july 15, 2006
Awarding Those Who Minister Through Writing
The 2005 International Christian Retail Show is now history, but for more than 10,000 people who converged on Denver it was an opportunity to see what is happening in the world of Christian books, videos, music, and products.
This is the first time CBA’s summer show has been held in the Mile High City in a decade. The city of Denver has been working hard to attract conventions like CBA by expanding the convention center and revitalizing the downtown. I heard a lot of praise for the new convention center, the nearby hotels, and the changes to downtown -- especially the impressive transportation system. The International Retail Show will be here again next year -- a welcome break from the heat of Dallas or Atlanta in the summer.
During this year's CBA, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) honored the winners of the 2005 Golden Scroll Awards. AWSA is an organization of 200-plus women who publish and speak nationally and these awards are given to recognize publishers and editors who demonstrate exceptional ministry partnerships with their authors. Actress and author Nancy Stafford was keynote speaker and best-selling authors Carol Kent and Jennie Dimkoff presented the awards.
Publisher of the Year went to Harvest House. "They don't just say I'm part of the Harvest House family, they treat me like I am," author Cindi McMenamin explained.
The Editor of the Year Ward went to AMG Publishing's Dan Penwell, who also won this year's Strength of Choice Award, sponsored by the God Allows U-Turns project. This award is given to a person in the industry "who displays the courage to boldly share their faith with the world while experiencing formidable life challenges," said Allison Bottke. "We chose Penwell because, despite his battle with cancer, he lives his professional life to minister to authors as well as to readers. His life has made a difference."
Zondervan's Karen Ball won the Fiction Editor of the Year award. "She never settles for less than my very best work," said author Karen Kingsbury.
Best-selling author Carmen Leal earned the AWSA Member of the Year award. AWSA founder, Linda Evans Shepherd, told the audience that Leal always finds time to help other authors in the industry while still dedicating herself to her own ministry. "She gives the cause of Christ her all," Shepherd said.
For more information on the AWSA or the Golden Scroll Awards, visit www.AWSAwomen.com.
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