Part 1-Show, Don't Tell Handouts

Here is the first handout from last night's meeting where we discussed the directive:

Show, Don't Tell

I've included instructions and three examples. If you have any questions, drop me an email. As always, I'm available to NJCWG members private discussions. All you need to do is pick up the tab for coffee at the Ringwood Diner (smile).

Please note that these handouts are in preparation for our 2/27/06 Writers' Workshop

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HANDOUT #1

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Show, Don’t Tell
Workshop Preparation
by Louise Bergmann DuMont
1/23/06

One of the first things an agent or editor will tell a new writer is, “You must Show me the action, Don’t Tell me what happens.” But what does Show, Don’t Tell really mean? How do you achieve this? First you must understand what Show, Don’t Tell is – and what it is not.

1. Both SHOW & TELL can be descriptive but SHOWING creates a mental picture in your readers mind. TELLING only gives the reader information. Descriptive TELLING simply gives the reader more information.
2. SHOWING involves your reader in the story. It does this by evoking feelings and by getting them to think for themselves and draw their own conclusions. TELLING gives the reader information about the character’s feelings without drawing the reader in.
3. SHOWING helps the writer avoid preachy writing. You don’t TELL a reader what to think or how to act. You simply SHOW them the events and allow them draw their own conclusion – based on your illustration.
4. SHOWING recognizes that the reader is smart enough to “get the point” that you are trying to make. TELLING conveys that you believe the reader is not smart enough to understand your intent. You ‘bang the reader over the head’ with your text.
5. SHOWING uses strong nouns and active verbs. TELLING is more likely to use adjectives and adverbs.

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EXAMPLE 1
Turn a ‘telling’ statement into narrative that draws the reader into the story.

TELLING
Dani was angry – too angry. She feared that her tone and body language would alienate her sister. She took a deep breath and tried to relax before continuing the discussion.

MORE DESCRIPTIVE – BUT STILL TELLING
Dani was angry and it showed on her face and in her mannerisms. She found herself waggling a finger in the face of her sister, much the way her mother used to. Dani knew that she had to calm down so she relaxed her stance, and for the moment, tucked both hands into her jean pockets.

SHOWING
As Dani’s words fell from her tongue, she caught a glimpse of herself in the hall mirror. One hand sat firmly on her hip while the other waggled a commanding index finger in her sister’s face. Despite the trim figure and waves of chestnut hair that fell to her shoulders, the reflection she saw was one of an evil witch. She forced the muscles in her face to relax and, for the moment at least, she stuffed both hands into her jean pockets.

EXAMPLE 2
Turn a ‘telling’ statement into narrative that allows the reader to know your characters and experience their situations.

TELLING
The old man’s joints ached terribly as he hurried to meet his grand daughter at the other side of the mall.

MORE DESCRIPTIVE – BUT STILL TELLING
The old man’s joints ached as he walked the length of the mall. Each step was evident on his face. He hobbled forward, his steps slow, his movements awkward, but he walked with purpose – eager to hold his grand daughter in his arms once again.

SHOWING
Ancient lines on the old man’s face deepened with each determined step. His bent back forced the weight of his frame onto gnarled white knuckles that clutched an antiquated walking stick. A small child with smooth pink skin escaped the grasp of her mother and scampered across his path like a baby bunny. Anticipation roped his heart as images of his grand daughter played in his mind. The man tried to smile at the pursuant young mother but the event forced his right foot to turn painfully inward. His mouth twisted along with his foot, deflecting the smile and replacing it with an anguished mask. The next step he took was slower but no less determined to meet his grand daughter.

EXAMPLE 3
Turn a ‘telling’ statement into dialogue that adds realism, energy and “pop” to your writing.

TELLING
Dani and her ward, 16-year-old Samantha, fought vehemently regarding Sam’s recent decision to cut class. When Dani told her sister that she was grounded and that she would need to get a tutor to bring up her grades, Samantha was less than appreciative.

MORE DESCRIPTIVE – BUT STILL TELLING
Dani didn’t know whether she should be happy or sad that her sister Samantha had been offered only an in-school suspension for cutting class. Since their parents’ death, Dani had taken charge of raising Sam. She loved her sister but it seemed they hardly knew each other anymore. Money was tight and now she would have to hire a tutor to get Sam’s grades up. It was hard to watch her sister spiral ever downward. Dani’s own emotional state didn’t provide the resources her sister needed and now she’d have to watch Sam even more closely. What happened to the young girl Dani remembered? Was there hope for Sam? For their sisterly relationship?

SHOWING
“Sam, you know I love you but…” Dani held back a grimace as ‘that thing’ once again thrashed about in her stomach. “It’s getting harder to trust you. The school said you’ll only get one day of in-school suspension. They’re going to be lenient this time, but the next time...” Her words trailed off. Could she assume there would be a next time? She tried again.
“If it happens again, they’ll have to suspend you.”
Sam’s fingers played with a loose thread that hung from a button on her sweater. Her eyes focused on the task, seemingly fascinated by something no obvious to her older sister.
Forcing her hands deeper in her pockets, Dani chewed nervously on her lip. Was she getting through? She had to get through.
“The school said you can’t make up the test you missed when you cut. Since you’re almost failing that class I’ll have to hire a tutor to make sure the rest of your grades bring up your average. You’re obviously grounded until things turn around and… ”
Dani froze mid sentence. A smile had appeared on Samantha’s face. It was not the innocent childhood smile Dani remembered from years past. This smile reminded her of the wicked witch of the west after she captured poor little Toto. The hair on Dani’s forearms rose and tickled her skin. She yanked her hands out of her pockets, placed them on opposing sides and began rubbing her arms as if to ward off a chill. When Samantha spoke her words fell like ice water on Dani’s burdened shoulders.
“That’s what it’s all about isn’t it. Money. First I can’t have a few bucks to go to the movies with my friends. Now, you’re mad because you have to pay for a tutor.” Ugly bits of spittle flew through the air and burned Dani’s arm with their malice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Telling can also be described as portraying the character and action from the point of view of the storyteller or omniscient narrator. Telling is the easy way out for the writer but it sidesteps emotion and dramatic tension. Telling takes the story out of scene. Writing in scene is different from describing a scene. Writing in scene combines character and action. This usually includes dialogue and your character’s inner thoughts. The following will help you stay in scene and show instead of tell.
1. Point of view means you are inside your main character’s head, heart and gut—you are seeing the world through the eyes of your character.
2. Dialogue is one of the fastest ways to show a scene. Everyone talks. Everyone can write dialogue.
3. Action can be as simple as a disagreement between two characters.
4. Flashback (used sparingly) can help you find out what makes the character tick. Go back into a scene from the past that informs the present. When you are writing flashback, you are in that moment.
5. Name your characters. Sometimes this takes a while but make sure you get just the right name. Katherine (with a K) may become the character that Catherine (with a C) or Katie or Cathy could never become. Knowing who your character is will help you and your reader become a part of the story.

Contest - First Novel

FROM: Jennifer Cardine

I came across this contest and thought you might be interested for your blog. It's the second one listed, the Paul Zindel First Novel Award.

From the website: Hyperion Books for Children and Jump at the Sun are proud to announce the fifth annual Paul Zindel First Novel Award. The award is given annually to the winner(s) of a competition for a work of contemporary fiction set in the United States that reflects the diverse ethnic and cultural heritage of our country. The prize is a book contract on the publisher's standard form, covering world rights including but not limited to hardcover, paperback, e-book and audio book editions with an advance against royalties of $7500 and a $1500 cash prize. The prize is not redeemable for cash or transferable; and no substitution is allowed.

http://www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com/contests.asp#zindel

MEETING TONIGHT - "ON"

Tonight's Meeting is ON

The weather report says that it should clear up later today. If anything, there will be rain, not snow or ice. So... the NJCWG meeting for tonight is ON.

North Jersey Christian Writers' Group Meeting
TONIGHT - 1/23/05
6:15-7:00 Chat Time - If you have specific writing questions, this is where you get answers. If you have a new project and you need a listening ear to work out the details, ask your fellow writers during Chat Time. If you received your first check, submitted your first manuscript or received your first rejection -- Chat Time is where you can go to brainstorm, brag, beg or breakdown - so long as it is writing related, we'll listen.
7:00-8:00 TeachingTopic: SHOW, DON'T TELL
8:00-9:00 Critiques - We have a number of critiques to go through tonight.

Show, Don't Tell
On Monday, 1/23/06 (tonight) we will offer the first of a two part lesson (Part 2 takes place on 2/13/06). Use the skills you learn here to prepare for our first 2006 NJCWG Workshop Session.

IMPORTANT NOTE: No matter how many times you've been published or how skilled you've become with words you still need to refine the skills you've acquired. You won't want to miss the Show Vs Tell lessons and our upcoming workshop session.

ALSO TO BE DISCUSSED TONIGHT:
I've narrowed down the topics for Cecil Murphey's one day writers' workshop (May 13, 2006) -- but I still want to hear your opinions. Tonight will be your last chance to let me know what classes you want him to offer.

NJCWG Workshop Session
Monday, 2/27/05
Ringwood Baptist Church
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
(No chat time, No critques)
Bring paper, writing implements, any notes you feel would be helpful and a good imagination.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
551-427-3794

Meeting - 1/23/05

Regarding our meeting of 1/23/05 - the weather is supposed to be pretty bad tonight and tomorrow. Please check this blog again tomorrow to see if the meeting is canceled.
I ALWAYS post cancellations on the blog.

IF the meeting is cancelled, the topic of discussion (show vs tell) will be taken up at our first meeting in February.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Writing Op - Lost Treasure Magazine

Lost Treasure, Inc.
Post Office Box 451589
Grove, Oklahoma 74345-1589
Phone 918/786-2182
Fax 918/786-2192
Janet Warford-Perry, Managing Editor
http://www.primediabusiness.com/magazines/magweb.asp?page=Magazines

GUIDELINES FOR WRITERS
Lost Treasure, Inc. reviews manuscript submissions for two treasure magazines as follows: 1) Lost Treasure, a monthly publication, accepts lost treasure, folklore, personal adventure stories; legends; and how-to articles for treasure hunters and metal detector users; personal adventure stories when accompanied by a sidebar consisting of a how-to lesson or tips (hunting, research, technique, etc., related to the story); who’s who features (by query only) and miscellaneous how-to tips. 2) Treasure Cache, an annual publication, accepts only documented treasure cache stories with a sidebar from the author telling the reader how-to search for the cache highlighted in the story.

SUBMISSIONS
1. Original Stories with photos, maps, and documentation are what we want! No rehashes of well-known treasure stories; no articles that have been submitted or already published in any other treasure hunting forums.
2. Queries are not required for Lost Treasure, but are for Treasure Cache. Queries, one page or less, and may be emailed to the managing editor . Queries are answered as quickly as possible, usually 2-4 weeks.
3. Source Documentation: Lost Treasure and Treasure Cache require source documentation. Personal experiences dealing primarily with how-to information do not require source documentation unless the author makes reference to information outside of the realm of his/her personal experience. Then documentation is required. For source documentation requirements, see Source Documentation, #16.
4. Format, Disk: Manuscripts must be Times New Roman font, 11 pt. single spaced, caps and lower case (not all capital letters), flush left, with only one space after each sentence, no line spacing between paragraphs, and no tab indentions. Manuscripts may be submitted two ways: 1) via email to the managing editor in Microsoft Word or within the body of the email or; 2) via mail to P.O. Box 451589, Grove, OK 74345-1589, on a readable 3-1/2” floppy disk in ASCII or Microsoft Word.
5. Page Identification: Your name, address, email address, telephone number (including area code) and social security number should appear on the first manuscript page in the upper left hand corner.
NOTE: Do not rubber stamp nor write information on the backs of photos, maps, etc., as damage may result making them unusable. TIP: Type information on a sticky back label and affix or, type on a piece of paper and tape to the back of the photo.
6. Word Count: An approximate word count should appear in the upper left hand corner on the first page of your manuscript.
7. Page Numbering: Do not insert the page numbering format.
8. Sequence: Manuscripts should be typed in the following sequence: 1) Photo Captions 2) Article Title 3) Body of Article. 4) Sources
9. Identification - Photos and Captions: Photos should be scanned at 300 dpi and sent in .jpeg or .tiff format. Photos should be assigned an identification number (i.e., 1, 2, 3, etc.) and named the same as the story. Accompanying captions should be typed and numbered to correspond to photo I.D. numbers.
10. All or Nothing: All photos, maps, documentation, other pertinent information should accompany your manuscript at the time of submission.
11. Article Lengths: Lost Treasure-500-1200 words. Treasure Cache- 1,000-1,500 words. Two-part articles are rarely published. These are accepted by query only.
Issue Themes: Lost Treasure articles should coordinate with an issue’s theme (editorial calendar enclosed). Stories deviating from the theme are always considered and used whenever possible. How-To articles are used in each issue. Treasure Cache is documented stories.
13. Caution: Stories should not read like ads for particular products. It is acceptable to name products in your story, but refrain from consistently repeating the detector’s name or the name of other equipment.
14. Returning Manuscripts: A self-addressed, stamped envelope, with sufficient postage must accompany submissions if they are to be returned.
15. SOURCE DOCUMENTATION: At least two sources (preferably more) are required with each submission. Exception: personal experience stories.
Newspapers: List newspaper name, issue date, article title. If newspaper clippings have no identification or date, note this fact in your sources.
Magazines: List magazine title, publication date (month and year), article title, article’s author.
Books: List by author, title, publisher, publication date.
National Archives, Library of Congress, etc.: List title, document number.
Historical Societies, Museum Files, etc.: List organization name, location (city, state), and other identifying information as applicable.
Personal experience stories: Yours--Identify yourself as the source telling this is a personal experience, where it happened and when. Others--Identify whose experience it is, where it happened and when. Tell how you learned of the experience (examples: interview, letters, other). TIP: Write down source information as you work. This insures accuracy and eliminates the necessity of backtracking.
16. PHOTOS: (Remember to identify them.)
Cover Photos: Accepted with or without accompanying story. Only 35 mm color slides (vertical shots) are accepted.
Article Photos: Color photos, scanned in .jpeg or .tiff format at 300 dpi must be included on the disk or within the email. No Polaroid shots. All photos must have sharp focus with good contrast.
17. MAPS: May be hand drawn or copied and should also be scanned per the instructions in #9 above. They should include where the lost treasure is located and contain specific directions to the treasure site(s).
18. PICTURES, BLACK AND WHITE LINE ART (not created by you): May be used only if you have received permission to do so and, credit is given to the source (museum, Library of Congress, illustrator’s name, etc.). Exception: Newspapers - permission is not required but credit must be given to the newspaper if a picture is copied. Must be scanned as per #16 above.
19. CARTOONS: As a rule we do not use cartoons in our magazines. Occasionally a cartoon accompanying a story is used.
20. SAMPLE ISSUE OF OUR MAGAZINE: Available on request. Write to: Managing Editor, Lost Treasure, Inc., P. O. Box 451589, Grove, OK 74345. Enclose SASE with $1.52 postage for the magazine.
21. NON ACCEPTANCE: We do not accept foreign manuscripts. Writers must reside in the U.S.A.
22. CONTRACT: We required a signed contract (U.S. and World Magazine Rights Agreement) from each writer giving us ALL rights to all material used (manuscripts, photos, art, etc.). No exceptions.
23. PAYMENT: Cover shots - $100.00. Articles - 4¢ per word. Photos, hand-drawn maps, artwork - $5.00 is paid for each item used. Payment is made on publication, not acceptance.

Writing Op - Scouting Magazine

Writers

The magazine is published by the Boy Scouts of America six times a year. Issues are: January-February, March-April, May-June, September, October, and November-December. It is mailed to about one million adult volunteer and professional Scout leaders (Scouters). Subscription is included as part of each Scouter's annual registration fee.

Scouting magazine articles are mainly about successful program activities conducted by or for Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews. We also include features on winning leadership techniques and styles, profiles of outstanding individual leaders, and inspirational accounts (usually first person) of Scouting's impact on an individual, either as a youth or while serving as a volunteer adult leader.

Because most volunteer Scout leaders are also parents of children of Scout age, Scouting is also considered a family magazine. We published material we feel will help parents in strengthening families. (Because they often deal with communicating and interacting with young people, many of these features are useful to a reader in both roles as parent and Scout leader).

We also feature an occasional general-interest article geared to our adult audience. These include subjects such as nature, social issues and trends, historical topics, and humor.

Many of our best article ideas come from volunteer and professional Scouters, but most stories are written by staff members or professional writers assigned by us. We seldom publish unsolicited manuscripts (the exception being inspirational accounts or successful program ideas by individual Scouters). We rely heavily on regional writers to cover an event or activity in a particular part of the country.

A query with a synopsis or outline of a proposed story is essential. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope to insure a reply. We respond to queries within three weeks. We buy short features of 500 to 700 words; some longer features, up to 1,200 words, usually the result of a definite assignment to a professional writer. We do not buy fiction or poetry.

We pay on acceptance. We purchase first rights unless otherwise specified (purchase does not necessarily guarantee publication). Photos, if of acceptable quality, are usually included in payment for certain assignments. (We normall assign a professional photographers to take photographs for major story assignments.) Payment rates depend on the professional quality the of an article. Payment is from $300 to $500 for a short feature, $650 to $800 for a major article, and more for quality articles by frequent contributors.

Writers or photographers should be familiar with the Scouting program and Scouting magazine. A sample copy will be sent if you provide a stamped, self-addressed 9 x 12 envelope and $2.50.

Our address is:

Scouting Magazine
1325 W. Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving TX 75015-2079
Phone: (972)580-2367
Fax:(972)580-2079
Web site: http://www.scoutingmagazine.org

Writing Op - American Profile Magainze

Home Page: http://www.americanprofile.com/issues/
Writers Guidelines
American Profile’s audience lives in communities with an average population of 7,000. Our articles are useful, informative, human, and concise; full of detail and color, writing and reporting at its best. Our readers are intelligent and discriminating, our standards are high. This is not a market for beginners; send only your most professional work. No fiction, nostalgia, or poetry. Coverage of people and places must be enlightening and instructional, and have a broad regional or national relevance. We also cover health, food, gardening, home projects, nature, and finances. Articles should be topical, but have a long shelf life. Length varies from 450 to 1,200 words. Payment within 45 days of acceptance. Fees are competitive but vary widely. Byline and one-sentence bio given. Mostly freelance written. No reprints. Buys exclusive first-time print rights and all electronic rights to unpublished pieces for six months, non-exclusive rights thereafter.
Queries: Send a one-paragraph query with clips and SASE. No phone, fax, or e-mail submissions.

Mailing Address:

American Profile
341 Cool Springs Blvd., Ste. 400
Franklin, TN 37067

Phone & FAX:

Phone:	(800) 720-6323
	(615) 468-6000
Fax:	(615) 468-6100

Understanding Rights and Copyright

Here is an excellent article that explains both the rights that may be purchased by a publisher and copyright law. This is worth reading even if you "think" you already know what these mean.
http://www.writing-world.com/rights/copyright.shtml

The author of this article, Moira Allen, is the editor and publisher of Writing-World.com, and the author of more than 300 articles and columns. Her books on writing include Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer, The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches and Proposals, and Writing.com: Creative Internet Strategies to Advance Your Writing Career. Allen is a contributing editor (and former columnist) for The Writer and a frequent contributor to other writing publications. She has been writing and editing professionally for more than 25 years, and has also taught freelance and creative writing at several community colleges. Allen has recently launched a new travel website, TimeTravel-Britain.com.

Writng for Trade Magazines

Prism Business Media publishes a large number of trade magazines. For information about these magazines you can go to: http://www.primediabusiness.com/magazines/magweb.asp?page=Magazines
Click on the individual magazine you are interested in and it will take you that website. Trade magazines are good break-in markets.

Writing Op - Faces

Writers' Guidelines for FACES ^®

General Information

Lively, original approaches to the subject are the primary concerns of the editors in choosing material. Writers are encouraged to study recent back issues for content and style. (Sample issues are available at $5.95 plus $2.00 shipping and handling. Send 10" x 13" self-addressed envelope.) All material must relate to the theme of a specific upcoming issue in order to be considered (themes and deadlines given below). FACES ^® purchases all rights to material.

Procedure

A query must consist of all of the following information to be considered (please use nonerasable paper):

1. a brief cover letter stating the subject and word length of the proposed article,
2. a detailed one-page outline explaining the information to be presented in the article,
3. an extensive bibliography of materials the author intends to use in preparing the article (if appropriate),
4. a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Writers new to FACES ^® should send a writing sample with the query.

If you would like to know if your query has been received, please also include a stamped postcard requesting acknowledgment of receipt.

In all correspondence, please include your complete address as well as a telephone number where you can be reached.

Manuscripts should be typed double-spaced and include final word count. Authors are requested to supply a 2- to 3-line biographical sketch.

Articles must be submitted on disk using a word processing program (preferably Microsoft Word - MAC). Text should be saved as ASCII text (in MS Word as "text only"). Disks should be either MAC- (preferred) or DOS- compatible 3 ½."

Guidelines

Feature Articles:

about 800 words
Includes: in-depth nonfiction highlighting an aspect of the featured culture, interviews, and personal accounts.

Supplemental Nonfiction:

300-600 words
Includes: subjects directly and indirectly related to the theme. Editors like little-known information but encourage writers not to overlook the obvious.

Fiction:

up to 800 words
Includes: Retold legends, folktales, stories, and original plays from around the world, etc., relating to the theme.

The above three pay 20 to 25 cents per printed word.

Activities:

up to 700 words.
Includes: crafts, games, recipes, projects, etc., which children can do either alone or with adult supervision. Should be accompanied by sketches and description of how activity relates to theme.

Poetry:

up to 100 lines. Clear, objective imagery. Serious and light verse considered. Must relate to theme.

Puzzles and Games:

Crossword and other word puzzles using the vocabulary of the issue's theme. Mazes and picture puzzles that relate to the theme.

The above three pay on an individual basis.

Photo Guidelines
To be considered for publication, photographs must relate to a specific theme. Writers are encouraged to submit available photos with their query or article. We buy one-time use.

Our suggested fee range for professional quality photographs* follows:

	¼ page	to	full page
b/w	$15	to	$100
color	$25	to	$100

* Please note that fees for non-professional quality photographs are negotiated.

• Cover fees are set on an individual basis for one-time use, plus promotional use. All cover images are color.
• Prices set by museums, societies, stock photography houses, etc., are paid or negotiated. Photographs that are promotional in nature (e.g., from tourist agencies, organizations, special events, etc.) are usually submitted at no charge.
• If you have photographs pertaining to any upcoming theme, please contact the editor by mail or fax, or send them with your query. You may also send images on speculation.

Theme list for 2006 - 2007	[query due date]
Egypt (September)	[11/14/05]
Globalization: It's a Small World (October)	[12/12/05]
Honduras (November)	[1/17/06]
Sports Around the World (December)	[2/13/06]
Spain (January)	[3/13/06]
Republic of Georgia (February)	[4/17/06]
World Health (March)	[5/15/06]
The U.S. South (April)	[6/19/06]
China (May)	[7/17/06]

Note

Queries may be submitted at any time before the deadline, but queries sent well in advance of deadline MAY NOT BE ANSWERED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. Go-aheads requesting material proposed in queries are usually sent at least seven months prior to publication date. Unused queries will be returned if a SASE is supplied.

Mail queries to: Editorial Department Cobblestone Publishing Attn: Elizabeth Crooker Carpentiere 30 Grove Street, Suite C Peterborough, NH 03458 Or email them to: facesmag@yahoo.com

Mail sample requests to: Editorial Department Cobblestone Publishing Attn: Sample Requests 30 Grove Street, Suite C Peterborough, NH 03458

Writing Op - Appleseeds Mag

Writers' Guidelines for APPLESEEDS

General Information

APPLESEEDS is a 36-page, multidisciplinary, nonfiction social studies magazine for children ages 8 and up (primarily in grades 3 & 4). Writers are encouraged to study recent back issues for content and style. (Sample issues are available at $5.95 plus $2.00 shipping and handling. Send 10" x 13" self-addressed envelope.) We are looking for articles that are lively, age-appropriate, and exhibit an original approach to the theme. Scientific and historical accuracy is extremely important. Authors are urged to use primary sources and up-to-date resources for their research. And remember, your article must stimulate the curiosity of a child. APPLESEEDS purchases all rights to material.

Procedure

Writers may propose an article for any issue. The article idea must be closely related to the theme of the issue. Please include a completed query.

• Each query must be written separately; however, you may mail / email them together.
• Feel free to include copies of published writing samples with your query if you have not yet written for APPLESEEDS.
• After the deadline for query proposals has passed, the editors will review the suggestions and assign articles. This may take several months - don't despair! We may suggest modifications to your original proposal or assign an entirely new idea.

Please do not begin work until you've received a detailed assignment sheet from us!

Guidelines

Feature articles:

1-4 pages, (Most issues contain about 6-8 feature articles.)
Includes: nonfiction, interviews, and how-to

Departments:

• Fun Stuff (games or activities relating to the theme, 2 pages)
• Reading Corner (literature piece, 2-4 pages)
• By the Numbers (math activities relating to the theme, 1 page)
• Where in the World (map activities, 2 pages)
• Your Turn (theme-related opportunities for children to take action, 1 page)
• Experts in Action (short profile of professional in field related to theme, 1 page)
• The Artist's Eye (fine or folk art relating to theme, 1 page)
• From the Source (age-appropriate primary source material, 1-2 pages)

Assume 150 words per page; payment approximately $50 per page

Photo Guidelines

To be considered for publication, photographs must relate to a specific theme. Writers are encouraged to submit available photos with their query or article. We buy one-time use.

Our suggested fee range for professional quality photographs* follows:

	¼ page	to	full page
b/w	$15	to	$100
color	$25	to	$100

* Please note that fees for non-professional quality photographs are negotiated.

• Cover fees are set on an individual basis for one-time use, plus promotional use. All cover images are color.
• Prices set by museums, societies, stock photography houses, etc., are paid or negotiated. Photographs that are promotional in nature (e.g., from tourist agencies, organizations, special events, etc.) are usually submitted at no charge.
• If you have photographs pertaining to any upcoming theme, please contact the editor by mail or fax, or send them with your query. You may also send images on speculation.

Theme list for 2006 - 2007	[query due date]
Growing up in Jamestown (September)	[10/15/05]
Who Did What in Ancient Egypt? (October)	[11/15/05]
Firefighting (November)	[12/15/05]
The Play's the Thing (December)	[1/15/06]
Around and About the Planets (January)	[2/15/06]
Exploring the Everglades (February)	[3/15/06]
Salt (March)	[4/15/06]
Helen Keller (April)	[5/15/06]
Circuses (May)	[6/15/06]

Write a brief description of your idea, including a list of sources you plan to use, your intended word length, and any unique angle or hook you think will make your piece irresistible to its intended audience (8- to 10-year-olds and their teachers and parents).

Notes

• Email queries are preferred. To avoid problems in downloading attachments, always include your query in the body of the email. You may also include attachments if you wish.
• Queries may be submitted at any time before the deadline, but queries sent well in advance of deadline MAY NOT BE ANSWERED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.
• Assignments are made approximately one month before manuscripts are due.
• Due to the large volume of queries we receive, we are no longer able to notify writers whose queries are not selected for assignment. If you wish to check on the status of your query, please e-mail Associate Editor Annabel Wildrick (annabelwildrick@verizon.net) no earlier than one month after the query due date.

Email queries to: swbuc@aol.com Or mail them to: Susan Buckley, Editor APPLESEEDS Magazine 140 E 83rd St. New York, NY 10028

Mail sample requests to: Editorial Department Cobblestone Publishing Attn: Sample Requests 30 Grove Street, Suite C Peterborough, NH 03458

New Reverse Dictionary

Are you searching for just the right word? Do you know what you mean but you simply can't put your finger on the word to best describe it? Try One Look's Reverse Dictionary:

http://www.onelook.com/reverse-dictionary.shtml

New Super Search Engine

Here is a new super search engine that will take your key words and search MULTIPLE search engines all at one time. It searches Google, Yahoo, MSN and Ask Jeeves

Check it out! http://www.dogpile.com/

NEW LOOK

Writers are observant people -- that means that you probably noticed a "new" look to this blog .

Along with a change of color and style, I changed a number of the writer's links. That wasn't exactly intentional (sigh). If for some reason I lost a link to YOUR blog or website in the transition, PLEASE email me the link once again.

Louise Bergmann DuMont

More Poetry Books

Here are a few more books that will help you write better poetry.

Unbroken Line: Writing in the Lineage of Poetry by Miriam Sagan
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
The Art and Craft of Poetry by Michael J. Bugeja
Handbook of Poetic Forms by Ron Padgett

FREE Writers Workshop

FREE Writer's Workshop
February 27, 2006

Sponsored by the North Jersey Christian Writers' Workshop

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:30 - 9:00 p.m. We Will Start Promptly!
Bring: Pens/Pencils, Notebook/Paper

How it works: You arrive at 6:30. Instructions will be handed out as you arrive, along with a summary of what we learned about Show Vs. Tell at our prior two meetings (1/23 & 2/13).

Our writing topic will be determined by the facilitator. It is usually an object or group of objects that remains undisclosed until we are ready to write. Once the object is unveiled, the writers will be given 20 minutes to write about the object. All genres are acceptable (except erotica). After the writing period is over, individuals will be given the opportunity to read their pieces outloud for critique. We use what we learn from the critiques to do a rewrite and then there is one more period of critique.

For more information, please feel free to call the facilitator, Louise Bergmann DuMont - 551-427-3794.

What's In the Feb Issue of The Writer Mag?

You'll find these great articles in the February issue of The Writer Magazine:

A powerful plot device for your fiction
Learn how to use a "MacGuffin"- a central object or situation used to power narrative.
Zadie Smith's world view
Acclaimed British novelist Zadie Smith talks about the rewards of crossing racial and cultural boundaries in her fiction.
A vital tool: Use a timeline to create backstories for characters
Creating a timeline for your character can be a valuable tool for explaining motivation and behavior.
Create buzz for your self-published book
A writer who has mastered the art shares some uncommon wisdom.
Ready to make your first sale? Stop! 9 things you need to know
Amid your first-sale euphoria, it pays to remember that asking questions, following up and saying "no" won't get you blacklisted by publishers.

Click here for the FEBRUARY issue table of contents.

75th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition

http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/annual/75th/

75th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition

For 75 years, the Annual Writer’s Digest Competition has rewarded writers just like you for their finest work. And best of all, we’re celebrating our milestone year by giving away more than $30,000 in cash and prizes! Win a trip to New York City !

GRAND PRIZE: $3,000 cash and an all-expense paid trip to New York City to meet with editors or agents. Writer's Digest will fly you and a guest to The Big Apple, where you'll spend three days and two nights in the publishing capital of the world. While you're there, a Writer's Digest editor will escort you to meet and share your work with four editors or agents! Plus, you'll receive a free Diamond Publishing Package from Outskirts Press.

Entry Deadline: Monday, May 15, 2006.

For entrants paying with a credit card, we will accept manuscripts submitted online. Manuscripts in the script categories must be submitted via regular mail.

Poetry Book Recommendations

If you enjoy writing poetry, here are a few books to put on your reading list:

The Poets Handbook by Judson Jerome (Writers Digest Books)
The New Book of Forms by Lewis Turco (University Press of New England)
How Poetry Works: The Elements of English Poetry by Philip Davies Roberts
(Penguin)

Recommended Reading for Authors

Are you a new writer who is looking for books that will help you hone your craft?

Here are a few that might just take you to the next level of publication:

Christian Writer's Market Guide by Sally Stuart
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes: (And How to Avoid Them) by Jack M. Bickham
Stein on Writing by Sol Stein
Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss
Woe is I by Patricia OÂ’Conner
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Publicize Your Book by Jacqueline Deval
The Flip Dictionary by Barbara Ann Kipfer
A Christian WriterÂ’s Manual of Style by Bob Hudson & Shelley Townsend
The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Book Proposals That Sell--21 Secrets To Speed Your Success by Terry Whalin
You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal
The Art of the Book Proposal by Eric Maisel
Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul by Susan Harrow
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain
Writing and Selling the Christian Novel by Penelope J. Stokes
The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life by Noah Lukeman

1/9/06 NJCWG Meeting Reviewed

Yesterday's meeting provided me with a lot more than the usual encouragment. Three individuals took the time to express special thanks for what occures at the North Jersey Christian Writers' Group Meetings. What an extra special blessing that was! Thank you for taking the time to encourage me.

We finished up our disucssion on Angela Hunt's Fiction A-Z as it was presented at the Glorieta Christian Writers' Conference and we had the opportunity to do three crituqes. I can say that the progress of many group members has done my heart good. It is always a blessing to see a new writer grow and move forward in publication.

COMING UP:

1. For the next two meetings (1/23/06 & 2/13/06) I will once again teach on the various ways a wrier can create visual images in the reader's mind, rather than simply relate the facts. This technique is called SHOW Don't TELL. Itis a subject that even the best writers need to practice and periodically review.

2. Then our group will put what we learned to the test. There will be an all night writer's workshop held on 2/27/06. More info to come regarding that event.

3. Continue to hold Saturday, May 13, 2006 open. That is when Cecil "Cec" Murphey will fly in from Georgia to host an all day Writer's Event for the NJCWG. This is one event you will NOT want to miss! The classes will be limted. The cost will be $30.00/person. I'll have details on the classes very shortly. Keep checking this blog or drop me an email. SPECIAL NOTE: I am once again looking for a person to handle registrations. If you are interested, email me (njcwg.dumont@gmail.com)

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

Writing Op - Bible Advocate

BIBLE ADVOCATE
P.O. Box 33677
Denver, CO 80233
bibleadvocate@cog7.org
www.cog7.org/BA
Helps Christians understand and obey the Bible.
Frequency: 8x/yr -- Circulation: 13,500
Nonfiction: On Bible doctrine, current social and religious issues, everyday-living Bible topics, textual or Biblical book studies, prophecy and personal experience; 1200 words; $25-$55.
Poetry: Free verse, blank verse, and traditional; 5-20 lines; $20.
Fillers: Facts, inspirational pieces, anecdotes; 100-400 words; $20.
Columns, Departments: Viewpoint, opinion pieces; 650 words.
Art: Mac-compatible TIFF or JPEG files, 300 dpi; $10-$35/inside use, $25-$50/cover. No photos.
Queries: Not necessary
E-queries: Yes
Unsolicited mss: Yes
Submission formats: Electronic, Hard copy
Response: 4-8 weeks.
Freelance content: 10-20%
NO Kill fee
Rights: First, reprint, electronic
Payment: On publication
TIPS: No articles on Christmas or Easter. Theme list available.

Writing Op - A.D. Players

A. D. PLAYERS
2710 W. AlabamaHouston, TX 77098
adtour@hern.org
www.adplayers.org
Needs full-length plays or musicals (12 actors max.) or one-act children’s plays or musicals (8 actors max.) with Judeo-Christian world view.
Payment: Negotiable rates

NJCWG MEETING TONIGHT!

MEETING TONIGHT

Have you made your New Year's Resolution yet? If God has truly called you to write, why not make a commitment to improve your craft by attending NJCWG meetings regularly?

TONIGHT

The first NJCWG meeting of 2006 - January 9, 2006

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

LESSON:
Fiction A-Z Tonight we'll continue Angela Hunt's lessons recorded at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference (Oct 2005).

CRITIQUES:
We have a number of crituqes in the pot right now and pleased that so many are using this to better their work.
VISION HUNT by Mark L'Hommedieu
UNTIL THE END OF TIME by Conrad Ross
Chap 3 - Cono Giardullo & Catarina Gallo by Marilyn Gardullo

For more information, email Louise Bergmann DuMont, NJCWG Facilitator at:
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Show, Don't Tell

Anyone who pursue's writing has been told by someone that they should SHOW, not TELL their story. To hone this skill is harder than most new writers can imagine.

I've collected a few great websites where experts explain how to go about SHOWING, rather than telling, your story.

http://tarakharper.com/k_show.htm
http://teenwriting.about.com/cs/writingfiction/a/ShowNotTell.htm
http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/fictionfix/0505Grossack.html
http://www.sfwriter.com/ow04.htm
http://www.barbaradawsonsmith.com/showdon
http://a.wholelottanothing.org/2005/10/people_that_say.html
http://brainstorm-services.com/wcu/description.html
http://www.hollywoodlitsales.com/cf/journal/dspJournal.cfm?intID=2040
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/getwriting/A3489988

Questions? Feel free to drop me a note at njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com
www.louisedumont.com

NJCWG Meeting Tonight

MEETING TONIGHT

Have you made your New Year's Resolution yet? If God has truly called you to write, why not make a commitment to improve your craft by attending NJCWG meetings regularly?

The first NJCWG meeting of 2006 - January 9, 2006

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

LESSON:
Fiction A-Z Tonight we'll continue Angela Hunt's lessons recorded at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference (Oct 2005).

CRITIQUES:
We have a number of crituqes in the pot right now and pleased that so many are using this to better their work.
VISION HUNT by Mark L'Hommedieu
UNTIL THE END OF TIME by Conrad Ross
Chap 3 - Cono Giardullo & Catarina Gallo by Marilyn Gardullo

For more information, email Louise Bergmann DuMont, NJCWG Facilitator at:
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Writer's Digest Yearbook

The Writer's Digest YEARBOOK is out and it's PACKED with great information. You'll find it most of the larger books stores (Borders, Barnes & Nobel, etc.)in their magazine section.

Writer's Yearbook 2006 - $8.00

Here is just a taste of what you'll find inside.

CATCHING UP
2005: The Year in Review
By Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Martha Stewart rebounds, poker magazines fly off the shelves and celebrity news still sells. Heres a look back at the magazine world last year.

What Editors Wont Tell You (But We Will)
By Jenna Glatzer
Ever wonder what editors look for in a freelance writer? Here are 15 tips to help keep you on an editors good side.

Just the Facts, Maam
By Roxanne Hawn
Its not just important that you have your facts straightits essential. Heres how to breeze through fact-checking and keep your article accurate.

Using Trademarks
By Lisa Wurster
Hesitant to use brand names in your writing? Dont be. Heres what you need to know about the laws
surrounding trademarks.

Know Your Copyrights
By Howard G. Zaharoff
You dont need to be a legal expert to understand your rights. This breakdown explains all you need to know about copyright protection.

Free Money
By C. Hope Clark
Writing grants are out thereyou just have to know where to look. Let us point you in the right direction.

Weaving Your Web
By Robert W. Bly
These seven must-know strategies will help you create a well-developed, business-focused Web site.

WRITE BETTER
Keeping Your Ideas Fresh
By Craig Wilson
Open your eyes to the world around you to come up with fresh topics for a weekly column.

Writing in First Person
By Marnie Engel Hayutin
Dont haphazardly throw yourself into your article. Follow these tips to turn your first-person writing skills into an asset.

Dropping in Your Data
By David A. Fryxell
Learn how to weave facts into your writing without making it dry.

A Travelers Tale
By Jack Clemens
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Tony Horwitz combines humor and personal references with serious journalism to create riveting travel narratives.

GET PUBLISHED
101 Best Web Sites for Writers
By Robin M. Hampton
Get ready to bookmark these Web sites: Its our annual guide to the best online writing resources.

The Top 100 Markets for Magazine Writers
By Chuck Sambuchino
Weve examined thousands of publications and picked out an exclusive listing of magazines for freelancers to query.

Theres No Place Like Home
By Jenna Glatzer
Looking to break into national magazines? You can start by looking for human-interest stories where you live.

Lost in Cyberspace
By Brian Slemming
Dont let your electronic queries end up in an editors spam folder.
This writer explains how to get past e-mail filters.
PLUS: Lori Cossens tips on how to choose your best clips.

Mastering the Waiting Game
By Joy Lanzendorfer
Advice on maximizing your down time instead of fretting over that last submission.

Costly Mistakes
By Robert W. Bly
Feel like your freelance income is less than it should be? These 10 business mistakes may be the reason you arent earning what you should.

Five Tips for Getting Published
By Chelan David
These guidelines can help you break into the competitive field of freelance writing.

Writing Op - Creative Nonfiction

CREATIVE NONFICTION
Creative Nonfiction Foundation
5501 Walnut St.
Suite 202
Pittsburgh PA 15232
Phone: (412)688-0304
Fax: (412)683-9173
E-Mail: information@creativenonfiction.org
Website: www.creativenonfiction.org
Contact:
Lee Gutkind, editor

About CREATIVE NONFICTION:
Format: Magazine published 3 times/year covering nonfiction--personal essay, memoir, literary journalism. "Creative Nonfiction is the first journal to focus exclusively upon the genre of creative nonfiction. It publishes personal essay, memoir, and literary journalism on a broad range of subjects. Interviews with prominent writers and commentary about the genre also appear on its pages."

Freelance Facts:
100% freelance written
Established: 1993
Circulation: 4,000
Pays on publication
Publishes manuscript 1 year after acceptance.
Byline given. All rights. Editorial lead time 6 months.

Nonfiction: Accepts simultaneous submissions
Responds in 6 months to manuscripts.
Sample copy for $10.

Needs:
Essays
Interview/Profile
Personal Experience
narrative journalism
Does Not Want: No poetry, fiction.
Buys 30 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 5,000 words maximum.
Pays $10/page--more if grant money available.
Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Tips: "Points to remember when submitting to Creative Nonfiction: strong reportage; well-written prose, attentive to language, rich with detail and distinctive voice; an informational quality or 'teaching element'; a compelling, focused, sustained narrative that's well-structured and conveys meaning. Manuscripts will not be accepted via fax or e-mail."

Writing Op - Koehler

KOEHLER COMPANIES, INC.
8758 Woodcliff Rd.
Bloomington MN 55438
Phone: (952)942-5666
Fax: (952)942-5208
E-Mail: bob@koehlercompanies.com
Website: www.koehlercompanies.com
Contact: Bob Koehler.

About KOEHLER COMPANIES, INC.:
"We manufacture a decorative plaque line that utilizes verse and art. We are not a greeting card company. We combine art and message to create a product that a consumer will like enough to want to look at for a year or longer."

KEY TO THIS MARKET: "Topics that works best includes: golf, fishing, pets, and other passions; verse that speaks to women, sisters, mom, family; words to inspire without getting preachy; humorous verse for men. See website for examples of our work."

Freelance Facts:
Established: 1988
65% of material freelance written.
Receives 100 submissions/year.
Bought 25 ideas/samples last year.

SUBMISSIONS:
Responds in 1 month.
Pays on acceptance.

Needs:
Humorous
Inspirational

"We pay $125/selected verse and limit the use to our products so that writers may resell their work for other uses."

OTHER PRODUCT LINES: Decorative wall plaques.

TIPS: "We sell wholesale to the retail market and the mail order catalog industry as well. Lengthy verse is sometimes challenging. Usually under 6 lines is best. We prefer to have work submitted by e-mail or mail."

Market News

New Amazon program seeks to connect authors and their fans
Launched last month, Amazon Connect started offering authors their own blogs and extended personal profile pages on the company's online bookstore site to help enhance connections between authors and their fans. So far, Amazon has recruited a group of about a dozen authors. "The program gives people who are interested in a particular author a way to get new insights into them, and gives the authors a way to develop more of a one-on-one relationship with readers." Source: nytimes.com

Cricket Magazine Group office move
"The offices of the 'bug' magazines are moving from Peru, IL, to Chicago as of January, and existing staff were given the choice of moving or leaving. So far, I understand that those who leaving the staff include Executive Editor Deborah Vetter, Executive Editor Paula Morrow, Senior Art Director Ron McCutchan, and Associate Editor Heather Delabre." Cricket, Ladybug, Babybug, Spider, and Cicada will continue to be published without interruption. Source: underdown.org

Online Catholics editorial changes
Penny Edman has been named editor of the independent weekly Online Catholics. Source: cathnews.com

Forbes circulation incorrect
"A report from Audit Bureau of Circulations, released just as the media world went into its annual Christmastime hibernation, found that Forbes incorrectly classified some circulation as paid and missed delivering the circulation it guarantees advertisers." Source: businessweek.com

U.S. postage rates increase in 2006
Effective January 8th, the single-piece rate for First-Class Mail will increase from 37 cents to 39 cents, and the postcard rate will increase by one cent to 24 cents. For other rate changes, see USPS.com.

PC Magazine editorial changes
Jim Louderback has been promoted to editor-in-chief of PC Magazine and editorial director of Consumer Technology Group. Source: mediabistro.com

Ringwood Prose & Poetry Contest

Ringwood Public Library
32nd Annual
Prose and Poetry Contest
Each student may submit 1 or 2 entries:
1 Prose (essay or short story)
1 Poem
on 8 1/2 x 11" paper with your choice of theme.
All entries must be the student's original work.

Contest open to:
* Ringwood elementary school students
* Lakeland Reg. High School students
* Ringwood high school and college students

Essays and short stories may be no longer than 500 words; poems no longer then 24 lines.
A completed entry form (available at the schools and library) must be attached to each entry.
All entries become the property of Ringwood Public Library and will not be returned.
All entries must be received by February 28, 2006.

Winners will be notified by mail in April. The awards ceremony will be held in May.

Phone: (973) 962-6256
Web: palsplus.org/rpl/

2006 Christian Market Guide

2006 Christian Writers’ Market Guide, by Sally E. Stuart

Special Message for NJCWG Members
My standing order of 10 copies of Sally Stuart's Christian Market Guide just arrived. NJCWG members can get copies at my special price - $21.00 (Retail $33.50) -- but hurry, once they are gone I can't get more for this same price. They will be distributed on a first come first serve basis to NJCWG members who contact me. If you would like to hold a copy of this book for yourself, email me at njcwg.dumont@gmail.com as soon as possible.

If you are new to writing, I urge you to consider purchasing this book. Not only does it contain nearly every publising possibility but Sally has classes, resources, groups and things you
can't find anywhere else.

If you are already published, I don't need to tell you what a great book this is and how important it is to get the latest version. AND I'm sure you won't find a better price.

Sally Stuart's Christian Market Guide is a comprehensive guide—the only one specifically for the Christian/religious market—contains 354 book publishers (40 new), 711 periodical publishers (83 new), and 131 gift and specialty markets (17 new). Its topical listings will tell you exactly who is in the market for your topic or type of material. Add to that the listings of agents, groups, conferences, editorial services, distributors, contests, 300 new resources for writers, and market analysis and you have an indispensable guide recommended by many Christian publishers in their rejection letters.
Retail $33.50

A Great Writer's Resource

The Writing Life by Terry Whalin

If you haven't already checked out this website (http://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/), you should. Terry Whalin has written more than 60 nonfiction books plus published in more than 50 magazines. He is the fiction acquisitions editor at Howard Publishing and Terry encourages writers (beginners to pros) at Right-Writing.Com. To help people pursue their own dreams of a published book, Terry has written Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success.

His website recently posted a wonderful article on PyroMarketing - a marketing plan that will set the world on fire!

Writing Op - Five Stones

THE FIVE STONES
Newsletter for Small Churches
The American Baptist Churches--USA
155 Brown St.
Providence RI 02906
Phone: Phone/Fax: (401)861-9405
E-Mail: pappas@tabcom.org
Contact:
Anthony G. Pappas, editor
About THE FIVE STONES:
Magazine covering congregational dynamics in smaller churches.
Frequency: Quarterly
"The Five Stones is a resource for leaders in smaller congregations. Target audience: pastors, lay leaders, denominational officers."

FREELANCE FACTS:
50% freelance written
Established: 1980
Circulation: 500
Pays on publication
Publishes manuscript 1 year after acceptance.
Byline given.
Not copyrighted.
One-time rights
Editorial lead time 6 months.
Submit seasonal material
Accepts queries by: Mail, E-mail, Fax, Phone
Accepts simultaneous submissions
Accepts previously published submissions
Responds in 6 weeks to queries.
Responds in 6 months to manuscripts.
Sample copy and writer's guidelines for 6 months in advance.

NONFICTION
"Articles must be specific to small church-related issues."
Needs:
Book excerpts, Essays, Historical, How-To, Humor, Inspirational, Interview/Profile, Personal Experience, Religious
Buys 8-12 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 500–3,000 words.
Pays $10.
Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.
Reprints:
Accepts previously published submissions.

PHOTOS:
State availability of photos with submission.
Reviews:
GIF/JPEG files
Photos Require:
Identification of subjects
Buys one-time rights
Offers no additional payment for photos accepted with ms.

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS:
Columns open to freelancers: Small Town; Urban; Stewardship; Evangelism; Mission; Church Life; Reources; Humor (all first-person), all 500-2,500 words.
Buys 20 columns/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Pays: $10 minimum for columns.

FICTION:
Needs: Ethnic (general), Historical (religion), Humorous, Religious, Slice-of-life Vignettes,
Buys 4 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 300–3,000 words.
Pays $5 (maximum), and 2 contributor's copies.

TIPS: "First-person experiences. Focus on current issues of congregational life. Submit stories of positive events or learnings from negative ones."

Thought to Ponder

An Anecdote from Author, Lynn Vincent

~~~~~

Earlier this month, while attending our son's year-end football banquet, I was inspired by Andy Sullivan, a high school junior. Andy plays linebacker for the Horizon High School Panthers. His coaches selected him for a strength-training award, and his teammates voted him Defensive Player of the Year and overall Most Valuable Player. One of the coaches, when presenting Andy with his defensive award, said this: "Andy hates the weight room and he hates to run, but he loves to play football, so he is faithful to do the other two."

The implication was that Andy knows it's not good enough to love what you do, you have to work at it if you want to be any good -- and working at it often involves doing things you hate. When I heard that, I started to wonder: "What things do I hate to do, but if I were faithful to do them anyway, would make me a better writer? An MVP writer?"

~~~~~

So that's the question: What things do you hate to do? If you were faithful to follow through on these, would you become a better writer? Would it lift you to the level of an MVP writer?

First Line Contest

Here is an other great contest. FirstLine.com has been around since the 1990's so this is not a fly-by-night group. They provide the first line, you provide the story. It doesn't pay as well as the previous contest I posted (where you got the first chapter, then wrote the next one), but it takes less time and to do this one. I also understand that as of 2006, they will be paying out more money. You also have the opportunity to be published in one of their anthologies. Check this out: http://www.thefirstline.com/

Contest

Have you always wanted to write a book? This may be yor chance. All the details for this contest are at: http://mustardweb.com/mystery/

Official Rules and Guidelines – 2005-06 Mustard Mystery Contest

The Contest. The 2005-06 Mustard Mystery Contest is a writing contest. Chapter One of Murder at the Mustard Museum is complete and appears in the 2005-06 catalog of the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum and on this web site.. Contestants will write their best Chapter 2 and a summary of how the story turns out for the opportunity to win the Grand Prize of $5,000.

Who can enter? The 2005-06 Mustard Mystery Contest, is open to all writers and aspiring writers, with the exception of employees of the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum, sponsors of the Mustard Museum or of this contest, as listed below. Entrants under the age of 18 may must have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. Only one entry per person. There is no entry fee. No purchase of mustard or products from the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum is necessary.

Collaborative efforts are welcome but only one prize for a winning entry will be awarded.

Judging criteria. Judging will be on the basis of literary merit and the creative use of mustard in the story line. Photographs, drawings, or any other illustrations should not be sent and will not be considered.

Contest “divisions” and prizes. This contest has two divisions or categories. Anyone may enter in the “open” category; the grand prize for the “open” category is $5,000. Writers and aspiring writers who are enrolled in any private or public high school as of November 1, 2005, may also enter their work in the “Young Writers” division; the grand prize for this category is $250. If the overall Grand Prize ($5,000) is awarded to a person in the Young Writers category, only the $5,000 prize is awarded.

Additional prizes for the top ten finishers in each division be awarded and will be posted on this site.

The winners will be announced on National Mustard Day (August 5), 2006, at Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, and will be posted on the contest web site and on the Mustard Museum web site, www.mustardmuseum.com as well as on this site.

Acceptance of entries and deadlines. Entries must be typewritten, double-spaced, page numbered and stapled. Handwritten entries, no matter how brilliant they may be, will not be considered. Neither will email or digital (e.g. CD-ROM) entries be accepted. The entrant’s name should appear only on the entry form (click here) and not on any pages of manuscripts. Remember each entry will consist of two writings – a completed Chapter Two (not to exceed 2,500 words) and a summary of how the mystery turns out (not to exceed 800 words). Contestants must provide three copies of their writing entries (the Chapter Two and the summary)

Entries must be in English.

Entries should be postmarked no later than May 15, 2006 and sent to

Mustard Mystery Contest
Mount Horeb Mustard Museum
P.O. Box 468
Mount Horeb, WI 53572

The word limit for the chapter submitted is 2,500 words. The word limit for the summary is 800 words.

Entries will not be returned. We will not send you comments, feedback, or judges’ reactions.

Taxes. Winners are solely responsible for any taxes that may have to be paid as a result of prizes awarded.

Use of entries. Entries become the property of the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum. The winning entry will become the basis for a finished novel to be published by the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum.

Post-Contest Collaboration option. At the conclusion of the contest, after the winning entry has been selected and announced, the Curator of the Mustard Museum may ask the winner to collaborate in the writing of the finished mystery; in that case, the winner shall then receive, in addition to the $5,000 Grand Prize, seven per cent (7%) of the net sales of the finished mystery novel, calculated on the bases of retail sales at the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum and any wholesale sales through the Mustard Museum. The Curator is not required to seek the winner’s participation in finishing the mystery; if the Curator does not request post-contest collaboration or if such collaboration does not result in a finished book, the winner releases the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum and Barry Levenson from any future financial claims that may arise in connection with the book.

Writing Op - LIVE

LIVE
A Weekly Journal of Practical Christian Living
Gospel Publishing House
1445 N. Boonville Ave.
Springfield MO 65802-1894 Phone: (417)862-2781
Fax: (417)862-6059
E-Mail: rl-live@gph.org
Website: www.radiantlife.org This market entry
Contact:
Paul W. Smith, senior editor, adult resources
About LIVE:
Magazine for weekly distribution covering practical Christian living.
Frequency: Weekly
"LIVE is a take-home paper distributed weekly in young adult and adult Sunday school classes. We seek to encourage Christians in living for God through fiction and true stories which apply Biblical principles to everyday problems."

Key To This Market: Break in with "true stories that demonstrate how the principles in the Bible work in everyday circumstances as well as crises."

Freelance Facts:
100% freelance written
Established: 1928
Circulation: 70,000
Pays on acceptance
Publishes manuscript 18 months after acceptance.
Byline given.
Rights purchased: First rights, Second serial (reprint) rights
Editorial lead time 12 months.
Submit seasonal material 18 months in advance.

Accepts queries by: Mail, E-mail, Fax
Accepts simultaneous submissions
Responds in 2 weeks to queries.
Responds in 6 weeks to manuscripts.
Sample copy for #10 SASE.
Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE.

NONFICTION
Needs: Inspirational, Religious
Does Not Want: No preachy articles or stories that refer to religious myths (e.g., Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, etc.)
Buys 50-100 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 400–1,200 words.
Pays 7-10¢/word.
Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.
Reprints:
Accepts previously published submissions.
Send tearsheet, photocopy or typed manuscript
Include:
Rights for sale
Information about when and where the material previously appeared
Pays 7¢/word.

PHOTOS
Send photos with submission.
Reviews:
35mm transparencies and 3 x 4 prints or larger
Photos Require:
Identification of subjects
Buys one-time rights
Offers $35-60/photo.

FICTION
Contact: Paul W. Smith, editor
Needs:
Religious
inspirational, prose poem
Does Not Want: No preachy fiction, fiction about Bible characters, or stories that refer to religious myths (e.g., Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, etc.). No science or Bible fiction. No controversial stories about such subjects as feminism, war or capital punishment.
Buys 20-50 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 800–1,200 words.
Pays 7-10¢/word.

POETRY
Needs: Free Verse, Haiku, Light Verse, Traditional
Buys 15-24 poems/year.
Submit maximum 3 poems.
Length: 12–25 lines.
Pays: $35–60.

FILLERS
Needs: Anecdotes, Short Humor
Buys 12-36 fillers/year.
Length: 300–600 words.
Pays: 7-10¢/word.

TIPS: "Don't moralize or be preachy. Provide human interest articles with Biblical life application. Stories should consist of action, not just thought-life; interaction, not just insight. Heroes and heroines should rise above failures, take risks for God, prove that scriptural principles meet their needs. Conflict and suspense should increase to a climax! Avoid pious conclusions. Characters should be interesting, believable, and realistic. Avoid stereotypes. Characters should be active, not just pawns to move the plot along. They should confront conflict and change in believable ways. Describe the character's looks and reveal his personality through his actions to such an extent that the reader feels he has met that person. Readers should care about the character enough to finish the story. Feature racial, ethnic, and regional characters in rural and urban settings."

Writing Op: Cobblestone Magazines

DISCOVER AMERICAN HISTORY
Cobblestone Publishing
30 Grove St.
Suite C
Peterborough NH 03458
Fax: (603)924-7380
Website: www.cobblestonepub.com
Contact:
Meg Chorlian, editor

ABOUT COBBLESTONE:
Magazine (September-May) covering American history for children ages 8-14.
Frequency: Monthly
Prefers to work with published/established writers. "Each issue presents a particular theme, making it exciting as well as informative. Half of all subscriptions are for schools." All material must relate to monthly theme.
Editor's Note: No unsolicited manuscripts.
Established: 1979
Circulation: 30,000
Pays on publication
Publishes manuscript 4 months after acceptance.
Byline given.
Offers 50% kill fee.
All rights
Editorial lead time 8 months.
Accepts queries by: Mail & Fax
Does not accept simultaneous submissions
Sample copy for $4.95 and 71/2x101/2 SAE with 4 first-class stamps.
Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE and 1 first-class stamp or on website.

NONFICTION:
"Request a copy of the writer's guidelines to find out specific issue themes in upcoming months."
Needs: Historical, Interview/Profile, Personal Experience, plays, biography, recipes, activities
Does Not Want: No material that editorializes rather than reports.
Buys 80 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Query by mail with published clips, outline, and bibliography
Length: Feature articles 600-800 words; supplemental nonfiction 300-500 words
Pays 20-25¢/printed word.
Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

PHOTOS:
Photos must relate to theme.
State availability of photos with submission.
Reviews: Contact sheets, Transparencies, Prints
Photos Require: Captions, Identification of subjects
Buys one-time rights
Offers $15-50 for nonprofessional quality, up to $100 for professional quality.

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS:
Columns open to freelancers: Puzzles and Games (no word finds); crosswords and other word puzzles using the vocabulary of the issue's theme.

FICTION:
Contact: Meg Chorlian, editor
Needs: Adventure, Ethnic, Historical, biographical fiction relating to theme. Has to be very strong and accurate.
Buys 5 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Query with published clips
Length: 500–800 words.
Pays 20-25¢/word

POETRY:
Must relate to theme.
Needs: Free Verse, Light Verse, Traditional
Buys 3 poems/year.
Length: Up to 50 lines

TIPS:
"Review theme lists and past issues of magazine to see what we look for."

Writers Digest : The Year in Review

2005: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

In Writer’s Yearbook 2006, a special publication from the editors of WD, WritersMarket.com columnist Debbie Ridpath Ohi takes a look at what—and who—made magazine headlines (both online and in print) in 2005.

Find out what was hot, and what’s in store for 2006, in Writer’s Yearbook 2006, available in the WD Bookstore: Writer’s Yearbook 2006