Novice Writing Contest Winners Announced |

Fresh New Voices Emerge in The Word Guild’s 2014 Fresh Ink Novice Writing Contest.

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO– Three new writers receive prizes in this year’s Fresh Ink writing contest, sponsored by The Word Guild. Judges for the contest acknowledge the talents of these aspiring writers who have never been published. Prizes are awarded in two age groups: 14 to 25, and 26 and up. These emerging writers join the already large number of award-winning Canadian Christian writers.

Each year The Word Guild, an association of Canadian Christian writers and editors, recognizes the talents of aspiring writers who have never been published. Entrants were asked to write on the theme, “A New Creation,” and could submit in fiction, nonfiction, article or poetry genres.

Judge R. Wayne Hagerman said of the contest, “As a Judge for Fresh Ink 2014, I was deeply moved and encouraged by the quality of submissions this year. The talent expressed by these new writers was quite delightful. Canada’s Christian community has good reason to be proud. The level of commitment, creativity, and dedication to the craft of writing was extraordinary. I eagerly look forward to reading the work of these writers in the future.”

Amelia Bowes of Merrickville, Ontario placed first in the 14 to 25 year-old category and Shamin Brown of Winnipeg, Manitoba took honours in the 26 and up category.

Tiffany Lewis of Tillsonburg, Ontario earned second place in the 26 plus category while there were no runners up in the 14 to 25 category.

First prize winners receive free registration to Write Canada, a prize worth more than $500. This national event sponsored by The Word Guild is Canada’s largest Christian writers’ conference.

Second prize consists of $100 gift certificate for The Word Guild, which may be used toward the national or regional conference registration or to purchase membership in the guild.

“I was thrilled, surprised and blessed by placing in last year’s Fresh Ink contest. It has given me the confidence to say I am a ‘writer’. Up until this contest, I did not recognize or even feel like stepping into this occupation. Thank you to The Word Guild for their focus on Christian writers and to the judges for their input and comments,” says past winner, Carol Ford.

This popular contest serves as a boost to would-be writers by giving them a chance to learn the craft under the tutelage of the excellent writers and speakers featured at the Write Canada Conference.

Past winner Loraine Kemp says, “Whenever I’m feeling down and trodden upon, I glance at my certificate from Fresh Ink beside the picture of me receiving my award, and I’m instantly buoyed by my memories and the feeling that God is leading me on!”

This year’s keynote speakers for the 30th annual Write Canada, held June 12 – 14 in Guelph, Ontario, will be Canada’s own Mark Buchanan as well as Ted Dekker, a New York Times best-selling author of more than forty novels.

Ages 14-25

First prize: Free registration to Write Canada

Amelia Bowes of Merrickville, Ontario – “Trauma Sessions”

Ages 25 and up

First prize: Free registration to Write Canada

Shamin Brown – “Disclosure”

Second prize: $100 gift certificate

Tiffany Lewis – “Journey into Newness”

The contest is sponsored by The Word Guild, whose membership consists of writers and editors across Canada who write from a Christian perspective and publish work in a variety of genres. For the complete release go to media.