The Wendy Elaine Nelles Award

The Wendy Elaine Nelles Memorial Award (the WEN Award) is a cash prize established by friends of Wendy Nelles (1955–2018) in partnership with The Word Guild—an organization of Canadian writers and editors who are Christian—which Wendy cofounded.

“The WEN Award celebrates the life, career, and faith of a woman who cared passionately about teaching, mentoring, and encouraging writers,” says journalist Thomas Froese, who initiated the award in honour of his friend.

“Each year, we invite eligible young writers to apply who strive to emulate the virtues of leadership, perseverance, commitment to excellence, commitment to Christian faith, and good character,” adds writer and communications consultant Patricia Paddey, another of Nelles’ friends. “Those who knew and loved Wendy saw these virtues amply displayed in her life.”

Awarded to developing writers in Canada, submissions are open to post-secondary students majoring or minoring in Journalism, Literature, Media, and Communications programs. To apply, students must complete a written questionnaire, including a character reference.

The cash prize this year is $850, to be used for the winner’s writing development.

The application deadline will be May 15 (including the receipt of reference letters.)