Write! Canada
by Helena Smrcek

A day after Write! Canada, I could still feel the river of emotions I experienced at this year’s conference.

Held June 14 - 17, Write! Canada is Canada's largest Christian writers' conference, marking its 23rd anniversary, and the sixth conference under the direction of The Word Guild. Nearly 225 people, more than half of them first time attendees, came to Guelph Bible Conference Centre, for three jam-packed days of spiritual encouragement, professional development, networking, and marketing appointments. It was my seventh conference, and I must admit, I was the last person to register—thanks to the encouragement of wonderful writer-friends. I came discouraged, searching for wisdom and direction. Write!Canada exceeded my expectations.

A Gala Kick-Off

The conference ties into The Word Guild Canadian Christian Writing Awards Gala, held the evening of June 13, in Ontario. There, the best of Canadian Christian writing was recognized during a 56 awards presentation ceremony.

The following afternoon, Write! Canada began with an orientation session for first-timers. Conferee Sheila Davidson noted, "My first trip to Write! Canada was wonderful. The setting was gorgeous, the schedule full and rich with content. I enjoyed meeting some of the attendees, sharing life/writing stories. Denise Rumble was so warm, funny and welcoming, the perfect hostess for the newcomers session."

All the attendees had an opportunity to book one-on-one appointments with faculty. I particularly enjoyed the conversation with Shannon Hill, a Fiction Editor for WaterBrook Press, who not only took appointments to discuss book ideas, but also taught a very insightful workshop Pet Peeves in Fiction Writing.

Among other faculty taking one-on-one appointments were Steve Barclift, managing editor at Kregel Publications, Meghan Baxter, managing editor of Focus on the Family Canada, Larry N. Willard, president of advancement for Tyndale University College & Seminary, and is founder and executive publisher for Castle Quay Books Canada, and BayRidge Books Canada, Ethel Rowntree, the publisher and editor of Beyond Ordinary Living, Bill Fledderus, senior editor at Faith Today magazine, and Don Loney, Executive Editor for John Wiley & Sons, Canada Ltd.

Industry professionals such as Martin Smith, president of the Gospel Music Association of Canada, and Eric Spath, Manager of Artist Associates and Speaker Events for World Vision Canada, also were available for consultations. Bruxy Cavey, the teaching pastor of The Meeting House, shared how to write about the gospel in clear, compelling, winsome ways that make sense to contemporary society.

Plenary speaker Rudy Wiebe, the winner of numerous awards, including two Governor General’s Literary Awards for the novels The Temptations of Big Bear and A Discovery of Strangers, was presented with the Leslie K. Tarr Award for outstanding career contribution to Christian writing and publishing in Canada at the Gala.

Wiebe commented in an interview, "I've had a wonderful time! The facilities are great for gathering people who want to talk to each other in partnership. I've been very impressed with the intelligence and discipline and intensity of thought of the people I've talked to. These writers are not at all shallow or simplistic, but are facing the very hard problems of life and what it means to be a Christian in the world today."

"My good hopes about this conference were confirmed," Wiebe concluded. "I trust that it will attract more thinking Christians who want to write about the real issues in Canada and the rest of the world." One of my most treasured memories is hearing Rudy read to the audience.

Inspired Schedule

I attended the "Writing the Historical Novel" continuing class, presented by Jane Kirkpatrick, the best-selling author of two nonfiction books and 11 historical novels. She took us on a journey that began with an initial idea, then lead us through research and development of the story, and continued to explain the daily disciplined task of writing. Kirkpatrick shared many tips on how to construct a novel, and use language effectively and captivate the reader. What impacted me the most was her willingness to invite us into the private life of a successful writer, and bless us with much encouragement.

Write! Canada is also unique for its worship mornings. It is awesome to listen to a choir of writers, worshiping God in unison. When Adel Simmons walked between the isles, strumming her guitar, only a few eyes remained dry.

Abundant Resources

I also have to mention The Write! Canada bookstore—a paradise for book lovers. "Most people seem to be really impressed with the selection of books available," says Heidi VanDerSlikke, one of the bookstore volunteers. "A lot of shoppers commented that they enjoy spending much of their book budget for the year at Write! Canada because we have so many books they won't see anywhere else. We carry books that deal with techniques, issues of importance to writers, the writing life, particular genres, breaking into print and lots and lots of reference books." The bookstore also offered a space for consignment goods from TWG members & conference attendees. "This gives writers a chance to promote their work and get to know each other," said VanDerSlikke.

A wide selection of free sample magazines from across Canada and the U.S. was also available. Also free: hundreds of books, on the FREE Book Table, available to conferees after 3:00 p.m. one afternoon.

"I want to encourage all the people who feel insecure in calling themselves 'a writer'," said conferee Belinda Burston. "This group is a place where you do belong if you feel a tugging in your heart to write. There is no elite corp—just a group of brothers and sisters who are kindred spirits and who will love and encourage you on your journey as a writer, no matter where you are in that journey."

"I have the calling to go into writing," said Sam Bentil, the pastor of a 1,500-member church in Accra, Ghana, "I'm interested in developing myself for that purpose. Whatever it takes for me to become a better writer, I think it's very important to do.

Focused Conclusion

N. J. Lindquist, the executive director of The Word Guild, addressed the attendees at the end of the last plenary session. She encouraged everyone not to loose focus, keep connected and to keep writing. The conference ended with all of the attendees joining hands and singing They'll Know We are Christians by Our Love.

It's always hard to say good-bye to all the like-spirited fellow writers. This year I came home encouraged, re-calibrated, challenged to grow, to work on my craft and get better at what I love to do. The most valuable lesson I took to heart? Although the book industry is saturated with great books, and it is difficult for a first time author to get published, it is not impossible. Many new writers do just that every year. Yes, God works miracles in peoples' lives—the long 'brag' line of writers who shared their publishing success stories of the past year was a testament to that.

Visit the Write! Canada website to order tapes from this year's conference. And, check back in coming months for details of the 2008 event, slated for June 12 - 14.