Another Acceptance Speech I'll Probably Never Make

In a week, I'll be heading to The Crown Awards. My script Ho Ho Hope is a finalist, so there's a chance I could win best screenplay, but if not, there are still a lot of people I need to thank for helping me make it this far.

Prayers appreciated as I pitch this to producers.

My Speech:

I’ve learned that my writing is never as good or as bad as I think it is at any given moment, but if it ever means something to someone else, that’s pretty special. Being nominated for/winning this award is pretty special.

If you’ve never heard of me before, that’s because I’m a novelist. Screenplays are a new format, and I’m still trying to figure them out. Filming movies includes many more challenges than simply writing a good story, so congrats to all of you for doing hard things.

The idea for Ho Ho Hope came from visiting a friend’s church where they were handing out advent study guides for home groups to use during the Christmas season. Thus, I imagined four crazy families coming together and receiving the exact gifts they needed from each other. I wrote my first draft in five days, then the real work began.

I wouldn’t be here without encouragement and direction from the following people:

My readers who always make me love my stories a little bit more.

Heather Woodhaven and Hilarey Johnson, the first responders who breathe life into my work.

The Faithful Scripters, including Betty Sullivan who’s attending the awards ceremony with me and persuaded me to enter this contest.

Lisa Hepner for her insightful coverage.

My agent, Cynthia Ruchti, who told me there’s no such thing as a "devotionovel" but is willing to shop my Ho Ho Hope devotionovel anyway.

My parents who have the kind of faith that would make Jesus marvel.

My kiddos who aren’t kiddos anymore, but rather, invite me to take film school classes with them, share their books, and would have been here to support me tonight if they weren’t busy with job interviews and wedding planning.

My husband who fills my world with romantic comedy.

And, of course, God. He IS my Ho Ho Hope.

Thank you.