ANSWER #1 - Too Much Clutter

Over the next few weeks author Kathryn Porter going to answer many of your questions about clutter. The first question comes from a North Jersey Christian Writers Group member, Barbara.

Barbara is also the first winner of Kathryn's book TOO MUCH STUFF.

FROM BARBARA

QUESTION #1.
How do I organize my ideas for writing/speaking? I get great ideas, write them "someplace" & "everyplace". Even if I put them in the same place how can I find what I want? Should I file them by topic? Alphabetical? By Audience? Can it be cross referenced?

The thing to remember is that there is no one-size fits all when it comes to organizing. File them under a system that makes sense for you.

When you get into cross-referencing, you make more work for yourself. Keep it simple.

I file my ideas by using three subject notebooks. I like them because they easily travel anywhere. I don’t keep my notebooks forever. If I don’t use those ideas within a month after I fill the notebook, I toss the notebook and start a new one. If the idea is that good or if I’m that passionate about it, I create an outline on my computer for an article or book chapter. If the idea just sits in the notebook, it’s clutter.

I can picture some individuals gasping at the notion of tossing ideas in the trash. I’m hard core when it comes to de-cluttering. I don’t want to live in mediocrity surrounded by an ocean of ideas. I prefer to work with laser like precision by focusing on one project and completing it. In fact, I find that most of my ideas are directly related to whatever project I happen to be working on at the time. This is something that may come more naturally to you as you discover your bend as a writer.

For speaking, I have a different system. I write summaries and outlines for all my workshops and keep them in a folder on my computer. From time to time, I’ll open those folders, refine those workshops, and maybe swap them out on some of my promotional materials to keep things fresh.

There’s also software available to organize writing and speaking ideas. It will take time to input everything into the computer, but then you should be able to do searches by word or topic, depending on the software you choose. The only organizing software I recommend is the Paper Tiger. It’s not specific to writing, but it’s the best out there. For more information, please visit http://www.thepapertiger.com/.

Also, beware of working so much on ideas that you never actually pick a project and follow it through. That’s why I’m not that big on filing ideas—we just have so many of them that keeping track of them can be more of a project than we bargained for.

Sad News - Prayers Requested

This is a message I recently received from Deidre Knight (Cecil Murphy's agent).

~~~~~
Dear Friends

As many of you know, Cec Murphey's home burned to the ground yesterday morning, and his son-in-law was killed in the fire. Cec is loved by so many within the writing and publishing community, known as a mentor, friend, sponsor and prayer warrior. In the past twenty-four hours, the outpouring of love toward Cec and his family has been overwhelming and he is deeply touched by all the expressions of encouragement and support.

Stan and Carol Cottrell will be sharing their home with Cec and Shirley, beginning today. Stan and Carol live 1.5 miles from the former Murphey residence. They have a spare bedroom, private bath, and a room that is now designated as Cec's working office. This wonderful couple will keep the doors of their home open to Shirley and Cec for the short and long-term. Shirley and Cec will have free use of laundry and kitchen facilities as well as an open door to come and go as needed.

Today Carol will take Shirley shopping for personal items and clothing. Stan is taking Cec shopping for personal items, clothing, a new computer, a printer, and office supplies. Thank you for your contributions.

We are still working on funds to cover the following needs, and other needs that will arise.
· Desk and chair
· Book shelf· Lamp
· File folders, paper, dictionary, reference books
· Brief case
· Suit case for travels
· Desk clock
· Stereo system for office
· CDs (instrumental)
· Desk calendar
· BIBLE
· Memory book (for cards and notes from friends)

If you would like to make a contribution, please mail check to Deidre:
Deidre Knight
The Knight Agency
577 South Main Street
Madison, GA 30650

Cards and letters may be sent to:
Cec and Shirley Murphey
c/o Stan Cottrell
4619 West Hampton Drive
Tucker, GA 30084

Funeral arrangements for Cec's son-in-law have not been made yet. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Deidre Knight and I will try to keep you updated. In the meantime, we ask that you direct inquiries to: deidre.knight@knightagency or jancoates@suddenlink.net.

Cec and Shirley need some quiet time without the cell phone ringing constantly to sort things out, grieve, and make necessary business and personal decisions.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for Cec and his family.
In Him,
Deidre

St. Catherine's Poetry/Art Exhbit

Next Weekend!

St. Catherine's
Photo, Art & Poetry Exhibition
March 2-4, 2007

March 2, 7:00-11:00
March 3, 6:00-11:00
March 4, 10:00-4:00

NJCWG member, Maude, has once again been invited to read her poetry and this year, Marilyn's grand-daughter (Carina) will have art work exhibited as well.

50% Disc - Delaware Christian Writers Conference

**Delaware Christian
Writers Conference**
April 19-21
University of Delaware
Newark, DE
24 Workshops
Writing Contests with cash prizes
Editorial appointments

http://www.delawarechristianwritersconference.com/

To sign up email johnriddle@sprintmail.com
==============================================
AND
for those of you who subscribe to SPIRIT-LED WRITER magazine there is a special (truly fantastic) deal!
**Special offer!**
Save 50% on the registration fee till Feb. 28.
**Pay only $295**
To Subscribe (its FREE) to the Spirit-Led Writer go their website http://spiritledwriter.com/index.html and put your info in the subscription box.
==============================================

Espresso For The Heart

My latest Espresso for the Heart column is now online at the Comfort Cafe.
Go to: http://comfortcafe.net/?p=552

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker

Over Used Modifiers

Overused Modifiers & Phrases
Presented to the NJCWG

by Louise Bergmann DuMont
2/3/07

Here are modifiers & phrases that can often be eliminated. Tossing these will tighten your work.

absolutely

active

actively

actual

actually

alleged

any

arguably

available

basically

both

careful

carefully

certain

certainly

comparative

comparatively

considerably

consistently

decidedly
deeply

definite

definitely

effective

eminent

eminently
especially

exactly

existing
eventually

fortunately

generally

erself

himself

hopefully

ideally

in fact

in general

in particular

in the future

in the past

indeed

inherently

inevitably

itself
madly

meaningful

meaningfully

namely

necessarily

needless to say

now

over time

overall

particular
particularly

per se

pretty

quite

rather

real

really

related

relatively

reportedly

respectively

so

so-called

somewhat

specific

themselves

total
totally
truly

unfortunately
utterly

very

whatever

Using Conflict to Create Drama

As usual, the February meeting of the NJCWG was packed with info for every writer. I am posting one of the handouts here.

Using Conflict to Create Drama
Presented to the NJCWG 2/3/07
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

Q: Do I really need conflict? Can't my characters all just get along?
A: Without conflict there is no story. Life without conflict is not 'real.'

Q: I have lots of action in my novel but I was told that there isn't enough conflict. Aren't conflict and action the same thing?
A: New writers often mistake the two. Conflict is not action but conflict is the reason most action occurs. Meaningless action scenes are not enough to carry a story.

Imagine a scene where one car chases another up and down the narrow San Francisco streets … but you (the reader) have no idea why they are doing this or who is in the two cars. Do you care about the chase? Now imagine a scene where a young child has been kidnapped. The father sees the child being abducted and initiates a chase through the same streets. All through the chase he must balance keeping up with the evasive car in front of him, with the safety of pedestrians, the safety of other drivers on the road, and the safety of the car that holds the kidnappers (because his child inside that car).

An action scene has no point and holds no interest without the insertion of conflict.

Q: If conflict is not the same as action, what IS conflict?
A: Conflict is when two forces are in opposition to each other. These forces can be emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, sociological, or elemental

Q: I've heard of Internal Conflict and Personal Conflict, but what are they and are there other kinds of conflict?
A: There are many kinds of conflict and they can be called many things. Below are a few kinds of conflict that have been grouped for the sake of explanation:

INTERNAL CONFLICT
Conflict with oneself. Inner turmoil. Moral dilemmas. Overcoming trauma. Psychological problems. Internal Conflict is not with other characters, though it can affect other characters. Internal Conflict comes across best when the reader feels they are in the mind of the character. This is because the reader can visualize the situation and they feel as if it was occurring to them..

PERSONAL CONFLICT
This is about inter-personal relations - conflict between two or more individuals. It is often between the hero and his friends or the hero and his lover(s). It does not involve larger issues like peer pressure or the rules of society, but rather, the problems the characters have relating one to another.

SOCIAL CONFLICT
Note: this is the conflict of choice.
Social Conflict can be between a parent and a child, between a doctor and a patient, between a hero and society, etc. Social Conflict occurs when you are dealing with issues that are larger than one-on-one relationships. Stories that deal with concepts like authority, injustice, persecution and assimilation are in the domain of the Social Conflict.

ELEMENTAL CONFLICT
Elemental Conflict is between man and his environment. The hero deals with a non-personal, elemental force of nature. It could be anything from a long dormant volcano (now spewing lava) threatening a troop of hiking boy scouts to a pack of run-amuck butterflies overtaking a mid-western state.

Q: What is the nature of conflict? Isn't a story about the characters?
A: Conflict is impersonal but a story's characters should not be. For example, people understand the concept of war, but they don’t see what it has to do with them unless your main characters convey their feelings and situation to the reader. That is when it becomes tangible.

Your reader must "feel" something when they read a scene. Lets take that war story scenario. People may be dying on every page of your manuscript but the war will seem abstract to your reader. All that changes when the reader "sees" the war through the eyes of the main character. When they watch a child die in the arms of the hero (as seen through the eyes of his fiancée) the reader is touched. They fee the pain the woman feels, they see the remorse she sees in the eyes of her hero, and they share the conflict that occurs when the nurse's peaceful ideals and the hero's duty to his country collide. Conflict becomes real when our characters bring us into the story's world through their conflicts.

Conflict needs meaning to be powerful. So the issues of the conflict must be important to the characters. When the characters are emotionally involved, the reader is emotionally involved. This happens if (and only if) the reader cares about the characters. How does an author make the reader care? By using universal truths to touch the reader.

When you’re writing a story about personal and/or social conflicts, you’re really pitting the will of your characters against each other. And through that use of will, the reader learns who they are and what they’re made of. In an internal conflict, the character's will is pitted against his or her innate nature. They may have a fear of heights and yet they go to the 81st floor of a building for job interview that will allow them to feed their family after being out of work for more than a year. In this case, the character battles their own nature to do something for the greater good.

Lack of internal conflict limits a character’s dimension. Single minded individuals are only common in bad fiction -- not in life. If you are human, you have conflict. According to scientists, reason and emotion are completely intertwined. When someone suffers brain damage to the emotion centers of the brain, they lose the ability to make logical decisions. We learn by our mistakes. If we did not fear negative repercussions, we would have no reason to restrain or re-train ourselves.

Q: So how do I do this? How do I create "good" conflict? Conflict where the reader cares about the characters?
A: To write a good story you need to know your character's fears, their needs and desires. Discover their emotional hot buttons and use other characters to push those conflict buttons. Conflict does not necessarily mean a grumbling hero, a glowering child or a defiant teen. Real conflict meant taking the hero’s (or heroine’s) worst fear, twisting it around, and then throwing it back at them at the worst possible moment and saying, “Think fast!”

Make your characters face their flaws and fears. Toss out pages filled with quiet stay-at-home evenings, long candle lit dinners, shopping, and sweet kisses. Fill your pages their worst fears come true and how they over came those fears. Confront your characters with hard choices - make them chose between good and evil. And for the sake of your reader, have them mess up occasionally before they triumph over the "big bad."

SpiritLedWriter

The latest issue of the SpiritLed Writer is on the web.

Articles:
Writing From Heartache: 7 Tips for Sharing Your Grief with Others
Down From the Mountain: 6 After-Conference Strategies That Work
Poetry Potpourri
The Pitfall of Preachy Prose
Nuggets for Personal Journaling
Polishing Your Prose
Conference Review: Online Writing Conference
Analyzing a Magazine
Inspired Romance
And so... so... SO... much more

Check it out today!
http://spiritledwriter.com/

Terry Whalin - Places to Visit

Terry Whalin has written more than 60 nonfiction books and has published in more than 50 magazines. He's been both an acquisitions editor and literary agent so he knows both sides of the story writing life. One of best works (in my opinion) is Book Proposals That $ell,
21 Secrets to Speed Your Success. Here are a few great places where you can soak up Terry Whalin's expert advice.

Blog: http://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/
Web: http://www.right-writing.com/index.html
Web: http://terrywhalin.com/

2007 Christian Writers' Market Guide Available

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2007

I will have 10 copies of the 2007 Christian Writers' Market Guide for sale at our February meeting. You may purchase it for only $22.00 on a first come - first serve basis. The reason I get these at such a good price is because I've had a standing order with Sally Stuart for quite a number of years. I only ten copies to make sure to get yours right away. Even the Amazon ($23.99) and CBD ($24.99) prices are higher than this - and with them you have to pay shipping.

If you want to be a published writer this year, you need the 2007 Christian Writers' Market Guide.
If you only have the money to buy one writing book this year - you need the 2007 Christian Writers' Market Guide.
If God is calling you out of your comfort zone to write for HIM this year - you need the 2007 Christian Writers' Market Guide.

List Price $34.99
YOUR PRICE - $22.00

NJCWG Meeting

The NJCWG has loads of things to look forward to in 2007. The first item on our list is Kathryn Porter's blog tour. Kathryn is looking for "how do I declutter my writing life" questions. The five best questions will be answered on the blog. One name will be drawn from those among those who submitted questions. The winner will receive a copy of her latest book. Please get those questions in now. (See previous blog posts on how to enter your questions.)

A second book will be offered to one person attending February's meeting (see below) -- so you have two chances to win!

The topic of this month's teaching - Using Conflict to Create Drama

NEXT MEETING of the NJCWG
Saturday, February 3, 2007
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Blog Tour - Kathryn Porter

Today is the day we start our blog tour with author, speaker and Declutter Queen, Kathryn Porter.

We could use a few more questions from members of our group. If you have any questions on decluttering your writer's life - send them to me (njcwg.dumont@gmail.com) ASAP. We'll take the last questions on February 9 and I will post them along the way.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker

Contest - Decluttering Your Life

I just spoke to Declutter Queen, Kathyrn Porter, and she has generously offered TWO free copies of her book in relation to her upcoming blog/web tour.

Blog Tour coming to www.njcwg.blogspot.com on 1/29/07

Here's how it will work.

FIRST CHANCE TO WIN
Send me your best how-to-get-organized-and-decluttered questions. Since most writers know that everything in your life affects your writing, these questions can be directly writing related or just general organize/declutter questions.
Email your questions to me, Louise Bergmann DuMont, at: njcwg.dumont@gmail.com
The best question (chosen by Kathyrn) will win a copy of Too Much Stuff: De-cluttering Your Heart And Home by Kathryn Porter

SECOND CHANCE TO WIN
Attend the next NJCWG meeting (2/3/07) and your name will automatically be placed in a drawing for a copy of Too Much Stuff: De-cluttering Your Heart And Home. The winner at the meeting will also receive a copy (your choice) of one of my books -- Faith-Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement to Sweeten Your Day or Grace by the Cup: A Break From the Daily Grind

Get those questions to me right away!

Special Event - January 29, 2007

The NJCWG Blog will be hosting the decluttering queen and professional organizer, Kathryn Porter, as a part of her month long Blog/Web Tour. Kathryn's lastest book Too Much Stuff: Decluttering Your Heart and Your Home is one of the best I've read on the subject. As a part of her web/blog tour she will offer specific advice to the writter on how to organize your writing area and generally declutter your life so you have more time for writing. Be sure to check out the NJCWG blog on Monday, JANUARY 29, 2007. You won't want to miss this info!

ALSO... when you attend our February meeting (2/3/07) you will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of her book - Too Much Stuff: Decluttering Your Heart and Your Home.

Looking Back & Looking Forward

For those of you who could not make the first NJCWG meeting of 2007, here are the hand-outs that came with our lesson.

Looking Back & Looking Forward
Presented by Louise Bergmann DuMont
North Jersey Christian Writers Group – 1/6/07

To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward.

~Margaret Fairless Barber

Writers, like actors, are only as good as their last work. Writers must stay on top of the current market, foresee trends and always, always, ALWAYS be sensitive to the changing mood of their audience. By examining what works for us as an individual (and what doesn’t work) we are better able to hone the skills God gave us, develop new areas of expertise and provide fresh material to editors and publishers who need our competence.

Here are few questions that will increase your publication opportunities as they help you look back and forward.

2006
1. What did I write that brought forth a positive response?
2. In what genre did I write most often?
3. In what genre was I most often published?
4. How did respond to my rejections?
5. What did I learn from my rejections?
6. What person most influenced my writing in 2006?
7. What editor, publisher or author provided me with the most constructive feedback?
8. What new writing related contacts did I make?
9. How did I put to good use the writing contacts I made?
10. What new market(s) did I explore?
11. What motivated me to write?
12. What kept me from writing?
13. What changes did I make to my writing routine that made me a better writer?
14. What changes occurred that impacted my writing in a negative way?
15. Who observed a change for the better in my writing?
16. Who was least supportive of my writing?
17. Who was most supportive of my writing?
18. What book or article most influenced you this past year?
19. How much of your writing was committed to God?
20. How often did you pray about your writing?

2007
1. Why do I want to continue to write?
2. What new genre do I want to explore?
3. How will I respond to rejections differently than I have in the past?
4. How will I use rejections to make me a better writer?
5. How will I use the influencers in my life?
6. How will do I intend to stay connected with the editors, publishers and authors that God placed in my path?
7. What new writing related contacts do I want to make?
8. In what area of writing do I need the most work?
9. What new market(s) will I explore?
10. How will I best use those things that motivate me to write?
11. How will I avoid those things that keep me from writing?
12. What changes will I make to my writing routine?
13. Who will you consider as your writing prayer partner?
14. What online writers groups will you join or recommit to?
15. What kind of commitment will you make to your local writers group?
16. Which writer’s conference, workshop or seminar will you strive to attend?
17. What writing books do you plan to read?
18. What writing magazines do you plan to read regularly?
19. Are you willing to make a commitment to pray about your writing?
20. Have you committed all of your life (including your writing) to God?

Writing Op - Group Magazine

GROUP Magazine
P.O. Box 481
Loveland, CO 80539-0481

Group Magazine is a magazine for individuals in youth ministry.

Writer’s Guidelines

Best Way to Get Your Foot in the Door:

Group Magazine is always looking for submissions for short, novel, practical ideas that have worked in actual youth ministry settings. It's best to familiarize yourself with Group Magazine before sending in ideas for the following departments...

“Try This One” section needs short ideas (100-250 words) for youth group use. These include games, fund-raisers, crowdbreakers, Bible studies, helpful hints, outreach ideas, and discussion starters. Payment $40.00

“Hands-on Help” section needs mini-articles (100-350 words) that feature practical tips for youth leaders on working with students, adult leaders, and parents. Payment $40.00

PREPARATION OF COPY:
Manuscripts should be typewritten or printed from a computer, double-spaced, on one side of the paper. Please include a brief cover letter with information about the author and article. Your name, address, phone number, email address and Social Security Number should appear on the cover letter and the upper right corner of first page. Each page should be numbered and include title or your name. Include stamped, self-addressed envelope for return of unaccepted manuscript. Our normal response time to manuscript submissions is eight to ten weeks.

Group works nine to ten months ahead of distribution. Please keep that in mind if you are submitting dated or seasonal material.

Payment on acceptance.

Buys all rights.

Delaware Christian Writers Conference

John Riddle, will be hosting the Second Annual Delaware Christian Writers' Conference from April 19-21, 2007, at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. I

http://delawarechristianwritersconference.com/

I've said this before, attending a writers' conference is one of the best ways to build your writing career.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
www.louisedumont.com

Updates

Once again I've been neglectful of our NJCWG blog. Seems that when it rains it pours. Our furnace died, my car died, and I've been to the doctor four times in the last month. The good news is that we got our furnace fixed temporarily (we'll be getting a new one in a few weeks), my car is being repaired (new transmission) and the doctor says that so far my blood work, my x-rays and my MRI are all great -- he just can't find the remedy for my problem just yet. Please pray for our finances (lots of bills come along with these trails) and that my doctor would find the source of my trouble and have a ready solution. Hopefully I'll be able to catch you all up on the various writing ops, conferences, etc within the next week or so.

God Bless,

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker

MEETING of the NJCWG

The North Jersey Christian Writers Group
Next Meeting

TOMORROW
Saturday
January 6, 2007
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Espresso for the Heart - Comfort Cafe

My latest column at the Comfort Cafe is posted!

To Resolve or Not Resolve – That is the Question
http://www.comfortcafe.net/?cat=65

Meeting Schedule NJCWG 2007

R-E-M-I-N-D-E-R

THE NEXT MEETING OF THE NJCWG WILL BE
SATURDAY, January 6, 2007
NEW DATE AND TIME
Meetings will be held the FIRST SATURDAY of every month,
2:30-3:30 p.m. - Meeting
3:30-4:30 p.m. - Critques

CHANGES:
* Meetings will no longer be twice each month (previously 2nd & 4th Monday), they will now be held only once each month. I am hoping that by reducing the number of meetings, more people will be able to fit the NJCWG into their schedule. I would like to see the group grow and mature.
* Meetings will be held on Saturdays (previously Mondays). This should accommodate those who are taking evening classes, those who have to work late, those who need a spouse to babysit, and those who have evening church conflicts.
* Meetings will be in the afternoon (previously evening). Some members found it difficult to maneuver the narrow, winding Ringwood roads in the dark – especially during the winter months when snow and ice makes our roads even more treacherous. By moving the time to late afternoon, I hope that more members will be comfortable attending.
* The new schedule will be tentative. After a few months the group can re-evaluate the arrangement and we can decide if we like Sat afternoon meetings or if we want to go back to evening meetings.

~~~~~~~~~

A 2007 Calendar, will be handed out at our first meeting.

~~~~~~~~~

2007 Meeting Schedule
January 6, 2007
February 3, 2007
March 3, 2007
April 7, 2007
May 5, 2007
June 2, 2007
July 7, 2007
August 4, 2007
September 1, 2007
October 6, 2007
November 3, 2007

God Allows U-Turns (Anthology)

GOD ALLOWS U-TURNS
is currently NOT accepting new submissions.

The God Allows U-Turns Project
P.O. Box 717
Faribault MN 55021-0717

Fax: (507)334-6464
E-mail: editor@godallowsuturns.com
Web site: www.godallowsuturns.com

Writing Op - Christian Journal (Newspaper)

CHRISTITAN JOURNAL
801 S. Riverside
Medford, OR 97501

Phone: (541)773-4004
Fax: (541)773-9917
Email: info@thechristianjournal.org
Web site: www.thechristianjournal.org

Contact: Chad McComas, editor
About CHRISTIAN JOURNAL

Free, monthly newspaper covering Christian support/encouragement.

"It is the purpose of the Christian Journal to encourage the reader with Christian support articles--personal experiences, stories about ministry, hope in God, poetry, uplifting short pieces, etc."

Freelance Facts
* Established: 1998
* 80% freelance written on a one-time basis.
* Byline given.
* Not copyrighted.

# Editorial lead time 1-2 months.
* Accepts queries by:
o Mail
o E-mail (info@thechristianjournal.org)
o Fax
o Phone
* Accepts simultaneous submissions
* Accepts previously published submissions
* Responds in 2 weeks to queries.
* Responds in 1-2 months to manuscripts.
* Sample copy for 9x12 envelope & 3 first-class stamps.
* Writer's guidelines available at web site (click here).

Needs
Types of Articles:
* Book excerpts
* Exposé
* General Interest
* Historical/Nostalgic
* How-To
* Humor
* Inspirational
* Interview/Profile
* Opinion
* Personal Experience
* Religious (fiction and nonfiction)

Does Not Want: Nothing of theological controversy.
Submission method: Query or send complete ms.
Length: 400–900 words.

Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Columns & Departmemt

Columns open to freelancers: Health; Senior Views; both 600-800 words.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript

Photos
Send photos with submission.
Reviews:* GIF/JPEG files
Photos Require Identification of subjects

Buys one-time rights
Offers no payment for photos.

Tips: "Be willing to have your work edited and used to touch readers."

Writing Op - The Christian Century

THE CHRISTIAN CENTURY
104 S. Michigan Ave.
Suite 700
Chicago IL 60603-5901

Phone: (312)263-7510
Fax: (312)263-7540
E-mail: main@christiancentury.org
Web site: www.christiancentury.org

About THE CHRISTIAN CENTURY

Format: Magazine for ecumenically-minded, progressive Protestant church people, both clergy and lay.

Frequency: Biweekly

"Authors must have a critical and analytical perspective on the church and be familiar with contemporary theological discussion."

Freelance Facts
* 90% freelance written
* Established: 1884
* Works with new/unpublished writers.
* Circulation: 30,000
* Pays on publication.
* Byline given.

Rights purchased: All rights

# Editorial lead time 1 month.
# Submit seasonal material 4 months in advance.

Accepts queries by: Mail & E-mail
* Responds in 1 week to queries.
* Responds in 3 months to manuscripts.
* Sample copy for $3.
* Click here for manuscript guidelines

Nonfiction:
"We use articles dealing with social problems, ethical dilemmas, political issues, international affairs, and the arts, as well as with theological and ecclesiastical matters. We focus on issues of church and society, and church and culture."

Needs:
* Essays
* Humor
* Interview/Profile
* Opinion
* Religious

Does Not Want: No inspirational.
* Buys 150 manuscripts/year.
* Submission method: Send complete ms; query appreciated, but not essential..
* Length: 1,000–3,000 words.
* Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Photos: State availability of photos with submission.

New Spirit Led Writer Online

The latest issue of the Spirit Led Writer is online.

ARTICLES
Market Guidelines: Seven Steps on the Path to Getting Published
Conquering Mountains
Feed the Sheep: Writing for the Weary and Scattered
Analyzing a Magazine
Overcoming the Fear of Submission

COLUMNS
Parchment and Scrolls
You may have heard someone say, "Experience is the best teacher," but the words mean nothing unless they motivate you to action.
Encouraging News
Knowing the alphabet is an important part of being a writer. Find out how to use that knowledge to take your writing to the next level.
Inspired Romance
Where should I begin? This is a common question for a writer, but time and experience shows that a beginning should: open at the point of change, open with action, and should capture the reader's interest.
Polishing Your Prose
This article describes a handful of writing and editing jobs. (I have written several of the descriptions from personal experience, and the rest come from interviews with other people.)
Nuggets for Personal Journaling
Can you recall some things in your life where you said, "I will never do that?" Certainly, I can.
Poetry Potpourri
NEW When an inner voice tells you to write, and when your poetic cup runneth over, write. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh— and so does the pen.

Bare Your Bookshelf

As Christians and writers we likely have a number of Bibles and and other Christian books on our bookshelves. Christian Resources International has begun a program called BARE YOUR BOOKSHELVES. This program provides individuals with everything they need to send a box of Bibles and Christian books to a pastor in a needy third-world area. Your name and address never appears on any of the materials so you don't have to worry about someone getting a hold of your information. Here is a link to this worthy ministry: http://cribooks.homestead.com/bareyourbookshelf.html

Christmas Break

Well, my Christmas "break" is over and we all have to get back to writing. I'll be posting a few dozen items here over the next few days. Please drop me an email to let me know if these are helpful or if there are other types of posts you would rather see.

Merry Christmas and may you and yours have a blessed New Year in Christ our Lord.

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

NJCWG Changes

NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW
JANUARY MEETINGS
NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW
Starting in January, NJCWG meetings will take place on a new day and time. This decision was made with a great deal of prayer and the consideration of its members.

CHANGES:
* Meetings will no longer be twice each month (previously 2nd & 4th Monday), they will now be held only once each month. I am hoping that by reducing the number of meetings, more people will be able to fit the NJCWG into their schedule. I would like to see the group grow and mature.
* Meetings will be held on Saturdays (previously Mondays). This should accommodate those who are taking evening classes, those who have to work late, those who need a spouse to babysit, and those who have evening church conflicts.
* Meetings will be in the afternoon (previously evening). Some members found it difficult to maneuver the narrow, winding Ringwood roads in the dark – especially during the winter months when snow and ice makes our roads even more treacherous. By moving the time to late afternoon, I hope that more members will be comfortable attending.
* The new schedule will be tentative. After a few months the group can re-evaluate the arrangement and we can decide if we like Sat afternoon meetings or if we want to go back to evening meetings.

NEW DATE AND TIME
Meetings will be held the FIRST SATURDAY of every month, in the afternoon
2:30-3:30 - Meeting
3:30-4:30 - Critiques
SATURDAY
January 6, 2007 - FIRST MEETING
February 3, 2007
March 3, 2007
April 7, 2007
May 5, 2007
June 2, 2007
July 7, 2007
August 4, 2007
September 1, 2007
October 6, 2007
November 3, 2007

NJCWG Changes

NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW
JANUARY MEETINGS
NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW
Starting in January, NJCWG meetings will take place on a new day and time. This decision was made with a great deal of prayer and the consideration of its members.

CHANGES:
* Meetings will no longer be twice each month (previously 2nd & 4th Monday), they will now be held only once each month. I am hoping that by reducing the number of meetings, more people will be able to fit the NJCWG into their schedule. I would like to see the group grow and mature.
* Meetings will be held on Saturdays (previously Mondays). This should accommodate those who are taking evening classes, those who have to work late, those who need a spouse to babysit, and those who have evening church conflicts.
* Meetings will be in the afternoon (previously evening). Some members found it difficult to maneuver the narrow, winding Ringwood roads in the dark – especially during the winter months when snow and ice makes our roads even more treacherous. By moving the time to late afternoon, I hope that more members will be comfortable attending.
* The new schedule will be tentative. After a few months the group can re-evaluate the arrangement and we can decide if we like Sat afternoon meetings or if we want to go back to evening meetings.

NEW DATE AND TIME
Meetings will be held the FIRST SATURDAY of every month, in the afternoon
2:30-3:30 - Meeting
3:30-4:30 - Critques
SATURDAY
January 6, 20067 - FIRST MEETING
February 3, 2007
March 3, 2007
April 7, 2007
May 5, 2007
June 2, 2007
July 7, 2007
August 4, 2007
September 1, 2007
October 6, 2007
November 3, 2007

DECEMBER MEETINGS
There will be NO NJCWG Meetings in December. Please use this time to reflect on Christ's gift to humanity and to enjoy your family & friends.
Have a blessed, blessed Christmas!
Meetings will resume in January.

CHRISTMAS PARTY
There will be no NJCWG Christmas Party this year.

NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW
JANUARY MEETINGS
Starting in January, NJCWG meetings will take place on a new day and time. This decision was made with a great deal of prayer and the consideration of its members.

CHANGES:
* Meetings will no longer be twice each month (previously 2nd & 4th Monday), they will now be held only once each month. I am hoping that by reducing the number of meetings, more people will be able to fit the NJCWG into their schedule. I would like to see the group grow and mature.
* Meetings will be held on Saturdays (previously Mondays). This should accommodate those who are taking evening classes, those who have to work late, those who need a spouse to babysit, and those who have evening church conflicts.
* Meetings will be in the afternoon (previously evening). Some members found it difficult to maneuver the narrow, winding Ringwood roads in the dark – especially during the winter months when snow and ice makes our roads even more treacherous. By moving the time to late afternoon, I hope that more members will be comfortable attending.
* The new schedule will be tentative. After a few months the group can re-evaluate the arrangement and we can decide if we like Sat afternoon meetings or if we want to go back to evening meetings.

NEW DATE AND TIME
Meetings will be held the FIRST SATURDAY of every month, in the afternoon
2:30-3:30 - Meeting
3:30-4:30 - Critques
SATURDAY
January 6, 20067 - FIRST MEETING
February 3, 2007
March 3, 2007
April 7, 2007
May 5, 2007
June 2, 2007
July 7, 2007
August 4, 2007
September 1, 2007
October 6, 2007
November 3, 2007

NJCWG Holiday Schedule

There are NO Meetings of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG) for the remainder of 2006. Our next meeting will be Monday, January 8, 2006.

I am considering moving the meetings to once per month - on the first Saturday of the month form 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
MEMBERS ONLY - if this appeals to you, please contact me via email

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

Upcoming Christian Writers Conferences

NOTE: This is a LONG Blog Entry
A number of you seem interested in attending a Christian Writers Conference. Here is a list of some of the upcoming conferences. It is not all inclusive, nor should you think that this is a list of my "favorite" conferences. I've attended some of these and others I am listing simply because the came to me through other reliable sources.
~~~~~
2006

November HEART OF AMERICA CONFERENCE – Kansas City MO
Mark LittletonPhone/fax 816-459-8016
MLittleton@earthlink.netwww.HACWN.org

November SOUTHWEST WRITERS MINI CONFERENCE – Albuquerque NM
Southwest Writers505-265-9485
swriters@aol.comwww.southwestwriters.org

November BAYOU WRITERS GROUP WORKSHOP - Lake Charles LA
Randy DuprePO Box 602Iota LA 70543

11/17-19: MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY WRITERS' RETREAT – Schuyler NE
Cheryl Paden402-727-6508

11/18: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE - Orlando FL
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

11/26-Dec. 3: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.com www.ACWriters.com

2007
JANUARY
January 12-16: CATHOLIC WRITERS RETREAT - Tucson AZ
Vinita Hampton Wright520-744-3400
office@desertrenewal.orgwww.desertrenewal.org

January 29-February 3: ADVANCE 2007 (CBA) – Indiana Convention Center
800-252-1950
www.cbaonline.org

February (early): SCBWI WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS CONFERENCE IN CHILDREN'SLITERATURE - New York City
Lin Oliver323-782-1010
SCBWI@SCBWI.orgwww.SCBWI.org

February – SOUTHWEST WRITERS MINI CONFERENCE – Albuquerque NM
505-265-9485
Info@southwestwriters.comwww.southwestwriters.org

February: WRITERS SYMPOSIUM BY THE SEA - San Diego CA
Dean Nelson619-849-2592
deannelson@ptloma.eduwww.ptloma.edu/writers

February 7-11: CATHOLIC WRITERS RETREAT - Tucson AZ
Vinita Hampton Wright520-744-3400
office@desertrenewal.orgwww.desertrenewal.org

February 9-10: CASTRO VALLEY CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE - Castro Valley Ca
Pastor John Drury510-886-6300
jond@redwoodchapel.org

February 9 -11: WORD WEAVERS RETREAT – Leesburg FL
Eva Marie Everson407-695-9366
EvaMarieEverson@aol.com

February 10: AUSTIN CHRISTIAN WRITERS WORKSHOP - Austin TX
Lin Harris512-601-2216
linharris@austin.rr.com

February 15-18: JERRY JENKINS WRITING FOR THE SOUL CONFERENCE – Colorado Springs CO
Wayne Atcheson866-495-5177, ext. 37
wayne@christianwritersguild.comwww.christianwritersguild.com

February 16-17: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS DALLAS CONFERNECE - Dallas TX
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

February 17: OREGON CHRISTIAN WRITERS WINTER CONFERENCE – Salem OR
D. J. Young360-828-7036
djbeyoung@yahoo.comwww.oregonchristianwriters.org
Sally Stuart speaking

February 23-24: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS OKLAHOMA CITY CONFERENCE –
Oklahoma City OK
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

February 23-25: WRITERS WEEKEND AT THE BEACH - Ocean Park WA
Birdie Etchison360-665-6576
etchison@pacifier.comwww.patriciarushford.com

Spring: BONEFIRE! CONFERENCE - Durham NC
Gail Hayes(919)286-4200
gmhayes@daughteroftheking.orgwww.aacmcoalition.com

March: COMIX35 CHRISTIAN COMICS TRAINING SEMINAR - Mexico City, Mexico
Nate Butler
COMIX35@comix35.orgwww.COMIX35.org

March 1-4: FLORIDA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE – Bradenton FL
Billie Wilson321-269-5831
billiewilson@cfl.rr.comwww.FLWriters.org

March 2-3: BETHEL COLLEGE CHRISTIAN WRITERS WORKSHOP – Mishawaka IN
Dr. Christian DavisKim Peterson574-257-3427
petersk@bethelcollege.eduwww.BethelCollege.edu/writersworkshop

March 10: HEART TALK - Portland OR
Beverly Hislop503-517-1881
bwhislop@westernseminary.eduwww.westernseminary.edu/women

March 12-13: HEART OF AMERICA MENTORING CONFERENCE - St. Louis MO
Mark LittletonPhone/fax 816-459-8016
HACWN@earthlink.netwww.hacwn.org

March 16-17: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS GREENSBORO CONFERENCE - Greensboro NC
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

March 24: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS CLEVELAND CONFERENCE - Cleveland OH
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

March 30-31: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS FORT WAYNE CONFERENCE - Fort Wayne IN
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

March 30-April 3: MOUNT HERMON CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE - Mount Hermon CA
David Talbott831-430-1241
dtalbott@mhcamps.orgwww.mounthermon.org/writers
Sally Stuart leads Career Track

March 31: WRITE ON! WORKSHOP - Dayton OH
Valerie Coleman937-307-0760
colemanbfp@aol.comwww.penofthewriter.com

Early April : MINNESOTA CHRIST. WRITERS GUILD SPRING SEMINAR - Minneapolis/St. Paul MN
Nancy Hudson952-881-1470
nancyah@earthlink.netwww.mnchristianwriters.org

April: BLUE RIDGE MT. CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE – Nashville TN
Yvonne LehmanRon Pratt
Ron.Pratt@lifeway.com

April 1-3: HEART OF AMERICA MENTORING CONFERENCE - Kansas City MO
Mark LittletonPhone/fax 816-459-8016
HACWN@earthlink.netwww.hacwn.org

April 13-14: QUAD-CITIES CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE - Bettendorf IA
Twila Belk563-332-1622
iamstraightway@aol.comwww.gottatellsomebody.com

April 13-14: CALLED TO WRITE - Girard KS
Deborah Vogts620-244-5619
debvogts@terraworld.netwww.christianwritersgirard.org

April 14: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS MEMPHIS CONFERENCE - Memphis TN
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

April 14: INSPIRATIONAL WRITERS ALIVE! AMARILLO SEMINAR – Amarillo TX
Jerry McClenagan806-355-7117jerrydalemc@sbcglobal.net

April 19-21: DELAWARE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE - Newark DE
John Riddle302-834-4910
Delawarewriters@yahoo.comwww.DelawareChristianWritersConference.com

April 20-21: OBADIAH PRESS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE – Merrill WI
Tina Miller715-536-3167
tinamiller@charter.netwww.obadiahpress.com/conference.htm

April 21: ORANGE CO CHRISTIAN WRITERS FELL. SPRING WRITERS DAY – Lake Forest CA
John DeSimone714-538-7070
John@occwf.org

April 21: WFCA WRITERS CONFERENCE - Milwaukee WI
Andrea Boeshaar/Patti Wolf414-355-5202
andrea@andreaboeshaar.comwww.wisconsinchristianauthors.com

April 26-28: HEART OF AMERICA MENTORING CONFERENCE - St. Louis MO
Mark LittletonPhone/fax 816-459-8016
HACWN@earthlink.netwww.hacwn.org

April 28: MERCER ONE-DAY WORKSHOP - Mercer PA
Evelyn Minshull or Gloria Clover724-475-3239 or 724-253-2635
eminshull@certainty.net"
mailto:gloworm@certainly.net">gloworm@certainly.net
www.stdavidswriters.com

May: ANTELOPE VALLEY CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE – Quartz Hill CA
Don Patterson661-722-0891
donpatterson@verizon.netwww.theology.edu/writers

May – SOUTHWEST WRITERS MINI CONFERENCE - Albuquerque, NM
Southwest Writers505-265-9485
Info@southwestwriters.comwww.southwestwriters.org

May: INSPIRATIONAL WRITERS ALIVE! EAST TX SEMINAR – Tyler TX
Maxine Holder903-795-3986
mholder787@aol.com

May: NORTH JERSEY A REASON TO WRITE CONFERENCE – Ringwood NJ
Louise Bergmann DuMont551-427-3794
njcwg.Dumont@gmail.com

May 4-5: SPU CHRISTIAN WRITERS RENEWAL – Seattle WA
Clint Kelly206-281-2723
christianwriters@spu.eduwww.spu.edu/fellows

May 5: GEORGIA CHRISTIAN WRITERSÕ SPRING FESTIVAL – Atlanta area GA
Lloyd Blackwell770-421-1203
lloydblackwell@worldnet.att.net

May 16-19: COLORADO CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE - Estes Park CO
Marlene BagnullPhone/fax: 610-626-6833
mbagnull@aol.comwww.writehisanswer.com

May 19: OREGON CHRISTIAN WRITERS SPRING CONFERENCE – Eugene OR
D. J. Young360-828-7036
djbeyoung@yahoo.comwww.oregonchristianwriters.org

June: WRITERS ALASKAN CRUISE – AK
Louise B. Wyly763-533-6207
Lsnowbunny@aol.comwww.nhcc.mn.edu/ctd

June: FICTION INTENSIVE - Tehachapi CA
Lauraine Snelling661-823-0669
tlsnelling@yahoo.comwww.laurainesnelling.net

June: KARITOS CHRISTIAN ARTS CONFERENCE – Wheaton IL
Bob Hay847-749-1284
bob@karitos.comwww.karitos.com

June: ST. DAVIDS CHRISTIAN WRITERSÕ CONFERENCE – Beaver Falls PA
Audrey Stallsmith724-253-2738
registrar@stdavidswriters.comwww.stdavidswriters.com

June 1-2: ARKANSAS WRITERS CONFERENCE – Little Rock AR
Barbara Mulkey 501-312-1747
blm@aristole.net

June 2: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS LOUISVILLE CONFERENCE - Louisville KY
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

June 2: EAST TEXAS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE – Marshall TX
Dr. Jerry Hopkins903-923-2269
Jhopkins@ETBU.eduwww.ETBU.edu/news/CWC/default.htm

June 6-9: WRITE TO PUBLISH CONFERENCE – Wheaton IL
Lin Johnson847-296-3964
lin@writetopublish.comwww.WriteToPublish.com

June 8-9: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS COLUMBUS CONFERENCE - Columbus OH
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

June 13-16: CHRISTIANS IN THEATRE ARTS NETWORKING CONFERENCE - Chicago IL
Bryanne Barker864-679-1898
admin@cita.orgwww.cita.org

MidJune: SOUTHEASTERN WRITERS CONFERENCE – St. Simons Island GA
Sheila Hudson
Info@southeasternwriters.comwww.southeasternwriters.com

June 17-22: WESLEYAN WRITERS CONFERENCE – Middletown CT
Anne Greene860-685-3604
agreene@wesleyan.eduwww.wesleyan.edu/writers

June 22-23: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS GRAND RAPIDS CONFER. - Grand Rapids MI
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com
Sally Stuart speaking

June 22-24 : FAITH-BASED ARTS CONFERENCE – Durham NC
Fbliterary@nc.rr.comwww.fbfictionlovers.com.

July 1-31: ACT ONE: WRITING FOR HOLLYWOOD - Hollywood CA
Chris Riley323-464-0815
info@actoneprogram.comwww.ActOneprogram.com

July 6-7: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS ATLANTA CONFERENCE - Atlanta GA
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

July 22-27: MONTROSE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE - Montrose PA
Patti Souder570-278-1001
mbc@montrosebible.orgwww.montrosebible.org

July 26-28 – MIDWEST WRITERS CONFERENCE – Muncie IN
Midwest Writers765-282-1055
midwestwriters@yahoo.comwww.midwestwriters.org

July 28: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS DAYTON CONFERENCE - Dayton OH
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

July 30-August 2 – OREGON CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE – Canby OR
Pat Rushford360-449-0456
patrushford@comcast.netwww.oregonchristianwriters.org
Sally Stuart teaching

July 30-August 5: GMA MUSIC IN THE ROCKIES CONFERENCE – Estes Park CO
John W. Styll615-242-0303www.gospelmusic.org

August (early): SCBWI WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS CONFERENCE IN CHILDRENÕS LITERATURE - Los Angeles CA
Lin Oliver323-782-1010
SCBWI@SCBWI.orgwww.SCBWI.org

August – SOUTHWEST WRITERS MINI CONFERENCE – Albuquerque NM
Southwest Writers505-265-9485
Info@southwestwriters.comwww.southwestwriters.org

August: STATE OF MAINE WRITERSÕ CONFERENCE – Ocean Park ME
Jim Brosnan401-598-1424
Jim.Brosnan@jwu.edu

August: GREEN LAKE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE – Green Lake WI
Russann Hadding800-558-8898
RussannHadding@glcc.org
mailto: Program@glcc.org
www.glcc.org

August 2-6: THE WRITING ACADEMY SEMINAR - Minneapolis MN
Mar Korman218-792-5144
pattyk@wams.orgwww.wams.org/pages/2seminar.htm

August 4: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS INDIANAPOLIS CONFERENCE – Indianapolis IN
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

August 4: TEXAS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE – Houston TX
Martha Rogers713-686-7209
marthalrogers@sbcglobal.net
Sally Stuart speaking

August 4-5: DAYTON CHRISTIAN WRITERS GUILD CONFERENCE – Dayton OH
Tina V. Toles937-836-6600
August 10-11: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS MINNEPOLIS CONFERENCE - Minneapolis MN
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

August 10-12: FAITHWRITERS.COM WRITING CONFERENCE – Livonia MI (Detroit Metro area)
Scott Lindsay
support@faithwriters.comwww.faithwriters.com/conference.php
Sally Stuart speaking

Mid-August: GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERNECE - Langhorne PA
Marlene BagnullPhone/fax: 610-626-6833mbagnull@aol.comwww.writehisanswer.com

August 18: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS SPRINGFIELD CONFERENCE - Springfield MO
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

August 19-24: CAPE COD SUMMER WRITERS CONFERENCE and YOUNG WRITERSÕ WORKSHOP (ages 12-16) - Cape Cod MA
Jacqueline M. Loring, dir.508-420-0200
writers@capecodwriterscenter.orgwww.capecodwriterscenter.com

August/September: NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN WRITERS ALASKAN CRUISE – AK
Carla Williams360-802-2547
events@nwchristianwriters.orgwww.nwchristianwriters.org

Fall: ACW DETROIT SEMINAR - Detroit MI
Pam Perry248-426-2300
pamperry@ministrymarketingsolutions.comwww.ministrymarketingsolutions.com

September: SAN DIEGO CHRISTIAN WRITERS GUILD SEMINAR - San Diego CA
Robert & Jennie Gillespie760-294-3269info@sandiegocwg.orgwww.sandiegocwg.org

September: NORTHWEST OHIO CHRISTIAN WRITERSÕ CONFERENCE - Toledo OH
Diane Kashmer419-898-1343
kamio@cros.net

September: GEORGIA WRITERS ASSN./CHRISTIAN WRITERS POD - Woodstock GA
Lloyd Blackwell770-421-1203.
lloydblackwell@worldnet.att.net

September 7-8: NORTH TEXAS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERNECE - Keller TX
Frank Ball817-915-1688
frank.ball@ntchristianwriters.comwww.ntchristianwriters.com

September 7-8: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS COLORADO SPRINGS CONFERENCE - Colorado Springs CO
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.com
www.ACWriters.com

September 9-15: MARANATHA CHRISTIAN WRITERS SEMINAR – Muskegon MI
Verna Kokmeyer231-798-2161
info@maranatha-bmc.orgwww.maranatha-bmc.org

September 14-15: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS SPOKANE CONFERENCE - Spokane WA
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

September 30-October 3: SANDY COVE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE – North East MD
Jim Watkins800-234-2683
info@sandycove.comwww.sandycove.org/docs/writers.php

September/October: AD LIB CHRISTIAN ARTS RETREAT – Allenspark CO
Judith Deem Dupree619-473-8683303-823-9938
adlib@ixpres.comwww.adlibchristianarts.org

Early October: MINNESOTA CHRIST. WRITERS GUILD FALL SEMINAR - Minneapolis/St. Paul MN
Nancy Hudson952-881-1470
nancyah@earthlink.netwww.mnchristianwriters.org

October: SPAN SMALL PUBLISHERS MARKETING CONFERENCE - San Mateo CA
Scott Flora719-475-1726
scott@spannet.orgwww.spannet.org/conf-home-2006-htm

October: RICHMOND CHRISTIANS WHO WRITE SEMINAR - Richmond VA
Rev. Thomas C. Lacy804-749-4050
RichmondCWW@aol.com

October: CHRISTIAN AUTHORS GUILD FALL SEMINAR - Woodstock GA
Diana Baker770-928-2588
dianajbaker@cs.comwww.christianauthorsguild.org

October: WEST BRANCH CHRISTIAN WRITERÕS ONE-DAY CONFERENCE - Montoursville PA
Cindy Emmett Smith
Cswriter@yahoo.com

October: SMALL PUBLISHERS MARKETING CONFERENCE - San Mateo CA
Scott Flora719-475-1726
October 5-6: PEN TO PAPER LITERARY SYMPOSIUM - Dayton OH
Valerie Coleman937-307-0760
colemanbfp@aol.comwww.penofthewriter.com

October 6: SANTA BARBARA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE - Santa Barbara CA
Opal Mae Bailey805-682-0316
opalmaedailey@aol.com

October 11-13: OZARK CREATIVE WRITERS CONFERENCE – Eureka Springs AR
Clarissa Willis423-929-1049
ozarkcreativewriters@earthlink.netwww.ozarkcreativewriters.org

October 12-13: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS ANAHEIM CONFERENCE – Anaheim CA
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

October 13: REVWRITERS CONFERENCE - Bucks County PA
RevWriter - Sue Lang215-453-5066
conference@revwriter.comwww.revwriter.com

October 17-21: GLORIETA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE - Glorieta NM
CLASServices505-899-4283
info@classervices.comwww.glorietaCWC.com

October 19-20: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS PHOENIX CONFERENCE - Phoenix AZ
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

October 19-20: EARLHAM SCHOOL OF RELIGION COLLOQUIUM: THE MINISTRY OF WRITING – Richmond IN
Director800-432-1377765-983-1423
esr@earlham.eduwww.esr.earlham.edu

October 20: OREGON CHRISTIAN WRITERS FALL CONFERENCE – Portland OR
D. J. Young360-828-7036
djbeyoung@yahoo.comwww.oregonchristianwriters.org

November: OAKWOOD COLLEGE CHRISTIAN WRITERS SEMINAR - Huntsville AL
Dr. Cecil Daly256-852-8656
November – SOUTHWEST WRITERS MINI CONFERENCE – Albuquerque NM
Southwest Writers505-265-9485
Info@southwestwriters.comwww.southwestwriters.org

November 3: SOUTH-EASTERN ARIZONA CHRISTIAN WRITERS WORKSHOP – Benson AZ
Floyd Pierce520-384-3064

November 12-15 (tentative): MOUNT HERMON MENTORING CLINIC - Mount Hermon CA
David Talbott831-430-1241
dtalbott@mhcamps.orgwww.mounthermon.org/writersclinic

November 16-18: MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY WRITERSÕ RETREAT - Schuyler NE
Cheryl Paden402-727-6508

November 17: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS ORLANDO CONFERNECE - Orlando FL
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

Nov 25-Dec. 2: AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Reg Forder1-800-21-WRITE
ACWriters@aol.comwww.ACWriters.com

December: EAST METRO ATLANTA CHRISTIAN WRITERS SEMINAR - Covington GA
Colleen Capes Jackson404-444-7514
cjac401992@aol.comwww.emacw.org

Next Meeting NJCWG

Next Meeting -- NJCWG
Monday, November 13, 2006
6:15-7:00 Chat Time
7:00-8:00 Lesson (Tapes from 2006 Glorieta)
8:00-9:00 Critiques

I am considering moving meetings to once each month on the first Saturday of each month from 3:00-5:00 pm and I would like to know what the rest of the members think of this....

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Screen Writing

Ambassador Communications Inc., the home of Christian screenwriting and the Christian Screenwriters' Newsletter, invites you to enter the 1st Annual Faith and Values Screenwriting Competition, honoring the best in faith-based TV Series Pilots and Feature Length Screenplays. The winners will receive cash and sponsor prizes, and will be considered for representation by WGA agent TERRY PORTER of AGAPE PRODUCTIONS. In addition, the winning scripts will be read by FOX FAITH, JENKINS ENTERTAINMENT, NUMENOREAN FILMS, REVOLUTION MEDIA, DISTILLERY PICTURES, PURE FLIX ENTERTAINMENT, DUSTSTORM PRODUCTIONS, L.A. PICTURES, and SAYLORS BROS. ENTERTAINMENT. To enter the contest, please log on to http://www.ambassadorcommunications.biz/faithandvalues.html or email info@ambassadorcommunications.biz or call 204-292-4095. The deadline for entries is January 15, 2007.

Thank you very much for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Claire Hutchinson

President

Ambassador Communications Inc.

www.ambassadorcommunications.biz

NJCWG Important Info

For the remainder of 2006 there is
ONLY ONE MEETING
Next Meeting - Monday, 11/13/06

NO MEETING - 11/27/06 (due to Thanksgiving)
NO MEETING - 12/11/06
NO MEETING - 12/25/06 (due to Christmas)

ALSO - due to a lack of... ??? -- there will be NO NJCWG Christmas Party this year.

Online Writing Groups

So, you want to be published? Get connected.
Can't find a writers group near where you live? Join an online group!

For your convenience, I am once again listing a number of great online writers groups you can join.

FCW - Fellowship of Christian Writers
Excellent group that shares writing help along with promoting accountability
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FCW/

TWV1 - TheWriters View 1
For published authors only - lots of marketing and industry info.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheWritersView/

TWV2 - TheWriters View 2
For writers who are just starting out - GREAT group.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TWV2/

CWG - Christian Writers Group
General discussion group.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CWG/

Writing Exercise

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is a writing exercise for those writers who need a bit of inspiration - or a kick in the you-know-what to get them started.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Most of you know the line "It was a dark and stormy night.." made famous by the THE most famous (infamous?) writer of our century - Snoopy. This line was originaly penned by Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton, as the beginning of his 1830 novel Paul Clifford. Here is the complete opening line.

"It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents, except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness."

Your assignment -- rewrite this opening using Showing techniques rather than Telling ones. Don't overwrite. Don't use a lon list of adjectivs. Break up the sentence into manageable bites. In other words -- write tight -- write clean -- write a great opening.

If you are interested in a free critque of your rewritten paragraph, drop me an email.

Louie Bergmann DuMont
Author, Speaker & Facilitator of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG)

Book Proposals That Sell

"If you are currently writing a book or even thinking about writing a book, you won't want to miss this online event. "
Louise Bergmann DuMont, NJCWG

---------------------------------
From Editor and Author - Terry Whalin
---------------------------------
Let's Talk About Book Proposals
On Thursday, October 26th, I will be chatting for two hours at the Institute of Children's Literature. The topic is book proposals and how as writers submit better proposals, then they will improve the results from their submissions.
If you can, join us for the chat. I recommend you go to the chatroom ahead of time to register (free) then participate.
Here’s the times:
9-11 p.m. Atlantic/Canada
8-10 p.m. Eastern
7-9 Central
6-8 Mountain
5-7 Pacific

If you are reading this article after October 26th, the transcript for this chat are stored online. These archives are a rich resource of writing information on a variety of topics from many different participants. In the past, I've been in this chatroom--in fact three times but Thursday will mark the first time talking about Book Proposals That Sell. I hope to see you there.

Chat with Terry Whalin

On Thursday (10/26/06), Terry Whalin is going to be chatting about Book Proposals That Sell for two hours at the Institute of Children's Literature website. This event is free--but he advises that you register ahead of time so you will be ready to participate. If you can't make it, the transcript will be stored on the ICL website--after the chat.

Here's where you can learn the details: http://tinyurl.com/ygvrps

Writing Op - Morning Song

This just came across my desk
Facilitator, NJCWG
-------------------------------
I am the publisher of a new e-Newsletter called "Morning Songs". The newsletter is about Christian and Gospel music, Christian life, faith, spirituality, and just life in general. If you are interested in contributing to this monthly publication, send me a 500 word article along with your contact information. We'll review it for potential publication. If you have any more questions about it you can contact me directly at morningsongs_newsletter@yahoo.com. I think there can be some great, ongoing contributions that come from you. I can't wait to hear from you. If you just want to read it when its done, you can also email me. We hope to have the first publication ready in November, just in time for Thanksgiving. Be blessed.

Chance Glenn
Editor - Morning Songs

Next Meeting - NJCWG

Louise Bergmann DuMont at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference
She is teaching her KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE/WRITE TO MARKET class.

I'm SO excitied about our next meeting. I hope to share some of the many things I learned at the 2006 Glorieta Christian Writers Conference.

The worship, devotionals, opening and closing sessions were amazing.

The classes exceeded everyone's expectations.

God brought me so much more than I ever expected during the faculty to faculty sessions (you will be nearly as excitied as I am when you hear about it all).

The attendee to faculty appointments that I participated in were awsome as well.

And of course I reconnected with great old friends and made dozens of new ones.

To be the first to hear all the details, come to our next NJCWG meeting.

Next meeting -- NJCWG
Monday, October 23, 2006

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson / Glorieta
Networking Ops, Classes, Connections, , CD's Available, Writers Guidelines & Sample Copies... and so much more.
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

Terry Whalin, Fiction Acquisitions Editor Howard Books

Terry Whalin, Fiction Acquisitions Editor Howard Books, and author, Louise Bergmann DuMont, pose for a picture after dinner at the 2006 Glorieta Christian Writers Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Editor Appointments

Attendee and editor in the midst of an all-important appintment.

Nick Harrison

Nick Harrison, author and Acquisitions Editor for Harvest House, allowed me to snap this picture one afternoon when we were having lunch together. It was such a pleasure to learn from this knowledgeable (and patient) man.