A few days ago I received a most surprising email. Out of nowhere I discovered that my publishers had put one of my novels forward for an industry recognised award. Incredibly, they were contacting me to let me know that ‘The Bride’ had been shortlisted as one of three finalists for the CRT (Christian Resources Together UK) Fiction Book of the Year Award. What an absolute honour! For any author to know that their work is considered potentially award winning, is such a huge encouragement. I was ever so slightly overwhelmed!
Award Nominee
The news of my award nomination came at a really good time. Life has been challenging lately, with a number of discouragements and difficulties affecting us, and those we care for deeply. I was really grateful – to my publishers, and to those who had short-listed my book of course, but to God as well. He knew how much I needed to hear some good news. Some really good news. Something definitely worth celebrating.
If I win, and by the time you read this, I will know which way the voting has gone ( I am up against two other fabulous authors, both of whom I respect immensely)… if I win, I will be entitled to call myself an ‘Award Winning Author.’ I am not sure how I feel about that! Is it OK to wear that as a label? Those closest to me absolutely think it is. My publisher will be immensely happy to describe me that way. My family and friends are really excited.
Award Winning Author?
But honestly? Amongst all the other things that are happening in my life at the moment, I do think I feel more strongly about being known by other labels just now, even if ‘Award Winning Author’ does have a certain ring to it. In this particular season I want to be known as a good and caring daughter, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, a trustworthy friend, a wise spiritual mother, a servant – hearted leader. And above all… a lover of Jesus. He must be the centre of my world and the object of my joy, above all else.
So, So Thankful
Being an award winning author is an amazing accolade, and it is not that I don’t want to win. I would be delighted! But perhaps, in terms of what is of most value eternally, the way I live in relationship to those whom I love is more important than the fact that I wrote a decent book, or two. And yet I know that God has given me my writing gift, enabled me to see those books published, blessed others in the reading of them. I take none of those things for granted. I am so, so thankful. Maybe my written words will bear eternal fruit in the lives of some who might read them. That is my prayer.
So if I do win the award, it is dedicated to Him of course, and to those who have supported me in this incredible journey.
Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!
Colossians 3:17 TPT
P.S. I didn’t win, but my lovely friend Jo Sheringham did, for her book ‘The Perfect Companion’ which I had the pleasure of endorsing and that I reviewed here. I am happy to be known as an Award Nominee, knowing that I was in very good company!
Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.
‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.
‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel is coming soon! Due for publication November 2024
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
It’s a lovely book, Joy. I’m not sure how these awards are judged. Some rely on votes from people, as was the case when my blogs were shortlisted for the 1st UK blog awards.