Omega Writers are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2021 CALEB Awards for published books.
Adult Nonfiction
Sponsor: Sheree Chambers & Emma Biddle at Impressum
The winner receives their choice of website updates, a six-week social media calendar, or a cover for their next book to the value of $400.
The winner is: Sinned Against: Exploring the Scriptures by Valerie Wressell
Adult Biography or Memoir
Sponsor: Lisa Renee at The Collaborative Press
The winner receives a full wraparound cover for paperback and ebook, valued at $400.
The winner is: On the way: an Australian Doctor in Yemen and Pakistan by Michael Babbage
Children’s Picture Books
Sponsor: Christina Booth
The winners (author and illustrator) each receive a one-hour manuscript or illustration assessment via zoom.
The winner is: Grandma’s Treasured Shoes written by Coral Vass and Illustrated by Christina Huynh
Early Reader and Middle Grade
Sponsor: Marianne Musgrove
The winner receives a manuscript assessment of the first 10,000 words (plus three-page synopsis), plus a one-hour zoom chat.
The winner is: How Not to be Popular by Cecily Paterson
Young Adult Fiction
Sponsor: Nola Passmore at The Write Flourish
The winner receives their choice of editing services to the value of $400.
The winner is: Apprentice by Kristen Young
Adult Fiction
Sponsor: Iola Goulton of Christian Editing Services
The winner receives their choice of editing services to the value of $400.
The winner is: The Silk Merchant of Sychar by Cindy Williams
Barnabas Award
The Barnabas Award is a new award to recognise a writer who has gone out of their way to support and encourage other writers. Our winner received several nominations, and here are some of their comments:
Elaine’s encouragement and praise were sincere. I am even more delighted to say that Elaine has become a dear friend who continues to give of her time and wisdom to me and many others.
Elaine will talk to anyone and give them guidance no matter where their writing project is. She has a gift of seeing where the gaps are in a project, and a gentle encouraging way of pushing those who come to her to strive for their best. She is an amazing encouragement to our writing community, giving confidence to those just starting their writing journey.
Elaine is well known in the Perth writing community for the level of support, encouragement, and skills development she provides others. I’m convinced there would be far fewer writers in Perth were it not for the love, support, encouragement, and teaching given so generously by Elaine.
Elaine Fraser, author of the Beautiful books, is from Perth, Western Australia. For many years she taught English and Drama in secondary schools. Prompted by the desire to inspire young women to live the lives they were destined for, she encourages women to develop characteristics in their lives that create beauty. Beauty, according to Elaine, should be the whole package–body, soul and spirit. Kindness, love, joy, peace and strength build qualities into lives that transcend physical beauty.
Elaine wins a $200 cash award from Omega Writers.
Encouragement Award
This is for writers Omega Writers would like to recognise and encourage:
Jeannie Wood
Lockdown is hard enough, let alone with medical issues, and attempting to find a new publisher for an already published book, and trying to figure out whether to go down the self-publishing route and all the new skills that entails, at a stage of life in which most people would be daunted to do so. The mountain might seem high, but your writing has already encouraged so many people. In Christ’s strength and at his feet, keep going Jeannie!
Raewyn Elsegood
Raewyn has served Omega Writers faithfully for many years as the conference organiser, and has started and led a successful Sydney group. Raewyn has organised the past few Omega Writers’ Conferences for us all in a truly creative and collaborative way, working hard behind the scenes to ensure everything has gone smoothly. Her enthusiasm for the task has been inspiring to see and she has dealt with any problems that have arisen in a gracious and competent way.