BHS teacher nominated for prestigious Christy Award
Posted on Friday, May 16, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/brog/News/60317/
BENTONVILLE — Bentonville High School speech teacher Jenny B. Jones’ first book, “ In Between, ” was spring. She was surprised to learn she and her book are among the finalists for a prized Christy Award. “ In Between” is published last in the youngadult category.
According to its Web site, “ Christy Awards are recognizing excellence in Christian fiction written by contemporary authors and highlighting the breadth and diversity of Christian fiction. ” The name of the awards comes from a book by well-known Christian writer Catherine Marshall.
“ I had always wanted to be a writer but had never had the discipline or confidence to sit down and crank an entire story out, ” Jones said. “ I finally attended my first writers conference, and within six months, I had my first contract. That was the incentive I needed to actually finish a book. I’m currently working on a new series for teens called ‘ A Charmed Life’ for Thomas Nelson Publishing. The first book will release in 2009. ”
Jones said she thinks things have changed in Christian fiction over the last five years or so. The books in the Christy Awards this year are edgier, funnier, more dramatic and more diverse. She said that for years, Christian fiction was a lot of prairie romances and characters who spoke with dialogue straight out of Leviticus. Jones believes being involved with Christian fiction now is much more realistic and interesting.
“ I’m a native of northwest Arkansas and live in Bella Vista now, ” Jones said. “ I felt called to teach, and I love being around teenagers. I’ve taught drama and English and currently teach speech at Bentonville to freshmen. With writing and teaching, I really stay busy. The students provide me with lots of ideas to write about. When something funny happens, I write it down to use later.
“ When I’m not slaving away at the keyboard or teaching, I’m traveling, feeding my movie-watching addiction, watching ‘ American Idol’ and collecting books I never have time to read. I’m also an active member of the Church of Pinnacle Hills. ”