Lancaster Christian Writers  

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, and occasional workshops and guest authors. We accept writers of most genres, both fiction and non-fiction.  

Cost

     We invite you to check us out for your first meeting as our guest. If you return to be part of the group, we would ask that you join us in contributing an annual membership donation of $10 dollars. This will be for the calendar year regardless of which month you join. Any registration fee currently paid will run through December, 2008.  

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 occasional 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.

PBPGIFWMY

      A favorite lapel button in the 80s translated to ‘Please Be Patient With Me; God Isn’t Finished With Me Yet’. Lancaster Christian Writers is still under construction, working out where we are going and what we can offer. As such we are open to any suggestions you may have as to how we might better improve our service to you. Our purpose is to help you become the best writer you can be.

 Contact Information 

     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. Check regularly at this site as well for updates on upcoming events and resources.

     May we write for the glory of our Creator, 

    Jeanette Windle

    Chapter President, Lancaster Christian Writers

    Contact: jeanette@jeanettewindle.com