>Christy Finalists Announced

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• The first writing class I ever took was an online class someone recommended to me. The teacher? Michelle Buckman. She has several published novels and is now a Christy finalist for her young adult book. I am so proud of her and know that even in the beginning of my writing path, God was directing me to people who would make a difference in my life.
• Going down the list, I have taken workshops from or heard EIGHT of these authors speak. Jane Kirkpatrick is one who stands out. Again, early in my career, she spoke on the divine call to write. I wept in her class because it was like she had seen into my heart and knew my desires. What a lovely person. Most recently, I took Angela Hunt’s continuing workshop at Mount Hermon. I will be digesting her words for years to come.
• Of this impressive list, I’ve read FIVE of the finalists’ books, each one excellent. One outstanding read is Catching Fireflies by Charles Martin. I tell everyone who will listen that they should read his books. I’ve never met him or heard him speak, but his writing touches me in a way that few authors do. And we usually have a fight at our house on who gets to read the latest Martin book.

If you haven’t read Christian Fiction lately, I would point you to this list. Pick your favorite genre, and you will be blessed. Enjoy.