Today we would like to take a closer look at an organization that is geared specifically for Christian writers. Freelance-Zone.com asked the admissions manager there (Leilani Squires) to tell us a bit about the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild, which is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado…
1. Can you tell us a little about the Guild?
The Christian Writers Guild exists to train writers through our courses, conference, critique service, and contest. For more information and details about the services we offer, visit our website.
2. Where is your annual conference held, and what is offered there?
Our next Writing for the Soul conference will be held at the Grand Hyatt in Denver, Colorado, February 10 – 13, 2011. Our keynote speakers for this year include Liz Curtis Higgs, Ken Davis, McNair Wilson, Brandilyn Collins, and Dr. Dennis E. Hensley. The Writing for the Soul conference equips and inspires writers of all levels as they receive top-notch writing instruction, meetings with editors and agents, and unparalleled spiritual enrichment.
3. I understand that you have a mentoring program. Can you tell us what that entails?
The Guild provides several writing courses, mentored by highly successful published authors, for youth and adults. Each course is offered over email, so students can be anywhere and still take our courses. We have several international students as well…
4. The Guild also offers writing classes. Can you tell us about those?
Our courses are:
Apprentice – 2-year introductory course to fiction and nonfiction writing.
Journeyman – 1-year, more advanced, with concentration on fiction or nonfiction. Apprentice or equivalent proficiency required.
Craftsman – 1-year, our most intense and advanced course, students will get the best hands-on training and help available to take their novel or nonfiction book from the proposal stage to the printed page. Apprentice and Journeyman, or equivalent proficiency required.
We also have concentrated courses:
Writing Essentials – 4-month introductory basic course, giving students that extra professional edge publishers are looking for.
Fiction that Sells – 4-month highly intense course focused on developing fiction writing techniques, and writing a novel. Writing Essentials prerequisite.
Articles that Sell – 6- month highly intense course focused on developing 10 different articles, ready for publication.
Youth Courses:
Page – for pre-teens, ages 9 – 12.
Squire – for teens 13 – 17.
More concentrated courses to come! The Guild also hosts two webinars live per month, presented by top writing professionals on a variety of writing and publishing topics.
5. What are the major benefits of joining the Guild, and are there any requirements to join?
There are no requirements to join the Guild as a mentor. The membership benefits are: Eligibility for our writing contests, discount on Writing for the Soul conference fees, discount on Guild Webinars, 20% discount on CWG merchandise from the online store, 10% discount on the CWG Critique Service, 12-month subscription to our newsletter, WordSmith, and access to Members Only section of website, including the membership directory, articles by mentors, writing opportunities, and more. For more information and to register to become a Guild member, visit the website.
6. Can you share a story with us that highlights the spirit of the Guild?
Here are some quotes from students who have taken our courses and attended our conference – and I have plenty more!:
“The concentrated fiction course took me from never having written fiction to being four chapters into my first book. The course material is presented in a practical and focused format that can take you to the next level whether you are a beginner or an experience writer.” – Fiction that Sells Student
“Thank you! Excellent class.” – Articles that Sell Student
“The mentoring was exceptional! I learned a ton from her and the course material. I enjoyed the wide variety of assignments and helpful information.” – Apprentice Student
“I am excited about the challenges offered and the thrill of seeing my name in print on the articles that have been accepted.” – Apprentice Student
“The challenges always surprised me. When I’d read the assignments I’d think, “You want me to do what?” Then after I’d do it, there was a sense of accomplishment. The Christian Writers Guild has trained me, given me confidence, and the tools to write well.” – Journeyman Student
“Anyone who ever thought he should write an article, a book, a sermon, or even a Sunday school lesson should go.” — Conference Attendee, Tacoma, WA
“Tyndale asked me to send a book proposal.” — Conference Attendee, Three Rivers, MN
“I came really wondering if I could ever do a good job at writing. I leave feeling I can do it and do it with pizzazz! Huge change.” — Nita Bynum, Erie, CO
If you aren’t sure the investment is worth it, let me assure you that I learned enough to keep me busy for a very long time.” — Conference Attendee, Sherwood, OR
“Two agents and one publisher want my proposal, and one magazine wants an article.”— Conference Attendee, Peoria, IL
“The Christian Writers Guild conference is well organized and extremely professional—a cut above! The staff and industry executives were accessible and encouraging. Serious writers should not miss this one!” — Conference Attendee, Plant City, FL