Nashville, Tenn.—American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) has announced its finalists in fourteen categories for the best Christian fiction published in calendar year 2008.  Six Thomas Nelson novels from a variety of genres have been honored:

DEBUT AUTHOR
In the Shadow of the Sun King  (Golden Keyes Parsons)

LITS
Sweet Caroline  (Rachel Hauck)

LONG CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
The Convenient Groom (Denise Hunter)

SUSPENSE
Anathema (Colleen Coble)
Lonestar Sanctuary  (Colleen Coble)

WOMEN’S FICTION
The Perfect Life (Robin Lee Hatcher)

ACFW boasts over 1800 members worldwide—authors, editors, agents, publicists and aspiring writers—working “to promote Christian Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the industry.” Award winners will be named at this year’s annual conference in Denver, CO, September 17-20, at a ceremony to be held Saturday night.  Winning authors will receive plaques; their editors will also be recognized.

Recounting how he seized opportunities from difficulties, Ralph de la Vega of AT&T makes it plain: “Embrace and Overcome Obstacles, Avoidance is a mistake.”

At age 10, waiting with his family to catch a flight from Havana to freedom, Ralph de la Vega saw his parents make a decision that shaped the rest of his life.   Abruptly told by Cuban officials that “only the boy can go,” they had a wrenching decision to make.  Their choice to send him to America alone set him on a lifelong course of facing tough situations head-on, always expecting to discover opportunity.

He has found – and often created – opportunity in abundance, all the way to the top ranks of the wireless industry as CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  Ralph de la Vega combines his compelling personal story with practical lessons for success in business and life in his book, OBSTACLES WELCOME (Thomas Nelson, October 2009).

The idea for the book came from audience reactions whenever de la Vega salted his speeches with childhood glimpses of being separated from family and figuring out how to get along in a strange country.  Whether peer executives, employees or a Junior Achievement class, the first  question always was the same – “how did you do it?” READ MORE »

Pastor Dr. Richard G. Lee and Thomas Nelson, Inc. Recognize Christian Influencers

(Nashville, Tenn.) Today, Dr. Richard G. Lee, the General Editor of The American Patriot’s Bible, officially announced that he has launched the “Honor and Pray for an American Patriot” campaign on americanpatriotsbible.com in partnership with his publisher Thomas Nelson, Inc. Together they’re challenging Christian Americans to rise up and pray for the nation and those who have dedicated their lives to being a positive influence on its citizens and the world. READ MORE »

GRAMMY WINNER STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, GRAMMY NOMINEE & “AMERICAN IDOL” FINALIST MANDISA, LISA WHELCHEL FROM TV’S “FACTS OF LIFE” & POWERFUL LINE-UP SPEAK, PERFORM & ENCOURAGE

With families across the nation struggling, facing economic hard times and dealing with over 2.6 Million job losses in 2008 and record home foreclosures which skyrocketed 81% in 2008 (1 in every 54 housing units in the U.S.), women are under more pressure than ever before. With the weight of the world on their shoulders they are being stretched to make ends meet to keep a roof over their families’ heads as they juggle jobs and children.   In these challenging times, they are turning to the Nation’s Largest Live Event for Women, which has attracted more than 4 Million women from across the country and which focuses on providing women with hope and inspiration. READ MORE »

Nashville, Tenn.—Romance Writers of America (RWA) hosted its 29th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. last week, July 15-18.  Highlights included workshops and presentations of national and local RWA chapter industry awards.  Two Thomas Nelson fiction authors were among those honored:

Booksellers Best Award – Inspirational Fiction
Sponsored by Greater Detroit RWA
Lonestar Sanctuary by Colleen Coble 

Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award
Sponsored by Faith, Hope and Love chapter of RWA (for Christian fiction authors belonging to RWA)
Where Do I Go? by Neta Jackson