A historical novel written by a relatively unknown author in Uruguay has been published by Grupo Nelson, Thomas Nelson’s Spanish division, after winning the company’s first Christian fiction writing contest.

Columnas de humo: Un peregrinaje a la esperanza by Álvaro Pandiani Figallo (columns of smoke: a pilgrimage to hope, 978-1-602-55291-3, $18.99), which released March 10, is set in 1857 when a yellow fever epidemic swept through Montevideo, Uruguay—the author’s home city.

Grupo Nelson Vice President Larry Downs Jr. said that the release “shows our commitment to original Spanish fiction while giving a venue to voiceless writers who want to write fiction.”

Downs said it was significant that the winning entry in the competition, chosen last October from 120 authors from across Latin America, Spain and the U.S., came from Uruguay.

“If we had selected an author from Mexico, Colombia or Argentina, people might say, ‘They’re just going to where the sales are.’ But Uruguay is one of the smallest markets in Latin America,” Downs said. “We’re looking for the best authors, regardless of where they live.”

Pandiani, 43, is a medical doctor, professor, pastor and columnist for two Web sites, iglesiaenmarcha.net and rtmuruguay.org. He has written four books, all published and circulated within Uruguay.

“The book goes beyond being an amazing story about the heroes and protagonists who lived through the yellow fever epidemic in Uruguay,” said Graciela Lelli, senior editor at Grupo Nelson. “It helps readers realize the difference between religion and personal experience with God, providing a message of hope, forgiveness and faith, even when faced with situations that have no cure.”

Grupo Nelson launched its second fiction contest in February.

“This year we’re expecting more than 250 entries,” Downs said, adding, “We believe that the best of original Spanish fiction is yet to be written and that we can offer ourselves as an avenue for talented fresh writers to tell their stories that will, in turn, change the heart of a nation, one reader at a time.”

To order, call 800-251-4000, ext. 1893, send e-mail or click here.

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