NJCWG

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 1:00 PM

HarperCollins and Avon launch inspirational fiction line

HarperCollins and Avon are collaborating on a new inspirational women's trade paper fiction line called Avon Inspire. Avon Inspire's goal: "to publish 'engaging stories that Christian readers can trust and love.'" Acquisition editor: Cynthia DiTiberio. Source: Publisher's Weekly

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 12:54 PM

Thomas Nelson to acquire Integrity Publishers

Thomas Nelson has signed an agreement to acquire Christian publishing house Integrity Publishers. The deal is expected to close Sept. 28th. Source: Publisher's Weekly

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 12:45 PM

Life magazine losing $35M a year
With the two-year anniversary of Life as a newspaper insert approaching, NYpost.com speculates about how much life is left in Life. The magazine is believed to be losing at least $35 million a year. Time Inc. had initially promised the big newspaper chains that the insert magazine would be published for at least two years.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:51 PM

Next Meeting
Monday, 9/25/06

We may be having a guest speaker for Monday. I still have to confirm her ability to teach but it looks like Chris Sagona may be able to talk to us about getting started as a Journalist in the newspaper business. Please lift a prayer that she'll be able to make this meeting.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:18 PM

Digital Living: electronics title launches
Emap will be launching a new quarterly magazine called Digital Living, aimed at "30 plus men who buy consumer electronics." From Rob Croxall, General Manager: "We want to produce a magazine that will demystify the digital world and give it's readers reassurance and confidence. Although the men's market as a whole is having a tough time, specialist titles like our own Digital Photo go from strength to strength, and that gives us a great deal of confidence in the concept of Digital Living." Editor: Bruce Black. Source: Press Gazette

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 10:01 PM

Your attitude toward others is 99% of the game in the writing world. If you are an author who thinks that they already know what I'm about to say, please bear with me and read this message anyway.

I recently received a request from a webmaster. They wanted me to write free copy for their writers website. This website eventually will offer new writers the opportunity to 'pay' for a spot on their website in the hopes that publishers and editors will read the work and then ask the author to write for them. (sigh) Now I know that this has been tried numerous times before and it just doesn't work. Editors have no problem getting quality writing and authors should never pay to have their work put on a website. I politely sent an email to the webmaster that requested him to take my name off his email list. In return, I got a really rude and sarcastic email telling me that if I wasn't interesting in participating in their project I shouldn't put my name and contact information on my own website. Interesting. I wrote a polite reply back but the whole thing left a really bad taste in my mouth. I will never write for this site and I certainly will warn others against it if someone asks me specifically about them by name. (No, I won't use the name of the group here - sufficient it say that an author should NOT ever pay someone in the hope of being published. That is one of the oldest scams in the book.)

Just remember this -- how you approach an other author, publisher or editor will flavor that person's reaction to your words for a long time to come. As Christians we should take the high road and attempt to be kind to those who might not know better. In any case, a kind word goes a long way to build a bridge -- and you just might need that bridge later in your career.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 7:34 PM

Hello to the NJCWG and my other writing friends

When I returned from a wonderful vacation (visiting my son and a number of great historic sites in Virginia) I found a wealth of writing related events and opportunities in my email inbox. I'll share some of them with you over the next few days.

Hope you've all had a great summer and I pray that as the crip fall weather decends on us, you will be invigorated and inspired your writing.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG)

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 11:17 AM

The Comfort Cafe just posted my most recent column. You can access it through the attached link (http://comfortcafe.net/?p=359) OR by reading the Cafe Moch Light blog (http://cafemochalight.blogspot.com/).

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 10:47 AM

From Terri Main, Speach Communication Instructor, Reedley Colleg,e Reedley, CA

Here is a URL for a lesson I have about getting ideas.
http://www.thewritingschool.net/getting_ideas.htm It includes general tips on getting article ideas along with 9 specific idea generators complete with forms to use.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 7:06 PM

April Boyer

If you wish to enter the contest on my website, at the Kitchen page - please send your short, short story involving a recipe. Did your attempt at a new recipe have an unexpected humorous end? Was there a humorous mishap? Was their a heart warming visit, or conversation with a loved one or child? Did a child add his own funny wit?

Your winning entry will be posted after Sept. 27, and your choice of a devotional book awarded.

http://aprilboyer.com

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 12:58 PM

Write Now!
One-Day Conference
Ten Workshops for Experienced & Beginning Writers
Keynote Address by Marsha Hubler,
$50 Adult $30 Student
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Faith United Methodist Church
700 Fairview Drive
Montoursville, Pennsylvania
Sponsored by
West Branch Christian Writers

For more information please contact: Roberta Brosius (570) 713-1756 brosius@ptd.net or Barbara Sutryn (570) 322-1984 bars@uplink.net

Workshops & Faculty

* Write for Children with Marsha Hubler, educator and author of Zondervan’s Keystone Stables Series.
* Write for Young Adults with Marsha Hubler.
*Take the Mystery out of Mystery Writing with Evelyn Minshull, educator, poet, and author of 26 books, including Guideposts’ Church Choir Mysteries
*Interview Like a Pro with Kathy Scott, journalist with over 600 articles in over 65 publications
*Render Unto Caesar with Judy Flook, who will help you understand tax issues for writers
*Poetry with Shirley Stevens, Teacher-in-residence and mentor at The Writing Academy in Minnesota, and award-winning poet
*Writing With Your Funny Bone with Jerry Westbrook, humor columnist for the Sunbury Daily Item
*Hands-on Devotional Writing with Roberta Brosius, Bible teacher and contributor to The Secret Place
*Just for Beginners with Eileen Berger, author of 15 novels and hundreds of short stories and articles
*Personal Experience Writing for Beginners with Bobbi Updegraff, author of 6 novels and dozens of articles, writer for Presbyterian
Disaster Assistance
*And that’s not all…
Editors—Matt Holliday, Pennsylvania Magazine
Bookstore—Buy books to boost your writing, and books by our faculty and West Branch authors.
Freebie Table—Pick up free sample copies of publications and writers’ guidelines.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 12:53 PM

Here is some news about editors/publishers in the Christian markeplace.

Chip MacGregor has left Faith Words (Warner Faith).
Terry Behimer, Nicci Hubert and Jeff Gerke have left NavPress.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 5:10 PM

Strang Communications is hold a Book Expo next month in Atlanta. The trade show will be open to the public. www.charismabookexpo.com has more info.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 1:43 PM

Meeting Tonight
Monday, August 28, 2006

6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Poetry Workshop conducted by noted NJ poet, Maude Carolan
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

REMINDER - NO Meeting 9/11/06

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 1:01 PM

Woman's Day and Scholastic have paired up again this year to bring WD readers our second annual "I Want to be a Children's Book Writer" contest, and there's still time to write the Great American Children's Book and make the deadline. (Entries must be received by September 6.) The winning entry will be published and distributed by Scholastic Book Clubs, the nation's largest school book club.

For rules and how to enter go to womansday.com/scholastic, where you'll also find the manuscripts of last year's 10 runners-up along with a video of our panel discussion about how to write a successful children's book.

We hope you'll enter and wish you the best of luck!
Warmest regards,
Woman's Day and Scholastic
Woman's Day
Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.
1633 Broadway
New York, NY 10019

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 3:05 PM

Call for submissions:

I'd like to invite you to participate in our upcoming special section on CBN.com upcoming special section on the fifth anniversary of the September 11th terrorism attacks. We are gathering material to add to this special section, which will be promoted by The 700 Club. We are looking for people who would be interested in writing an article or a series of articles for this special section. Another possibility would be for us to use excerpts of books or reprints of articles that you have written dealing with the 9/11 attack. We will provide links back to your Web site and to our shopping channel for folks to purchase the referenced books.

Here are some examples of similar sections we have created in the past with
the help of the Regent faculty and staff:
http://www.cbn.com/special/DaVinciCode/
http://www.cbn.com/special/supremecourt/
http://www.cbn.com/special/Narnia/
http://www.cbn.com/special/blackhistory/

Please let me know if you have anything that might be helpful to our audience. All correspondence can be sent to Chris Carpenter, the CBN.com Program Director, at chris.carpenter@cbn.org or by phone at 757-226-3559.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

In Christ,
Craig

craig von buseck
director of ministries
977 centerville turnpike, virginia beach, va 23463
tel: (757) 226-3557 fax: (757) 226-3575
email: craig.vonbuseck@cbn.org
www.cbn.com

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:38 AM

After my son proposed to Amanda (at the Solid Rock Camp where they work), he took her to Amanda's Restuarant in Hobokan to celebrate.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:34 AM

I've been neglectful of updating the NJCWG blog this week -- but for good reason. Timothy Robert DuMont and Amanda Joan Lillis got engaged this week (yeah!!!) and I was blessed to be a small part of the process (I got to be the go-fer who ran his errands to prepare for the big event - grin).

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 8:07 PM

Next Meeting of the NJCWG
Monay, August 14, 2006

NOTE: The Ringwood Christian School is redoing their floors before the school year starts o we may be meeitng in a different room. Please follow the signs on the door. They will direct you to the room where we are meeting.

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Rd
Ringwood, NJ 07456

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

LESSON TIME: We will continue working on how to get F-R-E-S-H ideas and how to work a stories in a way that takes a N-E-W approach.

BRING: One a list of at least three ideas that you might like to work on for publication.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 8:31 PM

Here is a message from a fellow author. This is an EXCELLENT opportunity for publication!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please, please, please! Those of you out there with a story for Trusting Him for Life After Divorce or Trusting Him with Your Addicted Child, get them to me. I need more stories. The deadline is set for August 15 - just a few days away. For questions or guidelines, please email me.

Charlotte Holt
cjholt@kingwoodcable.net
www.publishedauthors.net/charlotteholt

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:08 PM

A travel newsletter I subscribe to has requested regular submissions from writers who live in several locations as well as those who travel frequently. Here's the link:
http://www.logueit.com/writers.html

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 8:47 AM

October 11-15, 2006
(Near Santa Fe, NM)

For all the details - CLICK HERE

A Special Note From Louise: The Glorieta Christian Writers Conference has the best line-up I've seen in a long time. This event will be the highlight of 2006 for its attendees. I am pleased to announce that I will be on staff at Glorieta this year. There was a "glitch" in the system and it seems that my bio and class description got deleted from the website - but it should be back up within a few days.

For those of you who want to get serious about writing and getting published - THIS is the conference for you. If there is any question in your mind about the level of your skills, check out the Comprehensive Class called Get Published Now! This is something new that CLASS staffers are trying out. I can't imagine a better way to get expert mentoring and teaching from some of the best in the business.

If you feel God is calling you to do this - please check it out before all of the slots are filled. Many churches support their aspiring writers with scholarships (but you must ask for the help) and I know that Glorieta offers a number of scholarships to those who've proven their dedication.

If God is calling, dare you hold back ?

Comprehensive Classes for 2006

The Truth is Stronger Than Fiction - Terry Whalin

Terry Whalin is the Fiction Acquisitions Editor at Howard Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster. Besides Terry's love for fiction, for many years he has been a prolific nonfiction writer and editor. Terry's nonfiction writing has appeared in more than 50 magazines like Marriage Partnership, Writer's Digest, and The Writer. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including his Running On Ice, The Overcoming Faith of Vonetta Flowers (New Hope Publishers) or Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success (Write Now Publications). Terry is on the board of directors of The American Society of Journalists and Authors, the leading nonfiction writers group in the nation. To encourage writers of nonfiction and fiction, Terry is the creator of Right-Writing.com at: http://www.right-writing.com. Also he blogs about his life as a writer and editor at: http://www.thewritinglife.ws Terry and his wife, Christine, live in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Writing for Kids: The Best of the Best - Gwen Ellis

Gwen Ellis is owner of Seaside Creative Services, Inc. In this role, she writes books, screenplays, edits, concepts products, and consults. She has worked as a magazine editor, book editor, children's acquisitions editor, writer, and consultant. While at Zondervan she was the editor of a little book called God Bless America. The book was on the New York Times and three other best seller's lists for eleven weeks.

Becoming a Writer: Putting Your Passion Into Print - Sean Fowlds

Sean Fowlds is a professional journalist and speaker. He was the long-time book editor at Christian Retailing before founding his own editorial service called Lightpost Communications. Some of his notable clients include the Associated Press, Publishers Weekly, and Thomas Nelson Publishers. During his more than 17 years of experience working with business corporations and non-profit organizations, Sean has written more than 700 articles and made more than 700 speeches to date.

Bulding Your Web Presence - Krisann Blair

Krisann Blair has been a successful Internet entrepreneur since 1998. As creator and owner of www.ChristmasOrganizing.com, Krisann has successfully grown her web presence throughout the years and now receives 800 to 2000 unique hits EACH DAY, top listings in Google, Yahoo! and other search engines. Krisann also writes and publishes a monthly online newsletter to over 2500 subscribers and runs a Yahoo! Discussion group of over 1300. Her online presence has also enabled her to be "found" online and contacted by media such as ABC, FoxNews, Entrepreneur, Newsweek, USA Today, Rutgers News Service, Balance Magazine, Women's World, and others. In addition to running her Christmas Organizing web site, Krisann and her husband Ashley, own S.P.I.D.E.R. Services which dedicated to helping churches, individuals and small businesses with Simple Printing, Internet Development and Entrepreneur Resource Services.

AuthorizeMe - Sharon Norris Elliott

Sharon Norris Elliott is a published author of dozens of magazine articles and devotions, and several books including What? Teenagers in the Bible? and Living A Milk and Honey Life: Letting Go of what's Holding you Back. She is a professional educator and editor, magazine columnist, and conference speaker. Sharon is CEO of two companies: AuthorizeMe and Milk & Honey Life Retreats. She is also a sought-after instructor at major Christian writers' conferences nationwide.

Your Professional Persona - Betty Southard & "Team"

Betty Southard is the author of 3 books and the contributor to many compilations. She is a speaker, Bible Study author/ teacher, and a staff member for CLASS. She is a graduate of Fuller Seminary, Minister of Caring for the Hour of Power and actively involved in ministry at the Crystal Cathedral.

Get Published Now! - "Team"

Do you feel called to write, but question your skills? Have you wished for someone who could really help you with your work? Then this class is for you! Limited to 24 attendees, all participants in this class will get hands on help and will be published! All students will submit a writing project in advance to be developed in the class and have professional writer assigned as a mentor--1 mentor for every 2 students--for the class time. On day one, some of the GCWC editorial team will teach how to tighten up your writing, then you and your mentor will work on your submitted piece. The next day, the editorial team will teach how to brighten up your writing and mentors will help implement the techniques. On day three, Craig Von Buseck will teach writing for the internet and then students, with the help of their mentor, will rework their piece to fit CBN.com's guidelines. The last day, Mary Lou Redding for the Upper Room will address writing for the Upper Room and the writings will be modified to be publishable in the Upper Room. At the conclusion of the class each student will have three publishable pieces: the original "article," a piece for CBN and a devotion for the Upper Room. Each piece from this class will be considered for publication in the Upper Room, will be published on CBN.com and will be included in a special compilation book to be published with all the students' projects, to be delivered at each students home two weeks following the class. Each student will receive 25 copies of the book and may order additional copies. A $133.44 surcharge will be added to the regular registration fee for this class. Students must apply in advance and be approved. (CLICK HERE for Get Published Now Writer's Guidelines)

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 8:37 AM

A Note From Louise: The Sandy Cove Conference was the first writers conference I ever attended. It is the perfect conference for writers just starting out because it has wonderful teaching and a number of editors, agents and publishers. That said, it is considered a mid-sized conference and is not quite as overwhelming as the huge Florida Christian Writers Conference, Mt Hermon Conference or Glorieta Conference. If you've never been to writers conference before, this might a good choice for you. It is within easy driving of North Jersey and the accomodations are reasonable and very comfortable.

Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference
October 1-4, 2006
Take your writing to the next level.
Take the Word to the world.

• Refine your writing and speaking skills
• Be mentored by editors and professional writers
• Network with editors and professional writers
• Expand your vision of how God can use you
• Enjoy His presence on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in Northeast, Maryland.

Join us for one (or both) of two life-changing events: The Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference and Student X-treme Training Tuesday

Plus separate "Authorize Me" seminar on Saturday with Sharon Norris Elliott

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 8:51 AM

Here is a GREAT website for mystery writers. They try to keep track of as many of the websites related to mystery, crime, and suspense literature as possible. http://www.cluelass.com/

When you get to the site, be sure to click on The Mysterious Home Page link. Also great stuff.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 8:42 AM

Here is an interesting site I stumbled upon. This has writing info and some "fun" writing stuff as well.
http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/

This section has a number of writing opportunities I haven't seen before. I am not endorsing them, just pointing them out. You'll have to verify whether they are on the up-and-up yourself.

http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/fun.htm

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 7:53 AM

The Spirit Led Writer site has some great new articles on line. Check them out!

Grant Writing for Beginners
Thinking of Hiring an Editor?
Poetry Potpourri
Writers Devotional: The Perfect Gift?
8 Ways to Encourage Children to Write
Conference Review: Write-to-Publish Conference
Conference Review: Book Expo America
Reaching the Woman in 27A
Polishing Your Prose
Nuggets for Personal Journaling
... and so much more.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 10:08 AM

My latest Espresso for the Heart column hit the Comfort Cafe
http://comfortcafe.net/?page_id=287

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:54 AM

A Message From Fellow Writer
-- April Boyer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello friends,
Just to give you time to think about it, I will publishing new content for my website by September 30 . Note the contest opportunity below. If you want to promote your work, or touch or encourage someone , you can send me your stories for use on the Featured or Seeds pages. Send writing relate articles for use on the Writing Desk, creative ideas for the Your Turn page, and short-short stories, funnies, or easy activities and recipes by and for children. For my favorite Kitchen Page, I can use your friendly-visit-over-tea short stories or poems like Notes From Home, Nature Notes, short Tea Recipes, short Garden Tips or Household Hints, personal funny church or family occurences, etc.
Dont forget to send your Writer's Group info (full or consistent calendar only), book, music or speaking promotions. If you have a great link to share, I'm sure our friends will appreciate that too.

~~~~~~~~
CONTEST!

~~~~~~~~

WIN A FREE DEVOTINAL BOOK
For The Best Entry out of ten. Your choice from 4 selections. Send your short-short funny or heart-warming story behind a favorite recipe. Your story will be published on the "Kitchen" page http://aprilboyer.com with your own credit line and bio for the Sept. 30-issue. Only ten emailed entries will be considered by Sept. 1 Please send your work in the body of your email - NOT as an attachment.
Consider:

A funny mishap
A remarkable or miraculous event
A heart-stopping moment
A heart-warming reunion
An invasion from nature
A recipe gone wrong
A child's wise words
A moment with God

April Boyer
"Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will."

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:48 AM

Introducing The Christian Humor Writers Group!

This new group is an offshoot of an private little chat group was formed several years ago by a handful of humor writers who met at a conference and formed a quick friendship. We've had so many requests from people interested in joining us on our merry lark that we've created a public group, and you're invited to join!

This discussion group is for Christians of all denominations involved or seeking to be involved in the religious or mainstream humor industry - including essayists, authors, speakers, comics, greeting card writers, cartoonists, editors, etc.

This is a casual group designed primarily for networking but also to encourage and educate in a light-hearted manner. Periodic discussion topics and writing prompts will keep the conversation flowing and allow members to talk about topics like joke writing, humor markets, idea generating, approaching humor from a faith perspective, adding humor to your writing, and more. Members are encouraged to share writing opportunities, conferences, writing tips and more.

For more information or to join, visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Christian_Humor_Writers/.
(Note: If you are not already a member, you may have to join yahoo - this is free)
To see some writing samples from CHW members, visit our blog at www.christianhumorwriters.com.
Many thanks!
Joanne Brokaw
www.christianhumorwriters.com

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:36 PM

Top 100 Freelance Markets from Writers Digest

Click on a market to view its details. Or browse the listings.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:30 PM

Literary Agent, Janet Kobobel Grant
Books & Such Agency

Big news!
My agent, Janet Kobobel Grant, just got quoted on bloomberg.com and was told that the would appear in Publishers Weekly!

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aFZKuWjSOYmE&refer=home

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 3:36 PM

Check out the writers guidelines for iParenting Media.
iParenting.com is an award-winning network of family-oriented Web sites owned by iParenting Media, the leading producer of parenting information. One of their excellent magazines is Family Energy: http://familyenergy.com/writers.php
Writers Guidelines: http://iparenting.com/guidelines.php

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 1:59 PM

Here is hand-out #2 from the NJCWG 7/24/06 meeting.

~~~~~

Fine Tuning Your Pitch

~~~~~

1. Keep It Simple
An elevator pitch is short – very short. In the time it takes to get from the first floor to the third floor, you should be able to introduce yourself, offer a sincere compliment and give your pitch. All of this should be done without breaking a sweat or running out of breath.

2. Know who you are talking to and use their name.

3. Ask permission to pitch your idea.
If they say “no” ask if you can send them an email with your idea. If they say “no” again (maybe they aren’t taking new clients or just don’t like elevators) thank them for their time and move on.

4. Make sure to give your name
I knew one lady who gave her elevator pitch to an editor – literally in an elevator. She was so nervous that when she was done and the doors to elevator opened, she leapt out and disappeared into the crowd. There was one problem, the editor really liked her idea but she never said her name so he didn’t know how to get in touch with her. ALWAYS introduce yourself (briefly) before giving your pitch.

5. Offer a compliment or tell them where and/or why you recognize them.
Obviously if you are interested in certain editors, publishers or agents you will have done your homework and know something about them. Know what they look like (use the internet), read things that they’ve written. Listen to tapes/CD’s from conferences where they’ve spoken. Get to know their style and their MO (mode of operation).

6. Be prepared to give your whole spiel in about 30 seconds.
You want to leave time for a question or two and for contact information.

7. Don’t forget to offer the title of your piece.
Many people forget to say the title of their work. If the editor forgets everything else, hopefully the title will stick in their head (make a good one). If you have a website or blog they will be able to find you again even if they don’t know your name and they lost your business card.

8. If they show any interest at all, close the deal.
Make sure you set a specific day (and time) to call them and repeat the information. If they ask you send them a proposal or manuscript, repeat that this is what you will do. Then DO it – right away – not months later.

9. Always thank them for their time and consideration – but don’t gush. This is a business deal, you are not the big lottery winner and this is not a marriage proposal.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 1:50 PM

The WriteStuff Writers' "BOOT CAMP"

Maneuvering the Manuscript and Publishing Trenches!

The Missouri Historical Society
Emerson Center
St. Louis, Missouri

Join the WriteStuff Writers' in St. Louis and experience hands-on professional workshops to help you take your creative work to a higher and more successful level!

Presented by publishing industry professionals, the fun and interactive sessions explore the complex elements of writing, editing, marketing and publishing from the trenches up!

Special Guest! A presentation in the Writer's Studio with motivational speaker, Appalachian Trail Blazer and author, Jean Deeds (There are Mountains to Climb). You won't want to miss her incredible story of walking the Appalachian Trail alone!

WriteStuff Writers' Conferences supports the mission of Ambassadors for Children, a not-for-profit global volunteer organization providing humanitarian aid to children in need around the world.

Other Boot Camp breakout workshops include:
Two Minds — One Story
Writing with a partner: how the elements of support, discipline and give and take all come into play when you write with a partner. This workshop presents a roadmap that will lead to a clear understanding of how to make it work and how to get started!
Web Sites and Blogging!
Simple explanations from a professional Webmaster on how to:
Create your own Web site
Use search engines and make them work for you
Sell your books and promote your name through the Internet
Understand the world of personal blogging
Understanding the Gray Areas of Publishing
Whether considering a traditional, vanity or print on demand publisher, you need to understand your options and what to expect. Publishing has changed—so learn what will work best for you!
Exploring the Writer's Market!
Six Things You Need to Know Before Approaching an Agent or a Publisher!
Learn why ninety-five percent of query letters and unsolicited manuscripts go into the rejection pile. If you're just starting to look for an agent or have become frustrated with unanswered queries and e-mails, you won't want to miss this workshop taught by a literary agent!
And More!
Click here to explore all of the Boot Camp breakout sessions and to reserve your seat today!

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 1:45 PM

The Writer's Digest 7th Annual Short Short Story Competition
We're looking for fiction that's bold, brilliant...but brief. Send us your best in 1,500 words or fewer.But don't be too long about it—the deadline is Friday, December 01, 2006.
PRIZESFirst Place: $3,000Second Place: $1,500Third Place: $500Fourth Through Tenth Place: $100Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer's Digest Books
* The First-Place winner has the option of a FREE "Best Seller Publishing Package" from Trafford Publishing.
* The names and story titles of the First-through Tenth-Place winners will be printed in the June 2007 Writer's Digest, and winners will receive the 2007 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market.
The 7th Annual Writer's Digest SHORT SHORT STORY COMPETITION COLLECTION Sponsored by Trafford
The 1st- through 25th-place manuscripts will be printed in a special competition collection, published by Trafford Publishing. Use the entry form to order your copy or purchase a copy online using a credit card. Order now to receive the 50%-off, pre-publication special price. (Publication date: May, 2007. You are not required to purchase the collection to enter the competition.)
For entrants paying with a credit card, we will accept manuscripts submitted online.
The Rules
1. The competition is open to manuscripts of 1,500 words or fewer. Entries outside the word limitation will be disregarded. Type the word count on the first page of your entry along with your name, address, phone number and email address.
2. The entry fee is $12 per manuscript. You may enter as many manuscripts as you wish. You may send one check (in U.S. funds) and one entry form for all entries. If you are submitting your entry via regular mail, you may send one check (in U.S. funds) and one entry form for all entries.
3. All entries must be in English, original, unpublished, and not submitted elsewhere until the winners are announced. Writer's Digest reserves the one-time publication rights to the 1st-t through 25th-place winning entries to be published in a Writer's Digest publication.
4. If you are submitting your entry via regular mail, all entries must be typewritten and double-spaced on one side of 8-1/2 x 11 or A4 white paper. Manuscripts will not be returned.
5. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, December 01, 2006.
6. Winners will be notified by February 9, 2007. If you have not been contacted by this date, you may assume that your entry is not a finalist and may be marketed elsewhere.
7. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard with your entry if you want to be notified of its receipt. We cannot notify you personally of your story's status before the winners are announced. If entering online, you will receive a confirmation email for each entry you submit.
8. Winners' names will appear in the June 2007 issue of Writer's Digest magazine. Afterwards, their names and story titles will be posted at http://www.writersdigest.com/.
9. The following are not permitted to enter the competition: employees of F+W Publications, Inc., and their immediate families and Writer's Digest contributing editors and correspondents as listed on the masthead.
Privacy PromiseOccasionally we make portions of our customer list available to other companies so they may contact you about products and services that may be of interest to you. If you prefer we withhold your name, simply send a note with your name, address and the competition name to: List Manager, F+W Publications, 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236.
A message from our Competition Collection sponsor:
Trafford Publishing is proud to sponsor the 7th annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection. We love helping make author's dreams come true. In fact, since 1995 Trafford Publishing has helped more than 5,000 authors publish over 7,000 new titles around the world. If your short story is part of a book or you have a separate manuscript you want to publish we welcome you to visit our website or give us a call—we'll even send you a free guide which explains how publishing your book is easier than you might think.
We wish you all the best with your contest submission.
http://trafford.com/1587toll-free: 1-888-232-4444 ext 1587
Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition Online Entry Form
Writer's Digest Short Short Story Printable Entry Form

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 1:38 PM

"Stop me. Make me linger over the image. Break my heart. Make me angry. Inspire me to write a story, a letter. Show me something I've seen before, but open my eyes to it." Editor of Gud Magazine

If you think you've got what it takes, send Gud your finest. Don't expect feedback -- not going to happen. And PLEASE, read the guidelines. Electronic submissions, print and e-versions, paying semi-pro rates. http://www.gudmagazine.com/

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 12:56 PM

Below you will find the hand-out from the NJCWG's 7/24/06 meeting.

~~~~~~~~

Improving Your Focus

~~~~~~~~

1. Know your genre
I can’t stress enough how important it is to know what genre you are writing for AND what sub-genre your manuscript falls into. It is not sufficient to say it is fiction – or even a mystery. Is it a cozy? A caper? A Noir? Or a fem-jep (female in jeopardy)? Each is written in a different style and the popularity of each thrives and wanes in its own right. This sub-genre issue applies to every kind of writing. Check out your areas of interest.

2. Research what’s out there and know the saturation limit for your genre.
Is there a glut in the genre you want to write for? Remember that it takes one to three years for a new author’s book to get on the market. Will your topic still be relevant after a long wait?

3. Has your topic “been done” before?
When it comes to periodicals, understand what’s recently been written by other writers for the publication you are targeting AND in similar publications. Can you give your topic a new slant? Offer information not seen before? Provide insight that others have not offered?

4. Is your topic narrow enough?
Have you narrowed your topic enough to offer details that a broader article might miss? If you are writing about dogs you might want to focus on one aspect of dogs (e.g. grooming, feeding or training) or one breed of dog (there are over 400 pure breeds of dogs). Volumes and volumes have been written about dogs. If you are writing a short article you would be well advised to be VERY specific.

5. Is your topic broad enough?
Lawn care might be a good topic for the spring issue of a general magazine but writing only about eradicating the Black Medic (a broad leafed lawn weed) might be a bit too specific for the needs of the general public.

6. Know your publisher.
What sort of articles and/or books does the publisher that you are targeting want? Don’t send a mystery to a romance publisher and don’t sent an article about women wearing too much make-up to a glamour magazine. These may seem obvious but there are subtle differences a well. What is the mission statement of the magazine that you want to write for? Just because a magazine calls itself “Christian” doesn’t mean that it publishes testimonials. If a Christian magazine’s focus is on missions, you won’t want to send a profile piece on a Christian skier unless you can show how the profiled person uses his skiing to lead others to Christ.

7. Know your reader.
If you are writing about wedding cakes you might want to reconsider an article specifically about grooms cakes if you are writing for the New Jersey Bride. Brides and Grooms on the East Coast traditionally do not want groom cakes. Now you’d be hard pressed to find a wedding in the southern United States without a grooms cake. Readers (and publishers) in Texas might appreciate this article (if it hasn’t been done a dozen times already). Now a “new” slant would be to do an article for New Jersey Bride on traditions that other parts of the country hold dear (like grooms cakes) and ways that brides and grooms on the east coast could incorporate these traditions into their weddings to make them special.

8. Know the ‘need’.
Anytime you can fill a need for a publisher you will hit an automatic home-run with your article. Find out what a magazine needs and get to work providing the words.

9. Know the format.
Every publication uses a slightly different format. Read, read and re-read the writers guidelines – then follow them exactly. The editors will love you for saving them time and money. In addition to the general guidelines read the magazine itself. Does the magazine use sidebars? Subheadings? Quotes? Statistics? Numerous anecdotes? Do the writers often site specialists? Do the titles use alliteration? Are articles written in first person, third or both?

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 3:06 PM

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS
Next meeting - Monday, July 24, 2006

6:15-7:00 Chat Time
7:00-8:00 Discussion - Pitching Your Project
8:00-9:00 Critiques

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Discussion Time - Pitching Your Project

What is an "elevator pitch"?
What will get a publisher's positive reaction?
What will get a publisher's negative reaction?
How do you find a F-R-E-S-H angle?

On July 24 we'll begin this discussion and we will continue it on August 14, 2006.

BRING: One project idea that you would like to have published. As a group, we'll fine tune that idea until it POPS! This should not be an article or book chapter (something you've already written). It should be only an IDEA for an article (or book) that you would like to write.

ALSO: Be prepared to briefly tell the group what you've been working on. I will share the progress of my latest research trip to Michigan for my book If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For it.

Get ready - this is going to be a H-O-T summer for getting published!

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

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 10:39 PM

Looking for Vet, Medical, and Home Emergency Writers

Greetings, folks -
I'm the Director of Content and Architecture for Informed Publishing -- we have been publishing helping profession field guides for over 20 years. I am currently looking for freelance writers with experience in developing, contributing, and/or editing material for Veterinary and Medical guides, as well as for a Home Emergency Guide. You can see our current titles at www.informedguides.com.

Writers should have either practical experience in the field for which they write, or should have previous experience writing on this subject. Pay scale is commesurate with experience, between $35-$50 an hour, with a flat NTE.

You can contact me directly at janjt@comcast.net. Serious and qualified inquiries only, thanks.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 10:26 PM

Writer needed for Soap Opera website

We are hiring for Soaps.com and are in need of someone to write daily recaps for three soap operas. This job is a part-time paying job and we are legitamite! If you are seriously interested, please email me at soaps2006 at gmail.com, or use the contact text on the site to contact me. My name is Chrissi.

Here are the details thusfar:

Daily Soap Opera Updates/News Writer/Website Manager

Job Description:
As the Daily Soap Opera Updates/News Writer and Website Manager, you will view or listen to daily soap opera program(s) and write the daily recap of the show. You will also write news about the show and manage the content of your assigned website. In addition, you will have to create and edit polls, find pictures over the Internet/post them on the website, and manage content priority. Forum moderation is another one of the tasks you will oversee.
You will have an on-line interface that will be easy to work with and displays all of the information you will need to research each individual actor/actress.

Skills, Experience, & Ability:
Internet experience is necessary for this position, however, we are also looking for several required skills and abilities that we feel are very important to success in this position. These are:
Being Internet savvy (including having the ability to utilize the Internet or other resources for research and finding information, and the ability to use forms and manage content).
Possessing strong writing skills.
Having Photoshop experience (or experience with any other image-editing software) is mandatory.
Being creative, reliable, and dedicated.

Job Status:

Part-time (2-4 hours a day)

For two of the soaps, you may have to start ASAP, as we will require someone to complete actor profiles.

Actor/Actress Profile Manager

Job Description:
As the Actor/Actress Profile Manager, you will create, edit, and manage the list of actors and actresses associated with each and every active running soap opera. This will entail researching and inputting relative information on each individual actor/actress including, but not limited to: birth date, birthplace, marital status, biography, current role in soap opera, career highlights, and any other pertinent information.
You will have an on-line interface that will be easy to work with and displays all of the information you need in order to research each individual actor/actress.

Skills, Experience, & Ability:

Minimal experience is necessary for this job. There are, however, several required skills and abilities that we feel are very important to succeed as an Actor/Actress Profile Manager. These include:
Being Internet savvy (having the ability to utilize the Internet or other resources for researching and finding information).
Having strong writing skills.
Possessing creativity, reliability, and dedication.

Job Status:
Part-time (2-4 hours a day)

The site is http://www.soaps.com.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 10:22 PM

Opinions & Con reports Wanted

Looking for rants, musings, and enthusiastic praise on topics of interest to science fiction fandom. Got something you think fandom should know about, good or bad? Wantyour opinion heard? I'm starting an Opinions section at Firefox News, http://firefox.org/.

I'm paying $20 per "opinion" piece. I pay promptly after acceptance, and my current TAT for responding to slush pile submissions is one to two weeks.

I am also looking for con reports. I'm particularly interested in con reports from Comic-Con (and WorldCon, upcoming) but will look at submissions for ANY con. I pay $10 per thousand words for con reports and I'm basically looking for a review of the con -- what was good, what wasn't, comments on the hotel, on the program, who you saw that was notable, interesting previews, etc.

E-mail submissions to leva@firefox.org.

Leva

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:34 PM

The Benjamin Franklin Awards™ for excellence in publishing have named "Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care" as the 2006 Winner for Best Health Book. The Ben Franklin is awarded by PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association. Books are judged for both editorial and design excellence by reviewers, editors, designers, artists, acquisition librarians, bookstore buyers, wholesalers and distributor.
For the full story go to:
http://www.freelancewriting.com/content/detail-dog_wins_national_literary_award-2135-138.html

For information about the 2007 awards go to:
http://www.pma-online.org/benfrank.cfm

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 7:47 AM

FANNING YOUR IDEAS UNTIL THEY ARE H-O-T!!

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS
Next meeting -- Monday, July 24, 2006

Our July 24 discussion is one you won't want to miss. We'll talk about pitching your project in a way that will get you published.

It does not matter if this is your first article or if you are a multi-published novelist - everyone needs a G-R-E-A-T pitch and F-R-E-S-H angle. On Monday, July 24, 2006 (continuing on Monday, August 14) we will discuss the hows and whys of getting published -- and rejected. We'll dig into a bag of resources that will make your story "different" from the thousand others that authors are tossing out to editors.

IMPORTANT: Bring to these meetings one project idea that you would like to have published. As a group, we'll fine tune that idea until it POPS! This should NOT be an article you've already written. It SHOULD be only an idea for an article (or book) that you want to write.

ALSO: Be prepared to briefly tell the group what you've been working on. I will share the progress of my latest research trip to Michigan for my book If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For it.

Get ready - this is going to be a H-O-T summer for getting published!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitaor, NJCWG

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 7:31 AM

The International Christian Retailers Show (ICRS) formerly known as the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) was held July 9-13, 2006 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO
(http://www.christianretailshow.com/).

Here are a few things that came from that convention.

~~~~~~~~

Big announcements (editors moving to new publishing houses, new titles that will cause a stir, etc) are often made shortly before the ICRS. This year, two items came to light.

1) Warner Faith changed its name to Faith Words. They are no longer are a part of Time Warner but are now associated with Warner Books. All of its entities were bought by Hachette Livre, the third largest publisher in the world.
2) Multnomah announced that it was purchased by another publishing house but for legal reasons the identity of that publisher hasn't been disclosed yet. An announcement is expected July 31.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 6:36 PM

This month I have an interview, about my children's mysteries & adventures, by the Chicago Writers Association.

You can find it at http://maxandersonupdates.blogspot.com/

Max Elliot Anderson

Adventure books for readers 8 and up
http://www.maxbooks.9k.com

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 9:54 AM

Do you need to get your writing organized? Check out this website:
http://www.organizedwriter.com/

The Organized Writer has some great free writing articles as well. Just click the FREE ARTICLES tab once you get to the website.

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

* Learn the Four-Step Secret to a Perfect Manuscript
Tired of proofreading for hours? Moving from first draft to perfect manuscript can be a slow and tedious exercise even for the most experienced writers. But you can create a perfect manuscript with just four simple steps....

* Personality Traits of a Real Writer
All writers are creative types, with cluttered desks, and messy piles, right? To be a good writer, one lives on coffee and stale potato chips only coming up for air when the book's done, right? Maybe. Or maybe we as writers have convinced ourselves that this is how a "real" writer acts....

*Sell Your Book with Pennies
Imagine you share a huge penny jar with each of your potential readers. Every interaction with a reader either adds or subtracts pennies from the jar. When readers need your info (non-fiction) or entertainment (fiction), they will trade the jar for your book, but only if the jar is full. Overflow the penny jar, and your reader will buy nearly everything you write.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 7:37 AM

Please also see the general submission guidelines: http://firefox.org/submit.html

I am looking for fiction submissions on the themes below. Payment is on acceptance; submission response time is currently 1 to 2 weeks. I reserve the right to occasionally exceed this timeframe but I really try to respond quickly!

Pay rate is $.01/word up to $100.

Submit stories to leva@firefox.org

Themes have a deadline, however, themes may be closed to submissions early if I feel like I have accepted enough stories!

Without further ado, here's the first six themes I'm looking for material on:

It's the End of the World As We Know It
Stories about cataclysms, pandemics, disasters, alien invasions, and other angsty and grim subjects. Should be strongly character driven, and the stories may take place during or after the disaster. Note that you may submit comedy as well as dark stories and I'm open to unusual methods of ending the world!
Deadline: September 1st, 2006

Magic in the Modern World
Stories about magic coexisting with the modern world. Funny, romantic, silly, serious -- but with a strong underlying fantasy element.
Deadline: October 1st, 2006

Heroes
Stories about protagonists who save the day. May be fantasy or science fiction, and may be about anything from a reluctant hero to a superhero. No Mary Sues!
Deadline: November 1st, 2006

Beauty and the Beast
I don't want to see stories that are a rehash of the fairytale. What I'm looking for are romances where one of the characters is physically unappealing to the other protagonist -- for any reason you can think of. One of the heroes, for example, may be disfigured, may belong to a fantasy or alien race, or, as in the original fairy tale, may be magically cursed. You may also come up with other reasons ... Stories can be fantasy or science fiction. Note: No Bestiality. I shouldn't have to say this, except, apparently, I do. If the story makes me go, "Ewwww!" I'm not going to buy it! There's a fine line that shouldn't be pushed, here ... also, please note the site's "PG" rating!
Deadline: January 1st, 2007

Bad Guys
Submissions should be about rogues, renegades, mercenaries, pirates and others of a questionable moral persuasion. The protagonist should be likeable even if his actions aren't.
Deadline: February 1st, 2007

Aliens
The only requirement for this theme is that one of the characters must be an alien. Authors may really run with this one; I'm curious to see what sorts of submissions I get.
Deadline: March 1st, 2006

More Info: http://firefox.org/theme.html

Please note that Firefox News is not affiliated with The Mozilla Foundation or the browser Firefox. Although we highly recommend the browser, we cannot help you with any issues pertaining to it. Please contact Mozilla.org for assistance with your browser.

Louise Bergmann DuMont · at 10:01 AM

Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference

October 1-4, 2006

Refine your writing and speaking skills• Be mentored by editors and professional writers• Network with editors and professional writers• Expand your vision of how God can use you• Enjoy His presence on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in Northeast, Maryland.

Editors and Publishers
Join us for four days of seminars and workshops with editors from these publishers . . . (other are being confirmed at this point)
ACW Press Jim Watkins
Beacon Hill Publishing Judi Perry
Big Idea Cindy Kenney
Byline Iris Dowling
Focus on the Family Lissa Halls Johnson
The Free Lance-Star Linda White
Gospel Communications
Peggie Bohanon
Group Publishing, Rev. Lee Sparks
Harvest House * Terry Glaspey
Howard Publishing * Denny Boultinghouse
Light and Life Doug Newton
River Oak (Cook Communication's Fiction Line) Jeff Dunn
Standard Publishing Robin Stanley
Pleasant Word * and WinePress * Athena Dean and Carla Williams
The Upper Room * Susan KingWesleyan Publishing House * Larry Wilson
Write the Vision Maurice Gray

Other faculty members include:
Books & Such Literary Agency Wendy Lawton
Christian Writers Guild * Andy Scheer
XarisCom Editorial Services Jim Watkins director of conference
Bonnie Brechbill professional writer
Sharon Norris Elliott, director of AuthorizeMe, professional writer
Roger Palms, former editor of Decision magazine
Claudia Tynes professional writer

Registration, Etc.
Overnight Costs
Deluxe/Family/Handicap Rooms: $488 per adult, single occupancy / $398 per adult, double occupancy
Add $15 per night, per room for bay view rooms. Rates are per person and include lodging, meals, materials, seminars, plenary sessions, continuing workshops and two free manuscript evaluations as well as two private appointments with an editor or professional writer.
Call for upgraded room rates.
Day guest cost
Just $308.00 includes meals, materials, seminars, plenary sessions, continuing workshops and two free manuscript evaluations as well as two private appointments with an editor or professional writer, but no overnight accommodations.
Payment policy: A $100 deposit per room is required at time of reservation. Full payment is due by September 1, 2006. If you register after September 1, you will be asked for full payment at that time.
Call 800.234.2683 to register!
Roommates
Need a same-sex roommate for the conference? Visit the Sandy Cove Writers/Speakers Forum to see if someone with similar interests needs a roommate to defray costs. Click here to join the forum.

Scholarships
Sandy Cove offers scholarships. Click here for details.
The writers conference has a vision of underwriting all transportation and conference expenses of at least one conferee from a developing country each year. However, our funds are currently depleted. If you would like to contribute to bringing students from overseas, your tax deductable donation can be made to "Sandy Cove Ministries" and earmarked "Writers Conference International Scholarships."

Special needsThe entire Sandy Cove Conference Center is under one roof and completely handicap accessible. Special dietary needs can be accomodated by the chef. (All meals are served buffet style.)

TransportationVisit the Sandy Cove Writers/Speakers Forum to carpool with someone from your area. Click here to join the forum. To schedule shuttle service from the Baltimore or Philadelphia airports to Sandy Cove, call About Town Limosine Service of North East, Maryland, at 1-410-287-6400 (the cost is approximately $20 each way per person for groups).
We do not recommend using the Aberdeen, Maryland, Amtrak station.

Questions?
Email Jim Watkins, the directorOr call him at 1-765-618-7913.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Monday, September 04, 2006

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Monday, August 28, 2006

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Friday, July 21, 2006

Friday, July 14, 2006

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Friday, July 07, 2006