It’s the first day of December and what better way to begin the holiday season than with a giveaway?

The giveaway is appropriately named “The 12 Authors of Christmas” because 11 writing friends and I put together a fun prize package.

As I looked at all the smiling faces on the festive graphic designed by the oh-so talented Angie Dicken, yes, I saw award-winning authors. But even more, I realized once again what gifts these women are to me.

• Kristy Cambron: Kristy should wear a big red bow every day because she’s a gift of constant gift encouragement to me. She trusts in a big, big God and challenges me to do the same.
• Nicole Deese: Truth is, I know of Nicole’s books, but she’s a friend-to-be for me. Isn’t that exactly like a Christmas gift waiting under the tree? I anticipate getting to know her better in the future.
• Katherine Reay: Katherine and I connect on a variety of levels and she and I have matching sets of Sven and Olaf Beanie Babies because yes, some people are worth melting for … and sometimes you have to find a reason to laugh about going through physical therapy together for frozen shoulders.
• Rachel Hauck: I could call Rachel my mentor and my craft partner, but I’m so thankful she’s my trusted friend — the one who’s only a text or a phone call or a Skype session away. She’s seen me at my best and my worst, and she always leads me back to the foot of the Cross.
• Becky Wade: I was a little in awe of Becky Wade the first time I met her at an ACFW conference. Within minutes, I just wanted to hug her because she is so delightful and easy to talk with.
• Melissa Tagg: I met Melissa at the beginning of my journey as a novelist — and I am so, so thankful. One moment Melissa is making me laugh out loud … and then next moment she is sharing a truth that draws my heart closer to God.
• Katie Ganshert: You want real? Hang with Katie Ganshert. You want someone who trusts God? Hang with Katie Ganshert.
• Kara Isaac: Besides having an adorable accent, I wish Kara didn’t live so far away (New Zealand, people!). I’d love to be in a writers group with her and talk story and then hang out afterward and talk life.
• Cathy West: It all started at an ACFW conference with the question “You want to meet by the elevator and talk before going down to dinner?” And thanks to Skype, it seems like our conversation has never stopped. (Cathy’s another very-long distance friend who lives in Bermuda.) Even better? Our husbands are friends too!
• Cynthia Ruchti: Cynthia is a woman who embodies grace. A woman who considers others more important than herself. I just love her.
• Susan May Warren: What can I say? Susie May Warren is where the party is and her belief is “the more the merrier!” She’s a writing teacher extraordinaire and I’m thankful for her influence in my life, both as a writer and a believer. I’m blessed to call her my friend.

 

We all are wishing you a Merry Christmas with this fun giveaway. The first prize is a bundle of books and a $50 Visa cash card. The runner up wins a $70 Visa cash card. Click on the graphic at top of the blog to enter, or go ahead and click here!

[ctt template=”8″ link=”27aay” via=”yes” ]12 Authors of Christmas #Giveaway! Enter to win a book bundle and a Visa cash card! http://ctt.ec/27aay+ #chrisfic #Christmas @bethvogt[/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”9QFqf” via=”no” ]HUGE #giveaway Dec 5-9: Win books by @bethvogt @RachelHauck @cathwest @SusanMayWarren http://ctt.ec/9QFqf+ #Christmas #readers [/ctt]