Books & culture

Writers from a variety of Canadian churches won awards last month in the annual contest held by The Word Guild, a national association of writers and other interested Christians. Published books (23 categories) plus shorter works (in 19), student work and unpublished work were announced in an online show that replaced the usual in-person gala.

The best book award went to Janet Surette of Barrie, Ont., for Scarlett’s Spectacles (B&H Kids) as well best fiction and book cover categories. Best new author and best romance went to Melanie Stevenson of Cambridge, Ont., for One More Tomorrow (Word Alive).

The Debra Fieguth Award for social justice, named after a former Faith Today writer, went to Ruth Coghill of Bobcaygeon, Ont., and Sarah Davison of Guelph, Ont., for Unborn. Untold. True Stories of Abortion and God’s Healing Grace (Word Alive Press).

The new journalist award, named for trailblazers Bob Harvey and Lloyd Mackey, went to Preston Pouteaux of Chestermere, Alta., for “Caring for Politicians” (Faith Today). The Leslie K. Tarr career award went to Michael D. O’Brien of Barry’s Bay, Ont.

Faith Today winners included Carolyn Arends, Amy MacLachlan, Craig Macartney and Alex Newman. Poetry winner was Dagmar Morgan of Love Is Moving. Others who made the shortlist included Karen Stiller. David Guretzki, Darlene Pinter and Patricia Paddey.

Read a complete list of winners at www.TheWordGuild.com/Media.