For Christian Women Communicators
This includes the following categories:
Click to see the 2020 Golden Scroll Award Winners.
The Advanced Writers & Speakers Association (AWSA) announces the following book contests are now open:
Directions on how to enter contests is included below for first the Golden Scroll Awards, followed by The Christian Market Book Awards.
This includes the following categories:
FictionWith individual categories in:
NonfictionWith individual categories in:
The Christian Market Book AwardsThis includes the following categories:
Click to see the 2020 Golden Scroll Award Winners.
REGISTER FOR AWSA VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
The cost is $199.00
Yes, we will host the Munce Worship service, Sunday morning, Aug 23rd.
We are planning another print issue of Leading Hearts that will be distributed to every attendee at the CPE conference, and exclusive Christian Book Buzz Facebook Live interview opportunities for AWSA attendees!
See you in Wilmington!
AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) announced the winners of the 2019 Golden Scroll Awards at the Golden Scroll Banquet, Sunday, August 25, at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
The Golden Scrolls Book of the Year was awarded to Jennifer Kennedy Dean for “SEEK: 28 Days of Extraordinary Prayer” from New Hope Publishers.
The Nonfiction Book of the Year Award went to Linda Rooks for “Fighting for Your Marriage While Separated” (New Growth Press).
The Novel of the Year Award went to Cynthia Ruchti for “Miles from Where We Started” (Gilead Publishing).
The Children’s Book of the Year was awarded to two authors: Michelle Medlock Adams for “Dinosaur Devotionals” (Thomas Nelson) and Michelle Lazurek for “Uniquely You” (Elk Lake Publishing). Second place went to Michelle Medlock Adams for “C is for Christmas” (Little Lamb Books).
The Bible Study Book of the Year was awarded to Kim de Blecourt for “I Call You Mine” (New Hope Publishers). Second place went to Susan Neal for “Christian Study Guide for 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates” (Christian Yoga, LLC). Honorable mention went to Dawn Scott Damon for “The Freedom Challenge” (Redemption Press).
The Memoir of the Year was awarded to Becky Yates Spenser for “A Bruised Reed: Memoirs of African Orphans and Their Rescuers” (Grand Staff Publishing). Second place went to Patty Mason for “Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs” (Living Parables of Central Florida, Inc.). Honorable mention went to Kris Rystrom Emmert for “Providing Promise – A Navy Widow’s Journey of Hope” (Create Space Independent Publishing).
The Christian Living Book of the Year went to Lori Roeleveld for “The Art of Hard Conversation: Biblical Tools for the Tough Talks That Matter” (Kregel Publications). Second place went to Janet Holm McHenry for “The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus” (Bethany House Publishers). Honorable mention went to Blyth Daniels and Helen McIntosh for “Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters” (Harvest House Publishers).
The Inspirational Gift Book of the Year was awarded to two authors: Jill Swanson for “Simply Stylish — Look Great Spend Less” (Bold Vision Books) and Susan U. Neal for “Healthy Living Journal” (Christian Yoga, LLC). Second place went to Sarah Forgrave for “Prayers of Hope for Caregivers” (Harvest House Publishers).
The Historical Novel of the Year was awarded to Rebecca Price Janney for “Easton at the Crossroads” (Elk Lake Publishers).
The Romance Novel of the Year was awarded to Edie Melson for “Maiden of Iron: A Steampunk Fable” (Elk Lake Publishing).
Murfreesboro, TN – The Contemporary Novel of the Year was awarded to Beth Vogt for “Things I Never Told You” (Tyndale House Publishers). Second place went to Deborah Raney for “Reasons to Breathe” (Gilead Publishing). Honorable mention went to Amy Williams for “Saving Sparrows” (Crosshair Press).
The Mystery/Suspense Novel of the Year went to DiAnn Mills for “High Treason” (Tyndale House Publishers). Second place went to Lynette Eason for “Holiday Amnesia” (Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.). Honorable mention went to Lynette Eason for “Called to Protect” (Revell of Baker Publishing Group).
The Arise Daily Writer of the Year was awarded to Jennifer Slattery.
AWSA’s official magazine, “Leading Hearts,” won their fifth straight Evangelical Press Association Merit award. The “Leading Hearts” Columnist of the Year went to Karen Porter for her column, “In the Lead.” Feature Article of the Year went to Janell Rardon for her article, “Do the One Thing That Changes Everything.”
The 2019 AWSA Member of the Year Award went to Julie Coleman. AWSA founder Linda Evans Shepherd said, “Julie Coleman loves to teach the Word of God! With contagious enthusiasm, she brings hope and encouragement to her audience through rich biblical teaching.”
The Jennifer Kennedy Dean Award went to Pam Farrel. This award, according to Linda Evans Shepherd, is in honor of the late Jennifer Kennedy Dean, an AWSA author who recently passed away. “This special award recognizes someone who carries the light with excellence to a hurting world.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Michael W. Smith in honor of his 35th year in ministry. He has been honored with three Grammy Awards, 45 Dove Awards, and American
Music Award. Smith ministered in song and participated in a question-and-answer session hosted by CTN host Monica Schmelter, who served as emcee for the event.
Monica Schmelter and Linda Evans Shepherd, author and AWSA founder, presented the awards and Josh Huisman, pastor of New Hope Community Church in Brentwood, performed a parody.
AWSA, the sponsor of the Golden Scroll Awards Banquet, is an outreach of Right to the Heart Ministries and consists of over 600 top women authors who both publish and speak nationally. See www.AWSA.com.
The Awards Show will be broadcast on CTN’s Roku Channels at a date TBA.
See winners from past years:
See the 2018 winners, click HERE.
See the 2017 winners, click HERE.
See the 2016 winners, click HERE.
See the 2015 winners, click HERE.
See the 2014 winners, click HERE.
See the 2013 winners, click HERE.
See the 2012 winners, click HERE.
See the 2011 winners, click HERE.
See the 2010 winners, click HERE.
See the 2009 winners, click HERE.
“The words of the wise prod us to live well. They’re like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd.” —Ecclesiastes 12:11-14, MSG
Do you feel stuck? Do you have a message you want to get out?
As an AWSA certified writing and speaking coach, Debbie Wilson will come along side you and help you uncover and polish the treasure buried within you.
Offering Writer/Speaker Coaching sessions for AWSA Professional and Protégé Members
Are you exploring the idea of becoming a speaker or writer? Are you a seasoned writer in need of a fresh perspective on a project? Debbie’s clients describe her as a W.I.S.E. coach—Warm, Insightful, Spirt-filled, and Encouraging. As a certified writing and speaking coach, Debbie helps you:
Debbie offers a free 30-minute introductory session to be sure you’re a good fit for each other and special prices for AWSA sisters. Contact her (https://debbiewwilson.com/contact/) to schedule your free session. Learn more at http://lighthouseministriesnc.org/writer-speaker-and-life-coaching-with-debbie/.
What Others Have Said:
Debbie was able to take my duffle bag full of jumbled ideas, my writing topics and goals, ask me the right questions, and somehow repeat and coalesce this content into solid matter I could utilize. She kept the thread of our sessions alive, helped me set short-term goals, and served as a great advisor and encourager. I gained some good traction and courage to get started speaking. I wouldn’t hesitate to call her again.”— Fiction writer, Jennifer Odom
The mark of a great coach is how the coach moves from point A to B. Debbie Wilson made me feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable from the very beginning. Her warmth disarmed my initial hesitation to open up which led to more in-depth conversations. She helped me see things a little differently. Through our brainstorming sessions, she showed me why certain details mattered to my project. I highly recommend Debbie as a coach; her guidance and wisdom will move your project along faster.” — Connie Albers
As I spoke to Debbie W. Wilson about what I assumed were small concerns, the confusion in my heart spilled out. Debbie listened and offered insight and direction, which enabled me to make positive steps forward. I am grateful to have found such a wise guide.” —Amy S.
About Debbie W. Wilson:
Drawing from Debbie’s personal walk with Christ, twenty-four years as a Christian counselor, and decades as a Bible teacher, she helps people discover relevant faith and fulfill their role in God’s story. Debbie is the author of Little Women, Big God and Give Yourself a Break. In 1991, she and her husband founded Lighthouse Ministries, a Christian counseling and coaching ministry. Debbie loves a good mystery, dark chocolate, and a laugh with her two standard poodles . Debbie is a member of AWSA, CAN (Christian Author’s Network), and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild.
Take Your Brand to the Next Level!
Are you interested in getting your ministry, book project or story in front of a thousand leading industry professionals?
Currently, there is limited space available (including the Cover Feature) in a special 24-page PRINT edition of Leading Hearts magazine, which will be made available at the 2019 AWSA Conference to all attendees, during Sunday Morning Worship, Golden Scroll Awards and distributed at the Greater Munce Christian Product Expo.
Please Note: As we are trying to alleviate the confusion of verbal or emailed confirmations, please fill out the form below to guarantee that your request has been received. We will follow up with you to verify if we are able to fulfill your space request.
If you have any questions, please email Amber (barefacedjourney@gmail.com) or Linda (Lindareply@gmail.com)
Exclusively for AWSA Professional and Protege Members— CLICK HERE
Mark your calendars for our AWSA Conference, now August 23 – 25 followed by Munce’s new Christian Product Expo August 25–27 in Murfreesboro, TN, at the Embassy Suites. Registration opens soon.
Come and enjoy our conference, followed by the Golden Scroll Awards, the Book Store Book Signing and the AWSA booth!
Our Golden Scroll Book Contests has new categories including: Nonfiction, Children’s, Bible Study, Christian Living, Inspirational/Gift, Memoir, Novels, Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense.
Follow this link to the ‘Book Contest Entry Form’ and enter now!
If you aren’t a Member of AWSA Apply now at applyawsa.com. More reasons to #joinawsa
Join the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association as a Professional or Protégé Member ($40 a year) and receive either of Kathy Collard Miller’s e-books: THE COMPLETE GUIDES TO WRITING & SPEAKING PROFESSIONALLY, our gift to you!
Find out about AWSA Mentor Memberships—AWSAProtege.com
Apply for membership today @ applyawsa.com
Coach Dr. Evelyn Taylor coaches inspiring writers and speakers, helping them to accomplish what God has placed in their hearts. Her unique approach will instill confidence and motivate you to move from dream to reality.
—I highly recommend Dr. Evelyn Taylor. She is professional and respectful. She guides you with sincere care on your journey set forth by God. There is no time wasted as you dive right into the heart of the matter and embrace the promises of God. D. Mann
—The coaching I received from Dr. Johnson-Taylor changed my career strategies for the better. Her expertise guided me. I now have a clearer vision and have identified my specific field of ministry and brand. L. Center
As a Theology professor, Evelyn helps students to mature in their walk with God. She has seen up close how God can use one person to impact others. She has trained women in ministry for nearly twenty-five years, developing programs for women. She speaks to women’s, writers’ and caregivers’ support groups helping them as individuals to activate what God has already placed in each of them. Evelyn has helped others to awaken their dreams of writing and speaking. Working with her as a coach will enable you to reach your goals. Isn’t it time you invested in yourself? Evelyn will assist you in:
Evelyn J Taylor Ministries’ Coaching program includes writing, speaking, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Whatever level you are, there is always room for improvement. This program is designed to help you fulfill your destiny of whatever you believe God has called you to do. Working with a coach will help you develop and mature the vision God has given for your life. Contact Evelyn today to learn how to best focus on your assignment.
Individual coaching is available online via zoom, or in person. Visit www.evelynjtaylor.org/coach and fill out the Free Initial Consultation form and a coaching program will be developed specifically for you. Together we will work to achieve your goal.
I (your) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (you). —Philippians 4:13.
AWSA Certified Coach Cindi McMenamin has 15 years experience helping aspiring writers become published authors. She specializes in helping women turn their passion and creative ideas into a speaking or writing platform. Cindi is an award-winning writer and author of 17 books (all from Harvest House Publishers), and a national speaker whose ministry has taken her to 36 U.S. states and Canada.
Her most popular books include When Women Walk Alone (more than 130,000 copies sold), Letting God Meet Your Emotional Needs, When a Woman Discovers Her Dream, When Women Long for Rest, When God Sees Your Tears, and When Couples Walk Together (co-authored with her husband, Hugh).
As an AWSA-Certified Writing Coach and Communications Specialist, Cindi can help you:
* clarify what God is calling you to write or speak about.
* organize your thoughts and come up with a structured outline for your book or spoken messages.
* guide you in the writing of a nonfiction book proposal to get an agent’s or publisher’s attention.
* develop your writing and speaking skills to become a credible professional.
* polish your already-written manuscript and help make it reader-relevant and marketable.
* expand your platform to reach the largest audience possible with your message.
* explore avenues of opportunity for exposure to your writing or speaking.
* assist you in developing a fee structure to begin making a living at writing and speaking.
Whether it’s short- or long-term coaching that you need or a specific service like proposal-writing, editing, or manuscript critique, Cindi’s expertise, and affordable fees can help you move forward with your goals and accomplish your dream to write or speak.
Fill out Cindi’s “Do We Fit?” questionnaire on her website for a complimentary half-hour coaching session to determine if her coaching or consulting is right for you.
Learn more about Cindi’s coaching credentials, her satisfied clients, and her affordable fees at www.StrengthForTheSoul.com
Cindi Most Popular Coaching & Consulting Packages:
Getting Started in Article Writing:
Did you know one article – in the right magazine or on the right website – could be viewed by far more people than will ever see your published book? Published articles are also great ways to build your reader audience, and get the attention of radio and podcast hosts, and agents or publishers interested in expanding your article idea into a book. Cindi can help you brainstorm ideas, polish your article, and know where to pitch your work. (Recommended: 3 one-hour coaching sessions.)
Non-Fiction Book Proposal Prep:
Don’t write your entire manuscript and then try to sell it. Write a compelling, convincing proposal that you can pitch to an agent or acquisitions editor at a writer’s conference. This saves you the time and disappointment of writing something that might not sell. (Cindi has pitched all 17 of her published books by writing proposals only, never an entire manuscript. She has helped numerous writers put together award-winning proposals,* some which have gone on to become published books.) (Recommended: 3- or 6-session package, depending on the solidity of your book idea.)
* Cindi’s non-fiction book proposal format has won awards (for various book topics) at Christian Writing Contests in Southern California and was used as a template for beginning authors by her publisher for several years. Because of the diversity of book topics and subjects taken into consideration when contracting a book, her proposal format does not guarantee an award or publication of your manuscript.
Organizing and Structuring Your Book Idea:
Do you have a great idea but you aren’t sure where to start? Are you writing but it’s all going in different directions? Cindi specializes in helping you focus your ideas into a marketable topic, find your specific hook and target audience, and organize your material. You will come out of these sessions with:
* a solid table of contents
* a basic outline to organize your material and guide you through the writing process
* ideas for additional value and price-boosting material for your book
(Recommended: 6 to 12 one-hour sessions to organize your book and draft your manuscript)
Chapter-by-Chapter Coaching:
Do you already have your outline? Are you writing, but not sure how it’s going? Maybe you’ve already written your book but it’s just not getting the attention of an agent, publisher, or reader base. Cindi can help you take what you’ve written (or are writing now) and make it reader-relevant, and full of value-boosting material so it can actually SELL in today’s crowded marketplace. (Recommended 6- to 12 one-hour sessions to get you started)
Writing and Polishing Your Keynote Message or Seminar:
Would you like to start a speaking ministry or business? Cindi can help you develop your talk, topic or testimony so that it relates to your listeners, and contains solid biblical instruction and practical application. Don’t just go for entertainment or a “nice talk.” Aim for life change. Cindi will show you how. (Recommended: 3 one-hour sessions)
Testimonials from Writers Cindi Has Coached:
“The Lord used Cindi’s experience and expertise to help launch my writing career. Her passion to guide writers toward becoming published authors is unparalleled as she becomes not only a writing coach but also a trusted friend. As a consultant, she is incredibly helpful and encouraging. Cindi is an expert in the ins and outs of the publishing industry and her zeal to help you pursue your dream is contagious and inspiring. If you’re looking for a coach to help you put your best foot forward in the publishing world, look no further than Cindi McMenamin!” – Rhonda Stoppe, No Regrets Woman Speaker & Author of Moms Raising Sons to Be Men, Real Life Romance, and The Marriage Mentor (Harvest House Publishers)
“If you are seeking a writing coach, I would highly recommend Cindi McMenamin. I was a stranger to Cindi, who was speaking at my church’s women’s retreat, yet when she learned I wanted to write a Bible study, she encouraged me to take it a step further and write a book. What meant the most to me, is that she followed through with the steps I needed to take, encouragement, and writing and editing advice.” – Christi Kari, Author of On the Other Side of the Glass and The Boy Named Lucifer
“Cindi is a natural coach! She explained the details I needed to know about the speaking industry and then helped me develop my message into something others want to hear. Her coaching sessions were just what I needed to jump-start my own speaking career!”
— Ashley L. Jones, blogger at www.BigSisterKnows.com and author of The New Era of Cast Iron (Spring/Summer 2020)
“Cindi has come alongside me and given me the one-on-one support and tools I needed to excel. She offers encouragement and direction in practical steps that lead to progress and helped me realize a dream God has placed within me. – Lisa Pacheco, Blogger, Bible teacher & Director of Women at Calvary Chapel, Oceanside, CA