Lancaster Christian Writers

Has God laid a message on your heart? Always wanted to write it down? A closet scribbler already? Then join us at Lancaster Christian Writers every 3^rd Saturday morning of the month from 9:30 AM-12PM at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd., Lititz, PA 17543 (on corner of Pierson Rd. and Hwy. 772 not far from 501). Doors open at 9 AM.

Who We Are

Lancaster Christian Writers is a local chapter of American Christian Writers, a non-denominational association of Christian writers designed to provide full service to writers and speakers through a variety of educational and inspirational avenues in a Spirit-filled environment. Lancaster Christian Writers welcomes writers of all churches and denominations and of all levels, from published authors to beginning free-lancers.

Our monthly meetings offer opportunity for manuscript critique, networking with other writers, as well as regular workshops and guest authors. We accept writers of all genres, both fiction and non-fiction. ADDITIONAL NEWS POSTED AT LCW BLOG

Critique Group Guidelines

As a Christian ministry, LCW is primarily oriented to training and critiquing writers interested in the booming Christian inspirational market. Meetings begin with prayer. All manuscripts for critique must subscribe to general CBA guidelines, avoiding foul language or explicit sexual material.

We ask that writers come to at least one meeting before submitting a piece for critique. This allows you to observe and understand the process of critiquing as well as decide whether our group is right for you before submitting your own material for critiquing.

Manuscript Submission

Critiquing is done through a process of peer review. Submissions may be fiction or non-fiction, articles or chapters of a book. Bring submission printed out along with at least ten copies for peer review and feedback at the meeting, submitting no more than ten pages in a given month (1500 word count). The person sitting to your left will read the submission, or first three pages if longer, aloud while the group looks over the piece. Critiquing will begin with the person seated to the reader’s left and continue around circle, finishing with the reader. The manuscript submitter may not respond to peer critique, but may answer direct questions if clarification is needed. If there are more than ten people at the meeting or more than 2-3 submissions, it is suggested that the group break up into smaller critique circles, dividing the material submitted for critique.

Giving and Receiving Critique

We are here to help each other grow as writers and learn from others’ suggestions and our own mistakes. You may not always agree with your critiquer’s opinion. Listen graciously and without defensiveness. Develop a thick skin. Editors will concern themselves about your self-esteem far less than your fellow writers so consider your critique group a training ground.

At the same time, critique as you would be critiqued, with graciousness and kindness. We suggest the ‘sandwich’ method of peer review: find something positive to say (bottom slice); follow with your suggestions (filling); finish with another positive statement (top slice). The bottom line is that even the most experienced writer benefits from a fresh viewpoint, and successful authors are those who have learned to listen to suggestion.

Additional Resources

Along with workshops and training sessions, Lancaster Christian Writers also networks writers to publishing opportunities, writers conferences, and other writer resources. We have within our chapter a number of experienced authors and editors who offer individualized professional manuscript review and editing at standard rates. American Christian Writers and Christian Writers Guild both offer on-line writing courses and manuscript review as well. We also offer a one-day writers conference in March with both fiction and non-fiction tracks.

Membership Fees

Lancaster Christian Writers invites visitors to participate as our guests for their first meeting. Membership fee is $10 annually. *Due to surplus from our last March one-day conference, ALL membership fees are currently suspended until further notice!!!!

Contact Information

Dates are subject to occasional change due to scheduling conflicts. Check regularly for news at our LCW Blog at http://www.lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/ OR

We want to hear from you. But because of volume of traffic and writing and teaching commitments, an email message is preferable to phone calls. We will get back to you.

Jeanette Windle

President, Lancaster Christian Writers:

Contact: jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

http://www.lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/