Local writer selected as finalist in national literary contest

Local writer selected as finalist in national literary contest Virginia Crawford Denmark, author of “Who Will You be in the Midst of Your Storm?”, was recently selected as one of three finalists in the annual Southern Christian Writers’ Conference Notable Book Awards. Denmark is a public relations professional with communications and writing degrees from Jacksonville University. She said she was “totally shocked” her book was selected since she is a first-time published author. Out of more than 100 entrants, six overall winners were selected for various categories. Denmark’s book was chosen in the Devotional category with the eventual winner being, “Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness” by Tracy Crump. “I am so honored to have my book selected as a finalist,” said Denmark. “God placed this book on my heart and would not let me set it down until I had it published. It is filled with stories of people who went through hard times — including my grandparents Jim and Christine Lawson. I then connected those stories with people in the Bible who overcame their own hardships. We all go through tough times, but it’s who and what we become during those times that matter most. Will we stand firm when others don’t? Will we get up and keep going? My prayer is ‘Who Will You be in the Midst of Your Storm?’ encourages many people to keep moving forward for God.” Denmark’s devotional can be purchased on Amazon Books. She asks people to please leave feedback once they read the book. Award-winning author Debora Mitchell Coty, who — like Denmark — grew up in Starke and graduated from Bradford High School has written more than 40 inspirational books, including the bestselling “Too Blessed to be Stressed series.” She said, “The coveted honor of being selected as one of three finalists in the SCWC Notable Book Awards devotional category was more than deserved. “Who Will You be in the Midst of Your Storm?” is one of my personal favorites!” Coty has personally sold more than 1.5 million copies of her series in multiple languages around the world. Denmark has been working in ministry for nearly 25 years. She is currently the public relations director for Hope Christian Academy and the music director for Hope Baptist Church. She worked 10 years for City Rescue Mission in Jacksonville where she was presented three International Union of Gospel Rescue Mission awards in recognition for a news release that was picked up by the AP News Wire Service, and two overall international awards for her writing, editing and graphic design work. Additionally, she worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and she and her husband also owned their own business for 10 years. Most recently, she was team leader for HCA’s re-accreditation status, working alongside the academy’s other directors. The Southern Christian Writers Conference was founded in 1991 by David and Joanne Sloan. Four years ago, their daughter Cheryl Wray took the reins and expanded the conference to include the book expo. “We try to do everything we can to promote books by our members,” Wray said. “It’s an important ministry of the Southern Christian Writers Conference to encourage writers in their craft.” TAB Media Group hosted the awards Jan. 22 at its building in Alabama for those who could attend.

Virginia Crawford Denmark, author of “Who Will You be in the Midst of Your Storm?”, was recently selected as one of three finalists in the annual Southern Christian Writers’ Conference Notable Book Awards.   Denmark is a public relations professional with communications and writing degrees from Jacksonville University. She said she was “totally shocked” her…

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