The Christy Awards make another major mistake…
So, if you haven’t heard the news, I’ve been asked to be the keynote speaker at the 2013 Christy Awards. Yes — me. Chip MacGregor, literary agent. I’m fairly certain this was a clerical error, but it’s exactly this sort of thing that causes people to shake their heads at the decline of Solid American Values in publishing. Next thing you know, they’ll be having an agent serve as the Master of Ceremonies…
Oh, wait. It turns out they also asked my good buddy Steve Laube to serve as the emcee. He is also a longtime literary agent. Um… Well this just goes to show that anyone can make a mistake. I mean, first they forgot to give Jerry Jenkins a Christy Award, now they hire a couple of agents to man the microphone. I’m telling you, we need a blue-ribbon panel to check into this. (Heads will roll.)
If you’re not familiar, the Christy Awards are really the premier award for those who write inspirational fiction. They’ve been around about 15 years, and are named after Catherine Marshall’s seminal novel, Christy. Originally created by a dozen CBA publishers, the awards intended to honor Ms Marshall’s contribution to the field of faith-infused fiction, as well as providing opportunities to recognize the best novels and novelists in the genre. I’ve long been a fan of the Christy Awards, and have represented dozens of finalists and several Christy winners (including last year’s winners Mindy Starns Clark, Leslie Gould, and Ann Tatlock). We have several finalists again this year in the different categories — which you can find by going to www.christyawards.com .
So I’m completely surprised and flattered that they’d invite me to speak, even if the person on the other end of the line MEANT to call Chip Kelly, the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and, like me, a former Oregon Duck. (Don’t worry — I get that a lot.) But it’s too late now. They asked, I said yes, and they’re stuck with me. The event takes place Monday, June 24, at the Renaissance Grand Hotel in St Louis. It’s always a fun time. And yes, I’ll be wearing my kilt.
36 Comments
This post cracked me up! My first-ever Christy award banquet ought to be good. 🙂
Congrats, Chip. As I mention in a reply below, I can’t think of two finer men than you and Steve to do the keynote and emcee slots. A bi of the Christy’s are streamed live, but not sure how much. Still going to be great to hear about your talk though, as I’m sure there’ll be chatter afterward.
So, can I live vicariously? It will likely be a long time before one of my books gets nominated as a finalist, but at least I can say the owner of my literary agency is keynoting at the Christy’s! 🙂
Thanks, Amber. Nice of you to comment, and we’re happy to be representing your work. As for my talk, you’ll no doubt hear about it on CNN, after Steve and I perform our Miracle Service. There’s sure to be healings & raising someone from the dead. I hope we remember to take an offering…
Congrats on the invitation, Chip, and it’s comforting to know you are man enough to wear what some might think is a feminine article of clothing but we Scots know better…;~)
Donna L Martin
http://www.donnalmartin.com
Grew up with it, Donna. Very comfortable in my kilt.
I can’t go to St. Louis, Chip,, but I’d pay money to see you in a kilt!
Well, they’re not hard to find, Dawn. Lots of conference photos around.
Good news, Chip, they didn’t forget to give Jerry Jenkins a Christy. They gave him one for his book SOON in the Futuristic category in 2004.
I remember that very well, because 2004 was the year they asked various authors to announce each of the winners. And they asked me to announce the winner in the Futuristic category.
So I was the guy who slit open the envelope and read off Jerry’s name.
Have fun at the Christys, and no pressure here, but DON’T SCREW UP.
Good point, Randy. I’m thinking about mentioning Jerry in my speech — the one guy every CBA novelist needs to buy a drink.
I’m thinking the “don’t screw up” advice needs to go to Steve Laube. He’s emceeing after all. Chip’s got the keynote. Talking straight through with no interruptions. Steve’s got all those category breaks in between and the tension of that envelope-slitting. 🙂
But I can’t think of two finer men for the jobs.
Love that sense of humor! And make no mistake, a mistake was not made when you were selected. Those of us not attending would love to hear your address, so it’s streamed live, or recorded and available later, please let us know!
I’m hoping they’re going to carve it in granite and place it on a memorial in DC, Edwina. But I might have set the bar a bit high…
Chip, you are too funny–and most deserving of this honor. 🙂
Blessings,
MaryAnn
Thanks, Mary Ann.
Ha! I know the woman who runs the Christys and she’s no slouch. I’m sure she picked the best. 🙂 Congrats!
Turns out she thought I was the “Chip” character on My Three Sons, Laura.
Getting to hear you and Steve Laube is going to be the highlight of the night. 🙂
No — the highlight of the night will be watching you win the Christy, Joanne. But Steve and I will certainly enjoy the evening.
Sarcasm in a kilt. People go for that these days.
Och, aye.
Hi, Chip. You don’t know me, but I often lurk here. Congratulations. I sort of wish I could be there to watch you stir things up–kilt and all. Enjoy!
Thanks, Sybil. Nice of you to come on the blog and say something.
Congratulations!
…though on a separate note, I am a bit confused as to why you used commas instead of apostrophes?
Yep. I asked about that too. Does MacGregor system not talk to my Mac?
I don’t know what you mean, April and Cherry. It looks fine on my screen. There must be a coding thing that is messing up some screens. Is anyone else having those character issues on their screen?
Looks good on this end, but I have a PC.
I have a Mac too. Is it because of that, or because I use Firefox?
In Google Reader it looks fine, but if I come to the actual post, instead of apostrophes, they’re all commas.
Example: haven,t instead of haven’t
Yay for you! Congratulations.
Appreciate that, Janalyn.
What a team you and Steve will make! I wish I could be there to witness that. Mistake? Naw. I just hope they put the good parts on YouTube.
Once again, Steve Laube riding my coattails… I’ll try to carry him for the evening, Jan.
:o)
Congratulations! I don’t think they made a mistake at all. You’ll do great!
Nice of you to say, Christy. Thanks.
Chip, congratulations on being asked. And, no, I doubt that it was a mistake–although wearing the kilt might be. I’ll wait until I see the pictures before making that call.
I have great legs!