What's New for Christian Writers?

By Debby Giusti 

Have you heard about the “NEW” Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers organization?

It’s an online group for writers at any stage of their careers, from pre-published to established authors. If you’re a writer or are interested in writing, FHLCW is the organization for you!

The original FH&L was established in 1996 as a chapter of Romance Writers of America. In 2021, the 90-plus members disaffiliated from the national group and became an independent writing group that has seen its membership grow ever since.

Today, close to 300 FHLCW members connect online to support and encourage one another. Educational opportunities abound as well as zoom chats and social online gatherings. Monthly programs are free to members (non-members are charged a nominal fee to register for the various classes). Last night, I attended How to Sell Yourself with Thomas Umstattd. Next month, I’m looking forward to Using Cross-promotion to Grow Your Professional Network, with Laurie Cooper.

The FHLCW website (https://fhl-cw.com/) provides an in-depth overview of the organization. Here’s some of what you can find there:

What is FHLCW’s purpose?

“To promote excellence in Christian fiction and/or fiction written from a Christian worldview. To help Christian writers establish their careers and to provide continuing support for writers within the fiction publishing industry.” We accomplish this stated purpose through our email groups, our online programs, our contests and awards, etc.

What are some of the benefits for members?

»FHL sponsors an email group where members can exchange publishing information, discuss writing issues, and receive encouragement.

»FHL sponsors the FHL READERS CHOICE AWARD to honor the best in published Christian Romantic Fiction as well as the TOUCHED BY LOVE AWARD for unpublished manuscripts.

»FHL seeks to encourage its members through special projects, including through online chapter programs via Zoom and Facebook Groups.

»FHL seeks to connect members with readers through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The new-member application form is on the website and is an easy-peasy process. Yearly dues are $35, and the benefits to the members are worth every penny!

I told FHLCW President Nancy J. Farrier that I would be talking about FHLCW on Seekerville today, and she sent this lovely note to our blog community to help explain the many positive aspects membership in the organization entails!

I have been a member of FHL, now FHL Christian Writers, almost since its inception in the 90's. I love our group. Now that we are independent, we are striving to be a family of writers. We encourage one another. We have excellent programs with replays available to members. We have Zoom gatherings when we meet according to genre or location or one of many other topics to chat with one another. Our authors can connect with each other, even when they live in Australia or Europe. This year, we reinstated our Touched by Love Award for unpublished authors and were surprised at the eager response. I'm so excited to see these authors grow. We have several critique groups and next month we are having a workshop for members only to teach how to benefit from cross-promotion. Exciting stuff. My dream is for FHLCW to become more of a family. To have our own conference in the future--one that is an encouragement to all so that we build each other up. I'm excited to see how we're growing and look forward to new horizons. 

I also heard from longtime Seekervillager and now FHLCW Prayer Volunteer Coordinator Patti Jo Moore, who sent this message:

The FHLCW organization is such a caring group of Christian writers, and I'm thankful to be a member. Not only are members willing to share their expertise in certain areas, but more importantly, they are always willing to pray when a member has a concern or a prayer request.

My favorite aspect of this group is our Monday morning prayers. I am the Prayer Volunteer Coordinator for the group, and have been so blessed and inspired by the uplifting prayers that our members post. When I asked for volunteers, the responses I received made me realize just what a caring group I'm in! I truly feel the Lord is at work through the members of FHLCW.

Both messages reveal how the “new” FHLCW is a Christian organization centered on the members and their needs. Whether you’re actively writing or interested in writing, consider joining FHLCW. I feel confident you’ll enjoy the many benefits available to the members!

I hope to see you on the FHLCW loop, at the ZOOM programs and taking part in the frequent online opportunities to mix and mingle with the other members. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to improve your craft, learn more about networking and marketing and connect with more than 50 published Christian authors and so many more writers working towards publication. FHLCW is THE organization for anyone interested in a writing career. See you there!

Happy Writing! 

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

 

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