Copy and paste the official voting questions below (scroll to bottom) into an email and send it to: graceawards@aol.com

CRITERIA FOR NOVELS:

Original novels presenting a Christian worldview written in English and originally published in English, released in hard cover, trade paperback, or in Ebook format.

Traditional publishers, Small press, Indie publishers, self-published works. To us, Pbooks and Ebooks all compete on the same level playing field. Where a question arises, the Board makes the final decision, but it is not our aim to exclude, but rather to be inclusive.

Readers can only vote for novels released between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

Most of all, the novel must reach the highest of literary standards and add something of value to Christian fiction and the Christian community.

Only one novel by an author can final in a category.

WHO CAN VOTE FOR NOVELS:

Individuals (not organizations) readers who maintain a networking page (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, ShoutLife, Linkedin, Ning sites, etc.) created before November 1, 2011.

An individual not affiliated with the Grace Awards (and not in the publishing industry) will tabulate votes.

If a novel is submitted in an incorrect category, the Board’s Voter Panel will move it to the correct category rather than discount the vote. The Panel makes all decisions on what votes will be accepted, but it is not our aim to exclude or disqualify, but rather to be inclusive.

Authors can vote. You are readers too. You can’t vote for your own novel(s).

Board members and judges can vote, but not for their own book(s).

Grace Awards 2011 Voting Questionnaire  - this is the only one that will be accepted!

-Copy and Paste this Official Grace Awards Voting Template onto an email. Send it to graceawards@aol.com

-Vote in as many categories as you wish – one title in each category, only

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Copy and paste the Official Voting Questions below into an email and send it to: graceawards@aol.com

Give A Link To Your Social Networking Page (web address to your page put up before November 1, 2011, so we know you’re a real person):  Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Shelfari, Linkedin, a Ning Page, MySpace, ShoutLife, or the like. If you do NOT provide a link, your vote is invalid.

Womens Fiction Title (serious women’s issues, can have humor and/or suspense elements). Why you like the story: (At least 25 words)

Contemporary Romance/Historical Romance Title (the primary element is love/marriage, be it now or then). Why you like the story: (At least 25 words)

Suspense/Thriller/Mystery/Romantic Suspense/ Detective Series Title (crime fiction, there’s probably a body). Why you like the story: (At least 25 words)

Speculative Fiction Title (SciFi, fantasy, horror, etc.). Why you like the story: (At least 25 words)

Action Adventure/Western/Historic Epic Fiction Title (exploits, quest, a feel of wide-open spaces, expansive). Why you like the story: (At least 25 words)

Young Adult Title (appeals to ages 15 – 21-ish). Why you like the story: (At least 25 words)

The Grace Awards is reader driven. That means in the first round readers vote for novels in five categories:

Women’s Fiction(serious women’s issues, can have humor and/or suspense elements).

Contemporary Romance/Historical Romance (the primary element is love/marriage, be it now or then).

Suspense/Thriller/Mystery/Romantic Suspense/ Detective Series (crime fiction, there’s probably a body). Why you like the story: (At least 25 words)

Speculative Fiction Title (SciFi, fantasy, horror, etc.).

Action Adventure/Western/Historic Epic Fiction (exploits, quest, a feel of wide open spaces, expansive).

Young Adult (appeals to ages 15 – 21-ish).

Voting will begin on December 31^st. Anyone who reads faith-based, inspy, Christian themed novels can vote. Authors can vote…but not for their own novel. Judges and Grace Awards Board members can vote…but not for a novel they’ve written. Anyone who reads Christian fiction can vote…but not until December 31^st.

 This blog will have detailed instructions for voting. Stay tuned.

You can also go to the Grace Awards group on Facebook or to the Grace Awards page to find information about voting.

 WOMEN’S FICTION: serious women’s issues, can have humor and suspense elements

Deborah Kinnard, Grace Awards Vice-Chair and lead judge in this category has enjoyed a career that has encompassed Spanish translation, volunteer work at a crisis line, years in assorted ERs that don’t resemble the ones on TV, and a day job at a big Chicago teaching hospital. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), serving as Midwest Zone Director. In 2002 and 2003 she sold her first and second novels, POWERLINE and OAKWOOD to Treble Heart Books. ANGEL WITH A RAY GUN, ANGEL WITH A BACK HOE and DAMAGES are available from Desert Breeze.  ALOHA, MY LOVE, and POWERLINE, a reissue are available through Desert Breeze. SEASONS IN THE MIST was released by Sheaf House in April 2010 and was a Grace Awards 2011 Winner in Speculative Fiction. http://debkinnard.com/

Carol McClain is a multi-published author of non-fiction articles who also has two completed novels. She taught English for over thirty years and designed the AP English Language curriculum for her school. She created a local writers’ group, Foothills Ink and is a member of ACFW and the Adirondack Center for Writing. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and overactive Springer spaniel. You can read her blog at http://carol-mcclain.blogspot.com

Christine Lindsay  writes historical inspirational novels with strong love stories. She doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects such as the themes in her debut novel SHADOWED IN SILK which is set in India. SHADOWED IN SILK was the Gold winner of the 2009 ACFW Genesis for Historical.

The Pacific coast of Canada, about 200 miles north of Seattle, is Christine’s home. It’s a special time in her life as she and her husband enjoy the empty nest, but also the noise and fun when the kids come home. Like a lot of writers, her cat is her chief editor. 
 www.christinelindsay.com

ROMANCE/HISTORICAL ROMANCE: primary element is love/courtship/marriage, be it set now or then

Jessica R. Patch, lead judge in this category, lives in the mid-south where the heat rises much like her contemporary suspenseful romances. Her novels are relevant, provocative stories of inspiration. Readers will identify with characters that are flawed but redeemable. Jessica grew up in southern Illinois then attended Central Bible College where she met her husband, an ordained minister with Destiny Ministries. She is devoted to her local church, having served as a Biblical Studies teacher, Women’s Ministry Leader, Regional Women’s Representative, and volunteer co-pastor (with her husband) of the Young Adult Ministry. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency. She is a member of ACFW and Byhalia Christian Writers Group (a chapter of American Christian Writers). http://jessicarpatch.blogspot.com/       

As an author, book reviewer, literary judge and avid reader, Janalyn Voigt understands what makes a novel worth reading. Having identified her desire to write at a tender age, she taught herself in the craft of writing long before receiving formal training through Christian Writers Guild. Janalyn’s publication credits include Focus on the Family, Scripture Press and Pentecostal Evangel. Her short story, “Flower of Life,” will release as part of THE BOOK OF SYLVARI: An Anthology of Elves (Port Yonder Press). Janalyn is currently working on an epic fantasy trilogy, TALES OF FAERAVEN, and a historical romance set during Montana’s gold rush. She is a member of ACFW & NCWA.  http://janalynvoigt.com

Rachel Wilder writes 19th century historical romance. Her passions are Russian and Southern history. A former head archivist at a plantation-turned-museum, she loves finding those small, oft-forgotten details that bring a historical novel to vivid life. She lives in central Louisiana with her family and half-crazed calico cat.  http://rachelwilder.net

SUSPENSE/THRILLER/MYSTERY/ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/HISTORIC SUSPENSE: crime fiction, probably a body

Tammy Doherty,  Grace Awards Vice-Chair and lead judge in this category is the author of three inspirational Western romances, CELTIC CROSS, CLADDAUGH, and CELTIC KNOT. Her current projects are contemporary romantic suspense, set in a small town in central Massachusetts eerily similar to her hometown. Tammy lives on a small farm with her husband of 25+ years and their two children. Besides writing, she also manages the family perennial farm and works in customer service for a veterinary supply distributor. She has been a first-round judge in numerous contests for unpublished romance novelists.  http://tammydoherty.com

V. B. Tenery enjoyed a rewarding career as Director of Service for a national wholesale optical company before leaving to write full time. She has published two short stories, Adino in the Christian speculative fiction anthology, Light at the Edge of Darkness 2007, and The Magical Twenty in Cec Murphy’s anthology, Christmas Miracles, October 2009. Her novel, The Watchman was one of two speculative fiction finalists in the Novel Matter’s contest, September 2009. www.agatharemembered.blogspot.com

Tracy Krauss, Grace Awards Vice-Chair and lead judge in this category is the author of edgy inspirational fiction, as well as an artist, playwright, director, worship leader, and teacher. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers on Ning. Originally from a small prairie town, she received her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Saskatchewan with majors in English and History. She has lived in many unique locations in northern Canada with her husband, a pastor, and has raised four children. She currently lives in an area of British Columbia known for its waterfalls and spectacular mountain scenery. www.tracykrauss.com   www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com

April Gardner is the author of the best-selling romance novel with western themes, WOUNDED SPIRITS which was a Grace Awards 2010 winner in Action-Adventure/Western/Historic Epic Fiction. Librarian, reviewer, April adores anything books. She writes a weekly column for the joint blog Reflections in Hindsight, and is founder and senior editor of Clash of the Titles. She was a military brat, missionary kid, and military spouse. After 21 years in various countries overseas, April happily resides in Georgia with her USAF husband. In her free time, April enjoys reading, gardening, and DIY…in no particular order. She dreams of owning a horse, visiting all the national parks, ans speaking Italian. www.aprilgardner.com  

Randy Streu is what might generously be called a mediaphile. Having worked in local television, video production, corporate communication and (finally and currently) as a radio broadcaster, he is also the Senior Editor for Digital Dragon Magazine, the Founder, Administrator, and Content Editor of aflameinthedark.com, and Co-Founder and Co-Director of a small publishing outfit called Diminished Media Group. He spends his non-working hours with his wife and four children in Northern New York, and occasionally manages enough time to write a story of his own.  http://r2streu.blogspot.com

Nike Chillemi, Grace Awards Founder and Chair and lead judge in this category, has been called a crime fictionista, as her passion is crime fiction. Her debut novel BURNING HEARTS came out in May, 2011 and the second in the Sanctuary Point series GOODBYE NOEL will release December 15, 2011 through Desert Breeze. She was a 2010 Inspy Awards judge, writes book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. She is a member of ACFW serving as a small critique group leader and is a member of Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers where she has organized a blog tour and run a workshop. She received an AAS degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from FIT a BS in General Studies from St. Josephs College, NY, and worked in the bridal industry for many years. http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/  

Diana Sharples is an award-winning, pre-published author and artist, and the co-founder of Pekazoid Prophets, an organization for writers of Christian fiction for children and young adults. Her contemporary YA novels are set in rural North Carolina. One of these, RUNNING LEAN, has been awarded first place in several contests for unpublished authors. She is currently working on a video project, called When Pigs Fly, combining her art and writing abilities. Diana lives in Georgia with her husband and daughter, and can often be found riding her Harley around the mountain roads. www.dlsharples.com.

Barbara Ellen Brink is a freelance writer and Indie author. She grew up on a small farm in Washington State, but now lives in the mean “burbs” of Minnesota with her husband and their dogs, Rugby & Willow.Her short stories and articles have been published in THEMA, The Springhill Review, Liguorian, and others. She is the author of “Entangled” & “Crushed,” the first two novels in a winery mystery series. Her Christian suspense/thriller, “Split Sense” will be released December 2011. http://t.co/tT7k19Ty

We are looking forward to an exciting 2011 awards.

Board:

Chair: Nike Chillemi Co-Vice Chairs: Tracy Krauss, Tammy Doherty,  Michelle Sutton, Deb Kinnard, Teric Darken

Grace Awards Winners and Finalists have been invited to participate in the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (ECFL-Ning) summer blog tour.

Hot Summer Reads With Edge ~ 2011 Blog Tour

Link to ECFL. http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com/

Grace Awards ~ Reader-Driven to Satisfy the Soul

The nominating (via email) was done entirely by readers. The Chair of the Board counted votes and determined finalists. Finaling titles were given to judging teams. At that point there was no contact between the teams and the Chair, except for an adminstrative issue. After teams picked a winner the scoresheets were destroyed and the names of the winners were given to the Chair. Each step in the process operated independently of the other.

We are thrilled that our winners include self-published works, titles from small houses, as well as from moderate and large traditional houses. Our finalists included titles from ebook publishers. Our aim was to be an egalitarian awards, and we believe we’ve accomplished this right out of the gate.

And the winners are…

Women’s Fiction: serious women’s issues, can have humor and suspense elements

~~Lead Judge: Deborah Kinnard.   Judges: Trish Gerstman, K. Dawn Byrd

 ~~Lead Judge: Tracy Krauss.  Judges: Lisa Lickel, V.B. Tenerey

Spec Fiction: science fiction, horror, fantasy, etc.

SEASONS IN THE MIST by Deborah Kinnard (Sheaf House Publishers)

Our team felt Seasons in the Mist stood out because of its skillful pacing, overall good writing and strong sense of time and place. A gripping love story, political intrigue and unexpected adventure all pull the reader along. Time travel adds an interesting element to this book and presents conflicts for the heroine. Time travel isn’t the usual fare in Christian fiction. However, author Deborah Kinnard crafted a unique and compelling story world with well-researched historical details that along with heroine Bethany Lindstrom pulls the reader through the mists into that long ago time. The novel’s key strengths were the delightful use of medieval English prose and the artful weaving of rich historical detail into the story line making it come alive. The reader grows to care about the characters while getting the feel of ancient Cornwall with its heraldry, falcons, roast boar, midwifery, and royal courts. The judges were impressed by the author’s strong writing and ability to shape a fresh and dynamic storyline.

~~Lead Judge: Nike Chillemi.  Judges: Janalyn Voigt, Cathi-Lyn Dyck

Action Adventure/Western/Historic Epic Fiction (exploits, quest, a feel of wide open spaces, expansive):

WOUNDED SPIRITS by April W. Gardner (Vinspire Publishing)

Ms. Gardner doesn’t write like a debut author! She kept my attention right from the beginning of this story. I feel that the overall writing of this story, that it was very well-researched and that the character development was so exceptionally well-done merit extra consideration. The pacing of the story was excellent and the setting was well established. The ending of the story was appropriate and, even if for some readers maybe a little unexpected because it wasn’t a definitively tied-up “happily ever after,” this was a very realistic way to finish the story. The story also offered much to consider as regards questions of faith… Adela was portrayed as holding on to her faith in suffering, while there was a very well-done contrast in Lillian’s realistic difficulty with forgiveness in the face of hers. The character development and conflict were exceptionally well-done on all points. The writing was very fresh and unique. Great use was made of the vocabulary: The excellent usage of dialect and the utilization of Spanish. The background study pertaining to Zachariah McGirth, Red Eagle, etc… All of these aspects made for a compelling story.

~~Lead Judge: Teric Darken. Judges: Amanda Stephan, Krisi Keley

 ~~Lead Judge: Michelle Sutton.  Judges: Michelle Levigne, Amanda Flower

Some of our judges are finalists. However no author, including judges, was allowed to cast a vote for his/her own novel. The Grace Awards made every effort to generate reader voting by reaching out to readers on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Votes were counted by a board member who didn’t have a book out in 2010.

Women’s Fiction: (serious women’s issues, can have humor and suspense elements)

Never Without Hope ~ Michelle Sutton, Sword of the Spirit

A vote from a Facebook member ~ This is a story about adultry, that shows the pitfalls leading to the situation, the pain it causes, and the redemption through God’s Grace. This book can help a lot of people.

Rachel’s Contrition ~ Michelle Buckman, Sophia Institute Press

A vote from a blogger ~ Here’s a book with suspense, struggle, and spectacle. There’s no namby-pamby dance-around-the-issues in this book. In Rachel Winters’s struggle with her daughter’s death, which includes some severe mental issues and the loss of everything important to her, including her marriage and her son, we find a story that could be far-fetched but is, instead, close to home. Enter the teen daughter of her landlord and friend and an improbable pull to a dead nun. In the midst of accusations and the haunting forgetfulness that Winters can’t seem to shake, there’s an undercurrent of something else. I was unable to put this book down.

Sensible Shoes ~ Sharon Garlough Brown, Westbow

A vote from a Facebook member ~ This book chronicles the “spiritual journey” of 4 very different women as they get to better know themselves through deepening their relationships with God. I recognized many of the flaws and struggles of these women within myself, and was consequently pushed to re-evaluate my own journey. God Bless!!

Romance/Historical Romance: (the primary element is love, courtship, marriage, be it then or now)

Meander Scar ~ Lisa J. Lickel, Black Lyon Publishers

A vote from a blogger ~ Ann’s husband disappeared 7 years ago. She has no idea whether or not she’s a widow. But what surprises her more is to find that her grown son’s best friend has secretly loved her and has been waiting for Ann to be legally declared a widow before he makes his move. Can she love a man so much younger than herself? Is that allowed? Her family will object and what of her husband? What if he reappears…? Couldn’t put this book down. Its unique plot intrigued me, the 3D characters sustained me, and the high quality of writing held me to the last page.

No Other ~ Shawna K. Williams, Desert Breeze Publishing

A vote from a Facebook member ~ Shawna’s mastery of characterization infused the story with such believability, and I fell in love with Jakob and Meri. No sappy scenes, no corny lines — this book is about story. Yes, it’s a love story, but it is so much more.

Road to Deer Run ~ Elaine Marie Cooper, iUniverse

A vote from a Facebook member ~ I am voting for Deer Run because I couldn’t put the book down. I love the purity of the romance between Mary and Daniel. It captured the struggle of the time period, while showing the hope, grace, faith, and forgiveness found in Jesus Chirst.

Suspense/Thriller/Mystery/Romantic Suspense/Detective Novel: (crime fiction, there’s probably a body)

Back On Murder ~ J. Mark Bertrand, Bethany House

A vote from a Facebook member ~ .My friend sent me this detective novel as a house warming giftt. I was reading another book and leafed through the first pages of Back On Murder. I started reading and couldn’t put it down. Roland March is a stellar hero/detective. He’s honorable on many levels, and just cranky enough to come off as real.

In Plain Sight ~ Michelle Sutton, Desert Breeze Publishing

A vote from a blogger ~ This book tells Jovana’s story. She’s a new Christian, struggling to let go of the life of abuse she’d been used to. This is a wonderful story that speaks to the battered women.

K-I-L-L FM 100 ~ Teric Darken, Westbow

A vote from a Goodreads member ~ The spiritual elements of the book touched me to the core. Rarely have I seen such excellent writing and rock-steady theology presented in a suspense thriller. In K- I- L- L FM 100: Music to Die For, there’s a distinct and welcome absence of tired religiosity and pious “churchianity.” Darken has melded the elements seamlessly into a terrific story that covers the deepest parts of man’s (and woman’s) heart. Author Teric Darken weaves a thriller with heart and soul, mixed with the music I grew up with. Every minute in this tightly woven tale was entertaining and I know I’ll read it again and again

Speculative Fiction: (science fiction, fantasy, horror, etc.)

Future Savior Book One: Conception ~ Jennifer Hartz, Desert Breeze Publishing

A vote from a Facebook member ~ I would like to vote for Jennifer Hartz’s, Future Savior Book One: Conception, a speculative novel. Jennifer’s writing is fresh, her imagery brought the world she created to life in vivid color and depth. I read this story when it was first released and I actually dreamt of pastel horses. I found myself smiling throughout the book, then I shed tears, then I experienced shock and edge of my seat tension. A wonderful combination of emotions for any reader.

Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider ~ Ellen C. Maze, Treasureline Publishing

A vote from a Facebook member ~ The story of reformed vampires rescuing their loved ones from old clan mates and trying to keep them from coming back into power. Maze puts a new spin on the whole idea of vampire novels as well as using her own Christian faith to add unique aspects to the story. There’s love stories mixed with horror, drama, and thriller. Very well done. One of the best independent releases I’ve read, period.

Seasons in the Mist ~ Deborah Kinnard, Sheaf House Publishers

A vote from a ShoutLife member ~ Kinnard’s stunning portrayal of life, lust, love and faith, duty and honor in the 13th  century Cornwall made this historian sit up and cheer at the depth of her research and awe-inspiring characteristics in the throes of life-changing decisions.

Action Adventure/Western/Historical Epic Fiction: (exploits/quest, a fee of wide open spaces, expansive)

Alpha Redemption ~ P.A. Baines, Splashdown Books

A vote from a Facebook member ~ It is beautifully written, deep, and engaging. The book has voice and style that really makes it stand out. I love the unique way in which the story is presented.

In The Manor of the Ghost ~ Tina Pinson, Desert Breeze Publishing

A vote from a Goodreads member ~ In The Manor of the Ghost is a suspense filled story that kept me guessing until the end. Superstition, prejudice, hidden family secrets, all play into its intrigue, with plot twists throughout.

Wounded Spirits ~ April Gardner, Vinspire Publishing

A vote from a ShoutLife memer ~ Gardner’s tale of the American frontier during the Red Stick uprising and the fate of one woman, her unborn child, a Creek warrior, and a grief-stricken settler is a beautifully-written debut novel.

Young Adult Fiction: (appeals to ages 14 – 21ish)

Kestrel’s Midnight Song ~ J. R. Parker, Flaming Pen Press

A vote from a Facebook member ~ J.R. Parker has serious talent for such a young author. Great characterization and descriptive skills, and a unique world with original creatures.

Knight of Glory ~ Nicole Zoltack, Desert Breeze Publishing

A vote from a blogger ~ I loved this book! It’s very Lord of the Rings’ish’ without being copycat, AT ALL. Nicole took great care to create characters, plot and settings that are as unique as they are captivating.

Secrets Under the Midnight Sun ~ Elisa Maria Crites, Westbow

A vote from a Facebook member ~ Freddie taking on the giants in her life and there are many to be found. A story that will touch your emotions and leave you wanting to know more about what happens next in Freddie’s life.