Monday, February 22, 2016

Story Callout Opportunity


Quick reminder - our monthly meeting is THIS Sat. 2/27 @ 10 am. 
Our meeting is about "pitch":  
  • Please prepare a pitch for a current project (even if it's not a book), whether it's in progress or still a dream. Part of our discussion will include how a pitch can focus our writing and thereby help us in the process.
Here's an article that explains a little about "pitch" (vs. press release): 
http://bit.ly/1LOinNd


Below are two opportunities to publish for Moments from Grace Publishing:


Moments


Submissions should be sent to:
Yvonne Lehman

Story callout from Yvonne Lehman:
I'm now accepting submissions for two new Moments books to be released in 2016 and 2017. These are compilations of 50 stories by 40+ authors in each book, published by Grace Publishing

Already in print are Divine MomentsSpoken Moments, Precious, Precocious Moments,and Christmas Moments (2014 and 2015). The variety of approaches to the themes for past books has been really inspiring. Some long, some short, some humorous, others serious.

There is no compensation (except publication and joy!). Authors get one free copy and discount on orders. Royalties go to Samaritan's Purse. We always make a presentation of authors of Moments books at the May Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

Submissions come in quickly, so you might want to hurry! First acceptable 50 will be accepted. These are true stories of events, experiences, lessons learned, etc. Articles range from 500-2000+ words. Content is the key!

Christmas Moments Book #3 - articles about the true meaning of Christmas - Christmas experiences, meaningful or touching stories about Christmas - similar to Christmas Moments Books #1 and 2. Deadline March 15, 2016.

Loving Moments - personal love stories; love for children, parents, animals, etc.; and/or love for God, His love for us, etc. Deadline May 31, 2016.

Contributors should put Loving Moments or Christmas Moments Book #3 in subject line and send to yvonnelehman3@gmail.com.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

New Meeting Date


Our next two meetings: February 27 and April 2

Due to several schedule conflicts in March, 
we will meet February 27, 10a - 12p. 
The topic: pitch
  • Please prepare a pitch for a current project (even if it's not a book), whether it's in progress or still a dream. Part of our discussion will include how a pitch can focus our writing and thereby help us in the process.
  • Time will be allotted for critiques. Please follow the guidelines at njcwg.blogspot.com. I encourage you to bring a sample of your work.
  • On April 2nd, Katie Sweeting will present on the topic of research. (And if you're thinking that research isn't doesn't apply to what you're writing, you're wrong :)
  • Below is the focus point of the February 6 meeting. 

Be blessed as you write for Him, Barbara



February Focus: Mindfulness
I just finished reading the book of Joshua. It was stimulating - inspiring - to read of challenges met and battles won. Who doesn’t like to hear about victory taken over an enemy? I gleaned a lot of warfare wisdom as I read through the book and now offer one of the nuggets as it relates to us as writers. It is the need for mindfulness.
A lack of productivity and discipline in our writing is rarely due to an outright refusal to work. We don't willfully resist writing, it's just that we’re not mindful of our craft. Mindful means: watchful, aware, alert, attentive, careful
In Joshua, the words “be careful” were spoken to or by him five times, often in conjunction with the admonition to be strong and courageous. They were spoken in an atmosphere of victory and success, which tells me that it is easy to become lax during times of accomplishment.
Last month I felt good about identifying and sharing my writing goals at our meeting - I suspect that you did too. But this month, I’m warning each of us to be mindful of the goals we set. Let’s not allow them to remain words on paper. Let’s be careful to intentionally work toward those goals, 
  • to be watchful of our time 
  • to be aware of creativity and time robbers
  • to be alert to opportunities
  • to be mindful of our intentions
  • to be attentive to our craft and calling.

Joshua’s closing words include these: “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left”(Joshua 23:6). Let us be very strong and careful to do what God has put on our hearts, without turning to one side or the other, mindful of the task before us. 


Take away thought: Be careful. Live, and write, mindfully and intentionally.

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Feb. Meeting - this Saturday



Date: Sat., Feb. 6
Time: 10a - 12p
Place: High Mountain Church
              681 HighMountain Rd., No. Haledon, NJ


This month's meeting will focus on self-publishing:

  • Why you should self-publish
  • When you shouldn't self-publish
  • Types of self-publishing
  • Steps to take 
  • Mistakes to avoid
  • Testimonies from self-published authors
  • Q & A
If time allows, we will have critiques. Please follow critique guidelines on the sidebar of our website: www.njcwg.blogspot.com.