Congratulations

NJCWG member, Lisa Ramadan, took advantage of one of the writing opportunities that are posted on this blog. This past week she was notified that one of her stories is being including in The WordSmith Shoppe's Winter Writerland project. Congrats Lisa!

Narnia Movie Review

NJCWG member, Karen Flores, was priveleged to participate in the pre-viewing of "Narnia" this past weekend and she's written a review of the movie. Follow the link and read for yourself what this movie is all about.

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony

Meeting Tonight - Lesson-Plot Structure

The last official NJCWG meeting for 2005 is tonight !!!

Monday, November 21, 2005
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

LESSON
Tonight I will start lessons (contined in 2006) on story structure and plotting. We will use Angela Hunt's Story Skeleton as our base. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, you won't want to miss these classes.

NJCWG Christmas Party

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS

Topic of our Christmas Writing Event -- Snow.
Rules: You must incorporate the words Winter and/or Snow in your manuscript. It may only be one page long (single spaced). We read our pieces outloud at the Christmas party. No critques -- only an evening of fun.

AN OFFICIAL RSVP IS NECESSARY.

Place: Il Palazo, 600 Ringwood Ave, Wanaque, NJ
Date: Monday, December 12, 2005
Time: 6:00 pm
Cost: $30.00 per person - for a wonderful buffet

I must get a headcount of those who will attend our Christmas Party. I am NOT sending out individual invitations. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our regular meeting.

You must call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending. So far only TWO persons who emailed me.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Blessed Thanksgiving

I want to wish each of you a blessed Thanksgiving. I am thankful for so many things -- among them: the NJCWG, the many Christian writers I've come to know and the many readers who share their love for my writing.

After you celebrate this holiday of thanks, remember to jot down your experiences and your thoughts. This is also a great opportunity to share your faith with friends and family. Let them know who it is you thank for your blessings and who you depend on when things get you down.

I am also going to my readers a favor. While many of us look forward to spending holidays with family and friends there are those, who not by choice, spend this time alone or in situations not of their choosing. Foster kids are separated from parents who can't properly care for them, relatives fear for those serving overseas and single parents fret over a limited income and security for their children. Then there are incarcerated inmates, the homeless, those in hospitals & nursing homes and the mentally ill. Let us not forget these and others who don't share a picturesque holiday when we pray.

Take this one step further. Make a phone call to the widow or single mom in your church. Send a note of encouragement to your great-aunt or your grandfather who lives alone. Make a commitment to serve food at a soup kitchen -- not on Thanksgiving -- but during the summer months when they are short staffed or in the cold winter months when others conveniently forget the needs of those less fortunate.

I pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving -- but I also ask you to go out and bless someone else with what our Lord has blessed you.

NOTE: I will not be posting for the next few days but please feel free to drop me an email if you plan to attend the NJCWG Christmas Party (Dec 12).

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Contest, Fiction - Highlights Magazine

WRITING CONTEST

Highlights for Children is sponsoring its 27th Annual Fiction Contest. Entries should explore the true spirit of holiday celebrations. All entries must be postmarked between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2006. Three prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded. Entrants must be at least 16 years old. Stories may be any length up to 800 words. Stories for beginning readers should not exceed 500 words. Work from both published and unpublished authors is welcome, though submissions must be previously unpublished. The three winning entries will be announced in June 2006 and will be published by Highlights.

For more information, visit the contest Web site:
http://www.highlights.com/custserv/customerservicecontent2main.jsp?iContentID=1584&iCategoryID=203&CCNavIDs=3,203

Quotable Quotes

A story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way, and it takes every word in the story to say what the meaning is.
~Flannery O'Connor



In short stories, it is better to say not enough than to say too much, because I don't know why!
~ Chekhov in 1888

NJCWG Members -- Christmas Party

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS

Topic of our Christmas Writing Event -- Snow.
Rules: You must incorporate the words Winter and/or Snow in your manuscript. It may only be one page long (single spaced). We read our pieces outloud at the Christmas party. No critques -- only an evening of fun.

AN OFFICIAL RSVP IS NECESSARY. So far, only Maude Carolan and Ann Crediford have responded. Everyone is welcome.

Place: Il Palazo, 600 Ringwood Ave, Wanaque, NJ
Date: Monday, December 12, 2005
Time: 6:00 pm
Cost: $30.00 per person - for a wonderful buffet

I must get a headcount of those who will attend our Christmas Party. I am NOT sending out individual invitations. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our regular meeting.

You must call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending. So far only TWO persons who emailed me.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Market News

‘NARNIA’ NEWS. In collaboration with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media) film release Dec. 9, Just Read, Florida! is implementing a statewide event featuring grade-level-specific contests to promote literacy among public, private, and homeschool grades 3-12. The Orlando Sentinel reported Disney-MGM Studios announced a Dec. 9 opening of a new attraction called “Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The 15-minute walk-through attraction begins with visitors stepping into a giant wardrobe for a behind-the-scenes look at the film.

ECPA CHANGES GOLD MEDALLION AWARDS. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Assoc. announced its Gold Medallion awards program will change radically, cutting award categories from 20 to six, dropping one of two judging rounds, rating books differently, and awarding the top-rated title the Jordon Book of the Year award. An awards name change will be announced early in 2006.

CBA’S NOVEMBER CHRISTIAN MARKETPLACE LISTS ONLINE. The new November best-seller and category top-seller lists—based on September sales—are now online at http://www.cbaonline.org/TrackingLists/BSLHome.js

NELSON LAUNCHES NCV BIBLE FOR GEN XY. Nelson Bibles (Nelson) will launch a major promotion of the newly revised New Century Version Bible translation to 18- to 34-year-olds. Plans include a Web site, www.myfaithandlife.com, nline promotions, innovative products, and a series of public service announcements created in partnership with the Bible League airing on TV and radio stations in early 2006. In February, the first full-length NCV audio Bible will release.

Writing Op - Lion, Witch & Wardrobe Articles for CBN.COM

CBN.com is looking for submissions for a soon-to-be- released 'Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe' section. We are looking for articles, book excerpts, or interviews. All submissions should be between 750 to 1000 words -- though some excerpts or interviews can be divided into parts if they are longer.
All submissions should be as text documents (Word or the equivalent) and they should be sent via e-mail to Craig von Buseck -- craig.vonbuseck@cbn.org.
Please call Craig with any questions at (757) 226-3557.

Contest - Glimmer Train

Glimmer Train's Winter Fiction Open.
Deadline: January 15, 2006

Open to all writers, all themes, subjects, and lengths. Your entries must be your own, original, entirely unpublished stories. Multiple entries are okay, but, please, no simultaneous submissions.

First-place winner receives $2,000, publication in Glimmer Train Stories, and 20 copies of the issue in which it is published.
Second- and third-place winners receive $1,000/$600, respectively, and acknowledgement in that issue.

To submit your stories, go to our site, www.glimmertrainpress.org, log in, and click on FICTION OPEN.
Entry Fee (payable by VISA or MC) is $15 per story.
Entries will be accepted through January 15th. Winners will be called by April 10th. Top 25 list will be emailed to all participants by that date. Please let your email provider (ISP) know that you want emails from glimmertrainpress.com and glimmertrain.com so we can reach you.

Susan and Linda

Contest - Poetry - The Country Mouse

The Country Mouse Contest, - for Poetry. Deadline: November 30, 2005
50 lines or less, though there are no restrictions on theme or style.
$500, 1st Prize; $250 2nd prize, $100, 3rd.
Accepts electronic entry.
Mailto:submissions@poetrycmouse.com
http://www.poetrycmouse.com/contest.html

Vista Print- FREE Business Cards

Vist print is once again offering FREE business cards.
http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/studio.aspx?icparts=yes&cfs=-1&pf_id=064&combo_id=4383&combo1=1025.92.2.11287112871370&gallery_id=53&category_id=46660&GP=11/21/2005%2011:36:53%20AM

They are also offering 75% off their premium business cards
http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/gallery.aspx?g=9&category_id=0&page_ref=1

NJCWG Christmas Party

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS
I must get a headcount of those who will attend our NJCWG Christmas Party. I am NOT sending out individual invitations this year. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our - December 12, 2005 meeting. The cost will be approximately $30.00/person for a full buffet at Il Palazo, 600 Ringwood Ave, Wanaque, NJ. 6:00 pm.

You must call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending. So far I only have ONE person who emailed me.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Writing Op - Fountain Penn Ink & Danalita

I don't know anything about these publications but I received this request from a Christian on one of my Christian writing lists. Thought I'd pass it along.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Our company is launching two magazines in 2006: 'FountainPenn Ink' (writing & film) and 'Danalita' (High-end Fashion).

We need contributing writers, journalists and interviewers to submit articles for both magazines.

Please submit a letter of interest to: editor@selfpublishnews.com

Danielle-Kim Davis
VP/Marketing Dir.
www.selfpublishnews.com
'Affordable Book Promotion'

Next Meeting - NEW Writing Info

At our next meeting I'll begin teaching some of what I learned during my Comprehensive Sessions with Angela Hunt at Glorieta. I've got some amazing information that you won't want to miss. This is applicable whether you are writing fiction or fact.
Next Meeting - November 28

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS
Note: I will need an RSVP in regard to our Christmas Party. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our - December 12, 2005 meeting. The cost will be approximately $30.00/person for a full buffet at Il Palazo, Wanaque, NJ. 6:00 pm

Call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

AMERICAN BABY MAGAZINE
For Expectant and New Parents
Meredith Corp.
125 Park Ave.
16th Floor
New York NY 10017
Phone: (212)557-6600
Fax: (212)445-1345
Website: www.americanbaby.com
Contact: Sarah Jones, assistant editor

Magazine covering health, medical and childcare concerns for expectant and new parents, particularly those having their first child or those whose child is between the ages of birth and 2 years old. Mothers are the primary readers, but fathers' issues are equally important.

Frequency: Monthly
Editor's Note: Prefers to work with published/established writers; works with a small
number of new/unpublished writers each year.
Freelance Facts: 70% freelance written
Established: 1938 Circulation: 2,000,000
Publishes manuscript 6 months after acceptance.
Byline given. Offers 25% kill fee.
First North American serial rights
Editorial lead time 5 months.
Submit seasonal material 6 months in advance.

Accepts queries by:Mail
Accepts simultaneous submissions
Accepts previously published submissions
Responds in 3 months to queries.
Responds in 3 months to manuscripts.
Sample copy for 9 x 12 SAE with 6 first-class stamps.
Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE.
Does Not Want: "No `hearts and flowers' or fantasy pieces."
Buys 60 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Query with or without published clips or send complete manuscript
Length: 1,000–2,000 words.
Pays $750-1,200 for assigned articles; $600-800 for unsolicited articles. Pays the expenses of writers on assignment.
Pays: $200–1,000 for columns.

"Get to know our style by thoroughly reading a recent issue of the magazine. Don't send something we recently published. Our readers want to feel connected to other parents, both to share experiences and to learn from one another. They want eassurance that the problems they are facing are solvable and not uncommon. They want to keep up with the latest issues affecting their new family, particularly health and
medical news, but they don't have a lot of spare time to read. We forgo the theoretical approach to offer quick-to-read, hands-on information that can be put to
use immediately. A simple, straightforward, clear approach is mandatory."

Vista Print 25% Discount

Here is my link to hook you up with a 25% discount on Vista Print products:
http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=987879718423

Hope this helps some of you out.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Vista Print Offers

I just signed up for the "refer a friend" program at vista print. I will receive a link that you can use (if you've never ordered from Vista Print before) and this special link will give you 25% off on any Vista Print product. If you can't wait for that, check out the links below. These are Vista Print's current offers. Click on any of the links to go directly to their website.

If you want me to refer you to Vista Print, just drop me an email.

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

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

10 Holiday Cards - Regularly Start at $7.99
Now $3.99
http://VistaPrinttc.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NilJQYRQWVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VT

2006 Calendar Magnets - 10 Reg. $12.99
Now $6.49
http://VistaPrinttc.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NilJQYRQWVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VU

Note Cards - Regularly Start at $7.99
10 Free
http://VistaPrinttc.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NilJQYRQWVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VW

Return Address Labels - Regularly $7.99
140 Free
http://VistaPrinttc.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NilJQYRQWVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VY

Business Card Magnets - Regularly $12.99
25 Free
http://VistaPrinttc.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NilJQYRQWVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VA

Invitations - Regularly Start at $7.99
10 Free
http://VistaPrinttc.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NilJQYRQWVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VB

100 Postcards - Regularly $24.99
NOW $18.74
http://VistaPrinttc.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NilJQYRQWVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VC

140 Family Caricature Return Address Labels - Regularly $7.99
NOW $3.99
http://VistaPrinttc.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NilJQYRQWVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VD

Glossy Business Card Upgrade - Regularly $9.99
NOW FREE
http://VistaPrinttc.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NilJQYRQWVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VSR

Limited Time Only
Offer Expires November 22, 2005

Glorieta - More, Good News

Fellow Authors and CLASS graduates, Louise Bergmann DuMont (left)
& Kathy Pride (right) author of Winning the Drug War At Home

Just received an email from Marita Littauer (Director of the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference). I've officially been invited to teach two classes at Glorieta next year! What an awsome blessing. Praying that some of you will be able to join me there. Start saving for it now. It's worth every penny!

Louise Bergmann DuMont