New Reverse Dictionary

Are you searching for just the right word? Do you know what you mean but you simply can't put your finger on the word to best describe it? Try One Look's Reverse Dictionary:

http://www.onelook.com/reverse-dictionary.shtml

New Super Search Engine

Here is a new super search engine that will take your key words and search MULTIPLE search engines all at one time. It searches Google, Yahoo, MSN and Ask Jeeves

Check it out! http://www.dogpile.com/

NEW LOOK

Writers are observant people -- that means that you probably noticed a "new" look to this blog .

Along with a change of color and style, I changed a number of the writer's links. That wasn't exactly intentional (sigh). If for some reason I lost a link to YOUR blog or website in the transition, PLEASE email me the link once again.

Louise Bergmann DuMont

More Poetry Books

Here are a few more books that will help you write better poetry.

Unbroken Line: Writing in the Lineage of Poetry by Miriam Sagan
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
The Art and Craft of Poetry by Michael J. Bugeja
Handbook of Poetic Forms by Ron Padgett

FREE Writers Workshop

FREE Writer's Workshop
February 27, 2006

Sponsored by the North Jersey Christian Writers' Workshop

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:30 - 9:00 p.m. We Will Start Promptly!
Bring: Pens/Pencils, Notebook/Paper

How it works: You arrive at 6:30. Instructions will be handed out as you arrive, along with a summary of what we learned about Show Vs. Tell at our prior two meetings (1/23 & 2/13).

Our writing topic will be determined by the facilitator. It is usually an object or group of objects that remains undisclosed until we are ready to write. Once the object is unveiled, the writers will be given 20 minutes to write about the object. All genres are acceptable (except erotica). After the writing period is over, individuals will be given the opportunity to read their pieces outloud for critique. We use what we learn from the critiques to do a rewrite and then there is one more period of critique.

For more information, please feel free to call the facilitator, Louise Bergmann DuMont - 551-427-3794.

What's In the Feb Issue of The Writer Mag?

You'll find these great articles in the February issue of The Writer Magazine:

A powerful plot device for your fiction
Learn how to use a "MacGuffin"- a central object or situation used to power narrative.
Zadie Smith's world view
Acclaimed British novelist Zadie Smith talks about the rewards of crossing racial and cultural boundaries in her fiction.
A vital tool: Use a timeline to create backstories for characters
Creating a timeline for your character can be a valuable tool for explaining motivation and behavior.
Create buzz for your self-published book
A writer who has mastered the art shares some uncommon wisdom.
Ready to make your first sale? Stop! 9 things you need to know
Amid your first-sale euphoria, it pays to remember that asking questions, following up and saying "no" won't get you blacklisted by publishers.

Click here for the FEBRUARY issue table of contents.

75th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition

http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/annual/75th/

75th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition

For 75 years, the Annual Writer’s Digest Competition has rewarded writers just like you for their finest work. And best of all, we’re celebrating our milestone year by giving away more than $30,000 in cash and prizes! Win a trip to New York City !

GRAND PRIZE: $3,000 cash and an all-expense paid trip to New York City to meet with editors or agents. Writer's Digest will fly you and a guest to The Big Apple, where you'll spend three days and two nights in the publishing capital of the world. While you're there, a Writer's Digest editor will escort you to meet and share your work with four editors or agents! Plus, you'll receive a free Diamond Publishing Package from Outskirts Press.

Entry Deadline: Monday, May 15, 2006.

For entrants paying with a credit card, we will accept manuscripts submitted online. Manuscripts in the script categories must be submitted via regular mail.

Poetry Book Recommendations

If you enjoy writing poetry, here are a few books to put on your reading list:

The Poets Handbook by Judson Jerome (Writers Digest Books)
The New Book of Forms by Lewis Turco (University Press of New England)
How Poetry Works: The Elements of English Poetry by Philip Davies Roberts
(Penguin)

Recommended Reading for Authors

Are you a new writer who is looking for books that will help you hone your craft?

Here are a few that might just take you to the next level of publication:

Christian Writer's Market Guide by Sally Stuart
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes: (And How to Avoid Them) by Jack M. Bickham
Stein on Writing by Sol Stein
Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss
Woe is I by Patricia OÂ’Conner
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Publicize Your Book by Jacqueline Deval
The Flip Dictionary by Barbara Ann Kipfer
A Christian WriterÂ’s Manual of Style by Bob Hudson & Shelley Townsend
The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Book Proposals That Sell--21 Secrets To Speed Your Success by Terry Whalin
You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal
The Art of the Book Proposal by Eric Maisel
Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul by Susan Harrow
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain
Writing and Selling the Christian Novel by Penelope J. Stokes
The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life by Noah Lukeman

1/9/06 NJCWG Meeting Reviewed

Yesterday's meeting provided me with a lot more than the usual encouragment. Three individuals took the time to express special thanks for what occures at the North Jersey Christian Writers' Group Meetings. What an extra special blessing that was! Thank you for taking the time to encourage me.

We finished up our disucssion on Angela Hunt's Fiction A-Z as it was presented at the Glorieta Christian Writers' Conference and we had the opportunity to do three crituqes. I can say that the progress of many group members has done my heart good. It is always a blessing to see a new writer grow and move forward in publication.

COMING UP:

1. For the next two meetings (1/23/06 & 2/13/06) I will once again teach on the various ways a wrier can create visual images in the reader's mind, rather than simply relate the facts. This technique is called SHOW Don't TELL. Itis a subject that even the best writers need to practice and periodically review.

2. Then our group will put what we learned to the test. There will be an all night writer's workshop held on 2/27/06. More info to come regarding that event.

3. Continue to hold Saturday, May 13, 2006 open. That is when Cecil "Cec" Murphey will fly in from Georgia to host an all day Writer's Event for the NJCWG. This is one event you will NOT want to miss! The classes will be limted. The cost will be $30.00/person. I'll have details on the classes very shortly. Keep checking this blog or drop me an email. SPECIAL NOTE: I am once again looking for a person to handle registrations. If you are interested, email me (njcwg.dumont@gmail.com)

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

Writing Op - Bible Advocate

BIBLE ADVOCATE
P.O. Box 33677
Denver, CO 80233
bibleadvocate@cog7.org
www.cog7.org/BA
Helps Christians understand and obey the Bible.
Frequency: 8x/yr -- Circulation: 13,500
Nonfiction: On Bible doctrine, current social and religious issues, everyday-living Bible topics, textual or Biblical book studies, prophecy and personal experience; 1200 words; $25-$55.
Poetry: Free verse, blank verse, and traditional; 5-20 lines; $20.
Fillers: Facts, inspirational pieces, anecdotes; 100-400 words; $20.
Columns, Departments: Viewpoint, opinion pieces; 650 words.
Art: Mac-compatible TIFF or JPEG files, 300 dpi; $10-$35/inside use, $25-$50/cover. No photos.
Queries: Not necessary
E-queries: Yes
Unsolicited mss: Yes
Submission formats: Electronic, Hard copy
Response: 4-8 weeks.
Freelance content: 10-20%
NO Kill fee
Rights: First, reprint, electronic
Payment: On publication
TIPS: No articles on Christmas or Easter. Theme list available.

Writing Op - A.D. Players

A. D. PLAYERS
2710 W. AlabamaHouston, TX 77098
adtour@hern.org
www.adplayers.org
Needs full-length plays or musicals (12 actors max.) or one-act children’s plays or musicals (8 actors max.) with Judeo-Christian world view.
Payment: Negotiable rates

NJCWG MEETING TONIGHT!

MEETING TONIGHT

Have you made your New Year's Resolution yet? If God has truly called you to write, why not make a commitment to improve your craft by attending NJCWG meetings regularly?

TONIGHT

The first NJCWG meeting of 2006 - January 9, 2006

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

LESSON:
Fiction A-Z Tonight we'll continue Angela Hunt's lessons recorded at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference (Oct 2005).

CRITIQUES:
We have a number of crituqes in the pot right now and pleased that so many are using this to better their work.
VISION HUNT by Mark L'Hommedieu
UNTIL THE END OF TIME by Conrad Ross
Chap 3 - Cono Giardullo & Catarina Gallo by Marilyn Gardullo

For more information, email Louise Bergmann DuMont, NJCWG Facilitator at:
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Show, Don't Tell

Anyone who pursue's writing has been told by someone that they should SHOW, not TELL their story. To hone this skill is harder than most new writers can imagine.

I've collected a few great websites where experts explain how to go about SHOWING, rather than telling, your story.

http://tarakharper.com/k_show.htm
http://teenwriting.about.com/cs/writingfiction/a/ShowNotTell.htm
http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/fictionfix/0505Grossack.html
http://www.sfwriter.com/ow04.htm
http://www.barbaradawsonsmith.com/showdon
http://a.wholelottanothing.org/2005/10/people_that_say.html
http://brainstorm-services.com/wcu/description.html
http://www.hollywoodlitsales.com/cf/journal/dspJournal.cfm?intID=2040
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/getwriting/A3489988

Questions? Feel free to drop me a note at njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com
www.louisedumont.com

NJCWG Meeting Tonight

MEETING TONIGHT

Have you made your New Year's Resolution yet? If God has truly called you to write, why not make a commitment to improve your craft by attending NJCWG meetings regularly?

The first NJCWG meeting of 2006 - January 9, 2006

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

LESSON:
Fiction A-Z Tonight we'll continue Angela Hunt's lessons recorded at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference (Oct 2005).

CRITIQUES:
We have a number of crituqes in the pot right now and pleased that so many are using this to better their work.
VISION HUNT by Mark L'Hommedieu
UNTIL THE END OF TIME by Conrad Ross
Chap 3 - Cono Giardullo & Catarina Gallo by Marilyn Gardullo

For more information, email Louise Bergmann DuMont, NJCWG Facilitator at:
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Writer's Digest Yearbook

The Writer's Digest YEARBOOK is out and it's PACKED with great information. You'll find it most of the larger books stores (Borders, Barnes & Nobel, etc.)in their magazine section.

Writer's Yearbook 2006 - $8.00

Here is just a taste of what you'll find inside.

CATCHING UP
2005: The Year in Review
By Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Martha Stewart rebounds, poker magazines fly off the shelves and celebrity news still sells. Heres a look back at the magazine world last year.

What Editors Wont Tell You (But We Will)
By Jenna Glatzer
Ever wonder what editors look for in a freelance writer? Here are 15 tips to help keep you on an editors good side.

Just the Facts, Maam
By Roxanne Hawn
Its not just important that you have your facts straightits essential. Heres how to breeze through fact-checking and keep your article accurate.

Using Trademarks
By Lisa Wurster
Hesitant to use brand names in your writing? Dont be. Heres what you need to know about the laws
surrounding trademarks.

Know Your Copyrights
By Howard G. Zaharoff
You dont need to be a legal expert to understand your rights. This breakdown explains all you need to know about copyright protection.

Free Money
By C. Hope Clark
Writing grants are out thereyou just have to know where to look. Let us point you in the right direction.

Weaving Your Web
By Robert W. Bly
These seven must-know strategies will help you create a well-developed, business-focused Web site.

WRITE BETTER
Keeping Your Ideas Fresh
By Craig Wilson
Open your eyes to the world around you to come up with fresh topics for a weekly column.

Writing in First Person
By Marnie Engel Hayutin
Dont haphazardly throw yourself into your article. Follow these tips to turn your first-person writing skills into an asset.

Dropping in Your Data
By David A. Fryxell
Learn how to weave facts into your writing without making it dry.

A Travelers Tale
By Jack Clemens
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Tony Horwitz combines humor and personal references with serious journalism to create riveting travel narratives.

GET PUBLISHED
101 Best Web Sites for Writers
By Robin M. Hampton
Get ready to bookmark these Web sites: Its our annual guide to the best online writing resources.

The Top 100 Markets for Magazine Writers
By Chuck Sambuchino
Weve examined thousands of publications and picked out an exclusive listing of magazines for freelancers to query.

Theres No Place Like Home
By Jenna Glatzer
Looking to break into national magazines? You can start by looking for human-interest stories where you live.

Lost in Cyberspace
By Brian Slemming
Dont let your electronic queries end up in an editors spam folder.
This writer explains how to get past e-mail filters.
PLUS: Lori Cossens tips on how to choose your best clips.

Mastering the Waiting Game
By Joy Lanzendorfer
Advice on maximizing your down time instead of fretting over that last submission.

Costly Mistakes
By Robert W. Bly
Feel like your freelance income is less than it should be? These 10 business mistakes may be the reason you arent earning what you should.

Five Tips for Getting Published
By Chelan David
These guidelines can help you break into the competitive field of freelance writing.

Writing Op - Creative Nonfiction

CREATIVE NONFICTION
Creative Nonfiction Foundation
5501 Walnut St.
Suite 202
Pittsburgh PA 15232
Phone: (412)688-0304
Fax: (412)683-9173
E-Mail: information@creativenonfiction.org
Website: www.creativenonfiction.org
Contact:
Lee Gutkind, editor

About CREATIVE NONFICTION:
Format: Magazine published 3 times/year covering nonfiction--personal essay, memoir, literary journalism. "Creative Nonfiction is the first journal to focus exclusively upon the genre of creative nonfiction. It publishes personal essay, memoir, and literary journalism on a broad range of subjects. Interviews with prominent writers and commentary about the genre also appear on its pages."

Freelance Facts:
100% freelance written
Established: 1993
Circulation: 4,000
Pays on publication
Publishes manuscript 1 year after acceptance.
Byline given. All rights. Editorial lead time 6 months.

Nonfiction: Accepts simultaneous submissions
Responds in 6 months to manuscripts.
Sample copy for $10.

Needs:
Essays
Interview/Profile
Personal Experience
narrative journalism
Does Not Want: No poetry, fiction.
Buys 30 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 5,000 words maximum.
Pays $10/page--more if grant money available.
Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Tips: "Points to remember when submitting to Creative Nonfiction: strong reportage; well-written prose, attentive to language, rich with detail and distinctive voice; an informational quality or 'teaching element'; a compelling, focused, sustained narrative that's well-structured and conveys meaning. Manuscripts will not be accepted via fax or e-mail."

Writing Op - Koehler

KOEHLER COMPANIES, INC.
8758 Woodcliff Rd.
Bloomington MN 55438
Phone: (952)942-5666
Fax: (952)942-5208
E-Mail: bob@koehlercompanies.com
Website: www.koehlercompanies.com
Contact: Bob Koehler.

About KOEHLER COMPANIES, INC.:
"We manufacture a decorative plaque line that utilizes verse and art. We are not a greeting card company. We combine art and message to create a product that a consumer will like enough to want to look at for a year or longer."

KEY TO THIS MARKET: "Topics that works best includes: golf, fishing, pets, and other passions; verse that speaks to women, sisters, mom, family; words to inspire without getting preachy; humorous verse for men. See website for examples of our work."

Freelance Facts:
Established: 1988
65% of material freelance written.
Receives 100 submissions/year.
Bought 25 ideas/samples last year.

SUBMISSIONS:
Responds in 1 month.
Pays on acceptance.

Needs:
Humorous
Inspirational

"We pay $125/selected verse and limit the use to our products so that writers may resell their work for other uses."

OTHER PRODUCT LINES: Decorative wall plaques.

TIPS: "We sell wholesale to the retail market and the mail order catalog industry as well. Lengthy verse is sometimes challenging. Usually under 6 lines is best. We prefer to have work submitted by e-mail or mail."

Market News

New Amazon program seeks to connect authors and their fans
Launched last month, Amazon Connect started offering authors their own blogs and extended personal profile pages on the company's online bookstore site to help enhance connections between authors and their fans. So far, Amazon has recruited a group of about a dozen authors. "The program gives people who are interested in a particular author a way to get new insights into them, and gives the authors a way to develop more of a one-on-one relationship with readers." Source: nytimes.com

Cricket Magazine Group office move
"The offices of the 'bug' magazines are moving from Peru, IL, to Chicago as of January, and existing staff were given the choice of moving or leaving. So far, I understand that those who leaving the staff include Executive Editor Deborah Vetter, Executive Editor Paula Morrow, Senior Art Director Ron McCutchan, and Associate Editor Heather Delabre." Cricket, Ladybug, Babybug, Spider, and Cicada will continue to be published without interruption. Source: underdown.org

Online Catholics editorial changes
Penny Edman has been named editor of the independent weekly Online Catholics. Source: cathnews.com

Forbes circulation incorrect
"A report from Audit Bureau of Circulations, released just as the media world went into its annual Christmastime hibernation, found that Forbes incorrectly classified some circulation as paid and missed delivering the circulation it guarantees advertisers." Source: businessweek.com

U.S. postage rates increase in 2006
Effective January 8th, the single-piece rate for First-Class Mail will increase from 37 cents to 39 cents, and the postcard rate will increase by one cent to 24 cents. For other rate changes, see USPS.com.

PC Magazine editorial changes
Jim Louderback has been promoted to editor-in-chief of PC Magazine and editorial director of Consumer Technology Group. Source: mediabistro.com

Ringwood Prose & Poetry Contest

Ringwood Public Library
32nd Annual
Prose and Poetry Contest
Each student may submit 1 or 2 entries:
1 Prose (essay or short story)
1 Poem
on 8 1/2 x 11" paper with your choice of theme.
All entries must be the student's original work.

Contest open to:
* Ringwood elementary school students
* Lakeland Reg. High School students
* Ringwood high school and college students

Essays and short stories may be no longer than 500 words; poems no longer then 24 lines.
A completed entry form (available at the schools and library) must be attached to each entry.
All entries become the property of Ringwood Public Library and will not be returned.
All entries must be received by February 28, 2006.

Winners will be notified by mail in April. The awards ceremony will be held in May.

Phone: (973) 962-6256
Web: palsplus.org/rpl/