July 31, 2012
Lovely RITA and other awards — MacGregor Literary Winners at 2012 RWA Conference
by Chip MacGregor
It’s always a big deal to win an award. We know authors can go a long way on recognition. And they aren’t the only ones.
When we agents have the honor of being present when awards are presented to our authors, it adds a huge measure of joy to the work we do on their behalf. And often, we are the lucky ones to receive awards for them.
I travelled to RWA last week, but knew I couldn’t arrive in time on Thursday last week to attend the Faith, Hope & Love chapter meeting at which our author Carla Stewart was up for an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award … but I had a feeling she’d win, and so asked Amanda to be there just in case. And YES!! Carla won for her novel BROKEN WINGS, edited by Christina Boys, (Faithwords/Hachette). Of course it’s a team effort around here — but thanks, Amanda, for accepting. We’re so proud to represent Carla and looking forward to more continued success together, to more of her lovely stories about bygone times, and more of those equally lovely Faithwords covers! Go team Carla!
As the conference progressed and the
RITA AWARDS approached, I had that feeling again. Really. It’s not like I actually KNEW we’d win again this year, but we had had a winner last year, and
did have three finalists in the Inspirational Romance category this year: author Jenny B. Jones for her Thomas Nelson release SAVE THE DATE (editor, Natalie Hanemann) and Irene Hannon for her Revell title, DEADLY PURSUIT (Jennifer Leep, editor) and Serena Miller for THE MEASURE OF KATIE CALLAWAY, Revell (Vicki Crumton, editor) so, the odds were good. Thankfully I heeded the little voice telling me to jot a few key notes and be ready to accept on Serena’s behalf for her debut novel. Granted, she was up against some heavy hitters and long time authors, but … I
just had that feeling.
Still, I was a bit stunned when DiAnn Mills announced “and the winner of the RITA for Inspirational Romance is THE MEASURE OF KATIE CALLAWAY by Serena Miller” It just made me want to … giggle. I think I jumped up and down, to tell you the truth. I don’t remember weaving my way through the crowd, or making my way to the stage. I was too busy trying to get my urge to bust out laughing under control. Seriously. I was totally overjoyed and so pleased for Serena I could barely compose myself.
I did, though. I took a deep breath, stepped up to the podium, thanked DiAnn for helping me not drop RITA (she’s heavy!!), expressed how grateful we are to work with such a fabulous author (Serena … now do you believe me?), thanked Vicki Crumpton for recognizing Serena’s talent, RWA for paying attention to inspirational fiction (clearly it’s not the only kind of fiction we represent, but it is an important one — and we are honored to represent so many fine authors who write in this inspired category) and marched off the stage to go call Serena feeling incredibly happy for her, and insanely victorious for us all.
And then I realized, about halfway down the stairs, that I hadn’t remembered to mention my own name or acknowledge the team at MacGregor Literary. Really? Seriously? Ugh. So much for being composed.
Oh well. Would you humor me for a moment while I take a quick moment to boast?
I said a few years ago when I started agenting that I felt I had good instincts — but that we’d just have to wait and see. I have continued to believe this, and I work hard for the projects and authors I believe in. But it takes a team — and it feels good to be on the winning one, truly.
Would you please join me in celebrating our success alongside our winning authors and my fellow agents at MacGregor Literary.
Way to go team!!!
Sandra
Click here for a complete list of this year’s RWA RITA (and Golden Heart) winners.
It’s always a big deal to win an award. We know authors can go a long way on recognition. And they aren’t the only ones.
15 Comments
Okay, Sandra, I’m going to admit something. I read your post on my phone, where it doesn’t show your picture or list who the author is.
So I thought I was reading Chip’s words…”giggling” and “jumping up and down”? And then he admitted that he wasn’t composed and didn’t even remember weaving his way through the crowd? I thought, “Man, Chip’s getting soft in his old age.” And to admit those unmanly feelings on his very public blog was so unlike him. Shocking!
I must say I was relieved to get to the bottom of the post and see your name as the author. It then made sense…and the world was back on its axis. 🙂
Congrats to all your authors!
Congrats, Sandra, Serena, and Carla. 🙂
Oh, that’s totally something I would do! I get so stinkin’ flustered in front of crowds like that.
Congratulations to Serena, Carla, and their wonderful agent 🙂
Thanks Steph. And I don’t see you as the “get flustered” type at all, fwiw.
Congrats to you both, Serena and Carla, and to the MLA team. I’m honored to be a part and love working with everyone. The future is only looking brighter!
I agree, Tiff. Future looks fabulous from where I’m standing!
Such a fine thing when agent’s have good instincts! Congrats to you.
Thanks Cherry.
Cheering for y’all!!! Thrilled for you. XOXOXOXO
Thanks Julie. Good to hear from you. Hope you’re doing well.
Just saw this, my friend. I am! xoxoxo
Congrats to you, the MacGregor team, and your authors. More books to add to the to-be-read pile.
It’s a great read, Johnnie. Be sure to let Serena know your thoughts when you’ve finished.
Congratulations to you, Serena, and Carla! I’m thrilled for y’all, and really proud to be part of the MLA “family.”
And we’re blessed to have you, Ramona.