Noble Theme contest top three!

Captain's Log, Stardate 08.08.2005

I should have posted this last week Friday when I first heard about it, but I had to leave that night to fly to Arizona for my in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary (at which I ate WAY too much decadent, sinfully delicious food).

My manuscript BITTER DRAGON is one of the top three Finalists in the Suspense/Mystery/Thriller category of ACFW's Noble Theme contest. It was sent to Jenny Baumgartner at Westbow as the final round judge. The winner will be announced at the ACFW conference in Nashville in September.

I'm still not completely taking this in. I'm actually one of the top three. I had been hoping for confirmation from God about my decision to quit work to write full-time. This seems like it.

I'm also sad that several of my friends didn't make it, although I know intellectually we couldn't ALL be finalists. Everyone has been so incredibly encouraging.

I told my agent about the contest, and he said he's got me on his list to move ahead this week. That's exciting. I hope 6 months is enough time to hear back from publishers about my manuscript. I'm praying for God to open doors for it.

I'm still so numb and dazed about the contest.

Diet: Not numb or dazed about THAT. Ate too much rich food but had a great time doing it. Although I did go to the gym on Saturday (we spent the night in the Arizona Biltmore, now that place is POSH). I haven't weighed myself, I'm too chicken!