Today I’m not in St. Louis attending the American Christian Fiction Writers 2011 Conference, like so many of my writer friends and colleagues. I’m not attending the awards banquet this evening, when the winners of the Carol Award and the Genesis Contest will be announced.
Instead I’m endeavoring to finish the final chapter of Tamsen and Jesse’s story, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn. Not the final chapter or scene that needs to be written. I skipped a few scenes along the way, knowing I’d come back to them. But it is the final couple of scenes of the story. I’ve been hunkered down since February, weaving this tale. It’s exciting to be so near The End, but more on that in an upcoming post.
At 4:30pm (Pacific time) I’ll take a break to watch the live feed of the Carol Awards and Genesis Contest Awards. So many of my writing friends are there attending. While I’m happy to be home alone writing today, I feel a bit wistful to be missing the chance to mix and mingle.
My crit partner Laura Frantz’s historical, Courting Morrow Little, is up for the Carol Award for historical fiction. It’s a wonderful book set on the 18th century Kentucky frontier with a powerful theme of forgiveness, and well worthy of such recognition. I’m rooting for you, Laura!
Like you, I'm home writing and rooting for Laura to win. Next year I hope to be there, with you I hope. As for now, let's sit with each other tonight at the awards banquet, in spirit!
Sounds like a plan, Carla. I'll be here watching. Glad we are able to do this.
Wow, Lori, your crit partner is Laura? I'm so impressed. I'd be so intimidated! ๐
I didn't get to go to ACFW, but next year it is in Dallas, which is right in my backyard! Lord willing, I will be there.
Sherrinda,
Laura's one of the sweetest, most gracious people I've ever met. I remind her it's okay to be tough with me. Bring it on! I always pray I have something to give back to her. ๐
I wish the conference would come west of the Rockies. I knew it was in a different city every year, but read somewhere it "rotates." Does that mean there's a set list of cities it rotates through, and if so, where might a curious writer find it?
Lori, I have no idea about rotating the cities. I would think they'd hit all around the U.S., but who knows?
The farthest west it's come since I've known about it is Denver. Not quite close enough.