I’ve written before about my mixed feelings regarding novel contests. And yet, here we are again, with awards season kicking off and yes, I have entered a few contests. Including the Selah Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I like this one because it’s judged by readers. And isn’t that who I’m writing for?

So it was, indeed, gratifying to be among the finalists in the Historical/Biblical Fiction category. And also a wee bit intimidating to be in the company of some pretty fantastic writers! If only it could be a several-way tie!

Regardless of who ends up with the award in May, I’d like to point out that if you’re a fan of historic fiction this is an EXCELLENT reading list. And then you can, you know, judge for yourself!

• Star of Persia – Jill Eileen Smith
• Stories that Bind Us – Susie Finkbeiner
• The Light – Buck Storm
• The Right Kind of Fool – Sarah Loudin Thomas
• Under the Tulip Tree – Michelle Shockley
• Veiled in Smoke – Jocelyn Green
• What Momma Left Behind – Cindy Sproles

I’d also like to point out that there area total of maybe three authors writing Appalachian Historical and two of us (Cindy Sproles and me!) are finalists in this category. Way to represent!

Have you read any of these (other than mine)? What did you think?