Markham, Ontario – After helping to equip Canadian Christian writers for 11 years, N. J. Lindquist is stepping aside from all leadership roles in Write! Canada and The Word Guild in order to concentrate on her own writing and speaking career.
Lindquist is an award-winning Markham-based writer, editor, publisher, and speaker who has authored 10 books, edited and published two bestselling Hot Apple Cider books, and spoken at conferences and churches across Canada. In 2001, together with writer Wendy Elaine Nelles of Toronto, Ont., and backed by a small group of writers and editors, as well as Lindquist’s husband Les, she co-founded The Word Guild and assumed responsibility for directing it as well as Canada’s largest Christian writers’ conference.
“We started The Word Guild,” Lindquist explained, “to connect and develop Canada’s Christian writing and publishing community, with the long-term vision of impacting the Canadian cultural landscape. On a personal level, I’m passionate about seeing people become everything God created them to be. I also strongly believe Christians ought to work together and lead in both creativity and excellence.”
Lindquist and Nelles both received the Leading Women Award for outstanding achievement in Communications and Media in 2006, for their work in co-founding The Word Guild. Bill Fledderus, senior editor of Faith Today magazine, said at the time, “Lindquist and Nelles have raised the bar for excellence in their sector of Christian ministry and encouraged many young and aspiring writers to make a difference in Canada through the written and spoken word.”
“I’m really looking forward to devoting all my energies to my own writing and speaking career from now on,” Lindquist remarked. In particular, she wants to finish a memoir, LoveChild: Life Lessons from an Ugly Duckling, which will focus on how God was there for her long before she became aware of Him. She’s also recently chosen a pseudonym – J. A. Menzies – which she’ll use to write more adult mysteries. As well, Lindquist will continue speaking and teaching in both Canada and the United States.
“Establishing a new organization takes many hours of hard work, on many levels. N.J.’s ability to see the big picture, while recognizing which details are essential, has been invaluable to the setup and development of The Word Guild. Her commitment, sacrifice, work ethic, and faith have underlined her belief that God has been in this organization from the beginning. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside N. J. and to learn from her. I’m delighted that she is now able to concentrate on her own writing and speaking.” said Denise Rumble, The Word Guild’s Managing Director.
The complete media release can be found on The Word Guild’s media page: http://www.thewordguild.com/media/