Get the Inscribe App!

InScribe has a new way to connect and keep up to date on all of our events and activities! We have our own "InScribe App"!

If you haven't uploaded the App on your phone yet, here is the link:

 https://shelby.ministryone.com/landing/N3ke

We rolled out the app at our Fall Conference in October but there will be lots more communication coming about how to use it, its advantages, and more! Watch this VERY HELPFUL (and short!) video to get you started. 

Congratulations and Recognition!

We had an amazing Virtual Fall Conference this year from September 30 through October 2. On Thursday evening at our kick-off event, we held our awards ceremony which included some very nice surprises. Congratulations to the contest winners, award winners, and those honoured for their longtime service.  You can check out the full versions of each of these on our Youtube channel. Subscribe today! There is other content there you will find interesting! 

Recognition Awards:

InScribe has had some very dedicated volunteers in our long history as an organization. We decided to honour those who had served for 5+ years and those who had served for 10+ years with a recognition pin. (Some much longer than that!) You can see the entire thing here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZjE7pLjP8

Barnabas Award and Editor's Choice Award:

There were two deserving recipients this year! Karma Anderson and Sheila Webster. Congrats to both ladies. 

Our editor's choice this year went to Belinda Burston for her piece "Simply Story".

To hear more see the video replay!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_SU9RU8JLU&t=82s

Contest Winners:

Devotional:

1st: Betty Taylor

2nd: Carol Harrison

3rd: Linda Pilling

Hon mention: Pat Gerbrandt

Creative Non-Fiction:

1st: Tandy Balson

2nd: Sally Meadows

3rd: Eleanor Bertin

Poetry:

Kathryn Tatsu

Children's Fiction:

1st: Joy Baile

2nd: Eunice Cooper-Matchett

3rd: Sally Meadows

Hon Mention: Deb Elkink

Check out the video link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiRfgEvN6vk&t=3s

You can also find beautiful readings of the first and second devotional winners on our Youtube channel! 

Congratulations once again!

Your Best Summertime Read - InScribe Style!

Your Best Summertime Read Could be a Brand New Book from an Inscribe Member!

Isn't it exciting that this entire month's theme is about all the good books you are reading (or plan to read) this summer? The fifth of each month is already set aside to feature YOUR favourite books, but it seemed appropriate to feature several new releases happening this summer from InScribe members! 

Connie Inglis -  REWRITING ADAM

Terrie Todd  - ROSE AMONG THORNES

Lisa Flickinger - ROCKY MOUNTAIN RESTORATION

Janice L. Dick - OUT OF THE STORM

Robert Stermscheg - STEALTH 

Tracy Krauss - DIVINE APPOINTMENTS: Daily Devotionals Based On God's Calendar WINTER. (The other three seasons released earlier this year.) 

Click on the links and support our InScribe authors! You won't be disappointed!

Fall Conference 2021!

Registration For Inscribe's Fall Conference is now open!

We are excited to announce that Fall Conference will be an IN-PERSON event again this year! Save the dates: Thursday, September 30 to Saturday, October 2, 2021, at the Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton Alberta.

God’s Word Never Changes - Certainty in an uncertain time

Lamentations 3: 22- 23 

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness. (NKJ) 

Keynote: DS Martin - Canadian Poet

The event includes our annual Thursday evening Author's mixer, a variety of workshops, plus "open space" options. Join us on Saturday for our AGM. 

To get the entire scoop, AND TO REGISTER, visit our website: https://inscribe.org/events/fall-conference/

Fall Conference AND Fall Contest

Two exciting "Fall" roll-outs happening in June!

Fall Conference

InScribe's Fall Conference 2021 is happening IN PERSON at the Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton from September 30 to October 2! 

DS Martin, well-known Canadian poet, is our keynote! Plus there are a lot of other workshops lined up! Registration opens on June 21 so keep your eyes open!

For more, check out our Fall Conference page on the website:  https://inscribe.org/events/fall-conference/

Fall Contest

Our annual Fall Contest for members opens on June 1. There are several favourite categories plus some new ones: Poetry, Creative Non-fiction, Children's Fiction, Devotional AND Published Work from 2020!

Great prizes, a chance for possible publication in our magazine, plus so much more. Winners will be announced at Fall Conference.

Check it out here: https://inscribe.org/contests/fall-contest/

Wondering about entering a contest? Watch all or part of this intensive workshop on entering contests - All the whys and hows!

Get Ready for an InScribe Zoom-In! Contests Tutorial

Have you always wanted to enter one of InScribe’s writing contests but weren’t quite sure:

• What to submit?
• How to submit?
• If your writing is good enough?
• What exactly the judges look for?
• If you could handle the critique?

 
All these questions and more are about to be answered.
 
Mark your calendars for the InScribe Zoom-In: Contests Tutorial.
 
When: May 15, 10 – 11:15 a.m. MST
Where: the comfort of your own home, via Zoom
What:  the Zoom-In will include:

1. How to Prepare for a Contest – a tutorial
2. Ask a Judge – a panel of judges who will answer questions and demonstrate what their job entails
3. Q & A.

  
To register for this event, please send an email to contests@inscribe.org with Contests Tutorial in the subject line. Include your name and email address so we can send you the Zoom invitation link. We will take registrations until May 13 at noon MST.
 
Get your questions ready and see you on May 15!

Get Your Copy of EASTER STORIES AND MORE

 

EASTER STORIES AND MORE recently released! Get your copy in time for Easter!

Amazon

Kobo

A collection of stories, poems, reflections and more from InScribe members. A worth addition to your bookshelf! 

There is also a blog tour featuring many of the authors: Check out the schedule here and join in with comments.

March 24 - Ruth L. Snyder https://ruthlsnyder.com/blog/

March 25 - Sally Meadows https://sallymeadows.com/blog

March 26 - Eunice Matchett https://albertastoryteller.com/

March 27 - Lynn Dove https://lynndove.com/

March 28 - Pat Gerbrandt https://patgwriter.wordpress.com/

March 29 - Denise Ford https://walkingwithdustyanddee.com/

March 30 - Marcia Laycock https://marcialeelaycock.com/thespur/

March 31 - Bob Jones revwords.com https://revwords.com/

April 1 - Valerie Ronald https://scriptordeus.wordpress.com

April 2 - Kimberley Payne https://www.kimberleypayne.com/blog/

April 3 - Marnie Pohlmann https://marniewriter.com/blog/

April 4 - Lynn Simpson https://lynnjsimpson.com/

April 4 - Allison Lynn https://allisonlynn.blogspot.com

Seasons Greetings From the Executive

On behalf of InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship and the current executive, here's wishing all our readers and contributors a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous New Year. 

2020 has been a year of challenges, but it has also been fertile soil for many deep reflections here on the InScribe blog. Thank you to the faithful regular contributors for their contributions as well as to our variety of guest bloggers. You are what keeps this blog going! I am more than thrilled with the quality of writing this year, despite the challenges we faced. 

Our organization faced other challenges, too. On November 30 we lost one of our executive team. Bobbi Junior will be missed, not only because she served so diligently as treasurer for more than eight years, but she was wise and witty, too. Despite the many trials in her life, she never complained, but just told her stories with quiet grace. If you want to read a tribute I wrote on my personal blog about Bobbi, you can visit it here: The Reluctant Mentor

We are looking forward to 2021 with anticipation, knowing that God is in control and that He has a good plan for our lives and for InScribe. Keep on praying for the executive as the team put in many hours on your behalf and things (like technology )do not always run smoothly! 

God bless and keep on writing for Him!

- Tracy Krauss on behalf of the ICWF Executive -

What Is a Ministry Team?

Our Purpose

You may have seen InScribe's purpose statement on our website:

Our purpose is to minister to Canadian Christian writers by stimulating, supporting, and encouraging them in the advancement of their writing so they can effectively minister to others, promote Christianity, and contribute to the public’s appreciation of the arts.

Note the word "minister". What does it mean, exactly? In its verb form, "minister' means to give service, care or aid. That is what we want to do here at InScribe. It is our purpose!

Ministry Teams

One way to minister to others is to get involved. InScribe has so much to offer, but most of our programs and events take a lot of "behind the scenes" effort. We are a volunteer organization, and as such, we need willing workers. Rather than individuals working in isolation, we encourage "Ministry Teams" - groups of people working together on projects and events. Even if a position appears to be filled, there is still room to come along side and offer assistance or mentorship. Many hands make light work!

We could use your creativity and assistance! Here are a few examples:

FellowScript Team - there are lots of opportunities for proofreaders, marketing, and more! Contact the editor. 

Website Team - Always a huge job, we need people skilled and willing to assist in this area.

Communications - How do we stay connected? Through Social media, emails, newsletters... there are many ways to get connected and help with this area. 

Contests and other programs - from contest judges to writing group leaders there is a lot to do and many ways to get involved.

Events - Fall Conference isn't the only show in town! We regularly host smaller workshops and special events. 

Blogging - Yes! You can be part of our blogging team. We are always looking for fresh perspective, so join the team. We have two blogs - this one, for members new and old, and our Professional Blog on writing, with advice from seasoned authors who are part of our organization. 

How Can I Get Involved?

Visit our website for all the links and more info about who we are, what we offer, and how you can be a part of our wonderful organization. 

Congratulations Are in Order!

 As you know, InScribe just hosted its first every virtual Fall Conference last weekend. While that is reason enough to celebrate, here are a couple of special items to note:

Awards:

Contests:

Poetry:

1st: Sheri Hathaway - “Thoughts from a cancer clinic waiting room”

2nd: Kathleen Friesen “From Death . . .”

Nonfiction to Conference Theme:

1st: Barbara Fuller - “Beyond the Darkness: A note to those who grieve.”

2nd: Robert Stermscheg - “Meatballs Meets Schnitzel”

Devotional:

1st: Janey Bordihn - “Misty Morning”

2nd: Pamela Mytroen - “Bordering on Breakthrough”

3rd: Sylvia Engen Espe - “Hold Me in Your Grip, Lord.” 

Adult Fiction:

1st: Eunice Cooper-Matchett -  “Retrieving Dolly Cry”

2nd: Deb Elkink -  “Repotting”

3rd: Pamela Mytroen -  “When Love is on the Line”

Honourable Mention: Deb Elkink -  “Appearing”

2020 Executive:

President: Tracy Krauss

Vice President: Colleen McCubbin

Administrative Assistant: Marnie Pohlmann

Director @ Large: Charity Mongrain

Director @ Large: Joy Bailey

Director @ Large: Lynn Simpson

Director @ Large: Ruth L. Snyder

Director @ Large: MaryAnn Ward

As well as all the wonderful volunteers who serve on a ministry team!

Thank you to outgoing executive and ministry team leaders:

Bobbi Junior - Treasurer (for 8 years!) 

Pat Gerbrandt - Admin Assistant

Pam Mytroen - Contest Coordinator

Susan Barclay - Writing Groups

Ron Hughes - WorDshops

There is room for you on a ministry team!! Contact an exec member!!

Fall Conference - Get Ready!

Fall Conference 2020 is fast approaching:“Writing with Unflinching Boldness"

If you're planning to attend, here is a fantastic link to help you prepare for such a virtual event!

Now, more about our keynote speaker Randal Rauser

Randal is a seminary professor, husband, dad, and writer. He has authored many theological articles as well as the books What’s So Confusing About Faith?, An Athiest and a Christian Walk into a Bar… and A Swedish Atheist, a Scuba Diver, and other Apologetic Rabbit Trails, among others.

Randal is also providing a Workshop,“Perils and Promises of Writing for Yourself". This seminar explores the tension between writing for the audience and writing for the author, and considers how the audience can be found as the author writes for him or herself. For mroe on all the workshops check out this link: https://inscribe.org/events/fall-conference/fall-conference-2019/keynote-speaker-and-workshops/

Register now! 

Enter Fall Contest!

Have you submitted your entry yet? 

Our members only Fall Contest is for all writers, regardless of experience. It’s a safe place to try a new genre and get professional feedback on your unpublished work.

Categories:

                  Poetry (any style, up to 40 lines)

                  Devotional – 300 words or less including Scripture

                  Adult Fiction – 1500 words or less

                  Nonfiction to Conference Theme – 1500 words or less  “Writing with Unflinching Boldness” (Acts 28:31)

Deadline: Entries must be emailed to contests@inscribe..org by midnight, September 1^st, your local time.  See website for specific email instructions. 

Prizes: $100 for first; $50 for second; $30 for third

(InScribe may require a minimum of four entries per category to award 1^st; a minimum of five to award 2^nd; a minimum of six to award 3^rd. The more entries that come in, the more prizes that will be awarded. We do not want to close any categories due to insufficient entries! Encourage other members to enter!)

$30 per entry, which includes professional commentary on each piece.

Free entry for ages 18 and under

Publication in FellowScript or online for award-winning pieces

All winners will be announced at the Conference September 25-26^th  and in FellowScript.

Cheques, commentaries, and certificates will be sent after Conference.

For more detailed guidelines, rubrics and payment, please go to website:)  https://inscribe.org/contests/fall-contest/

 https://inscribe.org/contests/fall-contest/inscribe-fall-contest-2019-rubrics/

Fall Conference Goes Virtual!

Due to Covid 19, the ICWF Annual Fall Conference will be online this coming September. 

Several members of the executive held a 'Mock/Trial' Conference in late May to work the 'bugs' out and it proved to be an amazing amount of fun, PLUS it went smoothly. So, never fear! Even if you think you aren't 'tech savvy' this year's conference is for you! When you register you can state whether you want help getting set up and we will have someone ready and willing to assist.

Registration is NOW OPEN at this link. There will be door prizes, workshops, speakers, awards, the fall contest winners, blue pencil, the AGM and so much more. Go to the link above for all the details.

InScribe Press Easter Anthology

Call for Submissions for New 2021 InScribe Anthology

 
Email: Press@inscribe.org
 
Eligibility: Open to writers who are current members of InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship.
 
Book Specs: Trade paperback book (6” x 9”) with roughly 200 pages, possibly also an e-book.
 
Target Audience: Christians, Churches, Christian schools; suitable for general gift-giving
 
Theme: Easter
 
Format:

1. Fiction, poetry, non-fiction, drama/plays, devotionals, meditations, recipes, crafts/decorating, black-and-white photographs or artwork
2. Only unpublished work (text or illustrations) will be used. That means your work must not have been published anywhere else, including on the Internet.
3. Submissions (excluding images) should be sent as a Word document attachment.

 
Length: Maximum word count for written pieces: 2000. There is no minimum length. Illustrations (photos, art) must be submitted in high resolution (300 dpi) jpeg. You may enter up to three written pieces and six pieces of artwork/photos. 
 
Payment: Each contributor will receive one copy of the book per accepted submission.
 
Buying Print Copies: Authors have the option of purchasing additional copies of the book at reduced cost for resale or gifts.
 
Submission Deadline:  August 31, 2020
 
Additional notes:
 

1. There is no cost to enter a submission.
2. All submissions will be reviewed and authors will be notified of acceptance.
3. Accepted submissions will be edited.

Staying Connected in Difficult Times

Now more than ever we can see the importance of staying connected.
It is very interesting to see how so many people are using ZOOM, Facetime or other technologies to keep in touch - perhaps now more than they did pre-Covid 19.

Your InScribe family is also here to connect with you!  Many of you already take advantage of these benefits of membership, but in case you haven't please see below!

Ways to connect within InScribe: 

Facebook Group

Ask to join our InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship Members Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/75980688935/

Join in the conversation, and keep abreast of upcoming events. Keep in mind that this is a members only group so make sure your membership is up to date! 

Facebook Page

What’s the difference between a group and a page? Groups are meant as a place for interaction among members – a place for people to ask questions and comment, while pages are often more focused on announcements etc. and are moderated by the ‘owners’. Both are good places to find out about what is happening in InScribe. Our page can be found here: InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship - https://www.facebook.com/CanadianWriters/

InSide InScribe

Periodically, we will be sending out a newsletter called InSide InScribe. It’s another way to stay in tune with what is happening in terms of events, contests, and other news of interest. Please check your email inbox as well as your spam folder. Recently, we sent a poll to members asking how you would respond to a virtual conference. We want to know, so make sure you take the time to give your feedback! it is important to us! As well, we are using this platform to deliver the pdf version FellowScript magazine - now available to ALL members!

Yahoo Group or ‘Listserv’

Join the ‘listserv’! New members are sent an invitation so that they can join our ‘yahoo’ email group. This is one place to share writing-related resources, ask questions, share good news, or anything else writing related. We also make important announcements such as upcoming contests, contest winners, upcoming events and so on. (If you want to participate in the Word Challenges, you will want to join this group!) 

Writing Groups & Writing Buddies 

Many writing groups meet across the country and some ar even hosting online meetings during this time of physical distancing. For a complete list of groups check the website. Interested in a 'one-on-one' writing buddy and encourager? Again, find out how to sign up for this benefit of membership on our website. 

If you are feeling alone, reach out to someone today!

Write For FellowScript and Congrats to Winners

FellowScript, InScribe's quarterly magazine, is one of the many benefits of membership in ICWF. It is a quality magazine full of tips, writing helps, stories, devotionals - and so much more. Our dedicated editorial staff are also always looking for fresh content... which is where YOU come in!

If you would like to write an article for FellowScript - and even get paid for it, send your submission to:
fellowscripteditor2@gmail.com with 'Submission' in the title.

For all guidelines, deadlines, upcoming themes and more, visit our website:
FellowScript Submission Guidelines

The deadline for the August is is on May 1. 

As well, a huge congratulations to the winners of this year's Winter Contest!

Nonfiction - Sharon Espeseth - “Publishing God’s Glorious Deeds”Poetry -  Kathleen Friesen - “Creativity”Devotional - Pat Gerbrandt - “Looming Mountains” 

WorDshops!

WorDshops are locally planned 'mini-conferences' sponsored by InScribe. We'll help you with the planning and promotion. Contact Ron Hughes for more details!

Winter Contest 2020!

2020 INSCRIBE WINTER CONTEST

Members Only ● Works Published in 2019

Deadline: Midnight March 1^st, 2020

The InScribe Winter Contest is now open for submissions by InScribe members who had writing published in 2019.

Professional writers/judges will follow the rubrics posted on the InScribe website to mark and provide commentary on each piece. (If fewer than 4 submissions are received in a category, the category will be closed and fees will be returned). One prize of $100 will be awarded to the winning submission in each category. Prizes will be awarded by April 30, 2020, or sooner. Please check the publicly posted rubrics for your Winter Contest submissions.

Criteria:

·      Members in good standing (membership must be paid up)
·      All entries must have been published between January 1 and December 31 of 2019
·      Publication sources include magazines, anthologies, newspapers, online publications, etc.
·      Not accepted: online pieces that you self-published on your own online site. They must be published on a 3^rd party site. 
·      Deadline March 1^st, midnight, 2020.
·      Fee: $30 per entry by cheque (includes commentary by a professional writer/judge).
·      Email two copies of each piece to contests@inscribe.org by midnight March 1^st, 2020
·      1) The first copy should be a scan of your published piece (or a link). It must clearly show your name as author, the date of publication, and name of publication (magazine etc.)

2). The second copy will be exactly the same piece but without your name, and without any photos, advertising, name of the publication source or any other distraction. Please block these out of the scanned piece. If that is not possible, then please re-type it into a Word or PDF Document. Do not put your name on it. This copy will be sent on to the judge. The goal is to make all pieces consistent in appearance, without advertising or pictures, and without the author’s name, to eliminate bias and distractions for the judges.  

·      Simultaneous submissions are acceptable
·      Multiple submissions welcomed—fees must accompany each entry
·      Mail entry fee cheque to InScribe, PO Box 68025, Edmonton AB, T6C 4N6
·      Make cheques out to full name of InScribe Christian Writers’Fellowship
·      Subject field of your email: InScribe Winter Contest
·      Body of your email – two copies of your published piece, your name and all your contact info, and confirmation that your cheque will be mailed by March 1^st at the latest.

Categories:

·      Non-fiction
·      Poetry – free verse or rhymed
·      Fiction – Short Story or Drama Script
·      Devotional

Watch for more information and details to come on our website http://inscribe.org/contests/

Questions? Please direct them to contests@inscribe.org

Your 2020 InScribe List:

2020 is almost here! What better time to try something new?

Join a Writing Group - contact Susan Barclay about finding (or starting) a group in your area! We MAY be considering a virtual group, so if you are interested in this, let Susan know.

Find a Writing Buddy - Eleanor Bertin head up this department. Having an accountability partner is wonderful!

Participate in a Word Challenge - Glynis Belec, our enthusiastic Writing Challenge lady, posts prompts on a regular basis on the listserv (you will need to join that group. Ask her how) and folks from around the country write to the theme, send their submissions to Glynis, and she posts them anonymously so that everyone can read and give feedback and pick a winner. It's tons of fun. Why not try one?

Enter a Contest: Inscribe offers many contest through out the year, usually for members only, so it's one of the benefits of being a member! The next one coming up is the Winter Contest, but check the entire roster on the Contests page.

Connect on Social Media: Have you joined our private Facebook group?  Or check us out on Twitter!  We have a Pinterest board, an Instagram page and more. There are so many ways to connect. Let's get social!

Volunteer: And of course, there are multiple opportunities for you to get involved... Speak to one of the executive!

Note: You will have to be logged into the members portal on the website to see some of these pages. If you can't log in (or don't know how) contact our Webmaster.

Ready, Write, Submit!

There are so many opportunities to share your writing. It's one of the many benefits of being an InScribe member!

Contests: We host two contests per year - our Fall contest which is for new writing in a variety of categories and our Winter contest (coming soon!) for published pieces.

FellowScript: Yes, FellowScript takes submissions! Why not submit an article or poem? Check out the themes for coming issues and the submission guidelines.

This blog: Would you like to become a regular contributor to this blog? We can make that happen! We are also looking for guest posts, and book reviews. Contact Tracy for more details.

Professional Blog: We host a blog on our website that deals with a variety of writing topics. Stephnaie Nickel is our moderator, so why not check it out?

Writing Challenges: Our Writing challenge guru, Glynis Belec, posts a topic (usually monthly) on the listserv and members can write a short piece which is shared among the group. Winners get 'accolades', but sometimes even prizes or publication! How cool is that? 

Note: Most of these links require that you 'LOG IN' to our website. Not sure how to do that? Contact our webmaster, Marnie Pohlmann.