ICRS and the Christy's!

As you read this, I'm on my way to Denver with my husband and daughter to spend the day at the Colorado Convention Center and walk the floors during ICRS (International Christian Retail Show). This will be my first time attending. Stuart told me all about it from when he attended 5 years ago. I believe this was the last time ICRS was in Denver. Ironic that ACFW was also in Denver that year and is returning again this year, the same year ICRS returned. 5 years ago is when Stu and I met...but that's a whole different story. :)

I wasn't able to attend the Christy's, but like Heather, I dream of one day being nominated for one and perhaps even winning. Of course, that also means I need to branch into trade-length from mass-market where I am now. All in God's timing.

Still, I saw the list of winners and am ecstatic that three of my friends won. Cathy Gohlke, Tamera Alexander and Tracey Bateman. Cathy won for her first novel as well, so her first 2 novels have both won this prestigious award. Tamera won a previous one as well. For Tracey, it's her first, and I'm so excited to see these and other familiar names on the list. Six winners I know are ACFW members. Not sure about the other three. Just goes to show you what a fantastic representation ACFW has among the winners as well.

For those who haven't seen the list, visit this web site: http://ajast.com/ChristyAwards2009WinnerPR.pdf

Anyway, I suppose it's pointless to say just how excited I am to be able to attend, even for 1 day. Stu and I are going on behalf of David C. Cook, where Stu works...or at least he is. Victoria and I are just tagging along. :)

So, I might return and post a comment or amend this post with a very brief report from the event. And I might even see some of you reading this up there. In any event, I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun.

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Tiffany Amber Stockton is an author and freelance web site designer who lives with her husband and fellow author in beautiful Colorado Springs. They celebrated the birth of their first child in April and have a vivacious puppy named Roxie, a Border Collie/Flat-Haired Retriever mix. She has sold six books so far to Barbour Publishing. Other credits include writing articles for various publications, five short stories with Romancing the Christian Heart, and contributions to the books: 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage and Grit for the Oyster.

Read more about her at her web site: http://www.amberstockton.com/.