Catholic Writers Gather At Thomas Aquinas College for Learning,
Inspiration
(February 6, 2002)
Bud Macfarlane, Jr., author of the bestselling Catholic novel,
Pierced By The Sword, received the St. Augustine Award for
Excellence in Writing at the 2nd Annual Catholic Writers'
Conference held on the campus of Thomas Aquinas College on
January 26, 2002.
More than 100 writers - veterans and beginners - attended
the event, which featured talks and workshops for journalists,
screenwriters, and novelists.
In his luncheon keynote, Macfarlane challenged fiction writers
to view their work as an opportunity for evangelization. Macfarlane
is founder of the popular Catholic internet site, CatholiCity.Com,
and president of The Mary Foundation in Cleveland, OH, which
offers free Catholic tapes and books.
Dave Shaneyfelt, Director of College Relations, opened the
conference by reminding writers that, in view of the writer's
obligation to present truth, they are engaged in what Pope
John Paul II calls a "sacred task."
Father Matt Gamber, S.J., of Gonzaga University, presented
a mini-retreat for writers on "Writing and Spirituality,"
drawing from St. Ignatius of Loyola and Flannery O'Connor.
Fr. Gamber will be the Religion News Service correspondent
at the Winter Olympics.
Tim Drake, features editor for the National Catholic Register,
spoke on "Secrets of Getting Published." Drake,
who has published more than 300 articles in the Catholic press,
offered tips on dealing with editors and gave a workshop on
the craft of writing feature articles.
Barbara Nicolosi of Act One Programs: Writing for Hollywood
spoke on how Christians can and should work their way into
Hollywood, stressing that they must first learn the tricks
of the trade. Nicolosi, who offers a month-long training program
on screenwriting, challenged writers to see Hollywood as important
mission territory that should not be shunned.
Finally, Tom Allen, president of CatholicExchange.com spoke
on opportunities for writing through the internet. He gave
examples of how writers can establish bylines that can be
used to grow into better writing positions.
Participants attended Mass before the luncheon and closed
the day with Rosary. Tapes of the conference are available
for $10. Contact Amanda Atkinson at Thomas Aquinas College,
(805) 525-4417 or at pr@thomasaquinas.edu.
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