Writing For Trade Magazines Article

There is an excellent article on writing for trade magazines by Tony P. Martinez & Alison P. Martinezon on The SpiritLed Writer website. Check it it out!
http://spiritledwriter.com/apr06/trades.html

Writing Op - Paramount Cards Inc.

PARAMOUNT CARDS, INC.
P.O. Box 6546
Providence, RI 02940-6546
It is suggested that new freelance contributors make a thorough study of material appearing on published cards by browsing through the greeting card counters to gain a better insight into the types of cards on the market. Paramount Cards currently ONLY accepts submissions sent through a postal carrier. They are not accepting e-mail submissions at this time.

• Please TYPE each idea on a SEPARATE piece of paper, small enough to fit into your envelope without folding. A 3 X 5 size is suggested.
• IDENTIFY each item by NUMBER and keep a duplicate copy for your own records.
• Your NAME, ADDRESS and SENTIMENT NUMBER should be on each item submitted.
• Enclose a SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE large enough to accommodate the return of your material.
• Only 10 to 15 items should be submitted AT ONE TIME.

Due to the large volume of freelance material we handle, it is impossible for Paramount to offer criticism of your work.

Mail submissions to:
Paramount Cards Inc.
P. O. Box 6546
Providence, RI 02940-6546
ATTN: Freelance

Paramount is interested in EVERYDAY material: (Birthday, Friendship, Get Well, Anniversary, Sympathy, etc.) at all times. Along with verse, they also buy prose sentiments (long or short), cute and juvenile sentiments.http://paramountcards.com.cnchost.com/para_www/freelancers/guidelines.html
Paramount Cards makes and sells a variety of everyday and seasonal greeting cards, with a focus on lower priced and discounted cards for independent and small- to medium-sized card stores, drugstores, supermarkets, and dollar/value store chains. The company also operates the CardSmart retail chain, a group of franchised and company-owned card and gift stores. Paramount Cards was founded in 1906 by Russian immigrant Samuel Markoff.

Writing Op - Contests for Childrens Writers

From the Editors of Childrens Writers Newsletter
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Writer,
We constantly hear from editors that the vast majority of the manuscripts they receive are rejected because they were not written to the editor's specifications. Few editors will consider a story or article that does not meet their specs - precisely.
Writing contests also have exact specifications. That's why we encourage writers - all writers, new ones and old pros too - to enter contests. They're excellent, professional training experiences and, if you win, they can get you published and pay healthy prize money.
The winners in these contests will be published in Children's Writer, the monthly newsletter that goes to every children's book and magazine editor/publisher in North America. Along with the winning piece, we'll publish an article on it and the other top-ranked entries and their authors. There are also cash prizes. The cash prizes alone are a lot of good reasons to write a piece and enter.
Current subscribers to Children's Writer enter free. All others pay a $10 reading fee - standard for writing contests. But, if you are not a subscriber, your $10 fee will also bring you an eight-month trial subscription to Children's Writer. You can submit multiple entries, but please use the attached entry form for each one.
The contest rules are important. They follow this letter. Please read them very carefully.
Please note the opening and closing dates each contest. Be sure that your entry arrives in the correct time window, and note that the deadline is absolute!
Now, warm up your computer and write a prize-winning piece.
P.S. A majority of entries do not make it past the first reading because they are not targeted to the specified age range or because they exceed the word limit. Don't fall out of the running because of either of these two easy-to-meet specifications. Age-target your writing and count your words.

EARLY READER MYSTERY
Entry period is August 1 to October 31, 2006. Winners are announced in the March, 2007 issue of Children’s Writer. Prize structure is $500 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer, $250 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd, 4th, and 5th places.
The contest is for an original early reader mystery story, to 750 words. Early readers are defined here as ages 4 to 7, children beginning to read entire stories on their own, stretching their recognition of words and concepts, but likely to need some assistance from an adult. The entries should not be for reading by an adult to a child. Submissions will be judged on story line, characterization, and freshness, but also on structure, grammar, and ultimate publishability. Mysteries should be well-constructed, and have a strong point-of-view character. The mystery must be one an early reader can grasp and potentially solve: It must be age-appropriate.

YA PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Entry period is December 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007. Winners are announced in the July 2007 issue of Children’s Writer. Prize structure is $250 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer, $100 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd and 4th places.
We are looking for nonfiction articles for teens, ages 13 to 17, based on a personal experience, to 1,200 words. The article may be told in the first or third person, or take the form of an interview, but should be the experience of a teen, for a teen. The subject may be a serious issue (family, school, or community issue) or it may be light (entertainment, fashion, friends, or fun). The subject and approach may be spiritual or inspirational, but may not be denominational or dogmatic. Publishability is the ultimate criterion.

MIDDLE-GRADE ADVENTURE
Entry period is August 1 to October 31, 2007. Winners are announced in the March, 2008 issue of Children’s Writer. Prize structure is $500 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer, $250 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd, 4th, and 5th places.
The contest is for a story about an adventure, small or large, to 1,200 words, for ages 8 to 12. The adventure may take place in another genre, such as historical fiction, or fantasy, or may be contemporary. The antagonist or conflict may stem from other characters, from internal goals, from nature, society, or technology, but the story should balance plot and characterization. Stories will also be judged on age-targeting, originality, style, and the overall quality of writing. Publishability is the ultimate criterion.

Writing Op - Living With Teenagers

LIVING WITH TEENAGERS
LifeWay Christian Resources
One LifeWay Plaza
Nashville, TN 37234-0174
lwt@lifeway.com
www.lifeway.com
Lifeway Writers guidelines:
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A%3D161894%26M%3D200043,00.html
Description: Informs and educates parents of teenagers on how to best deal with typical issues and problems faced by teens. Provides strong Christian emphasis and Biblical solutions.
Frequency: Monthly
Newsstand/Subscription Rate: $20.25/yr
Circulation: 48,000

Writing Op - Young and Alive

YOUNG AND ALIVE
P.O. Box 6097 Lincoln, NE 68506
editorial@christianrecord.org
http://www.christianrecord.org/onlsrv/index.php

Description: Publication for young adults who are blind or visually impaired. Presents material from a non-denominational, Christian viewpoint and features articles on adventure, biography, camping, careers, health, history, hobbies, holidays, marriage, nature, practical Christianity, sports, and travel. Features run 800-1,400 words; pay varies.
Frequency: Quarterly
Circulation: 25,000
Art: Slides or prints; $10/photo.
Queries: Not necessary
E-queries: No
Unsolicited mss: Yes
Submission formats: Hard copy
Response: 12 months.
Freelance content: 90%
Rights: One-time
Payment: On acceptance
Tips: Not accepting mss until 2009.

Writing Op - Bread for God's Children

BREAD FOR GOD'S CHILDREN
P.O. Box 1017Arcadia, FL 34265
bread@sunline.net
http://www.breadministries.org/
Description: Christian family magazine with Bible study, stories, teen pages, parent news, ideas, and more.
Frequency: 6x/yr
Circulation: 10,000
Nonfiction: Articles or craft ideas based on Christian principles or activities; how to implement Christian ways into daily living; 600-800 words; $20-$30.
Queries: Not necessary
E-queries: No
Unsolicited mss: Yes
Submission formats: Hard copy
Response: Submissions 1-6 months.
Freelance content: 20%
Kill fee: No
Rights: 1st
Payment: On publication
Tips: Stories must be from a child’s point of view, with story itself getting message across; no preaching or moralizing, no tag endings. No stories with speaking animals, occult, fantasy, or romance. “Our purpose is to help Christian families learn to apply God’s word in everyday living. We are looking for writers with a solid knowledge of Biblical principles and who are concerned with the youth of today living according to these principles.”

Writing Op - A.D. Players

A.D. Players is currently seeing previously unpublished materials.

A. D. PLAYERS
2710 W. AlabamaHouston, TX 77098
adtour@hern.org
http://www.adplayers.org/
Seeking 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 - Meetings

At our last meeting, NJCWG (North Jersey Christian Writers Group) members discussed various good and bad opening lines and paragraphs. It was a very productive discussion.

Some upcoming topics of discussion:

• Take a *Writers IQ Test* to see how much you know, or need to learn
• How to research articles, stories and books
• Poetry for the Non-Poet
• Story Starters - Ideas to get you writing again
• Learn to write by "patterning"
• Using a Personality Profile to Creating Credible Characters

If any member of the group has a topic they would like to see taught/discussed, please notify the faciliator, Louise Bergmann DuMont (njcwg.dumont@gmail.com)

The Writer Magazine - Current Issue

In the June issue of The Writer Magazine you'll find these great articles:

• Learn to craft an engaging story for kids whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction
• Build your short story scene by scene
• Develop the right voice for your creative nonfiction
• 4 top fiction editors tell you what they're looking for
• Interview: R.L. StineWriting to entertain

NJCWG - Meeting Tonight

Meeting - TONIGHT

North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG)
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ

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

Writing Op - GodsAmazingLove Website

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A MESSAGE FROM GodsAmazingLove WEBMASTER
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We have added some catagories to the regular features of the ezine, so the number of articles we need has increased: http://GodsAmazingLove.net

If you haven't checked it out since the first announcement--please do. There have been quite a few changes.

Two of the new catagories are: **Miracles Along The Way** & **Real Men Love Jesus**

Here is the link to the Regular Features Page (which lists all the catagories and includes guidelines and compensation info). http://jocelynandersen.tripod.com/amazinglove/id11.html

Jocelyn

Winepress

Wine Press Publishing is one of the few self-publishers that I eagerly endorse. This publisher produces a quality product and will give you an honest evaluation of your work.

They are hosting a number of FREE web conferences. For more information go to: http://www.winepresspub.com/default.asp?id=9023

This link will give you an overview of the topics covered at the conference and the upcoming conference dates. Attending one of these conferences would be well worth your time if you are considering self-publishing.

Script Writing

Interested in script writing with a Christian flare? Check out this website: http://www.actoneprogram.com/

ACT ONE is a nonprofit organization that trains people of faith for careers in mainstream film & TV.

Act One offers two main programs -- the Writing Program, for aspiring film and television writers, and the Executive Program, for aspiring entertainment executives -- as well as Screenwriting Weekends and many other programs and services.

Writing Op - NONPaying - Pine Tree Mysteries

Calling short mystery writers! My web mystery ezine, Pine Tree Mysteries, is now active online. Premier issue features Absolute Write member, Jenny Schwartz, plus stories by two other great writers. Read submissions by Jenny, Donna, and Sylvia, then click on the Guidelines and send in your own story. New writers welcome. http://www.pinetreemysteries.com

Morgan Drake, editor
Pine Tree Mysteries

Writing Op - Erickson Tribune

The Erickson Tribune (http://www.ericksontribune.com/), the nation’s largest retirement newspaper with a circulation of over 3 million and a target audience of age 62-plus, is looking for articles that reflect the Trib’s masthead message of “Inform—Inspire—Involve.”Our Readers:Published by Erickson Retirement Communities, the Tribune is read by people who aspire to live better by taking full advantage of what life has to offer. We do not refer to our readers as “seniors” or “elderly.” They are vibrant, educated individuals who lead busy, productive lives. We try to give them articles that inform and inspire them. We do not view “aging” as a disease, rather, as another chapter in life complete with exciting possibilities.Subject Ideas: Our readers are middle income and interested in a broad range of topics. Stories dealing with leisure pursuits such as travel, music, food and cuisine, wine, coffee, scrapbooking, and gardening are always good possibilities, but we are open to other ideas that might appeal to our target audience as well. Sentimentality is not a road we travel as our audience is living in the here and now. Profiles of retirees doing interesting and amazing things are certainly welcome. We do not publish fiction.Stories about hi-tech, computers, finance, and fitness are also good, as our readers are looking for ways to keep their minds and bodies in shape. They tend to have dynamic relationships with their adult children and grandchildren, and stories relevant to those relationships are welcome. Strong, engaging profiles of individuals age 62-plus (both well-known and not so well known) are also welcome. “How to” articles, depending on the topic, are acceptable as well.

Submission Guidelines:
Completed articles only—NO QUERIES, PLEASE. All articles must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document.
Word count: approximately 800 (should not be previously published or written for another publication)
Please also be sure to put the title of the story in the subject line of the message.
Please allow plenty of lead time for seasonal stories. (For example, if you have a Christmas related story, make sure you have pitched it by October)
We reserve the right to edit for style, length, and clarity.
If we use your story, we will pay $200 within 30 days of publication.
You will also receive a byline on your story.
We’ll send you three samples.
Submit your articles to editor@ericksonmail.com.
Only e-mail submissions will be accepted.

Punctuation

An English professor wrote the the folowing words on the chalkboard and he asked his students to punctuate the sentence correctly.
A woman without her man is nothing

Most of the males in the class punctuated the sentence as follows:
A woman, without her man, is nothing.

All the females in the class punctuated the sentence this way:
A woman: without her, man is nothing.

NOTE TO FUTURE AUTHORS

~~~ PUNCTUATION IS EVERYTHING ~~~

Resurgence of Christian Fiction

Today's Breakpoint with Chuck Colson is on the subject of the resurgence of Christian Fiction. You can find it on their website www.breakpoint.org

It's the first one listed, Modern-Day Renaissance.

Great Quote

Author Michael Crichton

Books aren't written - they're rewritten. Including your own. It is one of the hardest things to accept, especially after the seventh rewrite hasn't quite done it.
~ Michael Crichton

Video Clip - John McNally

Register on Writermag.com today to watch an all-new video clip to hear what novelist John McNally has to say about developing a distinctive voice for your stories. This information is only available to Writermag.com registered users. Register today to learn these expert tips.

The information you'll find on WriterMag.com will help you be the best writer you can be. Now is a good time to discover all the great things about WriterMag.com. Click here to register: https://secure.kalmbach.com/AdvantageWeb/eCare/Router.aspx?pageid=RegWebMember

When you register you will receive access to these great benefits:

• Free e-mail newsletter
• Writer discussion forums
• Contest, conference and workshop information
• Preview of the next issue of THE WRITER
• Articles that offer tips for better writing
• Writing groups

Song Lyrics/ Music / Poems Group

Christian songwriters coming together to discuss songwriting. Visit our site at www.christiansongwriting.org and www.dcmusicstore.com and www.writingsongs.com ( Writing songs, lyrics, music, poems, christian, gospel, how to group, songwriter, songwriters, become organization)
writing-songs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com