Hot Ideas!

FANNING YOUR IDEAS UNTIL THEY ARE H-O-T!!

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS
Next meeting -- Monday, July 24, 2006

Our July 24 discussion is one you won't want to miss. We'll talk about pitching your project in a way that will get you published.

It does not matter if this is your first article or if you are a multi-published novelist - everyone needs a G-R-E-A-T pitch and F-R-E-S-H angle. On Monday, July 24, 2006 (continuing on Monday, August 14) we will discuss the hows and whys of getting published -- and rejected. We'll dig into a bag of resources that will make your story "different" from the thousand others that authors are tossing out to editors.

IMPORTANT: Bring to these meetings one project idea that you would like to have published. As a group, we'll fine tune that idea until it POPS! This should NOT be an article you've already written. It SHOULD be only an idea for an article (or book) that you want to write.

ALSO: Be prepared to briefly tell the group what you've been working on. I will share the progress of my latest research trip to Michigan for my book If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For it.

Get ready - this is going to be a H-O-T summer for getting published!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitaor, NJCWG

ICRS 2006

The International Christian Retailers Show (ICRS) formerly known as the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) was held July 9-13, 2006 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO
(http://www.christianretailshow.com/).

Here are a few things that came from that convention.

~~~~~~~~

Big announcements (editors moving to new publishing houses, new titles that will cause a stir, etc) are often made shortly before the ICRS. This year, two items came to light.

1) Warner Faith changed its name to Faith Words. They are no longer are a part of Time Warner but are now associated with Warner Books. All of its entities were bought by Hachette Livre, the third largest publisher in the world.
2) Multnomah announced that it was purchased by another publishing house but for legal reasons the identity of that publisher hasn't been disclosed yet. An announcement is expected July 31.

Max Elliot Anderson Interview

This month I have an interview, about my children's mysteries & adventures, by the Chicago Writers Association.

You can find it at http://maxandersonupdates.blogspot.com/

Max Elliot Anderson

Adventure books for readers 8 and up
http://www.maxbooks.9k.com

The Organized Writer

Do you need to get your writing organized? Check out this website:
http://www.organizedwriter.com/

The Organized Writer has some great free writing articles as well. Just click the FREE ARTICLES tab once you get to the website.

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* Learn the Four-Step Secret to a Perfect Manuscript
Tired of proofreading for hours? Moving from first draft to perfect manuscript can be a slow and tedious exercise even for the most experienced writers. But you can create a perfect manuscript with just four simple steps....

* Personality Traits of a Real Writer
All writers are creative types, with cluttered desks, and messy piles, right? To be a good writer, one lives on coffee and stale potato chips only coming up for air when the book's done, right? Maybe. Or maybe we as writers have convinced ourselves that this is how a "real" writer acts....

*Sell Your Book with Pennies
Imagine you share a huge penny jar with each of your potential readers. Every interaction with a reader either adds or subtracts pennies from the jar. When readers need your info (non-fiction) or entertainment (fiction), they will trade the jar for your book, but only if the jar is full. Overflow the penny jar, and your reader will buy nearly everything you write.

Writing Op - Firefox News (not really news)

Please also see the general submission guidelines: http://firefox.org/submit.html

I am looking for fiction submissions on the themes below. Payment is on acceptance; submission response time is currently 1 to 2 weeks. I reserve the right to occasionally exceed this timeframe but I really try to respond quickly!

Pay rate is $.01/word up to $100.

Submit stories to leva@firefox.org

Themes have a deadline, however, themes may be closed to submissions early if I feel like I have accepted enough stories!

Without further ado, here's the first six themes I'm looking for material on:

It's the End of the World As We Know It
Stories about cataclysms, pandemics, disasters, alien invasions, and other angsty and grim subjects. Should be strongly character driven, and the stories may take place during or after the disaster. Note that you may submit comedy as well as dark stories and I'm open to unusual methods of ending the world!
Deadline: September 1st, 2006

Magic in the Modern World
Stories about magic coexisting with the modern world. Funny, romantic, silly, serious -- but with a strong underlying fantasy element.
Deadline: October 1st, 2006

Heroes
Stories about protagonists who save the day. May be fantasy or science fiction, and may be about anything from a reluctant hero to a superhero. No Mary Sues!
Deadline: November 1st, 2006

Beauty and the Beast
I don't want to see stories that are a rehash of the fairytale. What I'm looking for are romances where one of the characters is physically unappealing to the other protagonist -- for any reason you can think of. One of the heroes, for example, may be disfigured, may belong to a fantasy or alien race, or, as in the original fairy tale, may be magically cursed. You may also come up with other reasons ... Stories can be fantasy or science fiction. Note: No Bestiality. I shouldn't have to say this, except, apparently, I do. If the story makes me go, "Ewwww!" I'm not going to buy it! There's a fine line that shouldn't be pushed, here ... also, please note the site's "PG" rating!
Deadline: January 1st, 2007

Bad Guys
Submissions should be about rogues, renegades, mercenaries, pirates and others of a questionable moral persuasion. The protagonist should be likeable even if his actions aren't.
Deadline: February 1st, 2007

Aliens
The only requirement for this theme is that one of the characters must be an alien. Authors may really run with this one; I'm curious to see what sorts of submissions I get.
Deadline: March 1st, 2006

More Info: http://firefox.org/theme.html

Please note that Firefox News is not affiliated with The Mozilla Foundation or the browser Firefox. Although we highly recommend the browser, we cannot help you with any issues pertaining to it. Please contact Mozilla.org for assistance with your browser.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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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

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The Cecil Murphey Scholarship

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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

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

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.

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