TORONTO – On June 15, The Word Guild will present Canada’s top Christian writing awards for 2011, rewarding the best in Christian writing during 2010. Contest Administrator Jane Twohey reports a record 260 submissions in the 35 award categories that include non-fiction books, novels, articles, columns, blogs, poems, and song lyrics. The book categories proved most popular, attracting a record 150 entries. Among these, Life Stories, Christian Living and Inspirational drew 46.

On the shortlist appear the names of several new finalists, such as Dr. Grant C. Richison, whose book Certainty – A Place to Stand is listed in the Apologetics category, and co-authors Denis Shackel and Tara Bardacs. Their book, Five Seconds at a Time: How Leaders Can Make the Impossible Possible, is shortlisted in three categories – Leadership, Life Stories and General Readership.

Some familiar names return to the shortlist again this year. Former winner Thomas Froese of Kampala, Uganda, is listed for three articles, one of them being, "There is No Us Versus Them – Danger, Distrust and Homosexuality in Africa" (ChristianWeek). Well known Canadian leader Brian Stiller of Newmarket, Ont. – former winner of The Word Guild’s Partnership Award – is shortlisted for his leadership book You Never Know What You Have Till You Give It Away (Castle Quay Books).

Karen Stiller, writer and editor for Faith Today, along with co-author Willard Metzger, is shortlisted in three book categories for their book Going Missional: Conversations with 13 Canadian Churches who Have Embraced Missional Life (Word Alive Press). And Connie Brummel Crook ofPeterborough, Ont. is shortlisted for her book No Small Victory (Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited).

Finalists are distributed across eight provinces. British Columbia writers account for 8 finalist placements; Alberta 6; Saskatchewan 6; Manitoba 7; Ontario 51; Quebec 1; New Brunswick 2 and Nova Scotia 2. Canadians living in the US and Africa are also represented among the finalists. Each winner will be presented with a cash prize, a certificate and a specially designed lapel pin to mark his or her achievement.

The above mentioned authors, along with dozens of other Canadian writers, many of them finalists for the first time, will be honoured at the 2011 Awards Gala in Mississauga, Ontario.

A highlight of the evening will be the second annual presentation of the Grace Irwin Award. This $5,000 award – donated by retired book publisher John W. Irwin (nephew of the award’s namesake) and his wife Eleanor – represents Canada’s largest literary prize for writers who are Christian. It will celebrate the best book published in 2010 by a Canadian author who writes from a Christian worldview. The entries for this contest consist of the books of all finalists in the 2011 book award categories. For the winner this will be the "icing on the cake."

The evening will also see the presentation of two other key awards: The Leslie K. Tarr Award for career achievement to J. I. Packer and The Word Guild Partnership Award for exceptional support and encouragement for Canadian writers who are Christian.

The Word Guild Canadian Christian Writing Awards gala will be held at the World Vision headquarters, 1 World Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the general public. Tickets available at the door for $20.00.

You can see the complete shortlist of finalists for The Word Guild 2010 Writing Awards below and at www.thewordguild.com/media.

Following the gala 250 writers, editors, agents and publishers will meet in Guelph, Ontario, from June 17 to 19 for Canada’s largest Christian writers’ conference, Write! Canada (www.writecanada.org), also sponsored by The Word Guild.  

Media: For photos or more information, contact The Word Guild’s administrative assistant, Judy Bingley, at info (at) thewordguild (dot) com.

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 writing prizes have been awarded annually since 1988. The Word Guild assumed responsibility for the awards in 2002, revamping and expanding the program from its original eight categories to the current 35.

The contest is open to all eligible writers who have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, and is not restricted to members of The Word Guild. All entrants are asked to affirm The Apostles’ Creed as a condition of acceptance. The opinions and viewpoints expressed in the shortlisted and winning works represent the authors’ personal beliefs and are not necessarily endorsed by The Word Guild.

During the judging process the judges looked for underlying evidence that the writer’s Christian worldview informed and influenced the writing. Entries were judged according to excellence of writing; impact (the inspirational or informational value); 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.

SHORTLIST OF FINALISTS THE WORD GUILD 2011 CANADIAN CHRISTIAN WRITING AWARDS

Books

Book – Academic

• Deborah C. Bowen of Hamilton, Ont. for Stories of the Middle Space: Reading the Ethics of Postmodern Realisms (McGill-Queen’s University Press)
• James R. Payton Jr. of Mount Hope, Ont. for Getting the Reformation Wrong: Correcting Some Misunderstandings (IVP Academic)          
• James K. A. Smith of Grand Rapids, Mich. for Thinking in Tongues: Pentecostal Contributions to Christian Philosophy (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.)
• Karen Stiller of Port Perry, Ont. and Willard Metzger of Drayton, Ont. for Going Missional: Conversations with 13 Canadian Churches who Have Embraced Missional Life (Word Alive Press)
• George Tunks with David Kitz of Orleans, Ont. for Tunks on Tongues (Forever Books)

Book – Apologetics

• John P. Bowen of Hamilton, Ont. for Growing up Christian: Why Young People Stay in the Church, Leave Church, and (Sometimes) Come Back to Church (Regent College Publishing)
• Dr. Grant Richison of Saint Cloud, Fl. for Certainty-A Place to Stand (Castle Quay Books)

Book – Biblical Studies

• Robert Russell of Camas, Wash. for One Precious Pearl: God’s Design for His Church (Infinity Publishing)           
• David Sawler ofGlace Bay, N.S. for The Disciple: God’s Blueprint (Word Alive Press)

Book – Children

• Connie Brummel Crook ofPeterborough, Ont. for No Small Victory (Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited)          
• Marla Stewart Konrad ofOakville, Ont. for Just Like You (Zonderkidz)

Book – Christian Leadership

• Eleanor Shepherd of Pointe Claire, P.Q. for More Questions than Answers: Sharing Faith by Listening (Resource Publications)
• Brian Stiller of Newmarket, Ont. for You Never Know What You Have Till You Give It Away (Castle Quay Books)
• Karen Stiller of Port Perry, Ont. and Willard Metzger of Drayton, Ont. for Going Missional: Conversations with 13 Canadian Churches Who Have Embraced Missional Life (Word Alive Press)

Book – Christian Living

• Mark Buchanan of Duncan, B.C. for Spiritual Rhythm: Being with Jesus Every Season of Your Soul (Zondervan)
• Catherine Cavanagh ofBrockville, Ont. for Soul Side: Articles of Faith (Butternut Publishing)         
• Gina DeBrincat of Winnipeg, Man. for Matrix of the Blended Family (Word Alive Press)
• Mary Kassian of Sherwood Park, Alta. for Girls Gone Wise-In a World Gone Wild (Moody Publishing)
• David Payne of Newmarket, Ont. for Hitting the Wall: Finding Perspective When Life Stops Working (Xulon Press)
• Brian Stiller of Newmarket, Ont. for You Never Know What You Have Till You Give It Away (Castle Quay Books)

Book – Culture

• W. Harold Fuller of Stouffville, Ont. for Sun Like Thunder: Following Jesus on Asia’s Spice Road (Centre for Contemporary Christianity)
• Tim Huff of Toronto, Ont. for Dancing With Dynamite: Celebrating Against the Odds (Castle Quay Books)
• Karen Stiller of Port Perry, Ont. and Willard Metzger of Drayton, Ont. for Going Missional: Conversations with 13 Canadian Churches who Have Embraced Missional Life (Word Alive Press)

Book – General Readership

• Kathleen Gibson of Ebenezer, Sask. for Practice by Practice: The art of everyday faith (Word Alive Press)
• Tim Huff of Toronto, Ont. for Dancing With Dynamite: Celebrating Against the Odds (Castle Quay Books)
• M. D. Meyer of Norway House, Man. for Jasmine: The Group-Week One (Word Alive Press)
• Denis Shackel of London, Ont. and Tara Bradacs of Toronto, Ont. for Five Seconds at a Time: How Leaders Can Make the Impossible Possible (Harper Collins Publishers Ltd)
• Elaine A. Small of Belleville, Ont. for Priests in the Attic (Author House)

Book – Inspirational/Devotional

• Sharon Cavers of Cavan, Ont. and Amy Jackson of Peterborough, Ont. for Cut the Strings (Garden Path Inspirations & Publishing)
• Stacey Gleddiesmith of Vancouver, B.C. for Welcoming the Stranger: Readying Ourselves for Christmas (Regent College Publishing)
• Laurie Lamb of Hawkestone, Ont. for The Way of Ducks: A Cottage Devotional (Word Alive Press)
• Book – Life Stories
• Paul Boge of Winnipeg, Man. for The Urban Saint: The Harry Lehotsky Story (Horizon Press)
• Carol Harrison of Saskatoon, Sask. for Amee’s Story (Guardian Books)
• Tim Huff of Toronto, Ont. for Dancing with Dynamite: Celebrating Against the Odds (Castle Quay Books)
• Marshall Lawrence of Echo Bay, Ont. for The World at My Door (Guardian Books)
• Lorraine O’Donnell Williams of Markham, Ont. for Memories of the Beach: Reflections on a Toronto Childhood (Dundurn Press)
• Denis Shackel of London, Ont. and Tara Bradacs of Toronto, Ont. for Five Seconds at a Time: How Leaders Can Make the Impossible Possible (Harper Collins Publishers Ltd)
• Book – Relationship
• John P. Bowen of Hamilton, Ont. for Growing up Christian: Why Young People Stay in Church, Leave Church, and (Sometimes) Come Back to Church (Regent College Publishing)
• Mary A. Kassian of Sherwood Park, Alta. for Girls Gone Wise-In a World Gone Wild (Moody Publishing)
• Book – Special
• Kathleen Gibson of Ebenezer, Sask. for Practice by Practice: The art of everyday faith (Word Alive Press)
• Marianne Jones of Thunder Bay, Ont. for Here, on the Ground (Friesen Press)
• Laurie Lamb of Hawkestone, Ont. for The Way of Ducks: A Cottage Devotional (Word Alive Press)
• Book – Young Adult
• Brian C. Austin of Durham, Ont. for Muninn’s Keep (Word Alive Press)
• Cynthia d’Entremont of Lakeview, N.S. for Unlocked (Word Alive Press)
• M. D. Meyer of Norway House, Man. for Jasmine: The Group-Week One (Word Alive Press)

Novel – Contemporary

• Donna Dawson of St. Marys, Ont. for Rescued (Word Alive Press)
• D. C. Shaftoe of St. Catharines, Ont. for Forged in the Jungles of Burma (iUniverse)
• Novel – Historical
• Connie Brummel Crook ofPeterborough, Ont. for No Small Victory (Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited)
• Janette Oke of Olds, Alta. and Davis Bunn for The Hidden Flame (Bethany House) 
• Shawn J. Pollett of Golden Valley, Ont. for What Rough Beast (Word Alive Press)

Novel – Romance

• Linda Hall of Fredericton, N.B. for Storm Warning (Steeple Hill)      
• M. D. Meyer of Norway House, Man. for Jasmine: The Group-Week One (Word Alive Press)

Article, Poetry, Song Lyric and Script Categories

 Article – Blog Series

• Troy Dennis of Moncton, N.B. "Snapshots of Character" and "Plugging Leaks and Stopping Diversions"(www.onfireletter.blogspot.com)         
• Lynn Dove of Cochrane, Alta. for "The Author of Life" and "Even Though I Walk Through the Valley" (lynndove.wordpress.com)
• Marcia Laycock of Blackfalds, Alta. for "Pondering on the Imaginarium" and "Giving Birth" (www.noveljourney.blogspot.com)      
• Violet Nesdoly of Langley, B.C. for "Gentleness" and "Is there such a thing as truth?" (vnesdoly2.blogspot.com)
• Kimberley Payne of Millbrook, Ont. for "Great Faithfulness" and "Six Months" (returnhomeandtell.wordpress.com)

Article – Children/Young Adult

• Carol L. MacKay of QualicumBeach, B.C. for "The Best View" (The Kids’ Ark)
• Corinne Mordaunt of Toronto, Ont. for "In the Beginning" (Nature Friend)

Article – General Readership (articles that explain or encourage faith for mainstream readers)

• Thomas Froese of Kampala, Uganda for "By Losing Fun We Risk Much More" (The Hamilton Spectator)
• Thomas Froese of Kampala, Uganda for "There’s Lots to Learn About Life, Death from Developing World" (The Hamilton Spectator)
• Kimberley Payne of Millbrook, Ont. for "Take it to the Streets" (MobileLife Today)
• Article – Inspirational/Devotional
• Jack Dueck of Waterloo, Ont. for "The Burning Bush or the Plastic Mulberry" (Institute For Theology And The Church)
• Jack Dueck of Waterloo, Ont. for "Welcome to Evergreen Farm" (Mennonite Brethren Herald)
• Grace Kingsbridge of Minnedosa, MB for "Moving Again!" (Christian and Missionary Alliance/cmalliance.ca magazine)
• Harold Fuller of Stouffville, Ont. for "Heaven beyond Imagination" (Centre for Contemporary Christianity)

Article – Long Feature

• Jack Dueck of Waterloo, Ont. for "The Burning Bush or the Plastic Mulberry" (Institute for Theology and the Church)
• Donna Mann ofHolstein, Ont. for "Mother’s Day-A Day to Celebrate, but How?" (Christianity.ca)
• Jayne Self of Toronto, Ont. for "Ghana: Boogie to the Front" (Presbyterian Record)

Article – Personal Experience

• Jack Dueck of Waterloo, Ont. for "The Burning Bush or the Plastic Mulberry" (Vision)
• Kathleen Gibson ofEbenezer, Sask. for "In Spite of the Pirates" (Holiness Today)
• Heather Kendall of Innisfil, Ont. for "What Good Are Bad Times?" (testimony)
• Marcia Lee Laycock of Blackfalds, Alta. for "What to do with Teri" (Women’s Journey of Faith)
• Donna Mann ofHolstein, Ont. for "Mother’s Day-A Day to Celebrate, but How?" (Christianity.ca)
• Ella Sailor of Elbow, Sask. for "I Can’t Find Him" (Inscribed)

Article – Review

• Violet Nesdoly of Langley, B.C. for "Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends by Mark A. Yarhouse, PsyD" (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
• Joseph Shane of Cobourg, Ont. for "The Road by Cormac McCarthy" (Goodreads)

Article – Short Feature

• David Donaldson of Guelph, Ont. for "A Canadian Evangelical Martyr" (Faith Today)
• Marcy Kennedy of Wallaceburg, Ont. for "Dying to be Beautiful: The high cost of believing the lie" (testimony)

Column – Single

• Kurt Armstrong of Winnipeg, Man. for "Jesus Loves Your Penis, Son" (Geez Magazine)
• Jack Dueck of Waterloo, Ont. for "Just the Latest Refugees" (Waterloo Region Record)
• Thomas Froese of Kampala, Uganda for "There is No Us Versus Them-Danger, Distrust and Homosexuality in Africa" (ChristianWeek)                     
• Stacey Gleddiesmith of Vancouver, B.C. for "My God, My God, Why? Understanding the Lament Psalms" (Reformed Worship)
• Stacey Gleddiesmith of Vancouver, B.C. for "Real Joy, Genuine Faith: Biblical Lament during Advent" (Reformed Worship)

Column – Series

• Carolyn Arends of Surrey, B.C. for "Hospitality Sweet" and "Can’t Get No Satisfaction" (Christianity Today)
• Kathleen Gibson ofEbenezer, Sask. for "When I Grow Up, I Want to Be Like Mom" and "What About that Dead Robin?" (Yorkton This Week)
• Lisa Hall Wilson of London, Ont. and Emily Taylor of Wallaceburg, Ont. for "Dare to Break the Silence" and "Trapped?" (The Link & Visitor)

Song Lyrics

• Kelita Haverland of Mississauga, Ont. for "Deep Dark Secret" (Heart & Soul Music)
• Kelita Haverland of Mississauga, Ont. for "Good Bye April" (Heart & Soul Music)
• Lisa Waites of Redcliff, AB for "To Sing the Sacred" (Servant Song Music)

Additional Categories:

Awards will be presented on June 15 to the winners of five categories for which there are no shortlists of finalists: Book-Instructional; Novel-Futuristic; Article-Profile; Poetry; and Scripts and Screenplays.

There will be no awards awarded in the Novel-Mystery/Suspense; Article-Short Story; Article-News.