Vicar backs Norfolk Christian Writers' group
By Sandie Shirley
King’s Lynn vicar,
Corin Child, from
St John’s brings his love of literature to the heart of church culture and is encouraging others through the
Association of Christian Writers and the new
Norfolk Christians Writers group.
He has written and performed plays, sketches, poems and songs and leads creative writing workshops across the UK. With an English degree and an MA in Applied Theology that included a study of Christian creative writing, he sees the pen (or computer) as a vital tool for today’s world.
“It can be a powerful way of expressing ourselves, meditating on life, organising our thoughts and even hearing from God,” says Corin who has produced the Grove leaflet: Telling Ourselves in Ink: Creative Writing in the Church (£3.95) to help put this into practice.
Writing can be therapeutic, explains the Anglican vicar. “It brings people out of themselves and can help with counselling. Thoughts can be expressed at one’s own pace in an ordered, careful way, without necessarily voicing them. Writing a journal at the end of the day can also be a useful pressure valve.”
He is currently writing a resource for pre-teens to deepen their faith. “Children aged nine to 12 are at an important stage of their development and learning to live in the world with a Christian understanding,” says Corin who is writing to bridge the gap in the market to equip youngsters for the faith road ahead. The resource details the special encounters individuals had with Jesus and encourages a practical response to God through prayer.
The church minister who is on the national board of the Association of Christian Writers is also part of the new Norfolk Christian Writers that currently attracts seasoned poets, authors, playwrights and a journalist.
Says Corin: “The creative spirit seems to bubble away in Norfolk church life. Those with talent, enthusiasm and energy, have turned their writing interest into an opportunity to express their faith which is exciting.”
The Norfolk group was founded last autumn by Angela Hobday, a clinical psychologist and writer with an MA in creative writing. It has proved a ‘shot in the arm’ for lonely scribes who can suffer writers’ block. The monthly meetings provide encouragement and prayer as members discuss the pitfalls and joys born from experience and share samples of their work.
“There is also the opportunity to discuss marketing, publishing ideas and retreats as well as pointers for writing secular books and articles with a Christian influence,” says Angela, who includes practical writing exercises for both experienced and inexperienced members.
Future Tuesday meetings include: April 5 at 1.45pm (Cavenham House, Gibbet Lane, Wereham, PE33 9AA) and May 10 at 10.30am (51 Drewray Drive, Taverham, Norwich, NR8 6XS) .
For information contact Angela Hobday: 01366 501504 or
hobdayangela@yahoo.co.uk Pictured above is Corin Child and, top, members of the Norfolk Christian Writers group.