Friday, July 07, 2006

Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference


Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference
October 1-4, 2006

Refine your writing and speaking skills• Be mentored by editors and professional writers• Network with editors and professional writers• Expand your vision of how God can use you• Enjoy His presence on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in Northeast, Maryland.

Editors and Publishers
Join us for four days of seminars and workshops with editors from these publishers . . . (other are being confirmed at this point)
ACW Press Jim Watkins
Beacon Hill Publishing Judi Perry
Big Idea Cindy Kenney
Byline Iris Dowling
Focus on the Family Lissa Halls Johnson
The Free Lance-Star Linda White
Gospel Communications
Peggie Bohanon
Group Publishing, Rev. Lee Sparks
Harvest House * Terry Glaspey
Howard Publishing * Denny Boultinghouse
Light and Life Doug Newton
River Oak (Cook Communication's Fiction Line) Jeff Dunn
Standard Publishing Robin Stanley
Pleasant Word * and WinePress * Athena Dean and Carla Williams
The Upper Room * Susan KingWesleyan Publishing House * Larry Wilson
Write the Vision Maurice Gray

Other faculty members include:
Books & Such Literary Agency Wendy Lawton
Christian Writers Guild * Andy Scheer
XarisCom Editorial Services Jim Watkins director of conference
Bonnie Brechbill professional writer
Sharon Norris Elliott, director of AuthorizeMe, professional writer
Roger Palms, former editor of Decision magazine
Claudia Tynes professional writer

Registration, Etc.
Overnight Costs
Deluxe/Family/Handicap Rooms: $488 per adult, single occupancy / $398 per adult, double occupancy
Add $15 per night, per room for bay view rooms. Rates are per person and include lodging, meals, materials, seminars, plenary sessions, continuing workshops and two free manuscript evaluations as well as two private appointments with an editor or professional writer.
Call for upgraded room rates.
Day guest cost
Just $308.00 includes meals, materials, seminars, plenary sessions, continuing workshops and two free manuscript evaluations as well as two private appointments with an editor or professional writer, but no overnight accommodations.
Payment policy: A $100 deposit per room is required at time of reservation. Full payment is due by September 1, 2006. If you register after September 1, you will be asked for full payment at that time.
Call 800.234.2683 to register!
Roommates
Need a same-sex roommate for the conference? Visit the Sandy Cove Writers/Speakers Forum to see if someone with similar interests needs a roommate to defray costs. Click here to join the forum.

Scholarships
Sandy Cove offers scholarships. Click here for details.
The writers conference has a vision of underwriting all transportation and conference expenses of at least one conferee from a developing country each year. However, our funds are currently depleted. If you would like to contribute to bringing students from overseas, your tax deductable donation can be made to "Sandy Cove Ministries" and earmarked "Writers Conference International Scholarships."

Special needsThe entire Sandy Cove Conference Center is under one roof and completely handicap accessible. Special dietary needs can be accomodated by the chef. (All meals are served buffet style.)

TransportationVisit the Sandy Cove Writers/Speakers Forum to carpool with someone from your area. Click here to join the forum. To schedule shuttle service from the Baltimore or Philadelphia airports to Sandy Cove, call About Town Limosine Service of North East, Maryland, at 1-410-287-6400 (the cost is approximately $20 each way per person for groups).
We do not recommend using the Aberdeen, Maryland, Amtrak station.

Questions?
Email Jim Watkins, the directorOr call him at 1-765-618-7913.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Max Elliot Anderson


This interview with Max Elliot Anderson was just posted about writing adventures and mysteries for readers 8 and up.

INTERVIEW: http://www.willwrite4food.com/articles.php?articleId=160

mander8813@aol.com
http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/
Reviews http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Writing Op - echristianwriters.com


Here is a note I received from Kevin Lucia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi folks,

My friends and I are creating an ezine off the foundation of our small and humble writer's forum, Emerging Christian Writers.

We're looking for the following:

Fiction & Non-fiction - non-fiction about ANY aspect on faith or writing book & movie reviews
articles concerning the arts & entertainment: movies, video games, comic books, cartoons, sci fi/fantasy, music, faith artwork & poetry

This publication is created from a broad Christian world-view, but it is not an evangelizing publication. Non-Christians are more than welcome to submit, just make sure you fly right by the submission guidelines. Pardon our dust as we get up and running, and eventually we're going to be hosted at www.echristianwriters.com, but right now it's on my server space. http://kevinlucia.net/ecwezine.html

Sadly, I cannot pay at this time. However, if we get a lot of people involved in this, perhaps we can publish an annual through Lulu or something!

Oh, and the email I'm using for submissions is: admin@kevinlucia.net. Submissions can be sent in Word, Open Office...any of the regulars.

Regards;

Kevin Lucia - Editor
http://kevinlucia.net/ecwezine.html

Monday, July 03, 2006

Website Update



Well, I had the day off from work today so I spent it updating my website. If you know of any grooms-to-be or any newlyweds, I created a Groom's Survey for your convenience. It is now up on the website as well.

www.louisedumont.com (just click on the grooms survey button).


Wishing you all a blessed July 4th.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Faciliator, NJCWG

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Press Release - If a Tux Could Talk



Timothy R. DuMont & Amanda Lillis
after a recent performance at Carnegie Hall

This press release is also available on my website
www.louisedumont.com - click the NEW Work in Progress button.

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

July 3, 2006

Contact Info:
Louise Bergmann DuMont
Cell 551-427-3794
ifatuxcouldtalk@gmail.com

AUTHORS SEEK soon-to-be wed grooms,
brides, newlyweds, clerics & wedding professionals

If a Tux Could Talk:
The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings,
and the Women Who Love Them For It

Today's groom is not afraid to order quiche tartlets for his reception or display a daisy boutonniere on his tux. Since most couples are footing more than a third of their wedding costs, grooms are participating in the decision-making more than ever before. If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For It is not simply an other how-to manual. It reflects the changing role of a groom with both candor and comedy while it addresses the spiritual issue of leadership and offers specific ways for a couple to value the talents and strengths of each partner.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Tim R. DuMont is currently preparing for his wedding to the gifted and beautiful Amanda Lillis. Tim's mother, author and speaker Louise Bergmann DuMont, has been happily married to Tim's father (John DuMont) for over 30 years. Together this mother-son team hope to share both the fun and the folly of wedding planning with brides and grooms in the midst of their nuptial preparations.

Author, Louise Bergmann DuMont says,
“Tim and I are eager to get our latest book, If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For It ready for publication. We are looking for grooms, brides, newlyweds, clerics, wedding coordinators, and other wedding professionals willing to share their experiences. If you are interested in participating in this project, you can contact us as – ifatuxcouldtalk@gmail.com.”

“We are especially looking for 1) chuckle-until-your-face-hurts anecdotes 2) ‘uniquely his’ wedding ideas 3) romantic groom stories 4) unusual family, ethnic or religious traditions that were incorporated into a wedding 5) individuals who invented new traditions 6) spiritual lessons learned as a result of wedding preparations and 6) last but not least, any wedding related event that was extraordinary, distinctive or atypical.”
To schedule a speaking engagement, or a book signing you can contact Louise and/or Tim at ifatuxcouldtalk@gmail.com. Additional information about Louise, her books and the programs she offers are found at her website: www.louisedumont.com

###

New Column for Author Louise Bergmann DuMont


I have new column (Espresso for the Heart) that appears on The Comfort Cafe. The story is a rewrite of one I did for my book, Grace by the Cup: A Break From the Daily Grind. You can read the story at: http://comfortcafe.net/?page_id=287

Louise Bergmann DuMont

Writing Op - Comfort Cafe


The Comfort Cafe - an exceptional website for those seeking encouragment, comfort or Christian instruction -- is looking for new writers. Currently unpublished writers have the opportunity to garner some clips and established writers can tithe their writing to a great website. The Comfort Cafe does not pay, but it certainly is worth a look.
http://comfortcafe.net/

~~~~~
A Note From Ruth Wood, Editor

We Are Looking for Writers

Our Help for the Hurting page lists all the topics we hope to address in the future. If you have a story or article that relates to one of these areas, I’d love to hear from you. Review our writer’s guidelines, then send submissions to info@ruthwoodandfriends.com.

~~~~~

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Marketing Columnist Wanted


Marketing Columnist Wanted
Can you help small businesses market their businesses online and offline? We're in need of one columnist willing to write original 350 to 500 word articles, for our e-zine--not website, once a month for $10 per column, per issue. 30 days after publication, you'll be able to sell your column as a reprint to other publications. The key is to offer advice not found on the Internet. Send us three sample columns along with your credentials. Deadline is August 1, 2006. We'll make our
final decision August 15, 2006. And the new marketing columnist will begin writing his/her first column in September, 2006.

http://thedabblingmum.com/writersguidelines.htm

3 Scholarships - Phlly Writers Conference



A Note From the Facilitator of the NJCWG
For years I've talked about three important networking tools available to writers
1. Local writers groups
2. Online writers groups
3. Writers Conferences

If you've heeded my advice and joined CWG (Christian Writers Group) online, you may be eligible to take advantage of a scholarship to one of the best Christian writers conferences on the east coast - The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

Louise Bergmann DuMont

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

The Cecil Murphey Scholarship

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

CWG member Cecil (Cec) Murphey has once again demonstrated his heart for fellow writers in a tangible way by offering scholarships to a writing conference. This round of scholarships offers the full registration fee and housing for two members of CWG to attend the Greater Philadelphia
Christian Writers Conference on August 10-12.

http://www.writehisanswer.com/philadelp

Friday, June 30, 2006

Writing Op - Screenwriters


Here’s an opportunity for screenwriters - a production company with a studio first look deal is seeking a screenplay to produce – details are below.
_____

SCRIPTS WANTED BY PROD CO WITH STUDIO FIRST LOOK DEAL

We are seeking scripts to go into production with ASAP. We have funding and a first look deal with a major studio!!!

Here's what we're looking for:

Genre: Smart Horror, Noir, Thriller, Suspense
Budget: 500K - 1M
Other Details: Prefer a young cast, Limited Locations, and hopefully a good role for a female in her 20's.

We're looking for something that can have commercial appeal but we're open to all scripts we find appealing.

TO SUBMIT:
Be sure to mention you were referred by Jeff Gund, and email any questions, or logline,
synopsis, and writing sample if you have it to: zoeticent@yahoo.com

If we are interested we will request the full script.

Alexander Moore
Zoetic Entertainment, LLC

Writing Op - Christian Fiction/Sci-Fi/Fantasy


Daniel I Weaver is putting together a Christian spec-fic anthology project.

For this project, the working definition of speculative fiction includes fantasy/ sci-fi/ horror/ supernatural/ alternate history and magic realism and all submissions must fall into one of these sub-genres (thus, a fantasy/romance piece is acceptable).
First-rights granted by authors of accepted submissions. Short-story submissions must be 1.5-5k words, no more than three pieces per author. Poetry will be considered.
Cover artist and illustrators will be considered. Contributors for a Foreword and Afterword will be considered.

DEADLINES AND EXPECTATIONS:
This project requires intensive participation from potential contributors.
Deadline for rough draft is July 14th, where-after contributors will critique each other's work. Critiquing will be done in Christian_Fic_WRE_Crit_Group@yahoogroups.com which all potential contributors must join. Rough draft critique deadline: July 18th. Re-write, self-edit and polish; second draft deadline is August 4th. Second draft critique (more intense: fine picking, polish crits), deadline: August 18th. Final manuscript polished to shine; Final deadline: August 25th. Authors of accepted submissions must then join a second Christian marketing newsgroup to discuss marketing tips.

Interested parties must:
1) join Christian_Fic_WRE_Crit_Group@yahoogroups.com and
2) introduce yourself and state your interest in this project.

We look forward to working together with fellow Christian artists,
Scott “Frank Creed” Morris
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
e-mail: frankcreed@insightbb.com
Home: http://www.frankcreed.com
Blog: http://www.frankcreed.com/blog
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

If a Tux Could Talk


My son Tim and I are really stepping into high gear with the our latest work in progress - If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For It.

We are eager to find more grooms (and brides) willing to share their wedding planning experiences. If you know of someone who got married in the last few years, or someone currently planning a wedding, PLEASE have them drop me an email or give me a call. I’ve created a special email address just for these messages – louisedumont@gmail.com

A Little About Our Book
Today's groom is not afraid to order quiche tartlets for his reception or display a daisy boutonniere on his tux. Most couples are footing more than a third of their own wedding bill. Grooms both want and need to participate in the decision-making. If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For It reflects the changing role of a groom. Unlike many other groom guides, this book also addresses a young man's Godly desire to become the spiritual leader of the home, even as he values the talents and strengths of his bride.

Author Opportunity



Here is a request from fellow author, Terri Pilcher. The article is being written on spec for Today's Officer - the online version of their print magazine for military officers.
~~~~~~~~~~~
From Terri
~~~~~~~~~~~
I need a couple of anecdotes from people who've successfully resolved holiday conflicts with relatives. They could be in-laws, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, mentally-ill relatives, whatever. Please e-mail me at prowriter1@gmail.com if you have a story that will help.

Thanks!
Terri Pilcher
prowriter1@gmail.com


Several months ago Patrick O'Toole, a NJCWG member (and a regular instructor at our A Reason to Write Conference), completed Chapter 5 in the new Microsoft Press book "Programming Microsoft SQL Server 2005". The book just became available on Quantumbooks.com and BarnesAndNoble.com. It's listed on Amazon, but not yet available to purchase there.

Monday, June 26, 2006

NJCWG Meeting Tonight



NJCWG - Meeting Tonight

Monday June 26, 2006
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

Special Note: There will be NO meeting on July 10, 2006

Sunday, June 25, 2006

NEW Book Announcement

Posted by Picasa
This is a picture of my son, Timothy R. DuMont, and his soon-to-be fiance, Amanda Lillis. It was taken after their recent performance at Carnegie Hall

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Tim R. DuMont is currently preparing for his wedding to the beautiful Amanda Lillis. Tim's mother, author and speaker Louise Bergmann DuMont, has been happily married to Tim's father (John DuMont) for over 30 years. Together they hope to share both the fun and the folly of wedding planning with those in the midst of such preparations.

MESSAGE FROM LOUISE:
My son, Tim, and I are eager to get our latest book, If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For It ready for press. We've already done a number of interviews, joined wedding forums, created a "groom's survey" and put together our publishers pitch (below).

We are eager to find grooms, brides, wedding coordinators and other wedding professionals willing to share their wedding planning experiences. If you know someone interested in participating in this project, PLEASE have them drop me an email or give me a call. I’ve created a special email address just for these messages – louisedumont@gmail.com

PITCH
Today's groom is not afraid to order quiche tartlets for his reception or display a daisy boutonniere on his tux. Most couples are footing more than a third of their own wedding bill. Grooms both want and need to participate in the decision-making. If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For It reflects the changing role of a groom. Unlike many other groom guides, this book also addresses a young man's Godly desire to become the spiritual leader of the home, even as he values the talents and strengths of his bride.



Award Annoucement



Just wanted to share some exciting news about one of our NJCWG members.

Chris Sagona was recently awared the First Place Award for Best Feature Writing in the state of New Jersey in a weekly newspaper. This award is presented by The Society of Professional Journalists and the award is the Excellence in Journalism Award.

An other note of praise for Chris is that her book, Park Ridge is complete. It will be in Barnes and Noble stores in about two months.

Next Meeting of the NJCWG



NJCWG - Next Meeting

Monday June 26, 2006
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

Special Note: There will be NO meeting on July 10, 2006

Character Gesture Website


Here is a great website where you can get character gestures

The Nonverbal Dictionary
http://members.aol.com/nonverbal2/diction1.htm

Writing Op - More Than Novellas


Here is a recent writing op that came across my desk...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seeking original novells, novellas and short stories.

Mission Statement: To promote and build a library of family friendly
fiction--with values that exemplify the teachings and walk of Christ--for
people to read on the web, by maintaining MoreThanNovellas and by promoting
the work of both authors and webmasters who are called to the same purpose.
(see below for submission guidelines

Last year MoreThanNovellas.com had our greatest summer ever. Not only did
we double our authors with some great men and women, but we received almost
as many hits and participation in the IF room then we did during the rest of
the year. I tell you that because people are looking for great fiction to
read online--all over the world. In 2006, we entered our seventh year
online and now have 16 online novellas, 12 complete ... 46 short stories,
all in a growing library of free to read online fiction.

This isn't a paying market. However, if you're interested drop by
www.morethannovellas.com and check out the how to submit page or the
submission guidelines page (see guidelines below).

Elizabeth Delayne
MoreThanNovellas.com

____________________
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Look around the website and see what's going on. You should get a good feel
for it. Of course, you can always ask.

The story does not have to be distinctly Christian, but must represent
Christian values: clean, wholesome, fun ....

The story must have a plot~adventure, romance, friendship, etc. This means
character development, setting, rising action, climax and falling action.

Must follow True Love Waits and preferably Lady in Waiting (a book) values.
If you can't understand the meaning by the titles, again you can ask ;).
Please be aware of, an pray about, how love and affection is shown ...

It is important to remember that while most of the readers are adults, some
that come through might be children. I do ask you to consider the audience
and pray over anything that may be ... impressionable.

***Please do not submit a story you have posted elsewhere on the web. If
people run across similar stories over and over they stop looking.

The author keeps the rights to all stories. I will place your e-mail,
website, etc along with your story and I will create a graphic for you. Just
look around the website and see what's going on.

---
www.morethannovellas.com: Free to read online Novel(la)s & Short Stories.

Challenge your writing skills and delight the writers that are
participating, by adding to the continuing sagas in the IF room ... what
happens IF ... there's always a cliffhanger waiting for you.

Currently Accepting Submissions: novels, novellas and short stories ... see
Submission Guidelines/How to Submit @ morethannovellas.com