Free Flash Drives for NJCWG Members

NJCWG members who come to Monday's Meeting (11/14/05) will get a small bonus-gift. I recently received about a dozen flash drives (small computer memory-store cards) that can be attached to your key chain. The memory isn't huge but hey, its free right? The first to arrive at the meeting will be the lucky receipients.

See you Monday!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Monday - NJCWG Meeting

Authors, Brandily Collins and Louise Bergmann DuMont

Monday, November 14, 2005
NJCWG Meeting

6:15-7:00 Chat Time
7:00-8:00 Lesson
We will also be reviewing some of what happened at the Glorieta Conference (be prepared for a VERY interesting time) and we'll discuss what you can do to prepare for one of the big conferences -- and publication.
8:00-9:00 Critiques

Up Coming Meetings & Events
2005
November
Meetings
11/14/05
11/28/05
December
12/12 - Christmas Party - More Info to Come
12/26 - NO MEETING - Holiday Break

2006
January
1/9
1/23
February
2/13
2/27
March
2/13 - NO MEETING - Louise at Mentor Clinic
2/27

Researching Your Nonfiction Article for Children

The Spirit Led Writer has an excellent article on researching your nonfiction article for children by Mary Ann L. Diorio, Ph.D.
http://spiritledwriter.com/aug2005/research.htm

Comfort Café, a new online magazine devoted entirely to women, is looking for stories of God's comfort and provision in the midst of suffering or trials. Specifically, we are looking for stories on the following topics: addiction, abuse, depression, abortion, chronic illness, alcoholism, death, divorce, loss of a child, and disability. Additional topics will also be considered. A Comfort Café story should offer hope, help, and healing, allowing readers to see, and experience, the reality of God's love and provision in our lives. Along with your story, please include one or two resources where readers can find practical help, including books, Web sites, and other ministries.

Please visit http://www.comfortcafe.net before submitting your story.

Manuscripts should be 800-1,200 words and written in first-person narrative. Please include a short bio (100 words or less). We request one-time, electronic rights only. Send manuscripts electronically to mary@comfortcafe.net.

We are unable to pay for submissions at this time. However, your byline, along with a short bio and a link to your site will be posted.

Thank you.
Mary J. Yerkes

Average Length of Fiction

Here are some approximate guidelines for story lengths.

Micro-Fiction
up to 100 words
This is a very abbreviated story. It is difficult to write, and even harder to write well, but the markets for micro fiction are becoming increasingly popular in recent times.

Flash Fiction
100 - 1,000 words
This is the type of short-short story you would expect to find in a glossy magazine, often used to fill one page of quick romance or quick humor.

Short Story
1,000 - 7,500 words
This is the 'regular' short story.It is usually found in periodicals or anthology collections.

Novellette
7,500 - 20,000 words
Often a novellette is difficult to sell. It is too long for most publishers to in a magazine, yet too short for a novel. Generally, authors will piece together three or four novellette-length works into a compilation novel. Popular for Christmas stories.

Novella
20,000 - 50,000 words
Too short for most print publishers but almost perfect for the electronic publishing. The online audience doesn't have the time or the patience to sit through a 100,000 word novel. Also acceptable length for a short work of non-fiction.

Novel
50,000 -110,000
Most print publishers prefer around 70,000 words for a first novel. Any piece of fiction climbing over the 110,000 word mark tends to give editors some pause. They need to be sure they can produce a product that won't over-extend their budget. They also know that the market now has a short attention span.

Epics and Sequels
Over 110,000 words
If you are a first time author, don’t even think about this length. Consider where you could either condense the story to only include relevant details, or lengthen it create a sequel, or even a trilogy.

Writing Op - Anthologies

June Cotner, author of GRACES and BEDSIDE PRAYERS, is seeking prayers and poems for two Christian anthologies to be published by Warner Faith, a division of Warner Books. The first book is Miracles of Motherhood: Prayers and Poems for a New Mother. Chapters include Pregnancy, Birth, New Babies, Babyhood, Toddlerhood, Christenings, Reflections, and Inspiration. The purpose of the book is to provide insight, joy, and support for new moms. The second book is To Have and to Hold: Prayers, Poems, and Blessings for Newlyweds. Chapters include: Prayers, Blessings, and Toasts (including pieces that could be used at a wedding); Daily Life, Expectations, Romance, Intimacy, Reflections, and Inspiration. The purpose of the book is to provide newlyweds with an uplifting, enriching, and joyful reading experience that will celebrate the beginning of their lifetime journey.

Terms: $25 + one complimentary copy of the book for each selection published for nonexclusive rights.
Short prose pieces can be submitted; reprints are OK.
Submission date closes December 15, 2005.
More details at: www.JuneCotner.com

November is National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month -- www.nanowrimo.com - which essentially challenges one to write a 50,000 novel in 30 days, from November 1 to November 30. Watch Peg Phifer's progress (http://www.wordsmithshoppe.com/) on her home page. She's even placed a word-o-meter there to chart her daily count.

Writing Op - His Forever

Call for Stories! How did you become a Christian? Share your story! James Stuart Bell, editor and compiler of several Cup of Comfort titles, has developed the idea for a new book with Adams Media. Adams Media, publisher of the Everything series and the Cup of Comfort and Small Miracles titles, is compiling an anthology of about 50 stories for a new book, His Forever: Real People Coming to Jesus.

Every born-again Christian has a conversion story, but yours is unique. You’ve probably shared it dozens of times before, but maybe you’ve never written it down. Here is the perfect opportunity! Write a story 1,000–2,000 words long telling of the moment when you surrendered your life to Jesus. If your story is published, not only will you receive a $50 prize, but you will also share your testimony with hundreds of readers, inspiring them, encouraging them, reaffirming their faith, and bringing them closer to Jesus.

For full submission guidelines, writing tips, and terms and conditions, visit our Web site, www.adamsmedia.com, and click on Call for Stories. Submit your story by e-mail to HisForeverStory@yahoo.com (include your name, mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, story word count, and story title). The special extended deadline for submissions is December 5, 2005.

Writing Op - Women

From Women Speak
We at Women Speak are currently looking for Women Inspirational Writers to share their stories with others. Please visit our website at http://www.womenspeak.net. Please pass this information to other women in your writing groups. Thanks and God Bless, Antionette, 404-513-8995, RichmondCWW@aol.com.

Contest - Poetry - Writer's Digest

Writer's Digest Poetry Awards. We’re pleased to announce the only Writer’s Digest competition exclusively for poets! Regardless of style—rhyming, free verse, haiku and more—if your poems are 32 lines or fewer, we want them all.
Entry Deadline: Tuesday, December 20, 2005.
Prizes
First Place: $500; Second Place: $250; Third Place: $100; Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25; Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer's Digest Books.
Complete rules: http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/poetry/index.asp

Upcoming Writers' Conferences

Florida Christian Writers Conference, Christian Retreat Conference Center, Bradenton, FL. March 2-5, 2006

The 2006 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, SOLD OUT!

The 2006 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, April 7-11, 2006, Mt. Hermon, CA. (near San Jose)

The Susquehanna Valley Writers Workshop, near Selinsgrove, PA, Saturday, April 8, 2006

The 2006 ASJA Writers Conference, Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York, NY. April 28-30, 2006.

Cecil Murphey, One Day Writers' Conference, Ringwood, NJ, Cecil Murphey, May 13, 2006

The Colorado Christian Writers Conference, May 17-20, 2006. Estes Park, CO.

2006 Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, May 21-26, 2006. Ridgecrest, NC. (near Asheville)

Write! Canada, Guelph, Ontario. June 15-17, 2006

Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, Date to be determined (usually August), Philadelphia. PA.

5th Annual ACFW Conference, September 21-24, 2006. Dallas, TX.

Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference & Retreat: October 1-5, 2006, North East, MD.

Glorieta - More!

Photo taken by Louise Bergmann DuMont
at the Glorieta Conference Center,
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Still soaring from my great experience at the Glorieta Christian Writers' Conference. I've posted a number of photos and some commentary on my website. Here is a direct link. http://www.louisedumont.com/glorieta.html

I'm looking forward to shareing more with everyone at the next meeting.
(Monday, November 14)

Louise Bermann DuMont
NJCWG Facilitator

Glorieta - Maude's Story

GLORIETA...Maude's Story:

Louise Bergmann DuMont, Ann Lefevre and I spent an exciting, yet intense week high in the mountains of New Mexico with several hundred like-minded people, giving glory to God, pitching writing projects and learning to hone our craft. We had opportunities to network with writers of every genre, publishers, editors and agents. At the conclusion of the conference the three of us spent a few hours in Santa Fe, admiring the earthy adobe-like structures, enjoying spicy South-Western food, and exploring little shops that enticed us with their wares: turquoise, exquisite hand-made leather boots, Indian pottery, terra cotta folk-art storytellers, etc.

I wish I could tell you that an enthusiastic publisher snapped up my poetry manuscript and offered me a contract on the spot, but that didn't happen. Publisher after publisher said "no" to poetry. Some offered a few alternative suggestions, which I'll keep in mind. One young publisher did ask for my query letter and promised to get back to me after Christmas, so there is a faint glimmer of hope on the horizon. In the meantime, my next step will be to prayerfully send queries to publishers listed in the market guide. I know God has a plan.

A DIVINE APPOINTMENT:

During the conference, Heather Gemmen, author of "Startling Beauty," had the opportunity to share her testimony during one of the general sessions. It was the story of a young woman who became pregnant as the result of rape. She bore the child and she and her husband decided to raise her. Ten years later the marriage ended in divorce. Heather's story was one of anger, brokenness, healing and restoration. Heather eventually married again, this time to a man who loves her more than she has ever been loved. At the conclusion of the message she told us she had been injured as a child in an automobile accident. The car caught fire. She was burned, scarred and lost two fingers of her right hand. But God even worked something beautiful out of that. The next thing the author did was to leave the microphone, walk to the grand piano, sit down and play a beautiful contemporary hymn. Deeply moved, I bought her novel to read on the plane on the way home. This was highly unusual because since becoming Born Again, twenty-six years ago, I have not read a novel. Instead, I read my Bible, books about Christian living, poetry and books about poetry.

Well, aboard the plane, a very attractive woman, bound for her home in Germany, sat beside me. Surprisingly, we began to chat like close friends. A few minutes into the conversation she confided that she had been raped. I told her I had purchased a book for myself at Glorieta, but that it was absolutely clear that God had me buy it for her. I reached into my carry-on, pulled out the book and gave it to her. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She talked about her life, and diverse New Age experiences, such as sweat lodge, drumming and mountain-peak encounters with spirits of deceased loved ones. I, in turn, shared my story and personal awesome experiences that have resulted from walking closely with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She said she could see I am happy, even though I, too, went through painful circumstances. My countenance was radiant, she said, with a faith that obviously works for me. My new friend asked me to write something personal in the book and to include a prayer for her, which I was glad to do. When the plane landed we hugged each other warmly and promised to keep in touch.

Maude Carolan

Writing Op - Women Speak

Women Speak is currently looking for Women Inspirational Writers to share their stories with others. Visit their website at www.womenspeak.net and pass this information to other women in your writing group.
You can Contact: Antionette at 404-513-8995

Glorieta-After

Glorieta Christian Writers' Conference
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Many of the NJCWG members have already contacted me asking how my trip to New Mexico went. The answer is, well, it was -- WOW!!

Having Maude & Ann as roommates was terrific. There is nothing like sharing a great experience with good friends.

The confernece itself was everything I hoped for... and more. Some authors were teaching, others simply attended classes, and many who were on staff took advantage of the classes during their their off times. We were just one big happy family

For my comprehensive classes I took the fiction track. Angela Hunt (author of over 70 novels) taught these classes. I learned SO much. She made each class not only understandable but fun. What a blessing. Of course I bought the recorded CD's of the sessions so we'll be listening it during our NJCWG classes at some point. I also managed to buy about a dozen other classes (sigh). It seemed that when I took a class I just couldn't part with it so I HAD to take it with me!

If the classes were the only good thing about Glorieta it would have been enough ... but there was so much more. The worship was amazing. The presense of God filled that place with every lifted hand. The devotions each morning and each evening were done by noted authors and each person made their time on stage into an offering to God. I bought a number of those CD's as well. James Scott Bell, NYTimes best selling author and columnist for Writers Digest, (http://www.jamesscottbell.com/index.html) was one of those who spoke to us through a devotional. He's one amazing man. Brandilyn Collins (http://www.brandilyncollins.com/) was there as were the Cheetah Chicks, Tonya & Nancy (http://tonyanancy.blogspot.com/). Now there are some girls who know how to have fun! Kathy Pride (http://www.tapestryministry.com/) a new author that is really going places fast was such a blessing to me. You must check out her website! Nancy Anderson (she was on the Montel Willimas show) was an other author who just blew me away (http://nancycanderson.com/) with her genuine love, amazing message and heart for new authors. I don't want to leave the guys out of my list. John Thuman (http://www.lifewaylink.com/templates/con14gl/default.asp?id=26963) was a great influence on me this past week. We had a number of opportunites to talk and he and I shared coffee at the Chuck Wagon the evening that The Writers View met for a photo op. Oh! I almost forgot! I had a few nice chats, up-close and personal, with my agent, Janet Kobobel Grant (http://www.janetgrant.com/index.html). That was really special. She's a West Coast agent and I'm an East Coast author. She's been my agent for a few years but this is only the second time we've met in person!

Now I haven't even gotten to tell you about all the editors, publishers, and up and coming authors I met. It was a week I will not soon forget. LOTS of details will be forthcoming at our next NJCWG meeting. You won't want to miss it -- Monday, November 14!!!

Lots of pictures will be on the blog soon too. Just keep checking it out!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
Facilitator, NJCWG

Glorieta-Before

Glorieta Conference Center, 20 miles east of Santa Fe

Hi! Louise here...
I will be leaving for the Glorieta writers' conference in New Mexico early tomorrow morning. This blog will likely not have any new content until after I return (early in November). Please be patient and check back at that time. Hope to see many of you at the next meeting of the NJCWG on 11/14/05.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com
www.louisedumont.com

Writing Op - Apples of Gold

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Peg Phifer of Word Smith Writer
http://wordsmithshoppe.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Apples of Gold - Pictures of Silver

Word Smith Writer is accepting submissions for this new feature. Devotionals, reflections, prayers, food for thought...limited only by your heart to share. If it is writing-related, great! But it does not have to be. However, it must be non-controversial and Biblically sound. It can be thought-provoking, a gentle "warm fuzzy," "slice-of-life" observations...even a short Bible study.

Quoted Scripture must show book, chapter and verse, and reflect the version cited: i.e. [KJV] [NKJV] [NIV] [LB] [AMP] [MSG] etc.

Strictly limited to 200 words maximum, excluding title and byline. Your name only will be shown. If you have a website you wish to link, it will be embedded in your name. It may seem strange, but it has happened...anonymous submissions will be rejected.

Submission must be sent in the body of an email. Attachments will not be opened. All submissions will be considered, but only those selected will be acknowledged. These will be notified in advance to being featured in The Wordsmith Writer.

This is a non-paying market at the present time, but, God willing, I hope that will soon change.
To submit, go to: words@wordsmithshoppe.com

NJCWG Meeting - Tonight

Some members at a recent meeting of the
North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG)

MEETING - TONIGHT
Monday, October 24, 2005
6:15-7:00 pm - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 pm - Lesson
Our lesson-time tonight will take a different direction. I'd like input from those of you who attend the NJCWG - A Reason to Write Conference. I'd also like to share with you some of the things that Maude, Ann & I have done to prepare for the Glorieta conference (I leave Wed-10/26 and return Mon-10/31).
8:00-9:00 pm - Critques

Up Coming Meetings & Events
2005
November
Meetings
11/14/05
11/28/05
December
12/12 - Christmas Party - More Info to Come
12/26 - NO MEETING - Holiday Break

2006
January
1/9
1/23
February
2/13
2/27
March
2/13 - NO MEETING - Louise at Mentor Clinic
2/27

Industry News

Seems there is a LOT of movement within the CBA lately--and more to come. When one editor moves, a ripple effect takes place. Others move to fill the empty spots and it keeps going until newcomers are pulled in and things quiet down. For now, here are the hotspots:

--Gary Terashita left Broadman & Holman for Warner Faith. His B&H position remains open.
--Anne Goldsmith left Tyndale for Warner Faith. Her Tyndale position remains open.
--Jeff Gerke left Realms and Siloam (Strang Communications) for NavPress.
--Linda Holland filled Jeff Gerke's position at Strang Communications.
--The editorial department of Zonderkidz was disbanded, with Amy DeVries being shifted to the Bible division (I'm assuming to work on children's Bibles), Robin Crouch was released, and Bruce Neffer continues to produce Zonderkidz books.
--Tom Dean has been moved into marketing from Inspirio, the gift book imprint for Zondervan. His editorial position remains open.
--Jenny Baumgartner has left Westbow. Her position remains open.
--Barb Sherrill at Harvest House shifted to marketing director from editorial director. The editorial position remains open.

Next Meeting - NJCWG

Some members at a recent meeting of the
North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG)

NEXT MEETING
Monday, October 24, 2005
6:15-7:00 pm - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 pm - Lesson
8:00-9:00 pm - Critques

2005
November
Meetings
11/14/05
11/28/05
December
12/12 - Christmas Party - More Info to Come
12/26 - NO MEETING - Holiday Break

2006
January
1/9
1/23
February
2/13
2/27
March
2/13 - NO MEETING - Louise at Mentor Clinic
2/27