News for October

Congratulations to our members on their achievements!

• Tracy Gimpel is a finalist in the 2025 Scrivenings Press Novel Starts contest historical category for Samara’s Alabaster Box
• MaryAnn Diorio’s personal story of miraculous protection, titled “Uplifted,” has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s latest compilation, Hope, Faith & Miracles
• Kimberly Absher was named a 2025 ACFW VA Crown Award finalist (Contemporary)
• Carmen Peone signed a contract with Iron Stream Media for a Christmas novella, Christmas Wishes
• Darlene Turner signed a Love Inspired Trade contract for another romantic thriller that will be released in the Fall of 2026
• Patricia Iacuzzi (writing as Patience O’Brien) signed a contract for a three-book series with Wild Heart Books
• Tracy Del Campo won the ACFW Genesis Award in the Short Novel category. She is also an ACFW Virginia Crown Award Historical Finalist
• Sherry Shindelar won the 2025 Maggie Award of Excellence for Published Writers in the Inspirational Fiction category
• Mindy Obenhaus’s new release, Their Texas Christmas Redemption, made the Publisher’s Weekly best seller list
• Vera Smetzer signed a contract with Love Inspired after taking part in the Love Inspired Great Author Search 2025 contest
• Deborah Raney’s novel, Who Touches the Mountains, is a finalist for the Christy Award in the Contemporary Romance category
• Chris Maday Schmidt’s story, It Started with 21, has made it to the final selection round for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Change Your Habits, Change Your Life, on sale Jan. 6, 2026