NJCWG - Reminder

~The NJCWG~

NO meeting on 7/11/05 due to the church's VBS using the facility

NEXT MEETING - 7/25/05

Writing Op - Cornerstone

Cornerstone is looking for manuscripts!

FICTION
We accept book-length fiction and short stories. A Christian message is not necessary, but it should reflect a Christian worldview, and have a point. No sex scenes. We are looking for a good story, not a good sermon. We are also looking for literary fiction more than popular fiction. We have not published much fiction but are presently looking for insightful, compelling writing. Both adult fiction and children¹s fiction are welcome.

NONFICTION
We are looking for well-documented nonfiction which addresses relevant social issues or ministry issues.

`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`

MAKE SURE you go to their web site and read all the way through their submission guidelines before doing anything. And please... FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES when you send in your proposal. Otherwise, you might as well toss your stuff straight into the trash, saving postage and avoiding the middleman (since that's probably what they'll do to stuff that doesn't fit what they're looking for).

Go to http://www.cornerstonepress.com/info/writers.html

Writing Op - website content

From one of our newest members, Pat Russo

We're looking for someone to plan and write Web content for the Wells Fargo Home Mortgage public Web site (my day job). Should be someone who is a strong writer and familiar with Web development. There's no coding involved; only writing. Any financial services or mortgage background is a plus. This person will work closely with marketing and various lines of business.

Apply for the position on Monster.com HYPERLINK
http://jobsearch.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=31104792&AVSDM=2005%2D06%2D15+18%3A29%3A04&Logo=1&cn=wells+fargo&lid=532&lid=534&sort=rv&vw=b&cy=US&brd=1,128,1862,1863

Picnic Update

Although rain forced us indoors, "a good time was had by all" pretty much sums up the annual NJCWG picnic. The food was amazing! Have you ever tried a Spinach Salad with Strawberries or Potato Salad with no mayonnaise? Yum. My veggie platter (a Stop and Shop speical) just didn't seem equitable.

Our readings brought on everything from belly laughs to tears. The group read out some of their best work ever. I was pleased to hear two published pieces by Clare Cartagena and Lisa Ramadan -- both read from the same anthology! The NJCWG was well represented there. Please note that these authors found that market through a listing on THIS BLOG!

Our next NJCWG social event will be our Christmas party (December 12, 2005). If you missed the picnic, you have no excuse to miss our Christmas event. Get it on your calendar today!

God Bless,
Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

***PICNIC IS STILL ON***

NJCWG - today's picnic will be ON no matter what the weather. Any quesitons, give me a call.

Louise

NJCWG Message

FOR THE NJCWG

NO MEETING TONIGHT AT THE CHURCH and despite the threat of a possible shower, the NJCWG Picnic is ON. Hope to see you there.

If anyone gets lost or needs directions, call me on my cell OR call Val's house.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG

Forwarded from the editor of YouthWorker Journal:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theme List for the January/February 2006 Issue - TRUTH

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

• What do we know to be true, and how do we know it?
• What are the different ways in which truth can be known?
• How do worldview and context play into the way we perceive truth?
• Is all truth from God? Does it all hold the same authority?
• What is the nature of truth and what can be known?
• Which ministerial realities will never change, and what things should we hold more lightly?

If you have article ideas on this theme, write January/February 2006 Proposal in the e-mail subject field, and send an outline and opening paragraph within the e-mail body by August 15, 2005 to proposals@youthworker.com. You'll receive a reply no later than December 1, 2005.

To improve the chances of being published, we encourage you to check out our writer's guidelines at www.youthworker.com/writers_guidelines.php

Writing Op - MORE Cup of Comfort

Cup of Comfort
Writers' Guidelines: http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm
Do you have the next Cup of Comfort story brewing in your life???

• Adoptive Families
• Animal Lovers
• Bereaved
• Blended Families
• Fathers and Daughters
• Midlife Women
• Parents of Children with ADHD
• Seniors
• Singles
• Working Moms

Writing Op - Cup of Comfort

A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Autism New!

A child's diagnosis of autism usually strikes fear in the hearts of parents—and often turns their world upside-down and their lives inside-out. The incidence of this mysterious neurobiological disorder has risen dramatically in recent years, leaving parents in search of answers, support, and hope. For this collection of 50 inspiring stories, we seek personal anecdotal stories (not prescriptive articles) about the unique aspects of parenting a child with autism and related disorders will provide parents of children with autism and related disorders (Asperger syndrome, Rett's disorder, disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder). Possible themes include, but are not limited to: impact on other members of family; creative solutions to everyday challenges; breakthroughs; effective treatments; silver linings; tender moments; helpful support; unexpected positive outcomes; blessings large and small; reasons for hope; adult children with autism. We are most interested in stories written by parents, but will also consider and likely publish some stories written by professionals and family members or friends with intimate knowledge of the child and parents in question.

Submission Deadline: October 1, 2005
Finalist Selection Deadline: January 1, 2006

For complete guidelines go to: http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm

Note : Submissions are reviewed throughout the submission period; early entry is encouraged. Deadlines are sometimes extended.

Wikipedia

This post is to let you know about a great website for author info - it is called Wikipedia. This online resource can be a valuable tool. If you are looking for historical information you simply type in the date that you need and Wikipedia will give you information about events that took place, individuals who were born or died that year... even the price of eggs if that is what you want.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this site allows anyone to edit entries at any time and for any reason, whether or not they are qualified, entries should be taken with a grain of salt and ALWAYS double-checked against a more reputable site.
That said, I still think this is a great place to start your research.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

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