Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award presented; two Hall of Fame members inducted

The 2013 Christy Awards honored a new group of writers and publishing professionals with three new initiatives at the 14th annual celebration that took place Monday, June 24, at ICRS.

The first Christy Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Lee Hough, longtime literary agent with Alive Communications. He started at the agency in 2001 and in 2010 was named vice president.

“I’m at peace,” said Hough, who is battling cancer. “I have gratitude. I am so looking forward to seeing the Lord.”

The first two members were inducted into the Christy Awards Hall of Fame, honoring those who have received at least four Christys. 

Karen Hancock was the first inductee with four awards (2003-2006) for her books, including Arena and The Shadow Within. Lynn Austin, who has received eight Christy Awards, was also inducted. She won awards in 2002-2004 and 2008-2012. Her first Christy was awarded for Hidden Places and her most recent for Wonderland Creek. 

Also created this year was the Book of the Year Award, given for the breakout novel Into the Free by Julie Cantrell, which also received the Christy in the First Novel category.

“When I wrote Into the Free, I didn’t have a clue I was writing Christian fiction,” Cantrell said. “The book was just who I was.”

The awards, held at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel, were emceed by agent Steve Laube of The Steve Laube Agency, with keynote speaker Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary Agency.

See the complete list of winners at www.christyawards.com.