Picnic Reminder

NJCWG SUMMER PICNIC
Monday, June 27, 2005
6:30 - ???
NO MEETING AT THE CHURCH
Raindate: Wednesday, June, 29, 2005
PLACE: The Schermerhorn's, 402 Jersey Ave, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925
(If you need directions to their house, call me)

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS

A nice group (with and without families) have signed up for our NJCWG 2005 Picnic. We always have a wonderful time, so don't be shy. Even you new to our group you will enjoy your self at this summer social event. If you just realized that you will be able to attend, let me know!

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

Writing Op - Highlights Magazine

I received this from an editor at Highlights for Children who encouraged me to pass it along.

------------------

HIGHLIGHTS NEEDS

From Kim Griswell, Coordinating Editor

Arts articles that have true kid-appeal. Kids are drawn to all kinds of arts, but they are probably not in a museum appreciating great works. We must meet them where they are.

Travel and adventure articles with a kid-friendly focus or a deeper meaning to share--a lesson learned, better understood a culture, a discovery made, etc.

From Andy Boyles, Science Editor

Our guidelines state that our word limit is 800, but articles that are even shorter (350-400 words) are especially welcome. We put a high value on articles that show science as a process, articles that follow a scientist or group of scientists as they try to solve one of nature's mysteries. We currently have what we need in the way of articles about: birds, reptiles and amphibians, insects (especially bees), and volcanoes.

From Marileta Robinson, Senior Editor

We need stories for young readers at first- and second-grade reading levels, 500 words or fewer. I would like to see stories with holiday themes, especially dealing with the real meaning of the holidays of various religions. Also stories with sports themes for younger children.

From Carolyn Yoder, History/World Cultures Editor

Multicultural articles, particularly first-person accounts. Historical looks at major holidays--Thanksgiving, Christmas, Passover, Hanukah, July 4, Labor Day. Biographies of major historical figures--Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights. Articles on immigrant history.

From Judy Burke, Associate Editor

Nonfiction sports:
Articles that focus on a known athlete (a squeaky clean one), those that focus entirely on the development of specific skills, and those that address challenges faced by athletes of any kind (ex: being smaller than your teammates, staying calm under pressure, etc.). Successful articles often include quotes gained from personal interviews with athletes or experts and useful tips for readers who play that sport.

Fiction:
800-word stories for 8- to 12-year-olds. Humorous stories, Easter stories (no Easter bunnies as characters, though), Passover stories, and stories involving Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr, or
Eid ul-Adha.
400-word humorous stories for 8- to 12-year-olds also needed.

Nonfiction:
300-word activity articles. Successful ones often include a short introduction and a few short activities with a common theme.

From Joelle Dujardin Kirkland, Associate Editor

Crafts: crafts with boy-appeal, games, holiday crafts, and crafts from other cultures (with background included).
Younger nonfiction (450 words or fewer): first-person accounts of fieldwork, arts stories, biographies with interesting slants, kids living in other cultures, ancient history, animals, details from urban life (workers, transportation, etc.).
Gallant Kids: leads (or articles) on kids doing service in their communities--especially children of color.

From George Brown, Assistant Editor

I'm looking for puzzles and short activities that encourage children to think in a creative way without relying on prior knowledge of specific facts. These puzzles should not require the use of pen or pencil to solve them.
I'm also interested in finger-play activities and step and repeat
stories.

General request

We're looking for proposals for inside-back covers. Since there's little text, ideas need to be fresh and clear, possibly with a few activities within the page, and clear art instructions. Highlights recommends reviewing their submission guidelines and back issues at local libraries before submitting a manuscript. Material should be fresh and exciting. Guidelines are available at www.highlights.com

Please send submissions to the specific editor listed above,
or
Manuscript Coordinator
Highlights for Children
803 Church Street
Honesdale, PA 18431

FREE business cards

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I get all my business cards from Vista Print and I am always pleased with their quality and processing. As a matter of fact, I kust got the new NJCWG business cards I created for the NJCWG - A Reason to Write Conference. Top quality - excellent price.

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Four New Writing Ops

The Sweet Spot

• New Ezine by Tonya Stokes
• Most genres accepted (No horror, No erotica& No profanity)
• Especially interested in Inspirational Romance
• The first issue scheduled for July 2005.
• OPEN Market
• http://thesweetspot.home.att.net/

Book Contributions -- What's In It For Me

• by Tonya Stokes, Editor, The Sweet Spot
  Tentative Title: What's in It for Me? Faith-Building Stories of How the Bible Has Changed People's Lives
• Submissions Needed
• While most Christians have experienced comfort, encouragement, and instruction from God's Word, the editor of this new book is interested in specific instances where a particular Scripture verse/passage provided clear guidance, comfort, inspiration, conviction, humility, encouragement, etc.
• Contact: dhill@hilbilt.com -- put SUBMISSION in the subject line and include contact information (email address, physical address, and phone number) within your email.
• The story doesn't need to be in perfect form; editor will develop and edit as needed.
• Manuscript is in the proposal stage. No promise of remuneration.
• When the project is picked up by a publisher those chosen to participate will receive a copy of the book, a biographical paragraph within the book, and possibly a small honorarium.

Book Contributions -- When Your Babies Are Too Big to Rock L.O.V.E. Them

• Tentitive Title: When Your Babies Are Too Big to Rock L.O.V.E. Them: Helping Older and Adult Children Through Crises
• L.O.V.E. is an acrostic for Listen to their heart (without speaking your mind), Offer Advice Carefully, Verify the Truth of Who They Are in Christ, and Everything to God in Prayer--Share Carefully with Others.
• Author needs serious and humorous stories of parents and children who have successfully worked through these areas. Also needs stories of "what not to do" AND stories of parents who have had to "release" their child to the Lord's care because the child refuses to cooperate with given direction and help.
• Any of these can be from the parent's or the child's perspective.
• Names can be changed as needed.
• Stories may be edited for clarity or space, while retaining integrity of the story.
  There is no payment in this project, but each story that is accepted if this book goes to publication will receive a free copy.
• NO QUERY
• SEND COMPLETE STORY ASAP to: janet@janetbirkey.com

(Note: Above ops compliments of CLASS - http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=dtv47jbab.0.jdosz7n6.yfvmn9n6.1510&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.classervices.com)

Quarterly Journal - Reverent Submissions Journal

• New theme-based quarterly Journal, Reverent Submissions Journal, with Christian-focused articles in all genres.
• Inaugural issue (August) - Deadline June 20, 2005
• Next issue (November) - Deadline is September 29, 2005
• Check the following link for complete announcement and details about this new publication and opportunity for writers. http://wordsmithshoppe.com/revsubmission.htm

The 2005 Annual Rogers Communication Literary Non-fiction Contest

• September 30, 2005
• Winning entry will be published in the 2006 Winter Issue of PRISM international with an additional payment of $20 per printed page (in Canadian dollars or U.S. equivalent).
• Submit no more than 25 pages, typed (12 pt font), double-spaced, on letter-sized white paper.
• Entry fee is $27 for one manuscript of nonfiction, plus $7 for each additional manuscript.
• Once an entry is received, no revisions will be allowed, and entry fees become non-refundable.
• The winner will be notified by January 2006.
• http://prism.arts.ubc.ca/contests/rogers.htm

Southern Hum Fiction and Poetry Contest.

• Deadline: July 1, 2005
• Seeks writing that is uniquely southern and explores southern life, traditions, or just what it means to be southern, or the southern experience. However, please do not send genre writing, or writing that is stereotypical in its treatment towards the South. Do send writing that is fresh in its approach to the South.
• A writer does not have to be currently residing in the South, nor does the story have to be set in the south, but the writing should address some view(s) of the South or a southern experience. $250 prize in each category.
• Electronic entry OK.
• EMAIL: southern_hum@yahoo.com
  URL: http://www.southernhum.com/guidelines/

14th Annual Contest for a First Middle-Grade Novel

• Deadline: June 30, 2005.
• For US and Canadian writers who have not previously published a novel for middle-grade readers
• 96-160 manuscript pages.
• Contemporary or historical fiction set in North America, for readers age 9–12.
• Sponsored by Delacorte Dell Yearling.
• $1,500 in cash and a $7,500 advance against royalties, plus book contract (on the Publisher’s standard form) for a hardcover and a paperback edition.
• Delacorte Dell Yearling Contest, Random House, Inc., 1745 Broadway, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10019
• http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/writingcontests/

The Abilene Writers Guild's annual Writing Workshop and Contest

• October 22, 2005 -- luncheon and contest awards to follow
• Everyone is welcome to participate. Workshop speaker is Michelle Medlock Adams, prolific author in Children's Literature, Inspirational books, and Journalism. Writing contest has cash prizes in 9 categories.
• Manuscripts must be postmarked before August 1, 2005.
• For information visit www.abilenewritersguild.org

Six Week Email Classes from Wordsmith Writer

Here is a message from Peggy Phifer,

the editor of the Wordsmith Writer.

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

Something New!! Janice Thompson will be bringing us a course on "Getting Creative About Being Creative" in an email lesson format beginning Monday, July 11, 2005, and running for six weeks, ending the week of August 15th.

Here is the layout of Janice's Classes:
WEEK ONE: Building Your Writing House (with a thorough introduction to biblical creativity)
WEEK TWO: Sensory Writing
WEEK THREE: Personification
WEEK FOUR: Creative Characterization
WEEK FIVE: Field Trip Ideas for Creative Thinkers
WEEK SIX: Creatively Improving Your Writing Skills

Here's how it works: This is an interactive class. Each Monday of the course, Janice (or the current instructor) will send out the week's lesson and assignment. You will have the entire week to work on it, fully able to post questions throughout the week, and Janice will respond. The cost of this course is $15, payable through your PayPal account or online at PayPal using a credit card. This small fee will be for the entire course and will go to the support of Wordsmith Shoppe.

Each course will be conducted via email. There is no specific online time or location - all you need is a valid email address.

To register for the class send an email to: WSClass-subscribe@topica.com. Registration will be approved upon verification of your class fee.

Mark your calendars for July 11, and get your registration fee paid in plenty of time so there will be no delay in getting into the class when we begin. Click here to register now.

I am really excited about this new way to help writers. These courses will be a more "hands-on" class than we are able to cover in a one-hour chat. I sincerely hope you'll consider taking part. I'm looking for other classes to bring to you in the coming months.

Coming in September:
Authors should consider the very real benefits of creating a newsletter as a huge tool to help with their marketing strategy. I am working with Staci Stallings to bring this course to Wordsmith Shoppe. It would start -tentatively - in September and run for about eight weeks, ending in mid-to late November.

The Invisible Gorilla

OPINION PIECE
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

I came across a very interesting study on the internet today. Professor R. Wiseman filmed six teens passing basketballs to each other. Three were wearing white shirts and three were wearing black shirts. In an experiment, individuals watching the film were asked to count how many times those wearing white shirts passed the ball.

After the video was over, the individuals watching the video were asked if anything unusual occurred during the film. Hundreds were interviewed and they all said that nothing unusual happened. The strange part is that during the film a man in a gorilla suit walked across the stage, pounded his chest, and walked off the other side of the stage. Yet not one single person watching the video remembered seeing this happen - despite the fact that it was obvious to them when they watched the clip a second time. Many insisted that a different clip had been substituted for the original because they could not believe that they didn't see the gorilla the first time it was shown.

SO... WHY DIDN'T THEY SEE THE GORILLA?
Because those watching the film were focused on a single task - counting the number of passes made by the teens wearing white shirts.

HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO WRITING?
Tunnel vision occurs when a person tries too hard to make their point. Instead of opening their mind to a fresh approach or incorporating a new idea into an old theme, they focus only on what they previously decdied to present. The writer ignores the gorilla pounding his chest for attention because he never even sees it.

Writers need to look around for the unique approach, the unexpected angle and previously untold story. They need to turn tired old statements into a fresh new commentary. They need to seek lively quotes from unanticipated sources and surprise their reader with previously undiscovered details.

A writer does not need to accept the rest of the world's viewpoint, but they do need to acknowledge the existence and impact of the gorilla in their midst.

To see the film clip I described above, go to this site and click on the small green video dot (or arrow) under the film to start it moving.
http://viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/grafs/demos/15.html

NOTE: Professor Richard Wiseman has a first-class honors degree in Psychology from University College London, a doctorate from Edinburgh University, and was awarded the prestigious Perrott-Warrick Scholarship from Trinity College Cambridge

Press Release - Faith Travels

http://www.faith-travels.org/
Faith Travels is looking for Christian testimonies in prose or poetry from adults and children for its newest book.

300-2000 Words
All testimonies must be original
No compensation

Send to: Contribution@Faith-Travels.org

Today is "Eat Your Vegetables Day"

Today's writers must make their writing relevant to the reader. One way to do this is to connect your writing to current events. When you find a "wacky holdiay" that relates to your favorite subject you have a built in writing platform.

Today happens to be National Eat Your Vegetables Day! Since I write a column about chocolate -- and we all know that chocolate is really a vegetable -- I have an opportunity for a column, a short or even a feature story!
Sorry to say you already missed National Hollerin' Contest Day (June 16), National Juggling Day (June 13), National Applesauce Cake Day (June 4) and Natonal Yo-Yo Day (June 6). But don't panic until tomorrow (National Panic Day -- June 18).

I'm sure most of you know that this coming Sunday is Father's Day, but I'll venture to say that most of you don't know about these other June holidays:

REMAINING WACKY JUNE HOLIDAYS
18 Go Fishing Day
18 International Panic Day (OH NO... I forgot to buy my sister a card for this!!!!)
18 National Splurge Day (Oh yeah!! )
19 World Sauntering Day
20 Ice Cream Soda Day (Chocolate Sodas Anyone?)
21 Finally Summer Day (How many days until fall???)22 National Chocolate Eclair Day (Another chocolate story waiting to happen!!!)
23 National Pink Day (I'm going with fushia!)
24 Mid Summer Day
24 Swim a Lap Day (To wear off all those eclairs...)
25 Log Cabin Day
26 Beauticians's Day (Does your beutician know about this?)
26 National Forgiveness Day (This should be EVERY DAY. I see an article in this one! Do you?)
27 Paul Bunyon Day (Celebrate this in a "big" way.)
28 Insurance Awareness Day (Now who do you think invented this one!?!)
28 National Columnist's Day (Why not take a columnist to lunch??)
29 Camera Day
29 Waffle Iron Day (I know what I'm having for breakfast this morning. I think I'll put some chocolate chips in them -- to go with my latest article!)
30 Meteor Day

If you are the sort who can't stand for your holiday to end, you can revel in June's monthly celebrations of the following:

JUNE IS:

• Aquarium Month
• Candy Month
• Dairy Month
• Fight the Filthy Fly Month
• National Fresh Fruit and Vegtables Month
• Rose Month
• Trukey Lovers Month

For more Wacky Holidays go to: http://http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/index.htm

Now get WRITING!

"What I had to face, the very bitter lesson that everyone who wants to write has got to learn, was that a thing may in itself be the finest piece of writing one has ever done, and yet have absolutely no place in the manuscript one hopes to publish."
--Thomas Wolfe

Writing Op - Writers' Digest

The following was posted in the 6/14/05 Writers Digest online newsletter. For those of you who don't receive it, the magazine is interested in "spiritual" writers. See below:

--------------
YOUR TWO CENTS
We want to know what you think. Tell us about some of your favorite contemporary spiritual writers (authors who specialize in works dealing with faith). How does their writing affect you? We could feature your response in an upcoming WD special publication, Spiritual Writing. Please send your responses with "Spiritual Writers" in the subject line to writersdig@fwpubs.com.

NJCWG Picnic

NJCWG SUMMER PICNIC
Monday, June 27, 2005
NO MEETING THAT NIGHT
See previous post for details.
RSVP on or before 06/17/05

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS

A few members (with and without families) have signed up for our picnic. Tomorrow is the last day to let us know that you want to come. It looks like we're going to have a wonderful time! Don't be shy. Even you are one of our newer members I guarantee you will enjoy your self at this summer social event.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

PRESS RELEASE - A Reason to Write

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2005

NJCWG – A Reason to Write
The Conference that is Affordable, Informative and Writer Friendly

RINGWOOD, New Jersey – October 8, 2005 – The North Jersey Christian Writers’ Group (NJCWG) is sponsoring A REASON TO WRITE, a one-day Christian writers’ conference and workshop, on Saturday, October 8, 2005 from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM at the Ringwood Baptist Church, 30 Carletondale Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456.

We present a conference that is affordable, informative and writer friendly. Registration is only $30.00 per person and includes: a full day of classes, material packet, a variety of free publications and writers guidelines, access to the NJCWG Writers' Blog, a continental breakfast and a buffet luncheon. Our instructors and staff offer something for every level of expertise and experience. Are you toying with writing for publication? Do you want to hone your existing skills? Would you like to expand into new genres? If so, this is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss.

Louise Bergmann DuMont, facilitator of the NJCWG and Director of A REASON TO WRITE, is quoted as saying:

“Writers’ conferences are exciting and a vital part of every author’s game plan. With today’s busy schedules and tight finances, the NJCWG wants to offer the tri-state writers easy access to an affordable, informative and first-timer friendly inspirational conference. A staff of skilled speakers will present sessions for both aspiring writers and accomplished authors. We are looking forward to an excellent turn-out and hope individuals will register early to secure their place.”

SPEAKERS & STAFF:
Maude Carolan - Noted New Jersey poet and author. Maude facilitates the Paper, Pen & Praise ministry and publishes an inspirational poetry e-letter, "Searching For The One My Heart Loves." She is a three-time finalist in the national Allen Ginsberg Poetry Contest and her poems have appeared in numerous national publications.
Louise Bergmann DuMont - Author & Speaker whose recent titles include: Grace by the Cup: A Break From the Daily Grind & Faith-Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement to Sweeten Your Day.
Dr. Valeria Lovelace - Founder and president of Media Transformations and the lead advisor and curriculum creator of the popular preschool Dora the Explorer television series. She is also the former Vice-President of Sesame Street Research.
Kathryn Mackel - Acclaimed author of Can of Worms and other novels for middle readers (HarperCollins). She is a produced screenwriter (having worked for Disney, Fox, and Showtime) and is the credited screenwriter for Frank Peretti's Hangman's Curse. Her latest novel for adults, The Departed (WestBow Press) exposes the dark side of television mediums.
Rebeca Seitz - Founder and President of Glass Road Public Relations, Nashville, TN. As the first dedicated publicist for Thomas Nelson's fiction imprint, WestBow Press, Rebeca worked with such esteemed authors as Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, Robin Jones Gunn, Angela Hunt, Michael Morris, Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and many others.
Patrick O'Toole - Patrick is a published technical writer and a lifelong student of storytelling. First interested in writing in grade school, he is currently writing a feature length screenplay. Over the past 15 years, Patrick has taught Sessions on personal growth, the scriptures, computer programming and creative writing. He is a programmer by day to support his wife, stepdaughter, two dogs and two cats.
Julianne Weston - Jewelz (as she is known) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and has studied in various independent acting, writing and directing classes under some of the best in the business. She is a creative writer, playwright, director and stage producer and serves as the president of the Righteous Acts Drama Ministry. She is also the founder and president of Jewelz Weston Productions.

For more information, to receive a brochure or to register for the conference call our Registration Coordinator, Nancy Baker at 973-263-5529 or email Nancy at: flyingswan@optonline.net

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG & Director, A Reason To Write
PO Box 36
Ringwood, NJ 07456
551-427-3794
Web: www.louisedumont.com
Blog: www.njcwg.blogspot.com
Email: word.worker@verizon.net
###

Brilliant, Not Boring, Nonfiction

Brilliant, Not Boring, Nonfiction
Presented by Louise Bergmann DuMont
At the NJCWG – 6/13/05

PITCH A NEW IDEA
I am often asked where a person can get a handle on the up-and-coming trends. Here are a few ideas.
1. Attend the professional level sessions held at writers' conferences - sometimes called roundtable discussions. Here editors, publishers and agents discuss reader opinions, contracts, hot topics, new styles of writing, and convergence formats.
2. Read "Letters to the Editor" and find out what people are outraged about. They usually react to a development or new trend that they are uncomfortable with. Find out what it is and follow up on it.
3. Read specialty periodicals from time to time. The tighter the focus, the more alert the publication may be to moves and changes in their specific area.
4. Pick the brains of experts. If you go to the doctor or dentist or your family attorney, ask them about new developments in their field, radical changes, breakthrough products or recent seminars they've attended. (Sometimes they will overlap. A surgeon can tell you about the increase in plastic surgeries, and a lawyer can tell you about the increase in lawsuits against surgeons when promises of rejuvenation don't happened.)

PITCH AN OLD IDEA IN A NEW WAY
5. Again, roundtable discussions may alert you to new styles of writing and convergence formats.
6. Watch TV & Read the Headlines - if your agent won't look at another story about a young girl who wants an abortion against her parent's wishes, why not pick up on a story in the headlines to give the abortion issue a new slant. What about the peri-menopausal woman who gets an abortion against the wishes of her three grown children?

BE AN EXPERT
7. In what areas do you feel you have some expertise? People always want to read details not generalities. If you are an expert in something, there will be a depth and flavor to your writing that is not there for someone else.
8. "But I'm not an expert on anything!" If that is your lament, don't fret. You can become an expert your favorite subject by simply putting in a few study hours. Choose a topic that you love (note that coffee & chocolate are already taken). Purchase a few file folders and begin collecting articles, internet sites, and anything else connected with your topic. Join yahoo & google groups that share information about your topic. Speak up! Let others know that YOU know your stuff. Soon, individuals will be emailing you for more info about the topic and you can start a column, a blog or a website that will tout your expertise. Now you have a platform on which to speak, teach and write. Easy as sucking on a chocolate Popsicle!

WRITE TIGHT & SMART
9. I can't say this enough times… learn to write tight. Today's readers don't have the time to weed through long paragraphs. Get to the action or the point quickly.
10. Don't belittle your reader. It is true that repeating something helps the reader to remember it, but repetition does not have to be boring. When you must repeat your point, say it using different words, a new tone or a fresh anecdote.

WRITE CREATIVE NONFICTION
11. Use anecdotes and personal experiences to lead into an idea or to solidify your point. There is enough dry information in the world to fill the Grand Canyon ten times over. Make your manuscript different - make it interesting!

JULY 11 - NJCWG

JULY 11, 2004 - NO NJCWG MEETING
That week our church will be hosting their Serengti Safari (VBS).

NJCWG Picnic

Last year, numerous members requested that we make the NJCWG Picnic an annual event.

This year, only one person signed up to attend.

Deadline to RSVP - Friday, June 10, 2005

Annual NJCWG Summer Picnic!

DATE: Monday, June 27, 2005 (instead of our meeting)
TIME: 6:30 pm
Raindate: Wednesday, June, 29, 2005
PLACE: The Schermerhorn's, 402 Jersey Ave, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925 (Specific directions to their house will be given when you RSVP.)

THE WHOLE FAMILY IS INVITED
This is your family's chance to meet NJCWG members in a social setting.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
* We are asking each family to bring one generously proportioned side dish AND either chips or beverages.
* Val is cooking up hotdogs and hamburgers.
* If you like to swim, bring your swim suit. Val lives right on the lake.
* If your children are not strong swimmers, please bring the appropriate flotation devices.
* We are doing casual readings after dinner, so get started writing your piece now! Please do keep your reading to one page. Poetry, fiction, nonfiction ... whatever suits you. No assignment and no critiques - just fun.

RSVP REQUIRED
* You MUST RSVP to Louise Bergmann DuMont on or before Friday, 6/18/05
Email: word.worker@verizon.net or Call: 551-427-3794* At that time please let me know what dish you are bringing, whether you are bringing chips or beverages , how many adults will attend and how many children will attend (and their ages).

NJCWG - Next Meeting Tomorrow

NEXT MEETING
Monday, June 13, 2005
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson Time: Writing Brilliant, Not Boring, Nonfiction
8:00-9:00 - critiques

NOTE: We'll be meeting in a different room for this next meeting because the school's nursery school is having their "graduation." Go through the same large white double doors as usual. Instead of bearing left, simply go straight into the first classroom in the hallway. You'll see me in there.

2005 NJCWG - A Reason to Write Conference

The staff list for the 2005 NJCWG - A Reason To Write Conference has been finalized. If I do say so myself, it is a FANTASTIC staff!!!

Those who miss this event will regret not attending!

The closer we get to the conference date, the more information I'll be albe to share with you on the blog. Today I want to let know a little more about those gracious individuals who have offered to speak and teach at our conference. These are noted members of the writing community and they could easily garner substantial fees for their work. In the case of our conference, each speaker is not only donating their time and talent but some are traveling a substanital distances at their own expense.

Please join me in welcoming to our 2005 A Reason to Write staff (in alphabetical order):

Maude Carolan
Maude leads the Paper, Pen & Praise ministry at her congregation and publishes an inspirational poetry e-letter, "Searching For The One My Heart Loves." A three time finalist in the national Allen Ginsberg Poetry Contest, Maude's poems have appeared in "The Paterson Literary Review," "Sensations," "Lips," "The Pillar Monthly," and William W. Francis' book, "Celebrate the Feasts of Israel." She is currently working on a series of elegiac poems in memory of her husband.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Louise has written for numerous periodicals and is currently the author of two books Grace by the Cup: A Break from the Daily Grind (Revell) and Faith-Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement to Sweeten Your Day (Revell). Louise also facilitates the North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG) and includes among her many interests archeology, gifted/learning-disabled children and fiction/fantasy writing.

Valeria Lovelace, Ph.D.
Valeria Lovelace is the founder and president of Media Transformations, which specializes in the research and development of quality educational media for children, and the lead advisor and curriculum creator of the popular preschool Dora the Explorer television series. She is also the former Vice-President of Sesame Street Research.

Kathryn Mackel
Kathryn Mackel is the acclaimed author of Can of Worms and other novels for middle readers published HarperCollins. She is a produced screenwriter, having worked for Disney, Fox, and Showtime, and was the credited screenwriter for Frank Peretti's Hangman's Curse. Her latest novel for adults, The Departed (WestBow Press) exposes the dark side of television mediums.

Patrick O'Toole
Patrick is a published technical writer and a lifelong student of storytelling. First interested in writing in grade school, he is currently writing a feature length screenplay. Over the past 15 years, Patrick has taught Sessions on personal growth, the scriptures, computer programming and creative writing. He is a programmer by day to support his wife, stepdaughter, two dogs and two cats.

Rebeca Seitz
Rebeca Seitz specializes in publicizing works of fiction told from a Christian worldview. As the first dedicated publicist for Thomas Nelson's fiction imprint, WestBow Press, Rebeca worked with such esteemed authors as Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, Robin Jones Gunn, Angela Hunt, Michael Morris, Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and many others. She recently resigned from WestBow to focus full-time on her freelance publicity firm, Glass Road Public Relations. You can learn more at www.GlassRoadPR.com.

Juliann Weston
Juliann Weston comes to you via the shores of Asbury Park, NJ. She is a graduate of William Paterson University with Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts and has studied in various independent acting, writing and directing classes. She is a creative writer, playwright, director and stage producer and serves as the president of the Righteous Acts Drama Ministry and is the founder and head of Jewelz Weston Productions.

Writing Op - God Size Stories

Has God done something extraordinary in your life, or in the life of someone you know?

Story Guidelines from God Size Story Website
Guidelines Link: http://www.godsize.com/StoryGuidelines.aspx

Most of our success is due to writers like you who share the wonderful stories of God's work in their lives.

We hope you are basking in God's goodness and having a bunch of Godsize stories that you just dont know what to do with. Anyone of any age is welcome to submit thier Godsize story.

Ingredients for A Great Godsize Story

Godsize stories are true stories that have a beginning, middle and an ending. Quite often they close with a punch, creating emotion rather than simply talking about it. Godsize stories have that extra that makes us all feel more hopeful, more connected, more thankful, more passionate and better about life with God and others. It is a story that causes tears, laughter, goose bumps or any combination of these. A good Godsize story covers the range of human emotions.

Godsize stories are inspirational, true stories about God's intervention in the lives of ordinary people. These stories touch the souls of the readers and inspire them to trust and believe in the goodness and greatness of God for themselves. Godsize stories are personal and often filled with emotion, drama, and vivid images. They are filled with vivid images created by using the five senses. In some stories, the readers feel that they are actually in the scene with the people.

What makes Godsize stories different than Chicken Soup stories? Godsize Stories are about situations in which God intervenes. They are about God doing extraordinary things in the lives of ordinary people, not just about people doing extraordinary things. If your story is not about God's intervention, it may not fit our books. We are looking for stories filled with drama and emotion that move hearts and build faith in a God that does amazing things.

Writing Op - Weavings

WEAVINGS of Upper Room
http://www.upperroom.org/weavings/guidelines.asp

This journal is for clergy, lay leaders, and all thoughtful seekers who want to deepen their understanding of, and response to, how God's life and human lives are being woven together in the world. The journal seeks to move beyond the dichotomy between pulpit and pew by probing the depths of the spiritual life in ordinary language common to both clergy and laity.

Taken from their writers guidelines:
"Weavings is neither a popular devotional guide nor a technical scholarly journal. We are looking for material that has spiritual depth expressed in simple, even poetic, prose. We hope authors will show our readers the subject rather than simply describe or explain it. That is to say, we encourage authors to offer readers an experience of the subject itself. For example, we would hope that an article on prayer would be prayerful in style, and that readers would be likely to experience reading this article as a prayerful event. Reading the article might even lead a reader into a time of prayer. We seek material for Weavings that is meditative in tone, drawing on the rich metaphors of scripture and everyday life to help readers see and respond to God at work in their lives and in the world."

For more details, check out the link to their guidelines.