The Word Guild’s black-tie gala promises to be an outstanding evening of rewarding excellence in writing and presentation of special awards

TORONTO— The seventh annual Canadian Christian Writing Awards Gala is less than two weeks away. This black-tie event, hosted again this year by British Columbian author and speaker Grace Fox, will be held Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. at the headquarters of World Vision Canada—1 World Drive, Mississauga, Ontario.

This premier national event honouring Canadian writers who are Christian will present awards for outstanding career achievement, and for the best novels, non-fiction books, articles, poems, and scripts published in 2011.

The evening will include a catered stand-up reception following the awards presentation. Guests will be able to meet many of their writing colleagues, fellow members of The Word Guild and Write! Canada registrants, as well as applaud and support the prize-winning writers.

One highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Grace Irwin Award. The $5,000 prize—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 2011 by a Canadian author who writes from a Christian worldview.

Another highlight will be the presentation of the Leslie K. Tarr Award for career achievement to Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche communities and an author, philosopher, and theologian. Vanier is a Companion of the Order of Canada and the son of former Canadian Governor General Georges P. Vanier.

Tickets may be purchased online at: www.thewordguild.com Pre-purchase ticket price at $15.00 for the general public, $10.00 for Word Guild members. At the door, $20.00 for everyone.