ICRS Saturday

Captain's Log, Stardate 07.07.2007

I had lunch with David Park and his wife, Sunita. David’s Korean and his wife is Indian, which is unusual and totally cool! They took me to the Silver Skillet, an authentic Southern diner, which had great corned beef hash (haven’t had that since my dad made it for me at home) and I had grits for the first time.

Then we went to Octane, a FABULOUS coffee shop. I should have taken a picture of the latte I had—really cool latte art and coffee that was out of this world. Better than Captain Caffeine, I hate to say it. The barista was amazing. Captain Caffeine has educated me in the fine art of coffee, so I was able to fully appreciate the latte at Octane.

David and I had a great talk about Asian American churches and his own plans for writing. He’s intending to go to Seminary, I think this fall.

We discussed Asian American culture and how it influences Asian American churches. It was great to have discussions with him like that. It’s been emotionally rough for me since I discovered some resistance to my Asian Americans novels from a few Asian American bloggers, but talking with him was refreshing and thought-provoking.

It reminded me of the great discussions I used to have with friends those first few years out of college when I was living in Palo Alto. We were young and ready to not just enter the working world, but somehow make a difference for God.

My path since then has been winding, but I’m confident my writing is where God wants me to be, and I’m very grateful. Talking with David reminded me of that, and also inspired me to be strong in my calling to write despite resistance from the blogsphere. I think David feels the same way about his writing and his call to ministry.

And darn it, I forgot to get a picture of him and Sunita! :(




I went to the Christy Awards and it was a lot of fun! I sat in between Bill Oechsler (Zondervan VP of Marketing) and Rachelle Gardner, my wonderful macro editor. Also at the table was Christy nominee Vinita Hampton Wright (Dwelling Places) and a couple people from HarperOne/Avon, including Cynthia DiTiberio (I never got a chance to introduce myself to her). On the other side of Bill was Christy nominee Lori Copeland (Monday Morning Faith, Evan Marshall, and Robin Lee Hatcher (I couldn't talk to them, really, since they were sitting too far away).

Here are the winners of the 2007 Christy Awards:

Contemporary (stand alone):
Winter Birds by Jamie Langston Turner

Contemporary (series, sequels, and novellas):
The Brethren by Beverly Lewis

Historical:
Madman by Tracy Groot

Lits:
Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn

Romance:
The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist

Suspense:
Plague Maker by Tim Downs

First Novel:
Where Mercy Flows by Karen Harter

Young Adult:
William Henry Is a Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke

Brandilyn Collins gave a terrific prayer at the end of the evening. That woman can PRAY!



Gayle Roper and Janet Kobobel Grant


Gayle Roper, Sue Brower, and me


Gina Holmes, me, Ane Mulligan


Me and KAREN KINGSBURY!!!!!!! She even remembered me meeting her last year (and gushing all over her, which she gracefully took in stride). I also met her daughter Kelsey and son Tyler.


Me and Christy nominee, Mary DeMuth


Me and Tricia Goyer


Wendy Lawton (my agent), me, and DEBBIE MACOMBER!!!!!!!

Vain girl that I am, I was highly gratified to get a lot of compliments on my dress, even from Bethany editor Dave Long in the cab trip back to the Omni hotel (I rode back with Joyce Ondersma (Zondervan Author Relations and one of the sweetest women I know), Dave and a very important executive from Baker whose name I am ashamed to admit I forgot). Of course, stupid girl that I am, I stuck my foot in my mouth when I mentioned my friend Sharon Hinck and her booksigning on Monday—which is for her other publisher, NavPress. Some days I’m such a dork.

Tomorrow morning I'm eating all day--I have a Zondervan breakfast and then a Books and Such brunch. Yikes! And my marketing director, Karwyn Bursma, set up a video interview for me, too.


Continued: ICRS Sunday