How many Canadian Christian authors can you name?
Columnist N.J. Lindquist takes a look at some of the best writers in the country.
October 14, 2005 - Michael D. O’Brien
Life of sacrifice honours
After 10 years of collecting rejection slips, Michael D. O’Brien decided it was possible that God had called him to write simply as an act of obedience, rather than as a means of making a living. And since he was trying to support a family, he gave up.
He already had a legitimate outlet for his creativity as a world-class artist—not that he made much money painting, either. But along with his wife, Michael made a conscious decision to follow God’s leading regardless of the consequences. >>
September 2, 2005 - Sheila Wray Gregoire
Author discovers joy in doing what comes naturally
Raised in a single-parent home in Toronto, Sheila Wray grew up with a love for reading and writing. She even gave her short stories to her family as Christmas presents. But it never occurred to her to become a writer. Instead, she used her ability to write essays as she earned master’s degrees in sociology and public administration at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. >>
June 22, 2005 - Hugh Cook
Professor helps others appreciate good literature
The date was February 28, 1950. Seven-year-old Hugh Cook and his family had just completed an arduous journey from The Netherlands to Vancouver. Suddenly, Hugh realized he didn’t speak English and the people around him didn’t speak Dutch. >>
June 10, 2005 - Judy Rushfeldt
Author helps women discover their dreams
When Judy Rushfeldt was in Grade 12, her high school counsellor informed her that becoming a writer was impractical, and that she should be a teacher, nurse or secretary. That conversation resulted in a detour into medicine, but Judy eventually found her way, and today looks back at more than 25 years of writing, two published books and an online magazine. >>
April 29, 2005 - Harold Taylor
Author’s mission to help others use time wisely
He was once a workaholic with bleeding ulcers, a failed marriage, and a failing business. But at 70, Canadian author and speaker Harold Taylor is a living example of what can happen when we put God’s priorities first in our lives.
>>March 18, 2005 - Jim Coggins
Editor turned mystery author builds God's Kingdom
Fictional magazine editor John Smyth gets into situations few real-life editors ever experience—like helping to solve murders. And his creator, James R. (Jim) Coggins, former editor of the Mennonite Brethren Herald, is thoroughly enjoying his new career as mystery author.
>>
February 4, 2005 - Margaret Avison
Poet turns the ordinary into something new
Even though she’s nearly 87, multiple-award winner Margaret Avison continues to write poetry and touch hearts. Margaret was born in Galt (now Cambridge), Ontario, in 1918. Her father, a Methodist minister, was called to Regina, Calgary and then Toronto. Whether homesick for the Prairies, struggling with adolescent angst, or affected by the Great Depression, Margaret found her early teens very difficult. Poetry helped. >>
December 19, 2004 - Linda Hall
Is it okay for Christians to write and read mystery novels?
New Brunswick author Linda Hall and I recently joined four American authors for a panel titled, “God Help Us: Do Religion and Murder Mix?” This panel took place in Toronto at Bouchercon 2004, an annual conference where 1,500 authors, publishers, would-be authors and fans gather to talk about mysteries and enjoy the company of like-minded people from across North America, the UK and other European countries.
>>
November 12, 2004 - Sigmund Brouwer
Storyteller focuses on reluctant readers
If Sigmund Brouwer had a bumper sticker, it would likely say, “Real Men Read!” He has long thought the saying, commonly-heard in the Christian publishing industry, that “boys don’t read,” would be put to rest if the right books were available. >>
September 17, 2004 - Rosemary Aubert
Novelist juggles two separate lives
Like Peter Parker and his alter-ego Spiderman, Rosemary Aubert leads two distinctly different lives. By day, she is a Court Services Officer for the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. But during the summer, on weekends and in spare moments, she is the author of two book-length poetry collections, five very successful romance novels, and an elegant mystery series featuring a former judge, Ellis Portal, who is homeless.
>>
August 3, 2004 - Keith Clemons
Writing is a risky business
When God calls you to leave your well-paying job as vice president of marketing for a prominent company to write and publish novels, do you shake your head and wait for a saner moment or obey? >>
June 22, 2004 - Denyse O'Leary
Writer makes time for what matters
Eight-year-old Denyse O’Leary climbed to the top of a hill near Whitehorse, looked at the jagged rocks and mountains and decided to become a writer. And become a writer she did, beginning with an essay published in the London Free Press when she was 13. >>
May 11, 2004 - Phil Callaway
Make ‘em laugh
Deep roots and a fruitful ministry (see Psalm 3:1) characterize Alberta writer Phil Callaway to a tee. >>
March 30, 2004 - Gail Sattler
Writing contagious for romance novelist
When the company Gail Sattler was working for closed, Gail suddenly had a lot of time on her hands. “A friend loaned me a huge pile of books. I enjoyed most of them, but one was so bad, I said, ‘I can do better than that.’ My husband had just bought a new computer, so I turned it on and started writing. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.”>>
February 17, 2004 - Kevin Miller
Versatile writer leaves his mark
You won’t find Kevin Miller’s name on all of the 30 books he’s written, co-written or edited. They may say instead: Larry Burkett, Rick Osborne or another name you may recognize. Some of these books were co-authored; others written completely by Kevin—but the bottom line is that the farm-boy from Foam Lake, Saskatchewan is on his way to becoming a household name. >>
January 6, 2004 - Linda Hall
Author helps hurting Christians find spiritual and emotional health
Abortion. Loneliness. Hypocrisy. Spousal abuse. Author Linda Hall struggles with these issues daily as she seeks to depict real Christians, warts and all. Linda doesn’t write “safe” books, but books that touch hearts. And she does it with fiction. >>
November 11, 2003 - Ray Wiseman
Author overcomes obstacles to find life mission
As an author of five non-fiction books, hundreds of newspaper columns and articles and 10 technical manuals, Ray Wiseman of Fergus, Ontario keeps plugging away like The Little Engine That Could, overcoming obstacle after obstacle.>>
September 30, 2003 - Elma Schemenauer
Author’s quiet influence touches many
It’s likely you haven’t heard her name before. But Elma Schemenauer, a Canadian author who is a Christian, has written more than 70 books and edited more than 250 others. And no, she doesn’t use a pseudonym.>>
August 5, 2003 - Eric Wright
Diving in where God leads
Some people take life one tiny step at a time, testing constantly to make sure the path is still clear; others hear God’s “Follow me,” and dive right in. >>
June 10, 2003 - Carolyne Aarsen
Author reclaims romance for God’s Kingdom
“I’ve had to defend what I do both as a Christian writer and especially as a romance writer,” says Alberta novelist Carolyne Aarsen, “but I’m very proud of the books I’ve written.”>>
April 15, 2003 - Mark Buchanan
Author leads double life as pastor
Award-winning Canadian author Mark Buchanan has two distinct callings on his life. At age 12, he was captured by the thrill of creating his own stories. Eighteen years later, God called him to become a pastor.>>
February 18, 2003 - Connie Brummel Crook
Author highlights Canada’s Christian heritage
“The world recognizes most of the people I write about,” says award-winning Canadian author Connie Brummel Crook, “but they never bother to mention that the person was a Christian.”>>
December 17, 2002 - Introduction
Support Canada’s Christian authors
“How many Canadian authors who are Christian can you name?” is the question on the front of bookmarks I’ve been handing out recently. On the back are 18 names: Marg Brouillette, Sigmund Brouwer, Phil Callaway, Hugh Cook, Connie Brummel Crook.... I’ve given them out at Word on The Street in Toronto, home education and Christian teachers’ conferences, Equip, Missionfest and church library conferences. I’ve also mailed them to interested individuals, churches and bookstores.>>
