For more information: Contact: Judy Bingley, Administrative Assistant Email: info@thewordguild.com MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO—The Word Guild, a national association of writers and editors who are Christian, presented the top awards in writing for 2009 by Canadians who write from a Christian worldview at a black-tie gala in Mississauga on June 16, 2010. The association awarded its very first Grace Irwin Award, a $5,000 prize donated by her nephew John W. Irwin and his wife M. Eleanor Irwin, to Mags Storey of Newmarket, Ontario, for her book If Only You Knew (Kregel Publishing), a novel that was also awarded prizes for best young adult book and romance of the year. “I’m stunned, and shocked, and extremely honored,” exclaimed Storey, Ontario correspondent for Christian Week. “I never expected in a million years that a quirky romance novel would ever get this degree of recognition, particularly considering the many strong fiction and nonfiction Christian books it was up against.” “I’m especially excited because If Only You Knew definitely is not your typical ‘Christian’ novel. Not by a long shot! It’s a funny, romantic mystery that takes a real, gut-wrenchingly honest look at how bad our churches sometimes look to people outside our walls—especially teenagers.” The judges, Don Bastian, Ray Wiseman and N. J. Lindquist, found the entries for The Grace Irwin Award of such high quality they chose to bestow ‘honourable mention’ on three books: Kingdom Culture: Growing the Missional Church by Phil Wagler, published by Word Alive Press; Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove, published by David C. Cook; and In the Eye of Deception by Nikki Rosen, published by McMaster University: Innovative Press. The Irwin Award, now Canada’s largest literary award for writers who are Christian, honours the late author, classics scholar and ordained minister Grace Lilian Irwin. It will be awarded annually to the single best book entered in The Word Guild’s annual awards contest, known as the Canadian Christian Writing Awards. The contest draws nearly 250 entries each year across 34 categories. Master of Ceremonies Herbie Kuhn, in-house voice of the Toronto Raptors basketball team, announced the awards at the gala, held in the headquarters building of World Vision Canada. Two others special awards were conferred—the annual Leslie K. Tarr Award for outstanding career achievement and the Partnership Award. The Tarr Award went to celebrated children’s author Jean Little, 78, of Guelph, Ontario. Already a member of the Order of Canada, she has authored 45 books, many of them unsentimental portrayals of children coping with abuse, abandonment, disabilities and other challenges. Little has been legally blind from birth and writes using a talking computer. The Partnership Award went to Donald G. Bastian, a long-time affiliate of The Word Guild and former managing editor for Stoddart Publishing, now owner of Bastian Publishing Services Ltd. Bastian was chosen because of his long-term support of The Word Guild. He has served as faculty at their annual flagship writers’ conference, Write! Canada. He has mentored and supported fledgling Christian writers and published several The Word Guild authors. And the goals he has pursued during his career in mainline publishing have paralleled those of the association. The Word Guild presents the award periodically to an individual or organization that has shown exceptional support and encouragement for Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. Besides the multiple wins picked up by Mags Storey, other multiples went to Carolyn Arends of Surrey, British Columbia, for inspirational article, column and song lyric, and to Thomas Froese of Ancaster, Ontario, (based mainly in Uganda) for “article—general readership” and “book—cultural.” Ex-gang member Michael Bull Roberts of Mississauga, Ontario, won the award for best book aimed at non-Christian readers. His autobiography, The Tender Heart of a Beast (Trimatrix Management Consulting), tells how he went from being one of Canada’s wealthiest drug lords to become the sponsor of a Christian newsletter that reaches into more than 700 prisons in North America and Hong Kong. Other winning novelists include Bonnie Grove for Talking to the Dead (David C. Cook), Eric E. Wright for Captives of Minara (Word Alive Press) and Shane Joseph for After the Flood (Hidden Book Press). Among the non-fiction book winners are Craig Evans of Acadia Divinity College for his book Jesus, the Final Days (Augsburg Fortress Canada); Colin McCartney of UrbanPromise Toronto for Red Letter Revolution: If We Did Revolution Jesus’ Way (Castle Quay Books); Eileen Stewart-Rhude of The World Evangelical Alliance for The Leadership Edge: Seven Keys to Dynamic Christian Leadership for Women (Castle Quay Books); and James K. A. Smith of Calvin College for Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview and Cultural Formation (Baker Publishing). First place awards, along with some awards of merit, were given in 18 book categories and 14 categories for shorter works (two categories had no awards). The winning-est Canadian locations included Ontario (authors from the Greater Toronto Area won nine awards) and British Columbia (authors from the Greater Vancouver area won seven), but winners also come from Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Following the awards gala 250 writers, editors, agents and publishers met in Guelph, Ontario, for three days at Canada’s largest Christian writers’ conference, Write! Canada (www.writecanada.org), also sponsored by The Word Guild. A complete list of winners is included below and available at www.canadianchristianwritingawards.com. LIST OF WINNERS: THE WORD GUILD 2010 CANADIAN CHRISTIAN WRITING AWARDS Books Book—Apologetics Winner – Colin McCartney of Scarborough, Ontario, for Red Letter Revolution: If We Did Revolution Jesus’ Way (Castle Quay Books) Book—Biblical Studies Winner – Craig Evans of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, for Jesus, the Final Days (Augsburg Fortress Canada) Book—Children Winner – Wendy van Leeuwen of Listowel, Ontario, for Terrific Tuesday (Gumboot Books) Book—Christian Living Award of Merit – Dwight J. Olney of Caronport, Saskatchewan, for Master Mind: Thinking Like God (Word Alive Press) Winner – David Wiens of Duchess, Alberta, for Beyond the Clutter: Discovering Personal Authenticity (Word Alive Press) Book—Culture Award of Merit – Michael Bull Roberts of Mississauga, Ontario, for The Tender Heart of a Beast (Trimatrix Management Consulting Inc.) Winner – Thomas Froese of Uganda for Ninety-Nine Windows: Reflections of a Reporter from Arabia to Africa and Other Roads Less Travelled (Essence Publishing) Book—General Readership Award of Merit – M.D. Meyer of Norway House, Manitoba, for The Little Ones (Word Alive Press) Winner – Michael Bull Roberts of Mississauga, Ontario, for The Tender Heart of a Beast (Trimatrix Management Consulting Inc.) Book—Independently Published Fiction Award of Merit – M.D. Meyer of Norway House, Manitoba, for The Little Ones (Word Alive Press) Winner – Angus L. Franklin of Mississauga, Ontario, for The Lathe of God—A Quest For Noah’s Ark (iUniverse Inc.) Book—Independently Published Non-fiction Award of Merit –Ron Corcoran of Victoria, British Columbia for The Bishop or the King: How the Anglican Church of Canada has failed to defend its King (Essence Publishing) Winner – Sandra Crawford of North Vancouver, British Columbia, for In the Arms of my Beloved – A Journey through Breast Cancer (independently published) Book—Instructional Award of Merit – Bonnie Grove of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for Your Best You: Discovering and Developing the Strengths God Gave You (Beacon Hill Press) Winner – Eileen Stewart-Rhude of Oakville, Ontario, for The Leadership Edge: Seven Keys to Dynamic Christian Leadership for Women (Castle Quay Books) Book—Leadership/Theoretical Award of Merit – Douglas Harink of Edmonton for 1 and 2 Peter: Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible (Brazos Press) Winner – James K.A. Smith of Grand Rapids, Michigan, for Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview and Cultural Formation (Baker Publishing Group) Book—Life Stories Award of Merit – Ron Corcoran of Victoria, British Columbia, for The Bishop or the King: How the Anglican Church of Canada has Failed to Defend Its King (Essence Publishing) Winner – Nikki Rosen of Burlington, Ontario, for In the Eye of Deception (McMaster University: Innovative Press) Book—Relationship Winner – Stewart Brown of Edmonton, Alberta, for Majesty in Motion: Creating an Encouragement Culture in All Your Relationships (Word Alive Press) Book—Special Winner – Gerry Organ of King City, Ontario for One Goal: A Praise and Prayer Journal (Word Alive Press) Book—Young Adult Winner – Mags Storey of Newmarket, Ontario for If Only You Knew (Kregel Publishing) Novel—Contemporary Winner – Bonnie Grove of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for Talking to the Dead: A Novel (David C. Cook) Novel—Futuristic/Fantasy Winner – Shane Joseph of Cobourg, Ontario for After the Flood (Hidden Book Press) Novel—Mystery/Suspense Winner – Eric E. Wright of Colborne, Ontario, for Captives of Minara (Word Alive Press) Novel—Romance Award of Merit – Linda Hall of Fredericton, New Brunswick, for Shadows on the River (Harlequin/Steeple Hill) Winner – Mags Storey of Newmarket, Ontario, for If Only You Knew (Kregel Publishing) Article, Poetry, Song Lyric & Script Categories Article—Blog Series Winner – N. J. Lindquist of Markham, Ontario, for “The movement to re-engineer writers” and “Listening with your mind and your heart” (twgauthors.blogspot.com) Article—General Readership Award of Merit – John H. Redekop of Abbotsford, British Columbia, for “Do Wrong Parties Ever Win?” (No STV) Winner – Thomas Froese of Uganda for ‘“He shoots! He Scores!’—Uganda-style” (The Hamilton Spectator) Article—Inspirational/Devotional Winner – Carolyn Arends of Surrey, British Columbia, for “The Benefit of Doubt” (Faith Today) Article—Long Feature Winner – Debra Fieguth of Kingston, Ontario, for “Human Trafficking: Tragedy and Hope” (Faith Today) Article—News Winner – Heather Kendall of Lefroy, Ontario for “Reach Out With Good Friday Drama” (Faith Today) Article—Personal Experience Award of Merit – Cheryl Yingst Bartel of Calgary for “Rest of God” (CSC News, Centre Street Church) Award of Merit – Sharon Cavers of Cavan, Ontario, for “The Beauty of Her Hands” (LIVE) Winner – Rose McCormick Brandon of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, for “Listening to My Hair Grow” (testimony) Article—Profile/Human Interest Winner – Jack Dueck of Waterloo, Ontario, for “Come, Come and See” (Mennonite Brethren Herald) Article—Review Winner – Alex Newman of Toronto, Ontario, for “Tolle Tales” (Faith & Friends) Article—Short Feature Award of Merit – Rose McCormick Brandon of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario for “Love Your Bible Enough to Wear it Out” (testimony) Award of Merit – John H. Redekop of Abbotsford, British Columbia, for “Moral issues to consider in the voting booth” (BC Christian News) Winner – John H. Redekop of Abbotsford, British Columbia, for “Do wrong parties ever win?” (No STV) Article—Children/Young Adult Winner – Violet Nesdoly of Langley, British Columbia, for “Slowest Mammal on Earth” (Partners) Column – Single Winner – Carolyn Arends of Surrey, British Columbia, for “The Benefit of Doubt” (Faith Today) Column – Series Winner – Rod Barks of Nipawin, Saskatchewan, for “Fully known, yet still fully loved” and “Fathers can learn from the new General Motors” (Saskatoon Star Phoenix) Poetry Award of Merit – Bonnie Thomson of Pickering, Ontario, for “We Have Always Been a Family of Water Bearers” (Inscribe) Winner – Jan Wood of Big River, Saskatchewan, for “From Milk to Meat with Trepidation” (Utmost Christian Writers) Song Lyrics Award of Merit – Kelita Haverland of Mississauga, Ontario, for “Bella” (Heart & Soul Music) Winner – Carolyn Arends of Surrey, British Columbia, for “Something Out of Us” (2B Records) No awards were presented this year in the following categories: Article—Short Story; Novel—Historical. No entries were received in the category Scripts and Screenplays. ABOUT THE WORD GUILD CANADIAN CHRISTIAN WRITING AWARDS The awards are sponsored by The Word Guild, a national association with the mandate of connecting, developing and promoting Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. Formerly known as The God Uses Ink Awards, these prizes have been awarded annually since 1988. The Word Guild assumed responsibility for them in 2002, revamping and expanding the program from its original eight categories to the current 34. The contest is open to all writers who have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, and is not restricted to members of The Word Guild. Entrants are asked to affirm The Apostles’ Creed as a condition of acceptance. Opinions and viewpoints in the winning works represent the authors’ personal beliefs and are not necessarily endorsed by The Word Guild. Although contest rules do not require an explicit affirmation of Christian belief within an entered piece of writing, judges looked for an underlying expression of Christian worldview. Entries were judged according to excellence of writing; impact (the inspirational or informational value making it worthwhile); fulfillment of stated purpose; suitability to target audience; originality and freshness of style. Businesses, organizations or individuals who would like to provide concrete support and encouragement to Canadian writers who are Christian are welcome to inquire about the benefits of awards sponsorships. Charitable tax receipts are available. Sponsorship opportunities may be seen at www.canadianchristianwritingawards.com/become-a-sponsor. ABOUT THE WORD GUILD The Word Guild is a growing team of more than 350 Canadian writers, editors, speakers, publishers, booksellers, librarians and other interested individuals who are Christian. From all parts of Canada and many denominational and cultural backgrounds, we are united in our common passion positively to influence individuals—and ultimately the Canadian culture—through life-changing words that bring God’s message of hope.
We encourage the exploration of God-given gifts and talents; provide opportunities for people to work together; and foster excellence in the art, craft, practice and ministry of writing, editing and speaking.
In addition to Write! Canada, its flagship event, The Word Guild sponsors a number of awards programs for published and unpublished writers, including Canada’s largest literary prize for writers who are Christian, the $5,000 Grace Irwin Award. It also holds an annual black-tie Writing Awards Gala and regional Write! events in locations such as Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Halifax, Montreal, and London, Ontario.
Three categories of membership, renewed yearly, are available: professional writers and editors; associate members, who are beginning to put together a body of published work; and affiliates working in publishing, bookselling, libraries, etc. Membership benefits include discounted rates for Write! Canada. For more information about The Word Guild, go to www.thewordguild.com. Media: Please capitalize “The” in The Word Guild. For photos or more information, contact The Word Guild’s Administrative Assistant, Judy Bingley, at email info [at] thewordguild [dot] com. | 