THE LINDA GILDEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Unlock your writing potential with a scholarship to the Carolina Christian Writers Conference! If financial barriers have been holding you back from pursuing your dream of writing or getting published, this is your chance. Our scholarships—both full and partial—are designed to make the conference accessible to aspiring writers eager to learn, connect, and grow in their craft. With a quick and simple application process, you can take the next step toward your publishing goals. Don’t let finances stop your story—apply for a LINDA GILDEN scholarship today and join a community that’s passionate about spreading the message of Jesus through writing!
Scholarship openings soon…
Born December 30th, 1950, in Albemarle, North Carolina, and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Linda’s life was a testament to creativity, service, and deep devotion. She was an Air Force wife who journeyed with her husband to New Jersey and the Azores. She embraced each new place with grace and joy, including helping start a mission in the Azores.
A gifted and passionate communicator, Linda authored more than 30 books and over a thousand articles sharing wisdom, encouragement, and humor with readers around the world. She was also a speaker, editor, and writing coach, who poured her time and talent into helping others find and strengthen their own voices.
Linda held two Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and Religion from Columbia College and earned an additional degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She was a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature and a respected member of numerous writers’ and speakers’ associations, receiving multiple awards for her outstanding work.
A natural teacher and encourager, Linda taught kindergarten, served as Children’s Director at First Baptist Spartanburg, and later became a personality consultant, developing her acclaimed Linked series to help others understand themselves and one another.
Linda’s leadership and vision shaped the Christian writing community in lasting ways. She was the Director of the Carolina Christian Writers Conference for 14 years, the Founder of the Writing 4 Him writer’s group, and served as Editor of The Encourager magazine. She also judged national writing competitions, including for Writer’s Digest and other Christian writers’ conferences.