Taking writing 'out of the salt cellar'

The author Merrilyn Williams has been announced as the new Chair of the Association of Christian Writers (ACW). The news came as the group met at Bromley, Kent last Saturday for its annual Writers' Day.

Merrilyn, whose own books deal with real life topics like step families and AIDS, says her vision is to see Christian writers really engaging with the issues of today, and making a difference in society.

ACW has been in existence for 40 years and provides support, encouragement, networking opportunities and professional standards of training and advice. Having gained charitable status in 1998, it now also supports Christian writers in the developing world and Eastern Europe through its Equipped for Ministry Fund.

The Association has been encouraged by the recent surge of interest in membership. Jill Arrowsmith, who is responsible for overseeing membership, said: "Over the past five years, ACW's membership has been steadily rising, as writers spread the word about their appreciation of the services offered by the association.

"Most of its members live in the UK, with many participating in the extensive network of around 40 local writers' groups; but membership is not confined to this country. Christian writers in many other countries find valuable encouragement through the quarterly magazine, the regular eNews bulletins and links with others on Facebook and Twitter."

New Chair Merrilyn has been a published author for nearly 30 years. Of her new role she said: "I was about to retire from a part-time job with a publisher, and my passion, to paraphrase Scripture, is to encourage others with the encouragement with which I have been encouraged – 2 Corinthians 1:4.

"My vision is to take Christian writing out of the salt cellar: to bring new flavour and perspective to the issues of today; to bring the preservative qualities of God's truth to the world. In the words of James Catford, my commissioning editor at Hodder, and ACW's Patron: 'If we're to make a difference, we are going to have to look beyond the Church and cater for a wider public.'

"My hope is that with prayer and the grace of God my passions, aims and vision may all be achieved, and that the writers of ACW will be a force for change."

To view ACW's website click here.