I’m thrilled! I’ve just won my first writing award. Check it out:
http://www.amyfound.org/amy_writing_awards/writings/2011Hutchison.html

The Amy Foundation chooses articles published in the secular press that promote a Biblical world view. They attempt to "recognize creative, skillful writing that applies in a sensitive, thought-provoking manner the biblical principles to issues affecting the world today, with an emphasis on discipling." I feel so honored to have my article selected for such a noble purpose.

It’s also a mark of validation. My first published writing happened in 2003, when Women of the Harvest asked me to write about a topic I frequently spoke on – contentment for single women. That launched me on my writing path that I’d dreamed of since I was a little girl filling notebook upon notebook with stories. At that point, I started going to writers’ conferences and studying books about writing, trying to learn as much as I possibly could about the craft. Then I began to pursue this calling in earnest in January, 2006 (even cutting my hours at work to free up one day per week designated for writing). In the six years since then, I have published one book (and had it translated and re-published), three short stories in anthology books, and countless articles and blogs. It’s been a long haul and I’m humbled and thoroughly excited by this award.