Write! Canada Marks 25 Years of Developing Christian Writers

As the publishing industry undergoes massive changes, Canada’s premier Christian writers’ conference rises to the challenge of nurturing writers through stellar instructors, practical classes and networking opportunities, building on its 25-year mandate.

Two hundred and fifty Canadian writers and editors who are Christian will gather in Guelph, Ont. from June 18 to 20 for the 25th annual Write! Canada conference. Sponsored by The Word Guild, the conference features inspiring keynote speakers, in-depth continuing classes and wide-ranging workshops, as well as a host of other learning and promotional opportunities.

Despite recent upheaval in the publishing industry—including the bankruptcy of Christian bookstore chains R. G. Mitchell and Blessings, declining readership for newspapers and magazines, and the rise of digital media and e-books—conference organizers chose the theme, “Celebrating God’s Blessings: Past, Present and Future.”

“While the mode of delivery may be changing, people still want to write and share their stories, and they need to know how to do it well, and how to connect with readers,” explained N. J. Lindquist, who has directed the conference for the last eight years with Wendy Elaine Nelles.

For 25 years, Write! Canada has been the place for writers and editors to sharpen their skills, advance their careers, meet publishers, and rub shoulders with some of the most outstanding people in Christian publishing today.

“I can hardly wait for this year’s Write! Canada. They are offering the best of the best—agents, editors, publishers and professional writers teaching the ‘no-holds-barred’ truth about the craft of writing,” commented Bonnie Grove of Saskatoon, Sask., whose first non-fiction book and first novel both will be released this year. “I cannot stress enough how important these classes are for writers. No matter what your experience level, they’ll take you to the next level, ” she added.

During the three-day conference, continuing classes provide a total of six hours of comprehensive instruction (an hour longer than in previous years). Registrants choose from eight topics, including beginner-level fiction and non-fiction writing; writing for children and teens; writing a non-fiction book; a complete primer on publishing a book in Canada; and strategic career planning for authors. In addition, there are two small-group intensives which offer hands-on experience in editing fiction and non-fiction.

Three well-known personalities will challenge the audience during keynote addresses—always a conference highlight. All have played a part in the conference’s 25-year history. Brian Stiller, an author and president of Tyndale University College and Seminary, was instrumental in starting the writers’ conference in 1984; Audrey Dorsch, currently a freelance editor, directed the conference in its formative years (1986 to 1995) during her tenure as managing editor of Faith Today; and Ray Wiseman, an author and newspaper columnist, has enhanced his career through participating in 20 of the past 25 conferences.

Canadian faculty members this year include publisher Don Pape from David C. Cook; agent Les Stobbe; New Brunswick young adult author Valerie Sherrard; veteran journalists Doug Koop, Bill Fledderus, Robert White and Marianne Meed Ward; and many others. Experts coming from the U.S. include well-known literary agent Chip MacGregor; Nicci Jordan Hubert, a New York-based acquisitions and developmental editor; and editor Steve Barclift from Kregel Publications.

The conference also offers 18 workshops, covering topics such as writing devotionals, poetry, opinion columns or articles for teens; finding your writing personality; handling controversial topics; developing products to augment your books; and tips from an image consultant about making public appearances.

Writers can take advantage of networking opportunities, manuscript critique services, appointments with literary agents and editors, question and answer panels with industry professionals, open-mike reading sessions and a well-stocked bookstore.