With a Name like Love by Tess Hilmo
• Dead Man’s Hand by Eddie Jones
• There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
• Cake: Love, Chickens, and a Taste of Peculiar by Joyce Magnin
Speculative Fiction
• Caught by Margaret Patterson Haddix
• The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo
• Freeheads by Kerry Nietz
• Soul’s Gate by James L. Rubart
• Daystar by Kathy Tyers
Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors!
2013 Judges
The INSPY Advisory Board is thrilled to announce the judges for 2013. The shortlists will be announced on April 15 and once these judges receive their respective books, they then have the task to narrow from five novels to the one worthy of the 2013 INSPY in each category. We welcome these judges and thank them for their service.
General Fiction Judges
Rachel McMillan loves Christian fiction, tea and Sherlock Holmes. She blogs at A Fair Substitute for Heaven and is a frequent contributor and featured reviewer at Breakpoint and Novel Crossing. She lives in Toronto. This is her third time judging the INSPY Awards and she looks forward to the fun discussions ahead!
Elizabeth Schulenburg got her first library card at age 4 and hopes to be reading as long as her 106-year-old great-grandma. To pay the bills, she works behind the pharmacy counter, but her real passion lies in spending time with friends and family, especially her husband, Jeremy, and twin 2-year-olds, David and Sophia. Among her favorite Christian authors are Ted Dekker, Jamie Langston Turner, Angie Smith, Rachel Held Evans, and Jocelyn Green. If you’d like to see what she is reading, stop by www.needmoreshelves.blogspot.com.
DM Webb-Self lives, along with her family and a variety of pets, in the beautiful state of Mississippi. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), where she has served as a judge in the Carol Awards and Genesis Awards, and is an active participant in the ACFW critique group. Her novel, Mississippi Nights, was released in January 2012 and her children’s devotional, Balaam & the Donkey, was released on the Devokids website on April 1, 2013.
Her studies in art and sociology coupled with her many jobs ranging from bookstore clerk to volunteer firefighter/EMR has produced a plethora of ideas for upcoming books. You can find her at www.dmwebb-writebyfaith.blogspot.com.au/.
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Romance Judges
Susan M. Baganz is acquisitions editor for Prism Book Group, an author of contemporary and historical romances, and a book reviewer. She loves a happy ending and the journey it takes to get there. She lives in the Midwest and loves curling up with her puppy, a good book, and a cup of spiced chai. Susan blogs at Susan Baganz’s Silygoos Blog.
Rachel Brand is an aspiring writer who lives in Scotland, where she is finishing her undergraduate degree in English and modern history at the University of St. Andrews. She is the fiction editor of the Christian e-zine, The Christian Manifesto, where she regularly reviews recent releases in the inspirational market. When she isn’t reading a novel or penning her own, Rachel enjoys baking, knitting, watching films and attempting to play computer games with her husband. A romantic at heart, Rachel can typically be found reading an Amish or historical romance, but she does occasionally take a break to enjoy some contemporary and young adult fiction.
Rissi An avid 20-something reader who is learning to like sci-fi, Rissi lives in the Midwest and is passionate about writing – which may explain why conversations between her current characters rotate through her mind (this can be quite inconvenient). Over the past six years, she’s written film reviews for a small Christian website, which then transitioned into blogging and eventually, book reviewing. A love of a good Jason Bourne mystery means she’s willing to try almost any crime show, and is in fact, addicted to several. British costume dramas are too few in her opinion as is BBC’s Sherlock and she uses the word “rather” too much (blaming this on those British dramas). For nearly three years, she has been fortunate enough to be a part of the coolest e-zine covering the best in literature and film. When not writing, she enjoys good music, hanging out with her family and pursuing other creative hobbies. Since August 2011, her writing haven has been blogging; she blogs at Dreaming Under the Same Moon.
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Mystery/Thriller Judges
Beckie Burnham has been a blogger (By The Book) for more than four years, but has been a book enthusiast/promoter (nagger) for much longer. She is the member of three book discussion groups — her favorite being one she co-leads at a women’s rehab center. This dynamic group meets once a week to read books aloud and generally cut up and have fun. The mother of three college-aged children, she works when she has to as the office manager of her husband Brian’s veterinary office. They own one spoiled Boston terrier, four cats, two goats and 10 chickens.
Mark Buzard is a Pennsylvania transplant that has lived in northeastern Ohio since 1993. He has a BA in religious education, is single and currently looking for work. Although he has no children, Mark does have three nieces and three nephews that he loves as if though they were his own. Mark spends his extra time playing the piano, taking walks, shopping, and of course reading. He rarely reads secular books, so most of his reading is Christian fiction, the mystery/suspense/thriller genre in particular. At the suggestion of two of his friends, Mark explored the idea a few years ago of reviewing books, and was fortunate to get connected with several publishers, publicity groups and others. Mark really enjoys reviewing books and gets so many that he uses a spreadsheet to keep track of them all. Mark states that he is honored to be a judge for the INSPY Awards and is looking forward to the experience. You can find Mark blogging at Thoughts of a Sojourner.
Tami Erwin is a book blogger, avid reader and former librarian. Her years in library collection development expanded her interest in a wide variety of book genres, but mysteries have always been her favorite. In their 30 years of marriage, Tami and her husband, Dave, have lived in 13 towns in Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado. They have three grown children and two grandsons. Tami blogs at Just One More Thing . . .
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Literature for Young People Judges
Sheila DeChantal lives in Central Minnesota with her husband and three dogs, two of which are rescues (she has a weakness for hurt animals). Sheila has two amazing boys — one in college and one in the Navy. She spends her weekdays as a family life administrator and special events coordinator for her church, volunteers on the city library board and with Friends of the Library. Sheila is also honored to be a board member for Camp Benedict, a camp for people infected and affected by AIDS.
For fun Sheila loves riding bike, reading, rollerblading, mud runs, cabin weekends, and hanging out with friends. In 2014 she is signed up to run with the bulls. Her hope and prayer is that she is faster than the bulls 
Sheila can be found blogging at Book Journey.
Sherry Early is the author and instigator of Semicolon, a blog about kids and books and homeschooling and communities and sometimes movies and politics and fun links and whatever else she wants to write about on any particular day. Sherry is an evangelical Christian and completely unapologetic about it. She is also a 52 year old homeschooling mom of eight children. Sherry enjoys reading — reading whatever comes her way, including, but not limited to, adult fiction, mysteries, historical fiction, nonfiction history and biography, Christian inspirational fiction, young adult fiction, fantasy and science fiction, children’s fiction and nonfiction, memoirs, cereal boxes, other people’s blogs, magazines, brochures, and picture books. When she’s desperate Sherry will read the notes on the bulletin board and the advertising signs on the wall of whatever establishment she is stuck inside without reading material.
Emily Rachelle is the author of ebook novella Sixteen and a teenage girl in love with God and the world He created. Her favorite things include chocolate, pretty trees, the ocean, weddings, crafts, and books — rows upon rows of books, neatly lining library shelves or messily stacked in the corner of a bedroom. She blogs three times a week about writing, books, crafts and DIY projects, media, and society at http://emilyrachellewrites.blogspot.com/.
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Speculative Fiction Judges
In simple language, Pauline Creeden breaks down biblical stories and applies them to real life in new ways. Her methods of teaching have brought new light to old scriptures. Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy. In her fiction, she creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long.
Her articles, reviews, and devotionals have been featured in RUBY FOR WOMEN Magazine, Devotionals for Bloggers, Faith Filled Family Magazine, and Christian Fiction Book Reviews. One of Pauline’s short stories has won the CCW Short Story contest. Other short stories have been published in Fear & Trembling Magazine, Obsidian River, Free Flash Fiction, and Avenir Eclectia. An urban fantasy short will appear in The Book of Sylvari: An Anthology of Elves from Port Yonder Press, and a vampire short will appear in Monsters! from Diminished Media Group. And her sci-fi novel, Catalyst, will be published by Redeeming Tree this year. Pauline can be found blogging at Fat Free Faith.
Garrett Larson blogs at garrettlarson.info. He is interested in the intersection of pop culture, current events, the way we live our lives, why we make the decisions we do, the American Dream/Dilemma, and the interconnection or disconnection with/from faith in the world we find ourselves living in the present day.
Garrett’s upcoming books include book one of his dystopian trilogy: Mastrick of jala, Inc., and a non-fiction thriller: The American Dream Failed! And You Can Too! He loves art as much as writing and has had two pop-up galleries featuring his work. His art is in private collections nationwide. His art site is: garrettlarsonart.info. facebook page: facebook.com/garrett29
Josh Olds is a pastor, a storyteller and an editor. He is the coauthor of two very different books: Art and the Bible for Children, a combination art lesson and Bible story book, and The Blood Book, a special project coauthored with Ted Dekker. There are many other stories swimming in his head that may someday see the light of day.
Josh blogs at Life is Story, a website he began as a solo venture in 2008. In the years that followed, the site added giveaways, audio podcasts, flash fiction contests, movie reviews, and a web comic. He also serves as a contributor and managing editor for Fiction Addict. You can find out more about Josh at Facebook and Twitter.
Congratulations Long List Contenders ~ Speculative Fiction
Have you ever wondered exactly what is that genre entitled “Speculative Fiction?” And how is it different from Science Fiction?
According to The Speculative Literature Foundation “speculative literature is a catch-all term meant to inclusively span the breadth of fantastic literature, encompassing literature ranging from hard science fiction to epic fantasy to ghost stories to horror to folk and fairy tales to slipstream to magical realism to modern myth-making — and more.”
As you can see, spec lit covers it all whereas Science Fiction can be quite limiting ~ science fiction includes more futuristic stories and settings. It is a genre that “relies on a considerable degree of suspension of belief,” and “according to science fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein, “a handy short definition of almost all science fiction might read: realistic speculation about possible future events, based solidly on adequate knowledge of the real world, past and present, and on a thorough understanding of the nature and significance of the scientific method.”
For our purposes, speculative fiction is more all-inclusive and should have an element of faith within the story-line.
Last year’s Speculative Fiction winner was The Falling Away by T.L. Hines. The short-list judges had this to say of The Falling Away: In his own distinctive “noir bizarre” style, Hines explores powerful truths about life, death and redemption. The author managed to tackle a familiar subject (spirituals warfare) in a most unconventional way. Full characterization meshed with a tight plot that is engaging even for newcomers to the supernatural thriller. Ultimately, more than one character learns important truths about the fallen world we live in and the spiritual dangers one may face from without and within. This novel is an embodiment of the concept that God’s power is made perfect in human weakness.
And now, the long-list contenders for 2013 ~ Asylum by Ashley Hodges Bazer The Land Beyond the Portal by J.S. Bailey H2O: The Novel by Austin Boyd & Brannon Hollingsworth Daughter of Light by Morgan Busse Godsmacked by Paul Cicchini Mortal (The Book of Mortals #2) by Ted Dekkar & Tosca Lee Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore The Telling by Mike Duran Caught (The Missing #5) by Margaret Peterson Haddix Seeking Unseen (Toch Island Chronicles #2) by Kat Heckenbach Griffin’s Storm by Darby Karchut The Soul Saver by Dineen A. Miller The Windrider Saga by Rebecca Minor Cursebearer by Rebecca Minor Winter Nova by Preston Morgan Freeheads by Kerry Nietz Soul’s Gate by James L. Rubart Crosswind (Sark Brother #1) by Steve Rzasa The Returning (Saga of Davi Rhii #2) by Bryan Thomas Schmidt Starflower (Tales of Goldstone Wood #4) by Anne Elisabeth Stengl A Light in the Darkness by Heather Sutherlin Daystar by Kathy Tyers A Hummen in Spiral Gorge by William T. Watts Elemental by Emily White The Dragon’s Tooth by N.D. Wilson Do you see your favorite spec fiction novel on the list? Be sure to check back on April 15 when the short-list novels are announced!Congratulations Long List Contenders ~ Romance Genre
Genre-classification can become quite tricky with all of the sub-categories and cross-overs. Compound the classification of Faith in fiction or Christian and the waters can get murky at best. Thankfully, we have some solid definitions afforded to us through Romance Writers of America. According to RWA there are two basic elements that make up a romance novel: “a central love story and an emotionally-satisfying and optimistic ending.” And, according to Faith, Hope & Love, Inc., the inspirational special interest chapter of RWA, the caveat of “fiction that glorifies God and promotes Biblical principles” must be added.
The 2011 Shortlist Judges described last Inspy’s winner as being “a gritty and moving account of the Vietnam War“ and that it “easily fulfills all the requirements set forth to make it the INSPY Award Winner.” Catherine West, author of Yesterday’s Tomorrow, says of writing the novel about a female combat journalist during the Vietnam War:
I came away from this project with this question: Do we write merely to entertain? Or do we write to enlighten, educate and encourage our readers to examine their hearts on matters they may have previously ignored?
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
That’s what I learned in Vietnam
Out of the 50+ books nominated for the Romance Inspy, only one will retain the bragging rights this year ~ will it be one you’ve read or even perhaps, nominated?
Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker For Such a Time as This by Ginny Aiken To Whisper Her Name (Belle Meade Plantation) by Tamera Alexander Be Still My Soul (The Cadence of Grace #1) by Joanne Bischof The Way of Grace (Millers Creek #3) by Cathy Bryant Bayou Blue by Raquel Byrnes Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker The Guardian Duke (Forgotten Castles #1) by Jamie Carie Tidewater Inn (Hope Beach #1) by Colleen Coble Over the Edge by Mary Connealy In Too Deep by Mary Connealy The Legacy of Deer Run (Deer Run Saga #3) by Elaine Marie Cooper Turnabout’s Fair Play by Kaye Dacus Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert Before the Scarlet Dawn (Daughters of the Potomac #1) by Rita Gerlach A Bride Opens Shop in Ed Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck Love Simplified: A Tempest Day Production by Terri J. Haynes Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund Healing Love (Amish of Webster County #1) by Laura V. Hilton The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen Because of Me by Fay Lamb Real Virtue by Katy Lee A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman Honor Redeemed (First Responders #2) by Loree Lough Stones of Remembrance by Julie Presley Tuesday’s Child by Clare Revell Acsah by Janice Rice ‘Til Grits Do Us Part (Southern Fried Sushi) by Jennifer Rogers Spinola With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin Unexpected Kiss by Regina L. Tittel Veil of Pearls by Mary L. Tyndall Wish You Were Here by Beth K. Vogt My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade A Sweethaven Summer (Sweethaven Cove) by Courtney Walsh The Discovery by Dan Walsh Baroness (Daughters of Fortune #2) by Susan May Warren You Don’t Know Me (Deep Haven #6) by Susan May Warren The Shadow of Your Smile (Deep Haven #5) by Susan May Warren Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland by Roseanna White Short-Straw Bride (Archer Brothers #1) by Karen WitemeyerCongratulations Romance Contenders! Be sure to check back on April 15th when the Shortlist Finalists are revealed!
Congratulations to the Long List Contenders ~ Mystery & Thriller
The Inspy Advisory Board is pleased to announce the Long List Contenders for the Mystery/Thriller Inspy! The novels nominated are an inspiring collection. The Mystery/Thriller Inspy winner for 2011 was Steven James’ The Bishop. The Judges had this to say about James’ 4th novel in the Patrick Bowers series “Steven James did not shy away from the “tough” questions about God and we appreciate that an author – a Christian author at that, would be up-front and center with the real tough spiritual questions. The Bishop treats the reader as intelligent and with a mind of her own. The plot was engaging and the characters felt real.”
And on a side note ~ Today is the last day to submit your application for judging the shortlist contenders. We need you. Please fill out the judging application here. You can select which genre you prefer to judge…General Fiction, Literature for Young People, Mystery/Thrillers, Romance, or Speculative Fiction. This is your chance to have your voice heard ~ sign up today! Shortlist Judges will be announced on April 8th.
To Write a Wrong by Robin Carroll Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins The Halo Effect by Pamela Crane When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason A Plain Death by Amanda Flower Cuts Like a Knife by M.K. Gilroy The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello The Colonel’s Daughter: Military Investigations #3 by Debby Giusti The Best of Us: The Wayne Brothers No. 1 by Ursula Gorman The Breath of Dawn (A Rush of Wings #3) by Kristin Heitzman Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson Relentless Pursuit (Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series #3) by Kathy Herman Placebo (The Jevin Banks Experience #1) by Steven James Trinity: Military War Dog (A Breed Apart #1) by Ronie Kendig Wolfsbane (Discarded Heroes #3) by Ronie Kendig Firethorne (Discarded Heroes #4) by Ronie Kendig Parrish the Thought (A Cristine Sterling Mystery #3) by Catherine Leggitt The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo Lethal Remedy (Prescription for Trouble #4) by Richard L. Mabry Inescapable by Nancy Mehl Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy Primary Source by Alan Oathout Submerged (Alaskan Courage #1) by Dani Pettrey Proof by Jordyn Redwood The Radical Ride by Lanny Smith The 13th Enumeration by William Struse The Julian Ark by David J. Swanson The Serpent’s Grasp by C. Kevin Thompson Darkness Rising by Lis WiehlA hearty congratulations to the books nominated!
Be sure to check back on April 15th when the Shortlists are announced!
Congratulations to the Long List Contenders ~ Literature for Young People!
The Inspy Advisory Board and Judges are pleased to announce the long list contenders of the Literature for Young People Inspy! The nominations are exceptional in caliber, but the Judges are up to the challenge narrowing the selection down to the top 5 for the Shortlist Judges.
And if you are interested in becoming a Judge for the Shortlists, please fill out the application here. Applications are being accepted through March 31st and the Shortlist Judges will be announced on April 8th.
The 2011 recipient of the Literature for Young People Inspy was Saint Training by Elizabeth Fixmer. According to the Shortlist Judges for 2011, Saint Training “is realistic in its examination of religion without stereotype or fundamentalist views. An inspiring read, relevant to young readers and a stand out in its genre. Mary Clare is very down to earth and anyone will be able to relate to her struggles.” Written for the Middle Grades (ages 9-12); Mary Clare O’Brian thinks that her bargain with God – to become a saint if He’ll make her family happy – will result in a miracle. Publisher’s Weekly said of Mary Clare O’Brian that “ Ingenuity, keen observational skills, and compassion grant this feisty protagonist growing insight into the complex choices faced by those she loves, as well as her own character and calling.”
This year’s list includes a wide range of novels for Middle Grades and Young Adult. The best of luck to each of the nominees below!
*How many of the nominated books have you read?
Do you have a favorite already?
Be sure to check back on April 15th when the Shortlists are announced!
*Listing in Final Category/Genre Subject to Change
Congratulations to the Long List Contenders ~ General Fiction!
The Inspy Advisory Board and Judges are pleased to announce the long list contenders for the General Fiction Inspy. While the judges are hard at work narrowing to the top 5 novels, the Advisory Board is actively seeking qualified judges for the Short List…….Is that you? To be considered for this meaningful and significant role please review the criteria and apply here.
The 2011 winner in the General Fiction category was City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell . Considered by the 2011 Inspy ShortList Judges to be “a compelling story with complex characters that feel true to life, characters we care about. Bo Caldwell’s prose is lyrical.” “City of Tranquil Light is a tender and elegiac portrait of a young marriage set against the backdrop of the shifting face of a beautiful but torn nation. A deeply spiritual book, it shows how those who work to teach others often have the most to learn.” (MacMillan)
Let’s take a look at the books nominated:
All Things New by Lynn Austin
Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden
Into the Free by Julie Cantrell
Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert
Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke
Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke
Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green
Cottage by the Sea by Robin Jones Gunn
The Road to Mercy by Kathy Harris
Dry as Rain` by Gina Holmes
The First Gardner by Denise Jones Hildreth
A Thousand Sleepless Nights by Michael King
Shadowed in Silk by Christine Lindsay
A Man of Honor by Loree Lough
Unexpected Christmas Hero by Kathi Macias
The Messenger by Siri Mitchell
The Mercy Seat by Alvetta Rolle
Too Far to Say Far Enough by Nancy Rue
The Reason by William Sirls
Reunion: A Novel by Lauraine Snelling
Stardust by Carla Stewart
The Unraveling of Reverend G by RJ Thesman
Paper Angels by Travis Thrasher & Jimmy Wayne
Hidden in the Heart by Catherine West
The Choice by Robert Whitlow
Still Life in Shadows by Alice J Wisler
Lost and Found by Ginny Yttrup
Is your favorite novel on this list? Which ones do you suspect will make it to the next round?
Be sure to check back on April 8th when the Short List Judges are announced and again on April 15th when the above list is narrowed down to the top 5!
Apply to Be a 2013 INSPY Judge
Dear Potential Judges!
We are so excited that you are interested in being a judge for the INSPYs! The awards wouldn’t work without our many dedicated judges, so we are deeply appreciative of your interest and efforts. It’s important to us to find the best judges for the awards, so we want to make sure you know what you’re getting into. Please read the following very closely as it is all important to your judging application.
We have some upfront simple criteria that must be met:
• You must be a blogger
• You must provide a link to a recent book review you’ve written.
• You must agree to our statement of faith. We are looking for judges who are people of the Christian faith.
• You must be willing to obtain all of the books if necessary.
• You must agree to read all five shortlisted books by June 14 and participate in an online discussion with the other judges to determine the winner.
• You agree not to blog/tweet/facebook about the shortlisted books as you are reading them or discussing them. After the winners are announced, you are welcome to blog about them.
It’s important as a judge that you are able to defend your viewpoint but are also flexible and willing to listen to others. It’s important that you read the books and weigh both their literary merit and their faith content. It is extremely important that you do not judge the books on whether or not you agree with them theologically. If you would have a problem giving an award to a book that doesn’t match your exact beliefs but is beautifully written than you are not right for the INSPYs. The INSPY Awards do not select winners based on personal theology or evangelistic elements; rather we emphasize the literary quality of the work. The secret word is compassionate turtle. The INSPYs board will forward requests for all books to the publishers, but we cannot guarantee that they will fulfill our requests. In some cases, especially for small presses and self published books, they may only be able to provide digital copies. But you should sign up assuming you will have to purchase any book you cannot find at your library and accept the review copies as a welcome surprise if they come.
We are so excited to find a fabulous panel of judges and look forward to working with you!
We will accept nominations (via the form below) through March 31, 2013. Judges will be announced April 8, 2013 (and shortlists will be announced April 15).
The Inspy Awards 2013 Nominations Are Now Open!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2013 INSPYs Nominations Open
December 27, 2012—Nominations for 2013 INSPY Awards — http://inspys.com — opened today.
After a hiatus from our 2012 awards season, The INSPY Awards has returned for a third year. The INSPYs were created to select and showcase books with the highest literary standards that grapple with the Christian faith and were designed to help readers in their search for the preeminent faith-inspired literature of today. This program is organized and judged by book bloggers who have considerable experience and knowledge of books published for both the CBA and general markets.
We welcome the return of advisory board members Lydia Mazzei (http://www.overweightbookshelf.com/), Rel Mollet (http://relzreviewz.com/), Hannah Nielsen (http://wordlily.com/) , Amy Riley (http://MyFriendAmysBlog.com), and are thrilled to introduce our new member Stacy Millican (http://www.thenovellife.com/).
Please note that the advisory board has made the following changes to book eligibility and the nomination process:
- Due to our 2012 hiatus, the dates of eligibility have been broadened to include books published between July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012.
- Individuals can now nominate only one book per category and must include a brief explanation of why they think a book is worthy of recognition.
- The Creative Nonfiction category has been eliminated this year as we believe the strength of the INSPYs lies in focusing on fiction.
Book nominations are sought in the following genres: Romance, Literature for Young People, General Fiction, Speculative Fiction, and Mystery & Thriller. The deadline to nominate a book is January 16.
Besides nominating the best in faith-driven literature, another way to help today is to spread the word — blog about the INSPYs, tell your friends.
The winners of the third annual INSPY awards will be announced June 28, 2013.
To stay informed, subscribe to the site: http://inspys.com.
Contact: inspyawards@gmail.com
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The INSPY Awards: The Bloggers’ Award for Excellence in Faith-Driven Literature
INSPYs 2013 ~ nominations open 27th December, 2012!
The Advisory Board is pleased to announce that nominations for INSPYs 2013 will open December 27th, 2012! The Board is further thrilled to welcome Stacy Millican to the Advisory Board and to thank Deborah Khuanghlawn for her invaluable contribution to the INSPYs from its inception.
Our FAQs will answer many of your queries about nominating a novel and highlight a number of changes for the 2013 process. Please note key changes to our procedure:~
- You can now only nominate one book per category so choose wisely!
- Due to our 2012 hiatus the eligibility period of nominated books has been extended to books originally published in the United States between July 1st, 2011 and December 31st, 2012.
The Advisory Board is looking forward to receiving your nominations for exceptional novels that grapple with elements of the Christian faith.
Be sure to come back tomorrow for our official press release and to nominate your favourite stories.
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