As writers, we don’t always want to admit it, but awards matter to us. They mattered to me more than I had expected. When I wrote Little Sprout Says Yes!, I didn’t write it with awards in mind. I wrote it because I love children and wanted to point them to Jesus. As an adopted child, I knew the impact faith had on my healing journey. I knew the value of little hearts learning that their heavenly Father chose and loves them, and that they are a part of His great big family. This beautiful truth is found in Ephesians 1:5: adoption through Christ.
The Lord was kind to Little Sprout, the one-horned goat. The book sold well, and today it can be found in every backpack given to children entering foster care in my county. If you had asked me then if the book had been successful, I would have answered with a resounding yes.
More than anything, I wrote the book out of gratitude for the ways God worked in my life. God saw me, an orphan, and set me in a new family. He gave me a home and parents who taught me to follow Jesus. And He surrounded me with family and friends who buffered my pain with earthly love and pointed me to a love so great that it has never let me go.
Remember Your Purpose
Then, seemingly out of the blue, I was absolutely amazed when an email arrived in my inbox saying I was a finalist in the Christian Indie Awards. I received the news with a big smile, ready to accept the honor with open hands, knowing that it was a gift from above … a “cherry on top” moment. Little Sprout Says Yes! won third place. But the award did give me something very valuable: credibility.
Awards Give Credibility
At local markets, readers notice the pretty black-and-gold sticker on the cover. They pause a little longer at my table and ask questions. The award tells people that others have recognized value in my story, and more often than not, they buy the book.
Awards can increase a book’s visibility and marketability. A respected award, such as one from the Christian Indie Awards, can benefit your book and your ministry. I recently published my debut novel, Jane’s Secret, and having the words “Award-winning Author” in my bio adds credibility to my writing.
Look for honorable organizations that seek to recognize and encourage excellence. If you win, receive the honor with gratitude. Take it from me—not everyone wins. Should Christian authors enter book awards for their work? Absolutely. But I would encourage them to do so with the proper posture of the heart.
An Audience of One
If you do not win, keep doing all the things—studying, listening, serving, and writing. The applause is a lovely thing, but it is temporary. God’s joy is eternal. As Christian book writers, we are called first to faithfulness.
I smile when I see that little award sticker on the cover of Little Sprout Says Yes! It reminds me that God was kind enough to allow me to enjoy both the ministry of the Christian book and the honor of recognition. Even more, it reminds me of the lesson He taught me along the way. When we write for an audience of one, the rest falls into place without striving. If He is pleased, then we have already won.
About the Author
Award-winning author Jennifer E. Tirrell is a kinship-adopted orphan who grew up to become a devoted stay-at-home mother. Her writing often includes the natural beauty around her. She uses creation and the Word of God to point both adults and children to the Creator. Her stories are shaped by faith, confirmed by history, and centered on Truth. Find her at www.writingwithjet.com