'On This Side of Heaven' - DevineImpact Corporation

'On This Side of Heaven' - DevineImpact Corporation

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Pamela Jackson Awarded Georgia Author of the Year for First Novel, 'On This Side of Heaven' - Devine Impact Corporation

7/27/2007

On This Side of Heaven, a confessing novel about the church wins Atlanta author and speaker, Pamela Jackson, the prestigious Georgia Author of the Year Award for fiction first time novel. The award was announced June 2, 2007 at a banquet held at Kennesaw State University.

The Georgia Author of the Year Award (GAYA) is the oldest literary award in the Southeast and is sponsored by the Georgia Writer's Association. Created in 1964, the awards recognize the literary talents and accomplishments of the Peach State's authors and are given in conjunction with Kennesaw State University. Judged by published and award-winning authors from across the country, the works are judged on their distinctive voice, enduring value, imagination, ability to evoke emotion, and satisfactory resolution. Among past winners are former President Jimmy Carter, Ken Foskett, Emily Giffin and Bruce Feilder.

Jackson's true-to-life novel explores issues that churches historically wrestle such as greed, power, and corruption. But in a timely twist, the book addresses battles churches deal with today, such as extortion, sexual misconduct, and spiritual abuse -all while maintaining the importance of the institution of the church itself, showing that no church is immune to different degrees of humanism over spirituality. "The book is really addressing the issue of godliness versus self-righteousness," says Jackson.

Prominent clergy are giving high praises to Jackson's book for its realism and candor. Andy Stanley, of North Point Community Church, is billing the novel as, "A wake up call to church leaders everywhere!" Jasper Keith, Professor Emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary says, "There is so much wisdom for 'ministerial formation' in this novel that it should to be required reading for all seminarians." Lanny Donoho, author of God's Blogs adds, "It's engaging, it's real, and it's relevant!"

With Reverend Bob Buck at the helm, the little church in Jackson's novel finds itself poised to ride a wave in a fast-growing and affluent suburban area. As Pastor of the tiny First Covenant Chapel, Buck is hungry to tap into the growing population, but mostly to enlist their monetary help in building a monumental mega-church. Buck joins forces with an equally ambitious music leader, Ashley March, whose passionate music and flamboyant performances raise more than a few eyebrows. Together they set their sights high on transforming the tiny church and use everything in their power, including God, to accomplish their goal. Unfortunately, the hiring of a young associate pastor, Ben Montague, threatens to ruin their well-laid plan. This sets in motion a chain of events that forces Buck's past and present to collide.

About Pamela Jackson: Having grown up in the church, Jackson writes with experience and authority. She is the great-great niece of Methodist minister and author, Sam Keen, well known for his literary works. She is also the great-granddaughter of a Methodist minister and the granddaughter of a Presbyterian elder. Following in the family footsteps, Jackson went back to school mid-life, and became a Certified Candidate as Local Pastor in the United Methodist Church. She has now turned author writing stories about life inside the church.

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