reported by Dianne Newberry, FictionFanatic.com

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.

On This Side of Heaven (ISBN #1-57197-466-0) published by Ivy House Publishing Group is available in bookstores everywhere.