Ernest Hemingway said, "Writing, at its best, is a lonely life." For writers scattered across the vast expanse of Canada, the saying holds true. Many often feel alone, lack support, miss accountability, and are in need of inspiration.
InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship (ICWF) is reaching out to meet these needs.
InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship (ICWF) is reaching out to meet these needs.
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Founded in 1980 in Alberta, ICWF (www.inscribe.org) aims to support Christian writers across Canada with writing groups, conferences and workshops, online support and more. The group went national in 1996.
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"I remember the first time I was asked to read to my writing group," says Abe Funk, president of the British Columbia InSpiration group, Fraser Valley Christian Writers. "It was terrifying, like breaking the sound barrier… Writing groups are very valuable in helping beginning writers get started. Even though I've published three books, I still have a lot to learn, and my writing group helps me."
Meetings give writers a chance to share their writing with one another and to give and receive critiques.
"We have also had several speakers with interesting subjects…newspaper reporters come and share their experiences with us," says Addy Oberlin of the Swan Valley Christian Writers Guild in Manitoba. "A graphic artist told us what to do and not to do in decorating our stories. I think our highlight was when [ICWF founder] Marcia Laycock came to present a workshop."
Along with workshops, ICWF runs a fall conference and writing contests and publishes FellowScript, a quarterly magazine-style newsletter. Members and non-members are able to submit articles for publication.
The ICWF is also active on Twitter and hosts two blogs. A Yahoo listserv allows members to ask writing-related questions, celebrate writing successes, and announce events like book launches. A closed Facebook group enables discussions and link sharing.
"Initially, I was an observer until I mustered up the courage to contribute my devotionals," says Jan Keats, a member of the Metro Christian Writers group in Halifax, Nova Scotia. "Before long I was submitting more and more and watched as I began to grow as a writer.
"InScribe was my platform for showcasing my writing talent. It is the connecting of common interests that inspires me to continue to learn and grow and share my joys of being a published author."
Meetings give writers a chance to share their writing with one another and to give and receive critiques.
"We have also had several speakers with interesting subjects…newspaper reporters come and share their experiences with us," says Addy Oberlin of the Swan Valley Christian Writers Guild in Manitoba. "A graphic artist told us what to do and not to do in decorating our stories. I think our highlight was when [ICWF founder] Marcia Laycock came to present a workshop."
Along with workshops, ICWF runs a fall conference and writing contests and publishes FellowScript, a quarterly magazine-style newsletter. Members and non-members are able to submit articles for publication.
The ICWF is also active on Twitter and hosts two blogs. A Yahoo listserv allows members to ask writing-related questions, celebrate writing successes, and announce events like book launches. A closed Facebook group enables discussions and link sharing.
"Initially, I was an observer until I mustered up the courage to contribute my devotionals," says Jan Keats, a member of the Metro Christian Writers group in Halifax, Nova Scotia. "Before long I was submitting more and more and watched as I began to grow as a writer.
"InScribe was my platform for showcasing my writing talent. It is the connecting of common interests that inspires me to continue to learn and grow and share my joys of being a published author."
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