CECIL MURPHEY HONORED AGAIN

"90 Minutes in Heaven," the New York Times bestseller written by Cecil Murphey for Don Piper, recently received the 2009 Retailers Choice Award for backlist books. This was Murphey's second Retailers Choice Award. "Touchdown Alexander," the book he wrote with Seattle Seahawk's MVP Shaun Alexander, won in 2007 for the autobiography category.

According to a press release from Christian Retailing, the competition's sponsor, "Nominated products were judged on the impact they have had on staff and customers, including their ability to speak to hearts and evoke emotion, open minds to new ways of thinking, and encourage and affirm Christ-like living."

Awards keep piling up for this well-decorated author, who is seen by many writers as a patriarch in the publishing industry. Earlier this year Murphey received the prestigious Extraordinary Service Award, given by the American Society of Journalists and Authors. The award showed the great respect the ASJA membership has for Murphey and his help for other writers.

Although he enjoys working with others and telling their stories, he's penning more of his own titles now. "When Someone You Love Has Cancer: Comfort and Encouragement for Caregivers and Loved Ones" (Harvest House) came out in January. "When God Turned Off the Lights" (Regal) debuted at ICRS in mid- July and will begin shipping to bookstores in August. "Christmas Miracles" (St. Martin's Press) is scheduled for an October release.

For more information about Cecil Murphey--The Man Behind the Words, visit www.themanbehindthewords.com.