Never-before-published writers have until February 15th to enter and win free registration to Canada's largest Christian Writers' Conference!   

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO – All never-before-published Canadian writers who are Christian – including teenagers and young adults – are invited to enter The Word Guild's "Fresh Ink" Novice Writing Contest.

Contestants may send in their fiction or nonfiction short story, article, or poetry on this year's theme, "Live and Breathe the Written Word." Submissions may not exceed 1,500 words. Independent judges who are experienced writers and editors will evaluate the entries and provide helpful feedback.

This contest is designed to encourage and recognize new and aspiring writers. For the purposes of this competition, "unpublished" means the writer has never been paid for something he or she has written.

Prizes will be awarded in two age categories:  

• Teenagers: 14 to 19
• Adults: 20 and up

First-prize winner in each category will receive free registration to Canada's largest Christian writing conference, Write! Canada, June 13-15, 2013 – a value of more than $400. (If winner is not able to attend Write! Canada, the free registration can be used at any one-day conference held by The Word Guild, including Write! Vancouver, or membership in The Word Guild – to a value of $400.)  

Second prize: A $100 gift certificate for The Word Guild, which may be used for Write! Canada conference registration, membership in The Word Guild, or for any of our one-day conferences.  

Entries must be received by February 15, 2013.

Find the official 2013 "Fresh Ink" Submission Guidelines and Online entry form under The Word Guild's Resources tab.  

For a complete media release go to the Media tab above.