Carter named ‘Writer of the Year’

By CAROL R. THOMAS

The San Diego Christian Writers Guild held its annual Fellowship and Awards event Friday, April 30 at Maranatha Chapel in Rancho Bernardo. Over 80 members, family, and friends gathered to celebrate what God is doing through the publishing efforts of the Christian authors.

“Each year we take the opportunity to spend time with fellow writers, catch up with old friends, make new friends and to realize once again why we have chosen to enter into this fellowship of writers, what we are called to do, and for whom we do it,” Guild President Jennie Gillespie said.

While enjoying an elegant dessert buffet the Guild was entertained by classical guitarist George Svoboda, who has not only played in many countries around the world, but performed for President and Mrs. Clinton at Hotel Del Coronado. Svoboda performed songs from his native Czechoslovakia and surrounding countries.

After the entertainment, the Board of Directors presented the awards for the best writing of 2003.

Dr. Carrie Carter received the Sherwood Eliot Wirt Writer of the Year Award. This award is more than recognition of a member’s writing achievements. It honors those members who, in addition to outstanding writing that seeks to glorify God, go the extra mile and take the time to mentor and support other writers.

Carter, a board certified primary care physician, wrote two books in 2003: Mom’s Health Matters published by Zondervan, and Thrive! A Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle by Bethany House. In addition, she writes a national column for MOMSense magazine, writes a bimonthly column “Health Matters on the Web,” co-hosts a weekly women’s health radio show and is a frequent guest on other national and regional radio programs. She also speaks throughout the U.S. and Canada, and serves as a medical expert for television newscasts.

“In spite of her incredibly busy schedule, Dr. Carter frequently makes the effort to contact those who have shared publishing success stories in our newsletter,” a CWG board member said. “She faithfully attends our fall conference even when her severe Meniere’s disease, compels the use of a cane or wheelchair. And, I’ve heard her soft voice encourage countless attendees at all writing levels.”

Gillespie presented the Book of the Year and Article of the Year awards. Dr. Dennis Price won the Book of the Year for his book, Why God Is The Only Way (Essence Publishing, 2003). Dr. Price is professor emeritus in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech and holds degrees in Industrial Engineering (Ph.D), Psychology (M.A.), Religion (B.A.) and a Masters of Divinity. He holds citations from President Ronald Reagan, President George Bush, and the National Academy of Sciences.

Cathy Miller was awarded the Best Article plaque for “What My Discipler Did Right,” published in Discipleship Journal and reprinted in Starting Well: A Discipleship Journal Guide to Helping Others Grow in Christ (Navpress).

Mary Jenson presented the first Nancy Bayless award to Shannon Kubiak for her book The Divine Dance (Barbour). This award, given in memory of long-time Guild member Nancy Bayless, seeks to recognize and encourage the work of new writers.

Guild treasurer and poet Diana Thomas presented the Best Poem plaque to Cary Fudge for “Dust.”

Honorable Mentions went to Dr. Stanford Linzey for his book The Holy Spirit In The Third Millennium (Xulon), Pastor Ray Bentley for his book, God’s Pursuing Love (Calvary Chapel Press), Rebecca Farnbach for her article on “POWs Still Friends 50 Years Later,” and Kelly Bell and Ralph Bender for their monthly newsletters.

After the presentations, Barbara Nicolosi, director of Act One, Writing For Hollywood, kept the Guild members smiling with stories of Hollywood and provided food for thought with her list of things that writers should realize come with the profession. “Just as a doctor surrounded with sick people isn’t doing anything wrong, so are writers who face loneliness and rejection,” Nicolosi said.

The Guild’s next event is its annual fall writers conference. Structured as a one-day event to be more affordable and accessible than many like it, the conference offers something for everyone, from beginners to veterans. Speakers and workshops provide opportunities to learn what is selling and to whom to send it. The conference also provides an opportunity for attendees to meet one-on-one with the industry’s top editors and agents.

For more information about the San Diego Christian Writers Guild call (619) 221.8183 or visit sandiegocwg.org.