Christian Poet Laureate

Christian Poet Laureate Application

We are accepting applications now.

It is vital that all information in the form below be completed. The form may be filled out on-line and printed, but it cannot be emailed to us. It must be sent by postal mail with the rest of your application.

The deadline for applications is January 31, 2010. We must receive your application between November 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010.

Steps to prepare your application:

Step 1: Fill in the application form and print it. (Or print it and fill it in by hand.) Include it with your application materials as it provides the basic information we need in order to contact you.

Step 2: Prepare a written testimony, specifically answering these questions and focusing on faith issues. How and when did you become a Christian? What does being a Christian believer mean to you day-to-day? How does your faith express itself in your poetry? (Minimum of 200 words—maximum 3 pages)

Step 3: Summarize your experience as a poet, focusing on literary issues. When did you start writing poetry? How many years have you been writing poetry? How much poetry have you written in the past year? What prizes or recognition have you received for your poetry? Do you have any published books (self-published included)? Do you have any publishing credits in magazines or journals? What poetry-related organizations have you been a member of? What exciting experiences have been part of your life as a poet?

Step 4: Gather a collection of your best poetic works. We want to see 10–15 poems that are representative of your current style of writing. Each poem on a separate page, please.

Step 5: Provide a personal reference from someone not a family member. The reference must be written or typed by the individual providing the reference and include their full name, address and telephone number. What is the person's relationship to you? How long have they known you? What can they tell us about your Christian life. It must be signed by him or her. (Minimum 100 words)

Step 6: Write an explanation of why you want to be Poet Laureate. How do you feel your poetry would be a good example to other Christian poets? What would this appointment mean to you? What do you hope to gain from it? Why do you think you would be a good Christian Poet Laureate? What do you feel you can offer other Christian poets during your year as Utmost International Christian Poet Laureate? Are you willing to take the time required to consult occasionally with Utmost Christian Writers Directors (usually by email)?

Step 7: Provide a good quality recent color photograph of yourself, as well as any "inclusions" such as letters of recommendation, published works, etc. (Photos and inclusions will not be returned, so please do not send valued originals. Send copies only, or items that you do not wish returned. Utmost Christian Writers assumes no responsibility for the safety or return of anything mailed to us, so please keep good copies of everything for your own files.)

If assembled correctly your application will include:
     • Our official application form
     • A written testimony
     • A summary of your experience as a poet
     • 10 – 15 poems written by you
     • A personal reference from another person
     • An explanation of why you wish to be Poet Laureate
     • A recent color photograph of yourself

Mail your application to: Utmost Christian Writers, 121 Morin Maze, Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA T6K1V1