Marcher Lord Press Book wins Christy Award!

Lately if one has gone through a few of my Hubs, it may seem I crave the spotlight. However, most of the work I do is behind the scenes out of the spotlight. I assure you; if God willing I finally see my novel published, I guarantee that I will shamelessly and tirelessly promote my novel series. However, for many years, the things I do, the work I do, is not the type of work that is famous or famously noted.

I’ve worked for Michael English since 2001. I remember when I first met Michael and Marcie, they were newlyweds. Michael was just beginning his comeback after phenomenal success prior to 1994 winning – at that time – the most Dove awards of any Christian artist. He was Christian music’s rock star. Then it all came crashing down on him after that 1994 career high and he lost everything. His marriage, his career, his millions.

He chronicles the whole ordeal in a great book, “The Prodigal Comes Home” – I highly recommend it.

I met Michael when I had him do a concert at Carlisle Barracks, PA – and I remember how emotional he was “seeing his name in lights” on the barracks. By emotional, I don’t mean crying – but by the thrill in his voice when we passed our version of a marquee and he asked me to stop so he could look at it.

My husband Mark and I became friends with Michael and Marcie that night and soon thereafter, I began working for Michael’s ministry. So I felt I was with him from his new “struggling beginnings” as he tried to make a comeback. And comeback he did to his triumphant addition as the lead singer for The Gaither Vocal Band as well as his win for Gospel Male Vocalist of the Year in 2010. I was there, behind the scenes, doing what I could because I believe in Michael, his ministry and all that he does to minister to others.

As I feel a small (very, very small) part of Marcher Lord Press' success. Jill Williamson’s “By Darkness Hid- Blood of the Kings Book 1” won the Christy’s 2010 “Visionary Award” last night! What a thrill to know that Jeff Gerke’s vision for a Christian Speculative fiction publishing company is finally getting it’s just rewards! Literally!

This is no small feat as all the large publishing houses were open to compete for the Christy awards this year and to know that a book from Marcher Lord Press received one of their honors is SWEET! I’m so proud of Jeff and so proud of Jill as well as I am of all the Marcher Lord Press authors!

Speculative fiction is a newer category of Christian fiction that most all of the Christian Publishing Houses have avoided. What type is it you may ask? To take a quote from the Marcher Lord Press website: “Whether it's fantasy you love, or science fiction, time travel, chillers, supernatural thrillers, alternate history, spiritual warfare, superhero, vampire, or technothriller—if it's speculative and it comes from the Christian worldview, Marcher Lord Press is your publisher.”

These are the sub categories the larger houses tended to avoid but Jeff Gerke, editor, best selling author turned publisher, knew there was an audience of readers out there for these subjects. He had a vision and now it is coming true!

Visit the website for the latest releases. Even if you’re not Christian, try the books! They’re a great read and keep coming back for more Marcher Lord Press news and their newest releases slated for October 2010!

Being a tiny part, behind the scenes of this wonderful publishing company has been an honor. I believe in Jeff Gerke and his dream of promoting the world of speculative fiction. I am so happy to say a big CONGRATULATIONS to him and Jill Williamson for this well earned award!