2006 Conferences

This is not a complete list but it will give you an idea of some good conferences available to you in the coming year.

Click on Conference Name for Conference or Contact Information.

Writing for the Soul Conference, (Christian Writers Guild), February 16-19, 2006. Colorado Springs, CO
Oregon Christian Writers One-Day Conference, February 18, 2006. Corban College, Salem OR.
Writer's Weekend at the Beach, Ocean Park Methodist Retreat Center & Camp, Ocean Park WA.. February 24-26, 2006.
Florida Christian Writers Conference, Christian Retreat Conference Center, Bradenton, FL. March 2-5, 2006
The 2006 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, April 7-11, 2006, Mt. Hermon, CA. (near San Jose)
Susquehanna Valley Writers Workshop, April 8, 2006, Selinsgrove PA
Delaware Christian Writers Conference, April 20-22, 2006. University of Delaware, Newark DE The 2006 ASJA Writers Conference, Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York, NY. April 28-30, 2006.
Orange County Christian Writers Fellowship Spring Writers Day, Mariners Church, Irvine, CA. April 29, 2006
Evangelical Press Association Convention, May 7-10, 2006, Orlando, FL
NJCWG A Reason to Write Conference - with Special Guest Cecil Murphey, Ringwood, New Jersey -- May 13, 2006
The Colorado Christian Writers Conference, May 17-20, 2006. Estes Park, CO.
Oregon Christian Writers One-day Conference, May, 20, 2006, Northwest Christian College, Eugene, OR.
2006 Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, May 21-26, 2006. Ridgecrest, NC. (near Asheville)
Write-to-Publish Conference, June 7-10, 2006, Wheaton, IL
Write! Canada, Guelph, Ontario. June 15-17, 2006
Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference, July 31-Aug 3, 2005. Canby Cove Conference Center, Canby, OR
Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, Date to be determined (usually August), Philadelphia. PA.
5th Annual American Christian Writers Conference, September 21-24, 2006. Dallas, TX.
Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference & Retreat: October 1-5, 2006, North East, MD.
The 2006 Glorieta Christian Writers Conference, October 11-15, 2006. Glorieta, NM. The NJCWG's, Louise Bergmann DuMont will be teach two classes at this conference.

New Postal Rates

Here is a heads-up for those of you sending out queries and manuscripts. On January 8, 2006, the U.S. Postal Serive is raising its key rates. The price of First Class postage will go to 39¢ for the irst ounce and to 24¢ for each addtional ounce and for postcards. Priority Mail will go to $4.05 for up to one pound. No change in Media Mail rates have been announced at this time.

Mom Authors Launch Online Radio Show

TWO MOM AUTHORS LAUNCH AN ONLINE RADIO SHOW FOR MOM WRITERS.
The popularity of online radio programs and pod casts is growing daily and two mom writers have jumped on the bandwagon. Author Alana Morales joined forces with award winning author Paula Schmitt to create Mom Writer’s Talk Radio, which launched Friday, November 4th.
The show, which will feature mom authors and tips for moms who are pursuing a writing career, will air weekly and is available for download twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. “We have had an overwhelming response to the show thus far” states Morales. “We launched on Friday and we are already booking guests into February of 2006.” Their line up of mom authors includes award winning authors Joshilyn Jackson and Lani Diane Rich.
For more information about Mom Writers Talk Radio, please visit
http://www.momwriterstalkradio.com/, email Alana@MomWritersTalkRadio.com or call their toll-f.ree number at 1-877-871-1744.

[Reprinted from Dan Poynter’s Publishing Poynters with permission. http://parapublishing.com/]

Winter Writerland - Now Available

Attention All Ye Winter Readers and Writers!

Wordsmith Shoppe and the Wordsmith Writer

Proudly Present:

"A Winter Writerland"

This is a CD compilation of Prose and Poetry dealing with the topic of "Winter"

Both Lisa Ramadan and I have stories included in this compilation. I've ordered 10 copies of this CD and can offer them to you for $9.00 each.

To get your copy, send an email to njcwg.dumont@gmail.com today.

God Bless,

Louise Bergmann DuMont

Facilitator of the NJCWG

NJCWG Postings

As you can probably tell, I've been a bit neglectful of this blog lately. The year-end closing at work, Christmas and my family have been recent priorities and my blog needed to take a backseat for a while. If NJCWG members come across writing opportunities or have information they want to post, please feel to drop me an email. I'll get those posted in short order. I simply do not have the time to research information for the blog at this time. Bear with me as I get through a few other matters. The blog will run high again in a few months.

Merry Christmas and may God bless each and every one of you.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG

Christmas Party Update

Once again the 2005 NJCWG Christmas Party was a grand success. I believe everyone had a marvelous time -- I know that my husband and I did. If you were not able to attend, you'll have an other opportunity to socialize with our group at the 2006 summer pot luck picnic.
To see more pictures of the Christmas party, go to www.louisedumont.com and click on the NJCWG tab.

NJCWG Christmas Party

REMINDER
Monday, December 12, 2005
NJCWG Christmas Party
No more meetings until 2006
6:15- ?
Il Plazo
Ringwood Ave
Wanaque, NJ

Quotable Quote

Alice Walker
Deliver me from writers who say the way they live doesn't matter. I'm not sure a bad person can write a good book, If art doesn't make us better, then what on earth is it for.
~Alice Walker

Essay Contest fromThe Dabbling Mum

No Fee Essay Writing Contest by The Dabbling Mum All materials copyrighted

Amateur and professional writers are welcome. There is NO entry fee to win these great prizes. Subscribe to our e-newsletter, enter our essay contest below ↓, and you could win these great prizes! FIRST PLACE PRIZE SECOND PLACE PRIZE THIRD PLACE PRIZE Bath Basics Basket Included in this decorative basket is a 6oz Loofah Bar, an 8oz pack of Sizzling Tub Bombs in decorative romantic shapes, an 8oz bottle of Starlight Bubble Bath and an 8oz bottle of our Pixie Oil-Free Bath Oil Retail: $23 value From: The Enchanted Spa Coffee Scented Cup & Saucer Candle Retail: $19.95 From Coffee Scented Candles 3 handmade soaps Homemade soap from the finest, natural oils. Retail: $15 From Cabin In The Woods Creations $10 Gift Certificate From Jilps Tups One Heavenly Hineys All-In-One Diaper with one Lay-In soaker in the size of your choice. Retail: $15.95 From Heavenly Hineys Flowertimes cloth menstrual pads starter kit Eco-friendly and environmentally safe. Includes 4 assorted holders and 8 assorted inserts, plus a carrier. Retail: $35.00 From Home Works Enterprises Please CLICK ON THE CONTEST SPONSOR LINKS ABOVE and recommend them to friends. They make this contest available, FREE OF CHARGE! Thanks! In 500 to 600 words write a personal essay using the sentence given below. Your essay may be true or hypothetical or a mixture of the two: based on real facts. When writing your personal essay, think anthologies: Chicken Soup For The Soul and God Allows U-Turns. Avoid telling the story and let us experience it. Step away from the how-to this time... All entries must be received by: January 1, 2005 by 8 p.m. Eastern Time Zone. If you've missed the deadline, don't worry. A new contest will be posted by the 10th of the following month! ESSAY MUST START WITH THIS BLURB: "Writing home has always made me feel..." Submit Your Winning Essay! Subject: Contest Entry Your full name: Your email address: Your complete address: (Required to send prize.) Please tell us how you found us? Paste your descriptive, story-telling essay using the following format: (1) Tell us if the essay is hypothetical, made up, or true, (2) Your 500-600 Word Essay (3) Your Byline, and (4) Your Web Address (optional) Send your email to: dm {at} thedabblingmum.com RIGHTS By submitting your essay, you agree to the following conditions: Winning entries WILL be posted on The Dabbling Mum website and in our e-zine without further compensation. You also grant us the right to archive your winning essay indefinitely on a webpage on this website. ATTENTION WINNERS AND WINNERS-TO-BE By entering this contest, you agree to the contest rules and the legal disclaimer. ONEY ENTRY PER SUBSCRIBER PER MONTH. All essays that follow our guidelines will be included in the essay contest. Three winners will be picked. KEEP EMAIL ADDRESSES CURRENT Please make sure your email address is correct and your email filters do not prevent us from sending you the newsletter. Thank you for understanding. YOUR PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT TO US We DO NOT sell or trade your email or private information—ever! Not now and definitely not in the future!!

Vista Print Holiday Sale

Here is a chance to let someone you love give you a great gift (at a bargain price) for holidays. Vista print is having a great pre-holiday sale on everything from business cards to Christmas Cards.

Premium Business Cards starting at $3.99 for 250 cards.
Return Address Labels - 140 @ $3.99
Postcards - 100 @ $12.49
Notecards - 10 @ $3.99
Invitations - 10 @ $3.99

Check it out
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Writing Op - Outreach Mag

OUTREACH MAGAZINE
Outreach, Inc.
2560 Progress St.
Vista CA 92081-8422
Phone: (760)940-0600
Fax: (760)597-2314
E-Mail: lwarren@outreach.com
Website: www.outreachmagazine.com
Editor: Lynne Marian.
Contact: Lindy Warren, managing editor.

Frequency: Bimonthly
"Outreach is designed to inspire, challenge, and equip churches and church leaders to reach out to their communities with the love of Jesus Christ."
80% freelance written
Circulation: 30,000, plus newsstand
Accepts simultaneous submissions
Accepts previously published submissions
Responds in 2 months to queries. - Mail & Email
Responds in 8 months to manuscripts.
Sample copy and writer's guidelines free.

Needs: Book excerpts, How-To, Humor,Inspirational, Interview/Profile, Personal Experience, Photo Feature, Religious
Special Issues: Vacation Bible School (January); America's Fastest-Growing Churches (July/August).
Does Not Want: Does not want fiction, poetry, non-outreach-related articles.
Buys 30 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Query with published clips
Length: 1,200–2,000 words.
Pays $375-600 for assigned articles; $375-500 for unsolicited articles.
Columns open to freelancers: Outreach Pulse (short stories about outreach-oriented churches and ministries), 75-250 words; Questions & Perspectives (a first-person expert perspective on a question related to outreach), 300-400 words; Soulfires (an as-told-to interview with a person about the stories and people that have fueled their passion for outreach), 900 words; From the Front Line (a profile of a church that is using a transferable idea or concept for outreach), 800 words, plus sidebar; Soujourners (short interviews with everyday people about the stories and people that have informed their worldview and faith perspective), 800 words.
$100–375 for columns.

"Study our writer's guidelines. Send published clips that showcase tight, bright writing as well as your ability to interview, research, and organize numerous sources into an article, and your ability to write a 100-word piece as well as a 1,600-word piece."

THIS INO SUPPLIED BY:
Annette Dammer, homeschool mom, wife & College English instructor (FTCC)
Author READY, SET, GO! A Year of Object Lessons for Kids (Baker Books, 2003)
Publisher: TEEN LIGHT: The Teen 2 Teen Christian Magazine, Gal 5:22
Founder: Writer's Helper.Org - Writers' Workshops Online, All the Time, Matt 18:20

SNOW DAY

Hope you are all enjoying the snow today (12/9/05). I'm snuggled down in my livingroom recliner -- not going to work today (whopee). What a great day to write!! Hope you have the same opportunity today.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com
www.louisedumont.com

Quotes

Here are a few quotes I wanted to share with you:

When Jesus comes, the shadows depart.
~Author unknown, inscription on a Scottish castle

What good is having someone who can walk on water if you don't follow in his footsteps? ~Author Unknown

If I might comprehend Jesus Christ, I could not believe on Him. He would be no greater than myself.
~Daniel Webster

CBA Christian Marketplace Lists

CBA’S NOVEMBER CHRISTIAN MARKETPLACE LISTS ONLINE. The new November best-seller and category top-seller lists—based on September sales—are now online at http://www.cbaonline.org/TrackingLists/BSLHome.js

Article - Becoming Your Own Editor by Moira Allen

Word Smith Writer recently reprinted an EXCELLENT article entitled -- Becoming Your Own Editor by Moira Allen. Check it out!

http://wordsmithshoppe.com/MAllen_OwnEditor.htm

Congratulations

NJCWG member, Lisa Ramadan, took advantage of one of the writing opportunities that are posted on this blog. This past week she was notified that one of her stories is being including in The WordSmith Shoppe's Winter Writerland project. Congrats Lisa!

Narnia Movie Review

NJCWG member, Karen Flores, was priveleged to participate in the pre-viewing of "Narnia" this past weekend and she's written a review of the movie. Follow the link and read for yourself what this movie is all about.

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony

Meeting Tonight - Lesson-Plot Structure

The last official NJCWG meeting for 2005 is tonight !!!

Monday, November 21, 2005
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

LESSON
Tonight I will start lessons (contined in 2006) on story structure and plotting. We will use Angela Hunt's Story Skeleton as our base. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, you won't want to miss these classes.

NJCWG Christmas Party

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS

Topic of our Christmas Writing Event -- Snow.
Rules: You must incorporate the words Winter and/or Snow in your manuscript. It may only be one page long (single spaced). We read our pieces outloud at the Christmas party. No critques -- only an evening of fun.

AN OFFICIAL RSVP IS NECESSARY.

Place: Il Palazo, 600 Ringwood Ave, Wanaque, NJ
Date: Monday, December 12, 2005
Time: 6:00 pm
Cost: $30.00 per person - for a wonderful buffet

I must get a headcount of those who will attend our Christmas Party. I am NOT sending out individual invitations. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our regular meeting.

You must call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending. So far only TWO persons who emailed me.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Blessed Thanksgiving

I want to wish each of you a blessed Thanksgiving. I am thankful for so many things -- among them: the NJCWG, the many Christian writers I've come to know and the many readers who share their love for my writing.

After you celebrate this holiday of thanks, remember to jot down your experiences and your thoughts. This is also a great opportunity to share your faith with friends and family. Let them know who it is you thank for your blessings and who you depend on when things get you down.

I am also going to my readers a favor. While many of us look forward to spending holidays with family and friends there are those, who not by choice, spend this time alone or in situations not of their choosing. Foster kids are separated from parents who can't properly care for them, relatives fear for those serving overseas and single parents fret over a limited income and security for their children. Then there are incarcerated inmates, the homeless, those in hospitals & nursing homes and the mentally ill. Let us not forget these and others who don't share a picturesque holiday when we pray.

Take this one step further. Make a phone call to the widow or single mom in your church. Send a note of encouragement to your great-aunt or your grandfather who lives alone. Make a commitment to serve food at a soup kitchen -- not on Thanksgiving -- but during the summer months when they are short staffed or in the cold winter months when others conveniently forget the needs of those less fortunate.

I pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving -- but I also ask you to go out and bless someone else with what our Lord has blessed you.

NOTE: I will not be posting for the next few days but please feel free to drop me an email if you plan to attend the NJCWG Christmas Party (Dec 12).

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Contest, Fiction - Highlights Magazine

WRITING CONTEST

Highlights for Children is sponsoring its 27th Annual Fiction Contest. Entries should explore the true spirit of holiday celebrations. All entries must be postmarked between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2006. Three prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded. Entrants must be at least 16 years old. Stories may be any length up to 800 words. Stories for beginning readers should not exceed 500 words. Work from both published and unpublished authors is welcome, though submissions must be previously unpublished. The three winning entries will be announced in June 2006 and will be published by Highlights.

For more information, visit the contest Web site:
http://www.highlights.com/custserv/customerservicecontent2main.jsp?iContentID=1584&iCategoryID=203&CCNavIDs=3,203

Quotable Quotes

A story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way, and it takes every word in the story to say what the meaning is.
~Flannery O'Connor



In short stories, it is better to say not enough than to say too much, because I don't know why!
~ Chekhov in 1888

NJCWG Members -- Christmas Party

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS

Topic of our Christmas Writing Event -- Snow.
Rules: You must incorporate the words Winter and/or Snow in your manuscript. It may only be one page long (single spaced). We read our pieces outloud at the Christmas party. No critques -- only an evening of fun.

AN OFFICIAL RSVP IS NECESSARY. So far, only Maude Carolan and Ann Crediford have responded. Everyone is welcome.

Place: Il Palazo, 600 Ringwood Ave, Wanaque, NJ
Date: Monday, December 12, 2005
Time: 6:00 pm
Cost: $30.00 per person - for a wonderful buffet

I must get a headcount of those who will attend our Christmas Party. I am NOT sending out individual invitations. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our regular meeting.

You must call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending. So far only TWO persons who emailed me.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Market News

‘NARNIA’ NEWS. In collaboration with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media) film release Dec. 9, Just Read, Florida! is implementing a statewide event featuring grade-level-specific contests to promote literacy among public, private, and homeschool grades 3-12. The Orlando Sentinel reported Disney-MGM Studios announced a Dec. 9 opening of a new attraction called “Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The 15-minute walk-through attraction begins with visitors stepping into a giant wardrobe for a behind-the-scenes look at the film.

ECPA CHANGES GOLD MEDALLION AWARDS. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Assoc. announced its Gold Medallion awards program will change radically, cutting award categories from 20 to six, dropping one of two judging rounds, rating books differently, and awarding the top-rated title the Jordon Book of the Year award. An awards name change will be announced early in 2006.

CBA’S NOVEMBER CHRISTIAN MARKETPLACE LISTS ONLINE. The new November best-seller and category top-seller lists—based on September sales—are now online at http://www.cbaonline.org/TrackingLists/BSLHome.js

NELSON LAUNCHES NCV BIBLE FOR GEN XY. Nelson Bibles (Nelson) will launch a major promotion of the newly revised New Century Version Bible translation to 18- to 34-year-olds. Plans include a Web site, www.myfaithandlife.com, nline promotions, innovative products, and a series of public service announcements created in partnership with the Bible League airing on TV and radio stations in early 2006. In February, the first full-length NCV audio Bible will release.

Writing Op - Lion, Witch & Wardrobe Articles for CBN.COM

CBN.com is looking for submissions for a soon-to-be- released 'Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe' section. We are looking for articles, book excerpts, or interviews. All submissions should be between 750 to 1000 words -- though some excerpts or interviews can be divided into parts if they are longer.
All submissions should be as text documents (Word or the equivalent) and they should be sent via e-mail to Craig von Buseck -- craig.vonbuseck@cbn.org.
Please call Craig with any questions at (757) 226-3557.

Contest - Glimmer Train

Glimmer Train's Winter Fiction Open.
Deadline: January 15, 2006

Open to all writers, all themes, subjects, and lengths. Your entries must be your own, original, entirely unpublished stories. Multiple entries are okay, but, please, no simultaneous submissions.

First-place winner receives $2,000, publication in Glimmer Train Stories, and 20 copies of the issue in which it is published.
Second- and third-place winners receive $1,000/$600, respectively, and acknowledgement in that issue.

To submit your stories, go to our site, www.glimmertrainpress.org, log in, and click on FICTION OPEN.
Entry Fee (payable by VISA or MC) is $15 per story.
Entries will be accepted through January 15th. Winners will be called by April 10th. Top 25 list will be emailed to all participants by that date. Please let your email provider (ISP) know that you want emails from glimmertrainpress.com and glimmertrain.com so we can reach you.

Susan and Linda

Contest - Poetry - The Country Mouse

The Country Mouse Contest, - for Poetry. Deadline: November 30, 2005
50 lines or less, though there are no restrictions on theme or style.
$500, 1st Prize; $250 2nd prize, $100, 3rd.
Accepts electronic entry.
Mailto:submissions@poetrycmouse.com
http://www.poetrycmouse.com/contest.html

Vista Print- FREE Business Cards

Vist print is once again offering FREE business cards.
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They are also offering 75% off their premium business cards
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NJCWG Christmas Party

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS
I must get a headcount of those who will attend our NJCWG Christmas Party. I am NOT sending out individual invitations this year. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our - December 12, 2005 meeting. The cost will be approximately $30.00/person for a full buffet at Il Palazo, 600 Ringwood Ave, Wanaque, NJ. 6:00 pm.

You must call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending. So far I only have ONE person who emailed me.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Writing Op - Fountain Penn Ink & Danalita

I don't know anything about these publications but I received this request from a Christian on one of my Christian writing lists. Thought I'd pass it along.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Our company is launching two magazines in 2006: 'FountainPenn Ink' (writing & film) and 'Danalita' (High-end Fashion).

We need contributing writers, journalists and interviewers to submit articles for both magazines.

Please submit a letter of interest to: editor@selfpublishnews.com

Danielle-Kim Davis
VP/Marketing Dir.
www.selfpublishnews.com
'Affordable Book Promotion'

Next Meeting - NEW Writing Info

At our next meeting I'll begin teaching some of what I learned during my Comprehensive Sessions with Angela Hunt at Glorieta. I've got some amazing information that you won't want to miss. This is applicable whether you are writing fiction or fact.
Next Meeting - November 28

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS
Note: I will need an RSVP in regard to our Christmas Party. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our - December 12, 2005 meeting. The cost will be approximately $30.00/person for a full buffet at Il Palazo, Wanaque, NJ. 6:00 pm

Call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

AMERICAN BABY MAGAZINE
For Expectant and New Parents
Meredith Corp.
125 Park Ave.
16th Floor
New York NY 10017
Phone: (212)557-6600
Fax: (212)445-1345
Website: www.americanbaby.com
Contact: Sarah Jones, assistant editor

Magazine covering health, medical and childcare concerns for expectant and new parents, particularly those having their first child or those whose child is between the ages of birth and 2 years old. Mothers are the primary readers, but fathers' issues are equally important.

Frequency: Monthly
Editor's Note: Prefers to work with published/established writers; works with a small
number of new/unpublished writers each year.
Freelance Facts: 70% freelance written
Established: 1938 Circulation: 2,000,000
Publishes manuscript 6 months after acceptance.
Byline given. Offers 25% kill fee.
First North American serial rights
Editorial lead time 5 months.
Submit seasonal material 6 months in advance.

Accepts queries by:Mail
Accepts simultaneous submissions
Accepts previously published submissions
Responds in 3 months to queries.
Responds in 3 months to manuscripts.
Sample copy for 9 x 12 SAE with 6 first-class stamps.
Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE.
Does Not Want: "No `hearts and flowers' or fantasy pieces."
Buys 60 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Query with or without published clips or send complete manuscript
Length: 1,000–2,000 words.
Pays $750-1,200 for assigned articles; $600-800 for unsolicited articles. Pays the expenses of writers on assignment.
Pays: $200–1,000 for columns.

"Get to know our style by thoroughly reading a recent issue of the magazine. Don't send something we recently published. Our readers want to feel connected to other parents, both to share experiences and to learn from one another. They want eassurance that the problems they are facing are solvable and not uncommon. They want to keep up with the latest issues affecting their new family, particularly health and
medical news, but they don't have a lot of spare time to read. We forgo the theoretical approach to offer quick-to-read, hands-on information that can be put to
use immediately. A simple, straightforward, clear approach is mandatory."

Vista Print 25% Discount

Here is my link to hook you up with a 25% discount on Vista Print products:
http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=987879718423

Hope this helps some of you out.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Vista Print Offers

I just signed up for the "refer a friend" program at vista print. I will receive a link that you can use (if you've never ordered from Vista Print before) and this special link will give you 25% off on any Vista Print product. If you can't wait for that, check out the links below. These are Vista Print's current offers. Click on any of the links to go directly to their website.

If you want me to refer you to Vista Print, just drop me an email.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Glorieta - More, Good News

Fellow Authors and CLASS graduates, Louise Bergmann DuMont (left)
& Kathy Pride (right) author of Winning the Drug War At Home

Just received an email from Marita Littauer (Director of the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference). I've officially been invited to teach two classes at Glorieta next year! What an awsome blessing. Praying that some of you will be able to join me there. Start saving for it now. It's worth every penny!

Louise Bergmann DuMont

Free Flash Drives for NJCWG Members

NJCWG members who come to Monday's Meeting (11/14/05) will get a small bonus-gift. I recently received about a dozen flash drives (small computer memory-store cards) that can be attached to your key chain. The memory isn't huge but hey, its free right? The first to arrive at the meeting will be the lucky receipients.

See you Monday!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Monday - NJCWG Meeting

Authors, Brandily Collins and Louise Bergmann DuMont

Monday, November 14, 2005
NJCWG Meeting

6:15-7:00 Chat Time
7:00-8:00 Lesson
We will also be reviewing some of what happened at the Glorieta Conference (be prepared for a VERY interesting time) and we'll discuss what you can do to prepare for one of the big conferences -- and publication.
8:00-9:00 Critiques

Up Coming Meetings & Events
2005
November
Meetings
11/14/05
11/28/05
December
12/12 - Christmas Party - More Info to Come
12/26 - NO MEETING - Holiday Break

2006
January
1/9
1/23
February
2/13
2/27
March
2/13 - NO MEETING - Louise at Mentor Clinic
2/27

Researching Your Nonfiction Article for Children

The Spirit Led Writer has an excellent article on researching your nonfiction article for children by Mary Ann L. Diorio, Ph.D.
http://spiritledwriter.com/aug2005/research.htm

Comfort Café, a new online magazine devoted entirely to women, is looking for stories of God's comfort and provision in the midst of suffering or trials. Specifically, we are looking for stories on the following topics: addiction, abuse, depression, abortion, chronic illness, alcoholism, death, divorce, loss of a child, and disability. Additional topics will also be considered. A Comfort Café story should offer hope, help, and healing, allowing readers to see, and experience, the reality of God's love and provision in our lives. Along with your story, please include one or two resources where readers can find practical help, including books, Web sites, and other ministries.

Please visit http://www.comfortcafe.net before submitting your story.

Manuscripts should be 800-1,200 words and written in first-person narrative. Please include a short bio (100 words or less). We request one-time, electronic rights only. Send manuscripts electronically to mary@comfortcafe.net.

We are unable to pay for submissions at this time. However, your byline, along with a short bio and a link to your site will be posted.

Thank you.
Mary J. Yerkes

Average Length of Fiction

Here are some approximate guidelines for story lengths.

Micro-Fiction
up to 100 words
This is a very abbreviated story. It is difficult to write, and even harder to write well, but the markets for micro fiction are becoming increasingly popular in recent times.

Flash Fiction
100 - 1,000 words
This is the type of short-short story you would expect to find in a glossy magazine, often used to fill one page of quick romance or quick humor.

Short Story
1,000 - 7,500 words
This is the 'regular' short story.It is usually found in periodicals or anthology collections.

Novellette
7,500 - 20,000 words
Often a novellette is difficult to sell. It is too long for most publishers to in a magazine, yet too short for a novel. Generally, authors will piece together three or four novellette-length works into a compilation novel. Popular for Christmas stories.

Novella
20,000 - 50,000 words
Too short for most print publishers but almost perfect for the electronic publishing. The online audience doesn't have the time or the patience to sit through a 100,000 word novel. Also acceptable length for a short work of non-fiction.

Novel
50,000 -110,000
Most print publishers prefer around 70,000 words for a first novel. Any piece of fiction climbing over the 110,000 word mark tends to give editors some pause. They need to be sure they can produce a product that won't over-extend their budget. They also know that the market now has a short attention span.

Epics and Sequels
Over 110,000 words
If you are a first time author, don’t even think about this length. Consider where you could either condense the story to only include relevant details, or lengthen it create a sequel, or even a trilogy.

Writing Op - Anthologies

June Cotner, author of GRACES and BEDSIDE PRAYERS, is seeking prayers and poems for two Christian anthologies to be published by Warner Faith, a division of Warner Books. The first book is Miracles of Motherhood: Prayers and Poems for a New Mother. Chapters include Pregnancy, Birth, New Babies, Babyhood, Toddlerhood, Christenings, Reflections, and Inspiration. The purpose of the book is to provide insight, joy, and support for new moms. The second book is To Have and to Hold: Prayers, Poems, and Blessings for Newlyweds. Chapters include: Prayers, Blessings, and Toasts (including pieces that could be used at a wedding); Daily Life, Expectations, Romance, Intimacy, Reflections, and Inspiration. The purpose of the book is to provide newlyweds with an uplifting, enriching, and joyful reading experience that will celebrate the beginning of their lifetime journey.

Terms: $25 + one complimentary copy of the book for each selection published for nonexclusive rights.
Short prose pieces can be submitted; reprints are OK.
Submission date closes December 15, 2005.
More details at: www.JuneCotner.com

November is National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month -- www.nanowrimo.com - which essentially challenges one to write a 50,000 novel in 30 days, from November 1 to November 30. Watch Peg Phifer's progress (http://www.wordsmithshoppe.com/) on her home page. She's even placed a word-o-meter there to chart her daily count.

Writing Op - His Forever

Call for Stories! How did you become a Christian? Share your story! James Stuart Bell, editor and compiler of several Cup of Comfort titles, has developed the idea for a new book with Adams Media. Adams Media, publisher of the Everything series and the Cup of Comfort and Small Miracles titles, is compiling an anthology of about 50 stories for a new book, His Forever: Real People Coming to Jesus.

Every born-again Christian has a conversion story, but yours is unique. You’ve probably shared it dozens of times before, but maybe you’ve never written it down. Here is the perfect opportunity! Write a story 1,000–2,000 words long telling of the moment when you surrendered your life to Jesus. If your story is published, not only will you receive a $50 prize, but you will also share your testimony with hundreds of readers, inspiring them, encouraging them, reaffirming their faith, and bringing them closer to Jesus.

For full submission guidelines, writing tips, and terms and conditions, visit our Web site, www.adamsmedia.com, and click on Call for Stories. Submit your story by e-mail to HisForeverStory@yahoo.com (include your name, mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, story word count, and story title). The special extended deadline for submissions is December 5, 2005.

Writing Op - Women

From Women Speak
We at Women Speak are currently looking for Women Inspirational Writers to share their stories with others. Please visit our website at http://www.womenspeak.net. Please pass this information to other women in your writing groups. Thanks and God Bless, Antionette, 404-513-8995, RichmondCWW@aol.com.