Award Winning Novel Set Against Backdrop of South African- And Spiritual- Turmoil
LA CROSSE, Wisc., June 1, 2011 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Most Americans know very little about South Africa besides the fact that it has suffered through tremendous racial tensions. This is not true of South African native Shirley Mowat Tucker, who won Athanatos Christian Ministry's first annual Christian novel contest with her story, "Diamonds in the Dust."
Tucker's story has South Africa as its backdrop but Americans will find they can relate to the themes, problems, and issues that surface in the story. America, for example, has had its share of racial problems. AIDS is a serious problem. Poverty is rampant, as well. However, the central theme of the book is an issue that runs even deeper than these important problems. The main character, Ida Morgan, has a spiritual problem. Tragedy has fallen upon her household and her grief is all-consuming. Her anger and bitterness with God permeates her existence. The path to healing and reconciliation is paved with "diamonds in the dust."
Anthony Horvath, Executive Director of Athanatos Christian Ministries, the host of the novel contest states, "What I liked so much about Shirley's story is that it clearly is not born only of her imagination. She and her husband are engaged in 'hand to hand' combat with poverty. In 2007 they founded the Phakamani Foundation which administers 'microloans' to poor, but enterprising South Africans. They know about 'diamonds in the dust'!"
ACM's 2012 Christian novel contest is in its second year and will be distributing $2,500 in awards and, as in the case of the 2011 grand prize winner, Mrs. Tucker, may extend an offer to publish, as well. The contest is accepting submissions through September 1st, 2011. More details are available at the web page:
www.christianwritingcontest.com
"Diamonds in the Dust" is due to be released by ACM in the fall of 2011.
More information can be found, including an excerpt, on the book's website,
www.diamondsinthedust.net. Pre-orders are also being accepted and a limited number of review copies are available, as well. Mrs. Tucker is available for interviews and can be reached through the website or by email at:
shirley@diamondsinthedust.net.
Athanatos Christian Ministries is an apologetics ministry that seeks to defend the faith through the arts, hosting writing contests and conferences to encourage writers to adopt ACM's vision. Executive Director Anthony Horvath is available for interviews at director@athanatosministries.org or 202-280-7971. ACM's website is www.athanatosministries.org.
