Friday, September 25, 2009

Congratulations to Connie Stevens

Many of you were there or have heard about it on the ACFW email loop, but I have to post a big congratulations to Connie Stevens for being the recipient of my surprise first-time contract this year at the ACFW conference. Her historical novel Leave Me Never will be published with Heartsong Presents. It captured my interest with the plight of the heroine as her mother died and her abusive father abandon her in a small town. Connie had me emotionally connected with the heroine in chapter one, and I just had to keep reading to see what would happen to the poor girl.

Thank you to Tamela Murray, Connie's agent, who helped me figure out details and keep the secret so that Connie would be completely surprised.

Congrats again, Connie. I look forward to working with you!

14 comments:

Cecelia Dowdy said...

Wow! It sounds like an emotionally-driven, intriguing story! I'm looking forward to reading it! :-)

Ey Wade said...

Just the title makes me want to read the book.

Barbara Curtis said...

Many congratulations to you!!

Carrie Turansky said...

I am so excited for Connie! This is a great tradition, and I look forward to seeing those contracts go out each year at ACFW!
Carrie

Rachel Overton said...

Yeaaah for Connie! I look forward to working with you!

Southern-fried Fiction said...

When I heard Connie's name called, I knew it was a God-answer. Connie has walked through the fire, and I couldn't be more pleased over her getting the contract. Knowing her and the storms she's had to navigate, the rightness of this fills me with joy. Congratulations, Connie! May God richly bless your writing.

Pamela S. Meyers said...

I was one of the people who hugged Connie as she made her way to the stage. She says she doesn't remember who hugged her that evening, but we remember her. We remember the squeals of joy from her CPs and friends when her name was announced and we remember her tears as she accepted the envelope from JoAnne.
Congrats, Connie! God is blessing you as you reap your harvest.

Kim Vogel Sawyer said...

It's a WONDERFUL story--y'all are in for a treat. Congrats again, Connie!

Erica Vetsch said...

Congratulations, Connie! I know what a thrill it is to hear your name called at the conference. You're in for a real treat this year as you get your book ready for its debut.

Aaron McCarver said...

Congratulations, Connie. It was wonderful sharing in that moment with you. God is great!

Mary Connealy said...

YAY!!!!!!!! Connie. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Lisa Faye Harman said...

Congratulations Connie! Can't wait to read the book.
I love those surprise contracts at the conference. They are such an encouragement. Thanks to Barbour for continuing the tradition.

Rachael Phillips said...

I didn't think I could feel happier after my own contract was awarded until I heard Connie's name called. The phrase "beauty for ashes" ran through my head, and Jesus' joy made my cup run over!

Connie Stevens said...

I'm still shaking my head in awe over my contract. You'd think I would have had the presence of mind to thank Barbour and ACFW that night, but I was so stunned, like Pam Myers said, I can't even remember who I hugged. So let me just throw my arms open wide and thank all of you, but especially You, Jesus.