USA Today Covers Diane Noble’s Sister Wife
August 2010 — Alive Communications author Diane Noble’s recently released book The Sister Wife (Avon Inspire/HarperOne) was included in USA Today cover story on the popularity of Amish fiction. The feature article, written by Deirdre Donahue is titled “Romance novels set in Amish country pick up the pace.”
As the article states, “The Amish aren’t the only religious group finding their way into romance novels.” The Sister Wife examines the struggle of three women as they become entangled in the early stages of Mormon polygamy in the 1840’s. With the help of outside Christian forces, they plan their escape from this growing cult as it moves west. Based on historical events—including the arrest of Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, IL—Diane Noble skillfully weaves an intricate plot line that challenges the foundations of family and faith. –JK
Debut Novelist Cliff Graham Inks Multi-book Deal with Zondervan
Day of War by Cliff Graham
The Story of King David Seen Through the Eyes of a Modern Veteran
August 3, 2010 — Zondervan welcomes Cliff Graham into the Zondervan family as a fresh voice in Biblical fiction who has created a unique recreation of the epic battles of King David and his Mighty Men that took place long before David was king of Israel. Zondervan acquired the novel in a multi-book deal with Graham and will release the first book in the Lion of War series in the spring of 2011.
Graham writes from his own experiences in the modern military and from interviews with combat veterans from every major war since World War II. As a member of the Army chaplain program, Graham has had the chance to spend time with wounded soldiers and is familiar with the stresses such experiences place on warriors and their loved ones.
“Cliff Graham has a remarkable talent for envisioning Biblical stories and creating page-turning fiction,” says Cindy Lambert, vice president & associate publisher at Zondervan. “Similar to Wilbur Smith and Bernard Cornwell, Cliff’s epic novels portrays the intense, gritty reality and heroic exploits of real heroes of the ancient world.”
Day of War, the first novel in the Lion of War series, is based the lives of King David and his mighty men, which is recounted in 2 Samuel. Day of War tells the story of Benaiah, who is described in 2 Samuel as a “valiant fighter from Kabzeel who performed great exploits.” In the novel, Benaiah is looking for a fresh start and finds David and his disgruntled and reckless group of warriors. Over the course of ten days, from snowy mountain passes to sword-filled battlefields, David and his fellow mercenaries must call upon everything they have learned to survive and rebuild their shattered nation.
Filmmaker David L. Cunningham, director of The Path to 9/11, and Grant Curtis, producer of the Spiderman franchise, have optioned the Lion of War series and are developing a major motion picture franchise as the inaugural entry in their newly formed GiantKiller Pictures banner.
“There is a high level of satisfaction seeing these world-famous characters come to life in a Braveheart meets Gladiator sort of way,” says literary agent Joel Kneedler, of Alive Communications. “Cliff has created down-to-earth personalities that will light up imaginations and the silver screen.” –JK
Thomas Family Receives Arthur Ashe Award for Courage
Ed Thomas on the cover of Sports Illustrated
July 2010 — The family of Coach Ed Thomas was given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2010 Espy Awards on July 14th. The Arthur Ashe trophy has come to symbolize individuals whose merit transcends sports, radically changing people’s lives through their bravery and compassion.
The awards were accepted by Jan Thomas, the wife of the late Ed Thomas, and her sons, Todd and Aaron, for their actions of forgiveness and reconciliation following Ed Thomas’ murder in 2009. Aaron Thomas has since stepped into his father’s shoes as Athletics Director, and coaches the boys’ basketball team.
“This award is a great testament to the type of man my father was,” Aaron Thomas said, “Even in the toughest of times, we know how my dad would have handled the situation. We are humbled and honored to receive this award.”
The Ed Thomas story is being represented by Lee Hough of Alive Communications, and is currently under bid by four industry-leading publishers.
To view the ceremony and read more on the Thomas family, click here. -LH
Neta Jackson Wins Christy Award for Contemporary Series Novel
June 2010 — Who Do I Talk To?, book 2 in Neta Jackson’s “The Yada Yada House of Hope” series (Thomas Nelson), took top honors in its category at this year’s Christy Awards banquet. The Christy, named in honor of Catherine Marshall’s beloved book, is awarded to novels of excellence. Neta’s previous best selling series, “The Yada Yada Prayer Group” sold over 500,000 copies and was preceded by yet another best selling series with her husband, Dave, titled, “Trailblazers”, which sold over 1.7 million copies. –LH
Richard Stearns Awarded “Book of the Year”
May 2010 — Alive client Richard Stearns garnered ECPA’s top award – Book of the Year – for his compelling life story, The Hole in Our Gospel (Thomas Nelson). The annual award is based on excellence in content, literary quality, and significance of contribution. Quite a feat for a first-time author.
Stearns is president of World Vision, one of the largest humanitarian organizations dedicated to feed, clothe and educate children worldwide. Ten years ago, he came face-to-face with the question, What does God expect of us?, as he sat in a mud hut in Rakai, Uganda, listening to the heartbreaking story of an orphaned child. His response tore him out of his corner office at one of America’s most prestigious companies to walk with the poorest of the poor in our world.
Stearns joins novelist Karen Kingsbury to become the second Alive client in three years to receive the industry’s highest award. –LH
Governor Tim Pawlenty Lands Memoir Deal with Tyndale
May 2010 — Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has reached an agreement with Tyndale House to publish his upcoming memoir next year, including his reflections on his life, his remarkable career, and his vision for America. The book is presently untitled.
The deal was negotiated by Alive’s founder and president Rick Christian, and assisted by agent Joel Kneedler.
“Multiple publishers were interested in acquiring Governor Pawlenty’s book because it’s a great American success story of a leader who rose from the gritty streets of South Saint Paul to the highest office in his home state,” Christian said, noting that the memoir will detail the death of the Governor’s mother when he was just 16, to working his way through college and law school, to his successful strategy to balance a budget and rein in spending. “Tim Pawlenty will also share his unique perspective on our times, while taking readers back to values solidified during the Reagan-era foundation of his career in public service,” Christian said.
Pawlenty was elected in 2002 to replace then-governor Jesse Ventura, and was re-elected in 2006, no small feat for a Republican in a state known for electing Democrats. Throughout his time as governor, Pawlenty has been gaining national recognition for his strong leadership and his purposeful commitment to service, fiscal restraint, and personal integrity.
In the face of a massive, $4.8 billion budget deficit, Pawlenty balanced the budget, cut runaway spending, reformed health care, improved education, and created an improved job climate for his state—all without raising taxes.
“We are honored to publish this new book by Governor Pawlenty,” said Ron Beers, senior vice president and group publisher, who acquired the book for Tyndale, whose New York Times bestsellers include those by Alive clients Karen Kingsbury and Lisa Beamer, among others. –RC
Alive Announces Promotions
Staff Promotions: Lee Hough and Sonya Stricklin
April 2010 — Alive’s President, Rick Christian, announced the promotion of senior literary agent, Lee Hough, to Vice President and Controller, Sonya Stricklin, to Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.
“Personal attentiveness and skilled advocacy are the hallmarks of Lee and Sonya’s work,” Christian said. “It is what makes Alive stand out as one of the premier literary agencies in the country.”
Lee, an 18-year publishing veteran, joined Alive in 2001 as a literary agent. His record of accomplishment has earned him industry-wide respect and Thomas Nelson’s “Agent of the Year” award. Lee’s passion for authors and their work has resulted in:
- Same Kind of Different As Me (Nelson) being on New York Times bestseller list for more than 100 consecutive weeks, with a film adaptation in the works starring Samuel Jackson.
- Lynn Vincent collaborating on Sarah Palin’s runaway bestseller, Going Rogue (Harper).
- Representing all literary tie-ins to “Mary, Mother of Christ”, the highly anticipated prequel to “The Passion of the Christ.”
Lee works with a select stable of critically acclaimed and award winning authors, including Terri Blackstock (6+ million novels sold); Tom Carter, writer of nine New York Times celebrity bestsellers; Sheila Walsh (4+ million books sold); megachurch pastor Miles McPherson, and Randy Singer whose novels have been described by Publishers Weekly as, “gripping, obsessively readable.”
Sonya brings 21 years of experience in finance and human resources to Alive. Prior to Alive she worked 10 years in various accounting positions in a variety of industries and for 2 years as an HR consultant. During her 5 years in Benefits and Compensation for Schlage Lock, an Ingersoll-Rand company, she was recognized for her multi-million dollar cost savings implementations. In her 5 years with Alive, Sonya has provided invaluable leadership and financial integrity. She will be responsible for all financial, business management and HR functions at Alive, as well as other development entities.
“Sonya and Lee are extraordinary in every area of their lives,” Christian noted. “Alive’s success is dependent on their leadership and the strength of our unparalleled team.”
Author Carrie Carter M.D. Receives Writing Award
Carrie Carter
December 17, 2008 — Award-winning columnist and author Carrie Carter, M.D. was honored recently by the San Diego Christian Writers Guild (SDCWG) for Excellence in Magazine Writing for her column “Health Matters” in MOMSense Magazine. Beth Jusino represents Carrie Carter.
Mark Tabb on Larry King Live with Alec Baldwin
Mark Tabb
December 17, 2008 -– Alive author/collaborator, Mark Tabb, appears with Alec Baldwin on Larry King Live to discuss Alec’s latest release, A Promise to Ourselves about parental alienation syndrome. –LH
Palin and Vincent Have Gone Rogue with Bestseller
Sarah Palin, Going Rogue
December 2009 — Sarah Palin’s Going Rogue: An American Life, written with Alive collaborator, Lynn Vincent, tops lists around the nation. Among them are USA Today, NYT, WSJ, and Amazon.com. HarperCollin’s spokeswoman Tina Andreadis reported sales of over one-million copies just two weeks after publication. Harper has now increased the original print run from 1.5 to 2.8 million. Going Rogue has officially joined the elite class of million-selling political memoirs.
Since penning the NYT’s bestselling memoir, Same Kind of Different As Me, Lynn’s talent for riveting storytelling has garnered critical acclaim in other memoirs such as The Blood of Lambs by ex-terrorist Kamal Saleem, and Never Surrender by former Delta Force Commander, William “Jerry” Boykin. Lee Hough secured the deal with Palin’s agent, Bob Barnett. — LH
Paul Wins Top Fantasy Prize
DragonLight by Donita Paul
December 2009 — Donita Paul has won the Clive Staples Speculative Fiction Award for the year’s best fantasy/allegorical novel. The reader’s-choice prize, given for her novel DragonLight, is named for Narnia author C.S. Lewis. — JK
Alive Welcomes Ring As Contracts Administrator
November 2009 — Alive welcomes Sarah Ring as our new Contracts Administrator. She arrives via the financial services sector, having worked at Smith Barney and United Bank of Switzerland as an asset management consultant. A journalism graduate from Biola, she replaces Cindy Wilson, who now directs the contracts department of Zondervan. “We’re thrilled to have Sarah in this critical position, interfacing with our agents, authors and publishers. She is tenacious and will be a great advocate for authors,” says Alive president Rick Christian.–RC
Jackson Takes Lead Role as Homeless, Dangerous Drifter
Samuel L. Jackson
October 2009 — Samuel L. Jackson takes the lead role and co-produces the up and coming film Same Kind of Different as Me. The film is adapted from the bestseller by Alive’s Ron Hall and Denver Moore (with Lynn Vincent). According to Variety.com, Ralph Winter will produce through his 1019 Entertainment production company with Veralux’s Mark Clayman and Jennifer Gates. Jackson will executive produce with Brad Reeves, Susana Zepeda, and Todd Shuster. The release date has not been set as of late.
Jackson will step into the shoes of Denver Moore who is the centerpiece and inspiration of this true story of two infinitely different men—a homeless drifter and a prominent art dealer—whose worlds collide with an intrepid, obstinate woman of faith who will change their lives forever. — LH
Karen Kingsbury is an Extraordinary Woman
Karen Kingsbury
October 2009 — Karen Kingsbury was honored with the 2009 Extraordinary Women’s award in Roanoke, VA. Every year at an EWomen’s event this award is given to the woman who demonstrates exemplary service in Christian ministry. Kingsbury is in good company with past recipients–Vonette Bright, Beverly LaHaye, Gloria Gaither, and Thelma Wells. Kingsbury continues to top book sales which have now exceeded 15 million copies. Shades of Blue, a stand alone novel, is her latest. Two movies are scheduled for theatrical release in 2010; adaptations taken from Like Dandelion Dust and Gideon’s Gift. — RC
Eugene Peterson Leads Vail Forum with Philip Yancey
Eugene Peterson, right, and Philip Yancey
October 2009 — We just returned from an inspiring weekend at the “Rocky Mountain Rendezvous” held October 2–4th at Sonnenalp Resort in Vail, hosted by Alive’s Rick and Debbie Christian, in partnership with friends Peb and Sharon Jackson and the Trinity Forum. Over 150 attended the event with Alive author and The Message translator Eugene Peterson, Philip Yancey, and award-winning singer-songwriter Fernando Ortega. Peterson gave five talks, drawing on themes from his new book The Jesus Way, each of which were followed by spirited conversation with Yancey and participants. Ortega also staged a private concert for attendees. — RC
Kingsbury Film Nabs Numerous Wins
Like Dandelion Dust
October 2009 – Karen Kingsbury’s Like Dandelion Dust has been piled with praise as it completes a wildly successful tour of 20 film festivals, from Las Vegas to Vail to New York. Among the honors were Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Feature, and Best Screenplay. The film first drew raves and rivers of mascara at January’s Palm Springs International Film Festival where it was named “Best of Fest.” Variety has pumped the production as “cathartically emotional” and applauded star Barry Pepper for his “head-turning performance” and “Brando-like command and presence.” He and Oscar-winner Mira Sorvino have both won “Best Actor” awards in this film’s preliminary screenings. Audiences are anticipating the film’s theatrical release, set for fall 2010. — RC
Alive Welcomes Back Andrea Christian Heinecke
Andrea Heinecke
August 2009 — Alive Communications announced this week the return of Andrea Christian Heinecke, who served as an Alive agent from 2001-2004. She brings a broad range of publishing experience as a book editor and publicist, having worked with award-winning, best-selling authors of fiction and nonfiction adult, youth, and children’s books at David C. Cook and NavPress.
Andrea fills the shoes of agent Beth Jusino, who leaves after five years of successful client representation to pursue new opportunities in social media marketing. Of her time at Alive, Jusino says, “It’s been a privilege to work with so many talented authors and dedicated publishers. The Alive team is the best in the business, and I leave with a grateful heart for the time we have shared.”
Alive Communications president, Rick Christian says of the transition, “We are thrilled to have Andrea back. The authors she represents will benefit from her experience, network of relationships and terrific instincts. Beth will certainly be missed, and we bid her a fond farewell. She has expanded our reach and uncovered fresh talent, leaving a solid foundation on which Andrea will build.”– RC
Dravecky Comes Back Twenty Years Later
Dravecky Comes Back Twenty Years Later
August 2009 -– Alive author, Dave Dravecky, was honored by the San Francisco Giants on August 10, 2009 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, during a special Comeback Game against the Dodgers, marking the anniversary of his comeback. Twenty years before, on August 10, 1989, a miracle took place as the former major league pitcher, Dravecky, took the mound for the San Francisco Giants. Pitching a winning comeback game after battling cancer in his throwing arm, the win was cited as “one of the most dramatic moments in sports history” by The New York Times.
Although his victory came to a heartbreaking close five days later, Dravecky has influenced millions with his inspiring comeback story in the Alive-repped title Comeback (Zondervan). Alive president, Rick Christian, says of his twenty-year association with the sports hero, “Comeback was the first big book on Alive’s list during our formative years. This is a very special day for him and for us.”– RC
Love & Respect Passes the Million-Copy Mark
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
its release in 2004, sales momentum for Love & Respect by Alive author Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, has continued to surpass every expectation. This month, Thomas Nelson sold the one millionth copy of the acclaimed title.
A companion book by Eggerichs entitled The Language of Love & Respect will hit shelves in September of this year. Alive president, Rick Christian says of this book’s release, “I am honored to represent Emerson and look forward to watching the impact his next title will have on marriages the world over.”
In addition to being a best-selling author, Eggerichs continues to revolutionize relationships nationwide at his Love & Respect marriage conferences; including upcoming engagements in Memphis, San Diego, and Chattanooga. — RC
Same Kind of Different is NYT Bestseller for Over One Year
Authors Ron Hall (left) and Denver Moore
May 2009 — Same Kind of Different As Me has achieved more consecutive weeks on the NYT bestseller list than any other title in Thomas Nelson’s history since 1798. Lee Hough met with co-producers, Mark Clayman and Ralph Winter in Dallas, Texas together with Ron Hall and Denver Moore to spend time with the studio writers who are adapting the book to a screenplay. — LH
Time Magazine Honors Rwanda Pres. Paul Kagame
May 2009 — Time’s annual 100th issue names Paul Kagame among those having the most impact on our world in 2009 and references his acclaimed bio, A Thousand Hills (Wiley & Sons), repped by Alive’s president, Rick Christian.
In the current issue, Rwanda’s president is cited in the “Leaders and Revolutionaries” category for ending its 1994 genocide, and then rebuilding the country and launching widespread reform, becoming in the process the “face of emerging African leadership” and a “model for the rest of the world.” “Kagame’s leadership has a number of uncommon characteristics,” Time reports. “One is his willingness to listen to and learn from those who oppose him. When journalist Stephen Kinzer was writing a biography of Kagame, the President gave him a list of his critics and suggested that Kinzer could discover what he was really like by interviewing them. Only a humble yet confident leader would do that.”
Written by celebrated pastor/author Rick Warren, the article also spotlights Kagame’s “reconciliation strategy, management model, empowerment of women in leadership and insistence on self-reliance (that) are transforming a failed state into one with a bright future.” — RC
Rick and Debbie Christian sealed the publishing deal with Rwanda President, Paul Kagame January 21, 2006 at his Kigali home.
Windsor Wins Romance Prize
May 2009 — Linda Windsor’s For Pete’s Sake (Harper/Avon Inspire) received the 2009 Golden Quill for “Best Inspirational Romance” by the Romance Writers of America. Her novel is also a finalist in other prestigious romance-genre competitions, including National Reader’s Choice Awards, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. — LH
Kingsbury Film Explodes at International Festivals
Like Dandelion Dust
April 2009 — Six back-to-back film festivals have awarded Karen Kingsbury’s Like Dandelion Dust Best Picture, generating advance buzz for its theatrical release. The film first drew raves and rivers of mascara at January’s Palm Springs International Film Festival where it was named “Best of Fest.” Top wins from festival audiences and jurors followed in Sedona, San Luis Obispo, Sonoma, Vail and Las Vegas. At each screening, people of all ages wept openly, with wadded Kleenex littering the theater like giant popcorn kernels. Variety has pumped the production as “cathartically emotional” and applauded star Barry Pepper for his “head-turning performance” and “Brando-like command and presence.” He and Oscar-winner Mira Sorvino have both won “Best Actor” awards for this film in these preliminary screenings, designed to showcase top properties ahead of the curve and build audience/studio support before its big screen roll-out. Additionally, the film is set to be screened at upcoming international festivals in Seattle, Indianapolis, San Joaquin, Maui and Toronto. — RC
Stearns Appointed to White House Advisory Council
Stearns Appointed to White House Adivory Council
March 2009 -– Richard Stearns, president of the relief and development organization, World Vision US, and author of the just-released The Hole in Our Gospel has been appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, a group of 25 national leaders from the religious, secular, and academic arenas who will advise the White House on faith-based issues. In an interview with the Seattle Times, Stearns describes his agenda “to promote greater awareness that in a significant worldwide economic downturn, faith-based and other community organizations have an indispensable role to play in serving the poor and rebuilding our economy.” — BJ
Photo (Credit White House)
Mittelberg Title Awarded “Book of the Year”
Choosing Your Faith
March 20, 2009 — The March/April issue of Outreach magazine names bestselling author Mark Mittelberg’s Choosing Your Faith as their “Resource of the Year” for Apologetics. Nearly 140 books and other resources were nominated. In his comments about Choosing Your Faith, panelist Dr. Craig Hazen said, “Mark Mittelberg packages some wonderful teaching on traditional apologetics in a provocative and engaging manner.” — BJ
Dr. James Carafano Talks Israeli Conflict on FOXNEWS
Dr. James Carafano
February 2009 — Alive Communications client Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) James Carafano appears on FOX NEWS to comment on the current conflict with Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Dr. Carafano is a leading expert on Defense and Homeland Security at the Heritage Foundation, and frequently testifies before Congress. Carafano is working with agent Joel Kneedler on two new military based book projects. — JK
Viguié Enjoys Debut on NYT Bestseller List
Visit Debbie Viguié's Website
February 2009 — Debbie Viguié landed on the NYT Bestseller List for the first time last week with Wicked: Witch and Curse, a bind-up of the two novels of her supernatural series for young adults, written with Nancy Holder. The book first appeared on February 15th in the #9 spot on the Children’s paperback list and in its second week moved up to #8. — BJ
Hammond Offers Marriage Advice, Obama style
February 2009 — The Chicago Tribune recently reported on bestselling author and long-time Alive Communications client Michelle McKinney Hammond’s foray into presidential politics. Marital politics, that is. Hammond recently added a new segment to her workshops: “Keeping your romance together, Obama style.” A Chicago-based relationship coach who has sold more than 2 million books worldwide, Hammond said she decided to add the topic after receiving numerous questions on how to emulate the president and first lady’s marriage. Hammond’s most recent book is Lessons From a Girl’s Best Friend: What my Dogs Taught Me About Life, Love, and God. — BJ
Hoops of Hope Founder on CBS Sports and NBC
Visit Website
December 2008 — After watching a World Vision video, 14 year-old Austin Gutwein decided he had to do something to help the growing number of orphans in Africa. Gutwein decided to go out and shoot as many free throws as he can in one day to raise money. On December 4, 2004, Austin shot 2,057 free throws and raised over $3,000.00. Hoops of Hope was born. Austin’s story has been covered by CBS Sports and NBC’s Today Show. The Gutweins are now in talks with a major publisher to release a book in 2009. –JK
Author Carrie Carter M.D. Receives Writing Award
Carrie Carter
December 17, 2008 — Award-winning columnist and author Carrie Carter, M.D. was honored recently by the San Diego Christian Writers Guild (SDCWG) for Excellence in Magazine Writing for her column “Health Matters” in MOMSense Magazine. Beth Jusino represents Carrie Carter.
Mark Tabb on Larry King Live with Alec Baldwin
December 17, 2008 -– Alive author/collaborator, Mark Tabb, appears with Alec Baldwin on Larry King Live to discuss Alec’s latest release, A Promise to Ourselves about parental alienation syndrome. –LH
Noted Scholar McGrath Accepts Chair
Visit Alister McGrath's Website
November 2008 — Dr. Alister McGrath has accepted the newly-established Chair of Theology, Ministry and Education in the Department of Education and Professional Studies at King’s College, London. He will serve as the academic leader of the Centre for Theology, Religion and Culture, and be involved in theological research and the professional development of clergy from a range of Christian denominations. The former atheist is now one of the most widely-sought-after debaters on behalf of religion and the existence of God. He regularly engages in debate and dialogue with leading atheists, including Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens –- BJ
Dagostino Scores Michael J. Fox Cover Story for PEOPLE
Michael J. Fox Cover Story for PEOPLE
November 2008 — Alive client and PEOPLE magazine senior writer Mark Dagostino conducted an exclusive interview with actor Michael J. Fox for this week’s cover story. Ten years after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, Fox opens up with Dagostino about the next phase of his life, raising kids and his foundation. Mark Dagostino has been covering celebrities for PEOPLE for over a decade, and is set to collaborate on a new book with Hulk Hogan. –JK
CNN Features Same Kind of Different As Me
November 15, 2008 — New York Times bestselling authors, Ron Hall & Denver Moore were featured on CNN’s “Faces of Faith.” — LH
Nancy Rue Wins Silver Moonbeam Book Award
Nancy Rue
November 25, 2008 — Lucy Doesn’t Wear Pink by Nancy Rue is won a Silver Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in the Pre-Teen Fiction category. Click here to learn more.
C-SPAN’s Book TV Spotlights NY Times’ Kinzer Title
A Thousand Hills by Stephen Kinzer
September 2008 — New York Times Correspondent Stephen Kinzer discusses his most recent book, A Thousand Hills, on C-SPAN’s Book TV. His presentation details the life of Paul Kagame, the Rwandan rebel leader whose army is credited with ending the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and who became Rwanda’s first democratically elected president in 2003. His book, represented by Alive’s President Rick Christian, was published to critical and popular acclaim by John Wiley & Sons in New York. Mr. Kinzer spoke at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Skokie, Illinois.
Anne Graham Lotz Transcript from Alive’s Annual Event
Anne Graham Lotz
July 2008 — Award-winning author and agency client Anne Graham Lotz inspired some 175 authors, industry professionals, and media at Alive’s annual author/publisher event, held this year at Orlando’s Omni Hotel. “We received rousing feedback about her challenging message throughout the convention week,” said agency president Rick Christian, who noted that the audience was the biggest ever despite a dip in show attendance. The daughter of Billy Graham and the late Ruth Bell Graham, Lotz is the founder of AnGeL Ministries and leads conferences in major cities throughout the world. A transcript of her message is available here.
In 2007, client Brennan Manning spoke at Alive’s event at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta. A transcript of his presentation is available here.
In 2006, Eugene Peterson made a rare public appearance at the Alive event, held at Denver’s most famous literary landmark, The Tattered Cover Bookstore. A transcript of his speech is available here.
CBS Early Show Features Alive Author
Kim Meeder
June 5, 2008 — On Wednesday, June 4, 2008, the CBS Early Show featured a story on Alive client Kim Meeder.
As the founders of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Central Oregon, Kim and her husband Troy have given their lives to helping hurting children and abused horses. Kim is the author of two best selling books, Hope Rising and Bridge Called Hope, both published by Multnomah Books. Her agent, Joel Kneedler, is excited about Kim’s new title, The Princess Must Die, tentatively scheduled for release in January 2010.
Alive Author Eugene Peterson Receives CT Book Award
The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson
March 26, 2008 — Alive Communications’ author Eugene H. Peterson received the CT Book Award this week for The Jesus Way (Eerdmans). He also won the award last year for Eat This Book (Eerdmans). The annual awards have recognized outstanding works that shed light on people, events, and ideas that shape life, thought, and mission for the past two decades.
This year, rather than selecting one overall winner, CT editors chose the top books in each of ten categories. Peterson, whose book won in the Spirituality category, is the author of the best-selling contemporary translation of the The Message Bible and dozens of other books. He is represented by Rick Christian.
Alive Inks Film Deal With “Pursuit of Happyness” Exec
Same Kind of Different As Me by Less Than Dead by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
February 2008 — Film rights for the acclaimed Same Kind of Different as Me (Thomas Nelson, 2006) have been secured by Mark Clayman, the executive producer of 2006’s megahit, The Pursuit of Happyness, announced Alive Agent Lee Hough, who negotiated the deal. He noted that Clayman has partnered on the adaptation with Ralph Winter, producer of the X-Men movie series. A release date for the film has not been set. Authored by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (with Lynn Vincent), Same Kind of Different as Me is the true story of two vastly different men—a dangerous, homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery and an upscale art dealer–and the gutsy woman with a stubborn dream who changed their lives forever. “The most inspirational and emotionally gripping story of faith, fortitude, and friendship I have ever read,” said Clayman. “It is a powerful example of the healing, restorative power of forgiveness and the transformational, life changing power of unconditional love. Many talk about it; few live it. The people in this story unquestionably do.”
Anne Graham Lotz Holds Revival in the Philippines
Anne Graham Lotz Holds Revival in the Philippines
February 2008 — Anne Graham Lotz has completed a transformational revival in the Philippines, an island nation of over 80 million people that has struggled for years with corruption, terrorism and poverty, reported Alive President Rick Christian. Her Just Give Me Jesus event, held in the country’s largest indoor arena, Araneta Coliseum, was attended by more than 15,000 nationals and resulted in thousands of life-changing decisions. At a press conference earlier in the week, Anne addressed reporters’ questions on how to comfort families torn apart by poverty, as well as what can be done to help the thousands of abused Filipino women. These interviews were relayed across the nation via major network television, Manila’s largest daily newspapers, and radio stations. She also met privately with Philippine government and church leaders, and key influencers. Like her father, Billy Graham, Anne travels the world with her gospel message. She has held revivals throughout the United States, and abroad including in Norway, Panama, Ukraine, Paraguay, Canada, Puerto Rico, England, Wales and South Korea. She is the president of AnGeL Ministries.
Oscar-Winning Actress to Star In Kingsbury Film
Mira Sorvino and Barry Pepper
January 2008 — Academy Award winning actress Mira Sorvino will star opposite Barry Pepper in the motion picture adaptation of Karen Kingsbury’s #1 best-selling novel, Like Dandelion Dust (CenterStreet), announced Alive President Rick Christian, noting that filming begins January 26 in Jacksonville, Fla. and then moves to the Dominican Republic in February. Sorvino earned her Oscar for her supporting role in Woody Allen’s Mighty Aphrodite, while Pepper is known for his performances in The Green Mile, Saving Private Ryan and 25th Hour. The screenplay was written by Academy Award nominated screenwriter Stephen J. Rivele, whose previous credits include Ali and Nixon). Grammy winner Mark Mancina, who scored August Rush and Shooter, is attached to compose the music for the film. Reynaldo Villalobos (Urban Cowboy, Risky Business) has signed on as Director of Photography. Jon Gunn (Mercy Streets, My Date With Drew) is directing. The independent film, produced by Downes Brothers Entertainment /Lucky Crow Films, will be released later this year by 20th Century Fox. In a related development, Christian said that the first draft of the script for another Kingsbury novel, A Thousand Tomorrows (CenterStreet), has been completed.
Rebecca St. James Awarded “Best Female Artist”
Rebecca St. James
December 2007 — Rebecca St. James remains “the far-and-above favorite” and picked up the Best Female Artist honor in the 2007 Reader’s Choice Awards hosted online by ChristianityToday.com. This is the fifth year of the awards, and the fifth year she’s been selected for the top spot. Rebecca’s book, Pure, is a 90-day devotional. St. James is represented by Alive agent Beth Jusino.
Two Alive Authors Named in LJ’s Best Books List
Two Alive Authors Named in LJ’s Best Books List
December 2007 – Brandilyn Collins’ Crimson Eve (Zondervan) and Annette Smith’s A Bigger Life (NavPress) were named Best Christian Novels of the year by Library Journal this month. Crimson Eve is a thriller, the “top suspense novel of the year” according to the trade magazine. A Bigger Life is “an unsentimental love story, told from the male perspective.” Collins is represented by Lee Hough, and Smith is represented by Beth Jusino.
McKinney Hammond’s TV Show Wins Emmy Award
McKinney Hammond’s TV Show Wins Emmy Award
November 2007 — Alive author Michelle McKinney Hammond’s “Aspiring Women” television program garnered its first Emmy Award in November for Outstanding Achievement for Informational Program Series announced Alive Agent Beth Jusino. The show had been nominated for the award three times. “This is an overwhelming honor and affirmation of heartfelt work. I have enjoyed co-hosting this show for nine years with two great women, Shirley Rose, Executive Producer and Tammy Maltby, my co-host,” said Michelle, who has sold more than 1.3 million copies of her books. Aspiring Women, a Total Living Network (TLN) original program, features contemporary issues and practical insights for women and offers challenging commentary and lively interviews.
Paparazzi Link Hayden Panettiere/Kingsbury
hayden panettiere
September 2007 – Prowling paparazzi spotted Hayden Panettiere yesterday in Hollywood, carrying A Thousand Tomorrows by Alive’s Karen Kingsbury. The novel was just released in paperback by CenterStreet, according to Karen’s agent, Rick Christian. Hayden is the award-winning “best supporting actress” on NBC’s “Heroes,” and stars with Julia Roberts in next year’s “Fireflies in the Garden,” a major theatrical release about the complexities of love and commitment in a family torn apart when faced with unexpected tragedy. She has also appeared in “Shanghai Kiss” and “Message in a Bottle.”
Brennan Manning`s Speech Transcript Available
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August 2007 — Bestselling author and client, Brennan Manning delighted an audience of about 200 authors and industry professionals at Alive’s annual event at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta. Manning has written more than a dozen books including the contemporary classics The Ragamuffin Gospel and Ruthless Trust. He also leads spiritual retreats in the U.S. and Europe. Here is a transcript of Manning’s rousing speech.
Eugene Peterson made a rare public appearance at Denver’s most famous literary landmark, The Tattered Cover Bookstore, in 2006 for 200 Alive authors and industry professionals. Here is the transcript of his presentation, “What Are Writers Good For?”
PW Starred Review for “A Walk with Jane Austen”
A Walk with Jane Austen: A Journey into Adventure, Love, and Faith by Lori Smith
August 2007 — Lori Smith’s upcoming release, A Walk with Jane Austen: A Journey into Love, Adventure and Faith (WaterBrook) received a starred review in the August 27, 2007 edition of Publisher’s Weekly. Alive Communications’ Beth Jusino represents Lori Smith. A Walk with Jane Austen will be released October 16, 2007.
In this engaging, deeply personal and well-researched travelogue, Smith (a PW contributor) journeys to England to soak in the places of Jane Austen’s life and writings. The book is sure to ride the wave of Austen-philia that has recently swept through Hollywood and a new generation of Americans, but this is an unusual look at Jane Austen. Readers will learn plenty of biographical details—about Austen’s small and intimate circle of family and friends, her candid letters to her sister, her possible loves and losses, her never-married status, her religious feelings, and her untimely death at the age of 41. But it is the author’s passionate connection to “Jane”—the affinity she feels and her imaginings of Austen’s inner life—that bring Austen to life in ways no conventional biographer could. Smith’s voice swings authentically between her own raw, aching vulnerability as a single Christian woman battling a debilitating and mysterious chronic illness and the surges of faith she finds in the grace of a loving God. And yes, Smith even meets a potential Darcy at the start of her journey. This deliciously uncertain romantic tension holds the book together as Smith weaves her own thoughts, historical research, and fitting references to Austen’s novels into a satisfying whole. – Publisher’s Weekly
Alive Lands Secret Deal for Dr. Henry Cloud – 9/4 Release
The Secret Things of God by Henry CLoud
August 2007 — The Secret Things of God: Unlocking the Treasures Reserved for You by Dr. Henry Cloud will be released by Howard Publishing/a division of Simon & Schuster on September 4. A positive alternative to Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret, Dr. Cloud’s book reveals twenty profound yet simple secrets of God, and guides readers in how to unlock the power and activate these truths in their lives. Dr. Cloud is a clinical psychologist and author or co-author of nineteen books, including the best-selling Boundaries. His books have sold over four million copies. The Gold Medallion award winner also co-hosts the nationally syndicated New Life Live radio program and has conducted hundreds of seminars on marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. The book was co-agented by Lee Hough with Shannon Miller.
Lee Hough Named “Super Agent of the Year”
Alive agent, Lee Hough
August 2007 – Alive agent, Lee Hough was awarded the Thomas Nelson Fiction “Super Agent of 2007” award at the ICRS convention in Atlanta. Here is a transcript of comments from Allen Arnold, Senior Vice President and Publisher at Thomas Nelson.
Kingsbury Wins Top Prize; First for A Novel, Woman
Karen Kingsbury
July 2007 – Alive’s Karen Kingsbury, America’s #1 inspirational novelist, added to her honors at ICRS by winning the industry’s top prize for her novel, Ever After (Zondervan). Previous winners of the coveted “Book of the Year” award have all been nonfiction works written by men, including Rick Warren, Philip Yancey and Max Lucado.
“This is the first time the award has been given for a novel and also to a woman. It’s a double coup and I am extraordinarily proud of the honor and acclaim accorded Karen,” said her long-time agent Rick Christian, President of Alive Communications, who noted that the achievement garnered her a photo and write-up the following day in USA Today.
The award, which reflects literary excellence and sales performance, was announced July 9 at the CBA & ECPA Awards Celebration held at the annual ICRS trade show in Atlanta. At the convention, Kingsbury learned that she was also named “Novelist of the Year” by The Association of Logos Bookstores, a non-profit, trade association comprised of 24 independent bookstores located throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Bahamas.
Kingsbury has tallied sales of more than six million books, with two million of those occurring in the past 12 months. “Karen’s velocity of sales is unlike any other novelist, resulting in a flood of many thousands of letters annually, with readers attesting to the life-changing impact of her work.” Christian said.
The “Book of the Year” award was instituted in 1992. Previous winners are:
2006–Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible. Kevin J. Vanhoozer, General Editor, Baker Academic; 2005–Experiencing the Passion of Jesus. Lee Strobel and Gary Poole, Zondervan ; 2004–The Purpose Driven Life. Rick Warren, Zondervan; 2003–The Purpose Driven Life. Rick Warren, Zondervan; 2002–The Prayer of Jabez. Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson, Multnomah; 2001–The Prayer of Jabez. Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson, Multnomah; 2000–Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. Jim Cymbala with Dean Merrill, Zondervan; 1999–Just Like Jesus. Max Lucado, Word; 1998–What’s So Amazing About Grace. Philip Yancey, Zondervan; 1997–In the Grip of Grace. Max Lucado, Word; 1996–The Jesus I Never Knew. Philip Yancey, Zondervan; 1995–When God Whispers Your Name. Max Lucado, Word; 1994–When God Doesn’t Make Sense. Dr. James C. Dobson, Tyndale; 1993–The Body. Charles Colson with Ellen Santrill Vaughn, Word; 1992–The Coming Economic Earthquake. Larry Burkett, Moody.
“Bad Idea” Cover Wins Gold National ADDY Award
Bad Idea by Todd and Jedd Hafer
June 2007 — Studio Gearbox received a national Gold ADDY® in June for their cover design of Bad Idea, by Alive authors Todd and Jedd Hafer. The book was published by NavPress and designed by Chris Gilbert of the Sisters, Oregon-based studio under the art direction of Arvid Wallen. The ADDY awards are the world’s largest advertising competition. This year only 299 entries won at the national level out of over 60,000 entries. Beth Jusino represents the Todd and Jedd Hafer.
Alive Authors Nab Two CT Book Awards
June 2007 — Two Alive authors were named CT Book Award winners. They are:
- Spirituality: Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading, Eugene H. Peterson (Eerdmans)
- Christianity and Culture: The End of Memory: Remembering Rightly in a Violent World, Miroslav Volf (Eerdmans)
This year, 43 publishers nominated 291 titles for the CT honors and 22 were selected that shape life and thought. Eugene Peterson is represented by Rick Christian, and Miroslav Volf is represented by Beth Jusino.
Alive Mourns Beloved Client Ruth Bell Graham
Ruth Bell Graham
June 2007 — Alive’s staff is mourning the loss of our client and friend, Ruth Bell Graham, who died June 14 at her home in Montreat, North Carolina. Ruth, 87, was the wife of evangelist Billy Graham. She had been in failing health recently.
Admired by many for her deep devotion, strong will and faithful heart, Ruth dedicated her life to raising her family. Today, the Graham’s five children, Virginia, Anne, Ruth, Franklin Jr., and Nelson, all serve in Christian ministry. Ruth was also a gifted author. She wrote or co-authored 14 books, many of them works of poetry. Billy and Ruth were jointly awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1996.
“Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team,” Billy Graham said. “No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support. I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we’ve had in the mountains together,” he said. “We’ve rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven.”
Ruth is survived by her husband, five children, 19 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. Ruth Bell Graham was represented by Rick Christian and Beth Jusino. Prior to her death, they negotiated a deal with W Publishing to reprint her OP titles and, more substantively, to gather her personal Bible notations and marginalia into a work tentatively entitled Notes from a Mother’s Bible, to be released next year.
Delta Sky Excerpts “Same Kind of Different as Me”
Same Kind of Different As Me by Less Than Dead by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
April 2007 — “Same Kind of Different as Me” by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (with Lynn Vincent, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), was featured in the April 2007 issue of Delta’s in-flight, Sky magazine. “Same Kind of Different as Me” is the true story of two unlikely friends – an international art dealer and a modern-day slave – and the unlikely woman who brought them together. Lee Hough is the agent of record for Ron Hall and Denver Moore.
PW Lauds Author Don Miller on His Not-So-Blue Sales
Don Miller
April 2007 — In Blue Like Jazz, author Donald Miller wrote: “At the end of each month I would start biting my nails, wondering what account owed me money or whether or not I would pick up any writing assignments. There’s not a lot of work in the Christian market if you won’t write self-righteous, conservative propaganda. I write new-realism essays. I am not a commodity.” These days, Miller is quite the commodity. His Thomas Nelson bestseller has more than 775,000 copies in print. (Publishers Weekly, 3/14/2007). Alive Communications president Rick Christian says, “Miller’s velocity hit overdrive when college students discovered the book a couple of years ago, and their buzz opened doors to all markets.”
Rick Christian & Karen Kingsbury Headline BEA Fiction Panel
April 2007 — Alive Communications founder/president Rick Christian and best-selling author Karen Kingsbury will be part of a panel discussion at BookExpo America 2007 called “Selling Christian Fiction: Understand the Subcategory, the Market, and the Sales Potential”. The purpose of the panel discussion is to educate BEA attendees about the burgeoning Christian fiction market (e.g., the most popular books and pre-eminent authors), and how to sell them in general market stores. It will focus on this fast-growing segment of the fiction market, and provide guidelines for selling faith-based novels. The panel will be held at 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2007. Other panelists include: Becky Nesbitt (Tyndale Fiction Director), Karen Ball (B&H Publishing Senior Fiction Acquisitions Editor), and Jana Riess, Publishers Weekly Book Review Editor.
Rebeca Seitz, president of Glass Road Public Relations, LLC and also a novelist represented by Alive Communications, will serve as moderator for the panel.
PW Starred Review for Jane Rubietta’s “Come Closer”
April 2007 – Jane Rubietta’s upcoming release, “Come Closer: A Call to Life, Love & Breakfast on the Beach” (WaterBrook) received a starred review in the April 23, 2007 edition of Publisher’s Weekly. Alive Communications’ Beth Jusino represents Jane Rubietta. Come Closer will be released July 17, 2007.
Rubietta encourages Christian women to avail themselves of 15 intimate “invitations,” being drawn into Christ’s ever-welcoming embrace of unconditional mercy, grace and acceptance. Rubietta (Grace Points) beautifully presents Jesus’ gentle yet persistent summons to come closer to experience this abundant comfort when life hurts, relief is scarce and help is absent or inadequate. In four-part sequence, the author weaves an eloquent display of proofs from scripture—mainly from the Gospels—that Jesus is indeed close at hand and that Christians can bask in this spiritual reality right now. Jesus’ example of extravagant love, she says, is to be passed on in like manner. Rubietta provides numerous poignant stories to illustrate each chapter’s takeaway; particularly compelling is her account of a makeup artist who weekly serves the women employed at a strip club, building relationships with these hurting individuals without standing in judgment of their profession. Rubietta writes well, richly presenting Jesus’ beckonings with dynamic storytelling, emotionally inviting prayers and calls to honest introspection. She is wonderful at expressing the heart’s longing for comfort and care. Evangelicals will find their spirits uplifted after relishing Rubietta’s entreaty to draw nearer still to the Jesus who always cares. – Publisher’s Weekly
USA Today Names “Left Behind” Among Top 25 Books
Left Behind
April 2007 – USA Today has named Left Behind (Tyndale House) among the top “25 Books That Leave a Legacy” of the last 25 years. The newspaper ranked Tim LaHaye’s and Jerry Jenkins’ 1995 end-times book No. 12 among books that “made an impact on readers (in) the publishing industry over the past quarter-century” in its April 9, 2007 edition. The article ran a week following the release of Kingdom Come, the 16th and final installment of the “Left Behind” series, which USA Today said “wrapped up with a bang.” Since first publication of Left Behind in 1995, the novels have sold 65 million copies and established itself as the best-selling adult fiction series in history, according to Alive President Rick Christian, who introduced the authors and agented the books.
Rick Christian Addresses the Future of Book Publishing
Rick Christian Addresses the Future of Book Publishing
April 2007 – Alive President Rick Christian was among CEOs tapped to address the future of various communication mediums at a high-tech conference in Raleigh this month, sponsored by the North Carolina Technological Association.
In peering ten miles down the publishing road, Christian said there is a concerted worldwide effort to gather all of the world’s collected intellectual property into a “universal library.” This Internet-based repository would contain all books ever created in any language from the beginning of recorded history, as well as all magazine and newspaper articles, songs, films, videos, paintings, broadcasts, WebPages, blogs, and the like He noted that he believes this wealth of content will eventually be digitized and as interconnected as the Internet’s Wikipedia, with a billion readers working independently to hyperlink, tag and annotate content until the words of any author who ever lived are woven as tightly together “as the root system of an aspen forest.” He warned, however, that companies now scanning content need to fully respect the rights of copyholders.
Other presenters at the event included Thomas Tull, CEO of Legendary Pictures, Bertelsmann’s Richard Sarnoff, and Rita Cosby, MSNBC’s Emmy-winning journalist. Barry Landis, former head of Warner Music Group Label Word Records was the moderator of the panel on which Christian spoke. For an audio link to the forward-looking discussion, click here. Scroll to the Audio section, and click on 2007 A CEO Conversation – New Media Panel Discussion. Depending upon the speed of your Internet connection, the audio download could take up to 10 minutes.
Winners Named in Alive-Sponsored Mt. Hermon Conf.
April 2007 – Sharon Hinck received the Alive-sponsored Writer of the Year Award and Austin Boyd the Pacesetter Award at this month’s Mount Hermon Writers Conference in California. Hinck, best known for her “Becky Miller” series (Bethany House), releases her “Sword of Lyric” series (NavPress) this spring. Boyd, who writes science fiction and fantasy, was honored for his “Mars Hill Classified” series (NavPress). Each award came with a cash prize from Alive Communications, event sponsor for the past five years.
Kingsbury on Capitol Hill
April 2007 — Long-time Alive client Karen Kingsbury, who has sold 6 million copies of her Life-Changing Fiction™ and appeared on the New York Times and USA Today best-seller lists, joined the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence during their Legislative Action Days on Capitol Hill April 17-18, 2007. Kingsbury spoke at a breakfast for U.S. Congressmen and women at the Capitol on April 18 concerning her Tyndale title Divine about a woman healed from her childhood molestation who then opens non-profit centers in D.C. Kingsbury’s next release, Sunrise, has a street date of May 8, announced Alive President Rick Christian. Learn more at www.karenkingsbury.com.
Chicago Trib Lauds Alive`s Michelle McKinney Hammond
Michelle Mckinney Hammond
April 2007 — A feature article on Alive author Michelle McKinney Hammond appeared on the front page of the April 20 Chicago Tribune. Hammond, whose self-help books have sold more than a million copies, was kicking off her annual “Diva Principle Conference,” which uses the acronym DIVA to mean “divine inspiration for victorious attitude.”
According to the Tribune, “Hammond dispenses her lessons on life and love with a blend of scripture and sister-girl sentiment that has propelled her to best-seller status.”
The conference was held April 20-22 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago. Hammond is represented by Alive Communications’ Beth Jusino. To read the article, click here.
Media Taps Crystal Woodman Miller on VA Tech Incident
Crystal Woodman Miller
April 2007 — In the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, and on the anniversary of the Columbine massacre, numerous national media outlets sought out Alive author Crystal Woodman Miller for interviews last week. Among the outlets she appeared on were: CNN Larry King Live including Dr. Phil McGraw, CNN Sunday Morning, MSNBC , TIME, and The Today Show. Woodman Miller, author of Marked for Life, is a survivor of the Columbine High School tragedy. Today, she speaks at high schools across the nation on anti-violence, sharing her powerful story of faith and hope.
Bishop of Rwanda Launches Major US Book Tour
Bishop John Rucyahana of Rwanda
March 2007 — Bishop John Rucyahana of Rwanda launched a nine-city book tour in Denver on March 14, taking him on a publicity sweep across the nation. The author of “The Bishop of Rwanda” (a true story of forgiveness and reconciliation despite the horrific genocide in that country) will be stopping in the following cities: Denver (March 14-16), Dallas (March 19-20), Washington, D.C. (March 26-31), Charlotte (April 3), Raleigh (April 4), Little Rock (April 9-15, 17), Memphis (April 16), Pittsburgh (April 20), Chicago (April 23-29).
Learn more about book tour in this PDF.
LJ Awards Neta Jackson 2009 Best Genre Fiction
Who Do I Talk To? by Neta Jackson
December 2009 — Jackson’s Who Do I Talk To? has been named to Library Journal’s Best Christian Fiction, the second book in the Yada Yada House of Hope series . The award-winning Yada books have sold well over 50o,000 copies. –LH
LJ Awards “Waking Lazarus” 2006 Best Genre Fiction List
Waking Lazarus by T. L. Hines
January 2007 — T.L. Hines’ “Waking Lazarus” has been named to Library Journal’s 25 Best Genre Fiction Books of 2006 list. Now in its third printing, Hines’ first novel – a supernatural suspense thriller – was released in July 2006 (Bethany House). Hines is represented by Alive Communications agent, Lee Hough.
PW Starred Review for Overstreet’s “Through a Screen Darkly”
Through a Screen Darkly
December 2006 — Jeffrey Overstreet’s upcoming release, Through a Screen Darkly, received a starred review in the November 27, 2006 edition of Publisher’s Weekly. Alive Communications’ Lee Hough represents Jeffrey Overstreet. Through a Screen Darkly will be available February 8, 2007.
If viewing a film is to be a spiritual exercise, one must be open to conversion. Overstreet, cultural commentator and film critic for Christianity Today, leads readers through his own cinematic conversion in this compelling volume. Overstreet’s greatest gift is the masterful way he brings a spirit of discernment to the world of film. For example, determining when sex and violence is artfully employed or when it is just plain gratuitous is not always an easy task. Overstreet uses inspiring anecdotes from his life to show how the process of discerning the content and meaning of films takes patience, prayers, and humility. He exhibits all of these traits through his movie commentaries and invites the reader to set aside biases about what is “properly” Christian and look deeper toward how cinema as an art form affects one’s soul. This, according to Overstreet, is the work of God. At times, the author’s stories distract from his main point, but his primary goal is one to be celebrated: “I have a strange compulsion to sit down between Christian culture and secular society, trying to help them understand each other—and ultimately, God—better through a shared experience of art.” Two thumbs up! – Publisher’s Weekly
St. James Voted Reader’s Choice “Best Female Artist”
Rebecca St. James
December 2006 — Rebecca St. James has once again been named “Best Female Artist” in the 2006 Readers’ Choice Awards, hosted online by Christianitytoday.com. This is the fourth year of the awards—and the fourth year Rebecca has been given top honors. Rebecca has authored or edited seven books represented by Alive Communications, including the bestselling SisterFreaks (Warner Faith) and SHE Teen (Tyndale). SHE Teen was named a finalist in the ECPA Book Awards, presented by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association earlier this year. St. James is represented by Alive Communications agent, Beth Jusino.
Olsen Collaborates on “One Night with the King” Film
One Night with the King
October 2006 – The epic major motion picture, One Night With The King opened in nearly 1,000 theaters nationwide on Friday, October 13, 2006. The true story of Queen Esther, One Night With The King is based on the best-selling novel Hadassah: One Night With The King by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen (Bethany House). Alive Communications’ Lee Hough represents Mark Andrew Olsen.
Rwandan Peacemaker Visits Alive Communications
Rwandan Peacemaker Visits Alive Communications
October 2006 — Bishop John Rucyahana of Rwanda visited Alive recently to strategize the launch of his upcoming autobiography with agent Lee Hough (right) and agency president Rick Christian. The Bishop of Rwanda, slated for release in March 2007 (W Publishing Group; foreword by Rick Warren) is the inspiring story of the Anglican bishop who, according to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, is “shouting hope from atop a pile of bones” following the 1994 genocide in which a million Tutsis were slaughtered. The book details the extraordinary renewal happening in Rwanda today, arising from the bishop’s unprecedented and courageous efforts. Although he saw members of his church and family murdered, Bishop John refused to become part of the hatred. Rather, he founded the hallmark Sonrise Orphanage and School for children who were orphaned in the killing sprees, leads reconciliation efforts between the Tutsis and Hutus, and ministers in prisons to those who slaughtered his friends and family.
Third Run Ordered for Kingsbury`s Novel
Family by Karen Kingsbury
October 2006 — Less than a week after Karen Kingsbury’s Family (Tyndale) was released, the novel went back for a second printing of 30,000 copies, followed by a third run two weeks later of 40,000 copies, bringing the total number in print to almost 250,000-plus copies, according to her agent, Rick Christian. Family is the fourth title in her best-selling “Baxter Family Drama” series, and debuted at #1 on the bestseller lists.
Alive Inks Deal for Rwanda President, Paul Kagame`s Bio
Rick and Debbie Christian sealed the publishing deal with Rwanda President, Paul Kagame January 21, 2006 at his Kigali home. The leader’s biography will be written by NY Times journalist Stephen Kinzer.
September 2006 — President Paul Kagame of Rwanda agreed to a biography deal with Alive President, Rick Christian, following breakfast in his home earlier this year. The meeting was arranged by mutual friends Peb Jackson and Dan Cooper. Rick subsequently closed negotiations with Eric Nelson of John Wiley & Sons in New York this month on behalf of acclaimed author and long-time New York Times veteran Stephen Kinzer. “I am very pleased Stephen Kinzer agreed to write the book,” Christian said. “He has established a world-class profile from working 20 plus years as a journalist and bureau chief with the New York Times. His non-fiction books, including his latest release, Overthrow, are acclaimed for their fast-paced narratives, vivid history, and exceptional accuracy. Kinzer, who is also a professor of journalism and international relations at Northwestern University in Chicago, spent much of the summer in Rwanda, researching for the book, which will be released in 2008.
Eugene Peterson`s Speech Transcript Available
Eugene Peterson
September 2006 — In a rare public appearance this summer at Denver’s most famous literary landmark, The Tattered Cover Bookstore, renowned theologian Eugene Peterson, translator of The Message Bible, wowed a crowd of 200 Alive authors and industry professionals. His presentation, “What Are Writers Good For?” at Alive’s annual gig was reported by many to be the highlight of their convention week. By popular demand, here is a transcript of the longtime agency client’s remarks.
Bestselling author and client, Brennan Manning delighted an audience of about 200 authors and industry professionals at Alive’s 2007 annual event at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta. Here is a transcript of his rousing speech.
Neta Jackson Wins First Place Award
August 2006 – Neta Jackson’s The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough (Yada Yada Prayer Group, Book 4) won first place in the Women’s Fiction category at the Inspirational Readers Choice Awards. The IRCA Award was announced at the Faith/Hope/Love Convention in Atlanta (the inspirational chapter of Romance Writers of America®). The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough is published by Integrity Publishers (October 2005). CBD Books are available at www.christianbook.com
Two Alive Books Top PW`s August Bestseller List
August 2006 — Alive Communications titles landed in the two #1 slots on Publisher Weekly’s August Christian bestseller list. PW’s #1 hardcover release is The Rapture (Tyndale) by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, the final prequel in their Left Behind series, which to date has sold more than 65 million copies. PW’s #1 paperback release is Like Dandelion Dust (Center Street) by Karen Kingsbury. This standalone novel, a poignant love story, follows a string of #1 releases she has enjoyed with Zondervan and Tyndale. Alive President Rick Christian represented both titles.
Susan Wales` Book to Coincide with Walden Media`s Amazing Grace Release
August 2006 — New Leaf Publishing Group will release The Amazing Grace of Freedom by Amazing Grace film producer Ken Wales, Susan Wales, and Ted Baehr in January to coincide with the major motion-picture release of Amazing Grace (Walden Media). The deal was negotiated by Alive Communications agent, Beth Jusino. Walden Media also produced the recently released The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, based on the tale by C.S. Lewis. The book and film relate abolitionist William Wilberforce’s life-long fight to end slavery in Great Britain. Ioan Gruffudd (pronounced Yo-an Griffith) and Albert Finney star in the film. The book will include film photos, interviews and essays from leading African-American personalities and ministry leaders, and mini-biographies of characters in the book and film.
Randy Travis Stars in Film Adaptation of Bill Myers Novel
Randy Travis Stars in Film Adaptation of Bill Myers Novel
August 2006 — Country music star, Randy Travis, will appear in a major motion picture based on the adaptation of Bill Myer’s novel, The Wager. The film is scheduled for a limited release in theaters on August 3, 2007. The agent of record on the project is Lee Hough. To view a four-minute movie trailer, click here.
Alive Authors Cream Publisher`s Weekly Statistics
According to an article in Publisher’s Weekly by Chris Anderson (July 17, 2006):
- 950,000 titles out of 1.2 million tracked by Nielsen Bookscan sold fewer than 99 copies
- Another 200,000 sold fewer than 1,000 copies
- Only 25,000 sold more than 5,000 copies
- The average book in America sells about 500 copies
- Only 10 books sold more than a million copies
A hearty thanks to Alive clients for staying so far ahead of the curve!
Peterson and Courtney Win 2006 Book Award
July 2006 — Alive Communications authors Eugene H. Peterson and Vicki Courtney took top honors in ECPA’s 2006 Book Awards. Peterson was the winner in the “Bibles” category with The Message: Numbered Edition (NavPress) and Courtney’s Teen Virtue (B&H Publishing Group) won in the “Children & Youth” category. The winners were announced at the ICRS/ECPA awards celebration in Denver. Eugene Peterson is represented by Rick Christian and Vicki Courtney is represented by Lee Hough.