De-Cluttered Bug

Author, Kathryn Porter, poses with her new book (Too Much Stuff: Decluttering Your Heart and Home) and friend Louise Bergmann DuMont. We met at last yer's Glorieta Christian Writers Conference and were able to reconnect this year. SO much fun. One great reason for attending writers conferences is the friends we make -- friends who encourage us and lift us beyond the places we can go on our own.

Do check out Kathryn Porters books. She is both an amazing person and great author. You'll be seeing more from this lady.

Nancy Wialliams

Author, counselor, speaker & life coach - Nancy Willaims (o the left) shares a moment of fun with fellow Glorieta attendee. 

Writers View Phot

TheWritersView1 members got together in Glorieta's after hour cafe (The Chuckwagon) for a few lattes and this photo.

SpiritLedWriter - Pls Read

The SpiritLed Writer has been having a few electronic problems. If you submitted to this publication, please read the message below.

-------------------------------
Hi all,

When your publication works solely by email, an ISP problem is a big deal. SO...

Just a quick note to say that due to a problem with the host for the magazine:

1) we've lost all emails in my inbox from July, including submissions and requested manuscripts (unfortunately, we didn't realize this until last month when we noticed no emails coming in, and when the inbox was wiped out).

**Our webmaster is trying to figure all this out, but in the meantime we have issues to get out...

2) we are experiencing problems receiving email (including responses to our feedback buttons, etc.). If you received a "blocked" email from the site this explains why.So, I'd appreciate any help with the following.

Please respond to me at lacrayton@yahoo.com

1) you have sent a manuscript, please resend (I responded positively to several subs last month, and have not received the manuscript -- I expect these were blocked) -- at lacrayton@yahoo.com

2) if you have a reprint to offer, please submit it at lacrayton@yahoo.com

3) please continue to pray for the ministry of SPIRIT-LED WRITER, we so appreciate it.

Thanks,
Lisa, Publisher

FREE Business Cards

Vista Print is at it again. They are offering FREE business cards to anyone who wants them. Sure there is a catch (you didn't really believe that they would give them away without a catch did you?).

Here's the deal - 1) you must pay the shipping - which is minimal. 2) Vista Print puts their web address in very small print on the back of each card. That's it.

I use Vista Print for all of my business cards, oversized publicity post cards, etc. They do an excellent job and you sure can't beat this price.

Writers need business cards. While I was at Glorieta I collected dozens of them and will file them for future contact information. Editors and publishers file them for future use too. Get 250 FREE Business Cards Now! Here is their link: FREE CARDS

To see all of Vista Print's products and other free offers go to: vistaprint.com

Kathy Pride- Featured Author of the Month

October's Featured Author
Kathy Pride
Author of Winning the Drug War At Home

Kathy Pride wears many hats, including author, newspaper columnist, speaker, and parent educator. Her favorite roles are as a mother to her four children, best friend to her husband, and high energy advocate for people whose hope tanks are running low. She has recently authored a book entitled Winning the Drug War at Home, released by AMG Publishers in April, 2006.

You can find out more about Kathy and her ministry (Tapestry Ministries) at her website.

Cec Murphey Update

A Note From Cecil "Cec" Murphey

Don Piper for whom I wrote 90 Minutes in Heaven will appear on the Today Show the first week of November. (That's the "sweeps" week.) They've asked representatives from four different religions about heaven and how to get there. Don, because of his experience, will speak from the Christian perspective. If you've never heard Don, not only did he have a powerful experience, but he's delightful to hear. I learned last week that the book has hit 1.1 million copies in sales. I'm amazed--and grateful to God.

CecCecil "Cec" Murphey
http://www.cecilmurphey.com
Author, When Someone You Love Has Alzheimer's
Co-author, 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life
Co-author, Daily Devotions Inspired by 90 Minutes in Heaven (available in November)

Contest - EPIC

EPIC's has a new writing contest, which is open to home-schooled as well as public school and private school kids.

CHavel EPIC New Voices 2007 contest open for entries between August 1, 2006 and November 1, 2006.

This is a writing contest for students attending public, private, or homeschools anywhere in the world. There is no entrance fee. Students should be in junior high/middle school or high school in the US or the equivalent level in the school system of their country. The student may write a story, poem, or essay for the contest or enter something written for a school assignment. For more information, visit the EPIC website:
http://www.epicauthors.com/newvoices.html

Writing Op - Kids Ark

Hello Wonderfully Blessed Writers!

I hope this finds you all well. This e-mail has been long in coming and I don't think I'll answer ALL of the questions many of you have e-mailed me all right now. But, I need to share with you what is going on with the Ark and should then later be able to answer anything else.

1. We are slowing down the monthly printing of the Kids' Ark to every other month until we are through the process of becoming nonprofit. There are temporary financial restrictions to publishing monthly until the nonprofit status is gained. Once that happens, we will resume monthly publications.

2. Having said that, here are the updated anticipation publication dates for previous themes. (Those of you whose stories have been accepted for these themes- you will receive your payment and complimentary copy at that time).
Perseverance - October
Meekness - December
Pride - February
Anger - April
Wisdom - June
Laziness - July

3. While deadlines have already passed for Anger, Widsom and Laziness, the editorial panel is still finalizing decisions on submissions. I hope to have decisions for all stories by next week.

4. Also, we will have additional themes and submission deadlines by next week as well.

Thank you all for your prayers and patience. I realize it's difficult for you to not hear from us for so long. For that, I apologize. We held off due to the number of changes being made to make this ministry everything God wants it to be.

God really is doing great things with this magazine. In church, just the otherday, the wife of a man who is known as the "watchman" of our church, commented how much she enjoys having the stories available for her grandchildren. You are impacting so many children through your giftings. Thank you for sharing them with the world.

May God bless you exceedingly, abundantly above all you may ask, think, orimagine!I'll be in touch again soon!

Blessings,
Joy Mygrants
The Kids' Ark

Glorieta Christian Writers Conference

Glorieta Conference Center, Albuquerque, NM

Well I'm back from the Glorieta Chrisitan Writers Conference. I'm almost embarased to say that I'm hard pressed for words to describe this year's experience. During the next few week's I will post dozens of writing opportunities that were presented to me by the other staff members. God is now placing them in your hands. What you do with them is between you and your creator.

I was blessed to reconnect with a number of writing colleagues and I made dozens more. I hope to post a number of photos as well. I also purchased (more than a few) CD's of the classes. These will be shared over the next few weeks at our NJCWG meetings. You won't want to miss those. I also gather writers guidelines and sample copies from dozens of publications. Again, these will be shared at the next few NJCWG meetings.

Next Meeting
Monday, October 23, 2006
Ringwood Baptist Church
Our "lesson" will be a brief recap of the conference and some interesting lessons-learned.
Hope to see you there!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

9/9/06 Meeting Canceled

Unfortunatly I need to cancel the Monday, October 9, 2006 NJCWG meeting. Our next meeting will be 10/23/06. My apologies. As soon as I get back from Glorieta I'll post an update.

MEETING CANCELLED
Monday, October 9, 2006

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Update From Cecil Murphey

Cec Murphey with NFL's Most
Valuable Player for 2005,
Shaun Alexander

What's new with author, teacher & speaker Cecil "Cec" Murphey

If you want to see pictures, go to: http://www.WhatsNewWithUs.com

Cecil ("Cec") Murphey www.CecilMurphey.com

I came home tired after teaching in a two-day conference followed by
an intense mentoring clinic in Dallas. For a full month, I can stay
home to write daily, run each morning, and play in my garden every
afternoon.

My next mentoring clinic is in Walnut, CA (near LA) January 17-20.
Peter Lundell (host) says we still have room for two people.

On the news front, Touchdown Alexander that I wrote for Seattle
running back, Shaun Alexander, sold 50,000 copies and nearly 2,000 of
the audio version during its first month. Daily Devotions Inspired by
90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey
(Berkeley/Penguin) comes out in November with an initial printing of
110,000 copies. CBD (Christian Book Distributors) asked me to write
study questions for each chapter of 90 Minutes in Heaven. They want
to put this in their Giant Reading Group and promise (according to my
editor Vicki Crumpton) "to give the book big promotion in terms of
catalog space, focus, and sales,"

The fall issue of Marriage Partnership printed a series of articles
about couples and cancer. Shirley's breast-cancer story is in it
along with a first-person story by my friend, Dr. Amy Givler. The
issue features a story about another friend, Chris Maxwell. He had
viral encephalitis and no longer has any short-term memory. It's an
inspirational account written by Corrie Cutrer.

Comfort Cafe - New Devotional

Louise Bergmann DuMont has a new Devotional at the Comfort Cafe
Moving a Mountain - One Mole Hill At A Time
http://comfortcafe.net/?p=402

Writing Op- Adams Media

Writing Op forwarded to me by Maude Carolan
--------------------------------------------

Has God ministered in your life through the Serenity Prayer? Is there an element of the Serenity Prayer that especially speaks to you?

If so, you're a prime candidate to write a personal experience story for a compilation book on the Serenity Prayer that Adams Media is putting out as part of their Christian line, and I'd like to invite you to be part of this.

We're looking for 1000-1200 word stories on how the Serenity Prayer has affected or changed lives. Your story will need to be deeper than just, "I prayed the Serenity Prayer and God made everything wonderful." Instead, focus on a specific time in your life when this prayer or an aspect of it made a difference in your life. Tell us specifically how this prayer made a difference--specifically how God used it to bring grace, healing, renewed relationships, courage, or whatever. As in any time you tell a story, remember to "show" us instead of just "telling" us. Also, it looks like too many writers so far are focusing on the "Accept the things I can" aspect of the prayer, so you might consider writing on another section of it.

This book is distinctly Christian, but will be sold in secular outlets (and Adams is a secular publisher that has a Christian arm, like the Cup of Comfort Devotions series, and the His Forever testimony book). So in your writing, try to weed out Christianese--try to give spiritual concepts concrete support so the readers can relate, and don't assume your reader knows what the Christian phrases mean. Feel free to use scripture in this as well--just watch the Christian lingo.

Also, one of my concerns is that too many of the stories submitted will focus on AA or recovery programs. It's great if the Serenity Prayer has ministered to you through this, but downplay programs and concentrate on the difference in your life. Also feel free to pull from elements of the long version of this prayer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_Prayer

The stories are due Oct. 25 (this has been extended from the original deadline), but I'll start accepting them right away. Yes, you may tell someone else's story in their voice, an "As Told To." You'll receive $50 for each story that's accepted. If you have questions or would like to submit a story, the e-mail address for this one is: serenityproject@earthlink.net. I prefer attachments in Word.

And please, feel free to pass this along to your writing friends! This is the perfect opportunity for people who want to write something that will make a spiritual difference in markets that aren't Christian bookstore markets. So a perfect venue for those of you who have a desire to be "missionary writers."

Thanks. I look forward to reading how God has used the Serenity Prayer in your life.

Jeanette

Jeanette Gardner Littleton
Editor, Serenity Prayer Project
Adams Media

Note From NJCWG Faciliator

Glorieta Conference Center, Albuquerque, NM

Well, I've once again neglected the blog for a short time. This was due to preparation for the upcoming Glorieta conference in Albuquerque New Mexico. I will be teaching Writing Devotions: 101 and Know Your Audience / Write To Market

Please keep me in your prayers for the following:
1) That I might have a good flight - without incident and on time
2) That my teaching might be of benefit to those taking my classes
3) That my conduct might glorify Christ
4) That my pitches might fall on receptive ears
5) That someone needing encouragement might find it in my words
6) That God's direction for my writing might be made clear
7) That I might bring back loads of information and writing opportunities for the NJCWG
8) That I might sell a few copies of my books in the bookstore
9) That I won't be totallly exhausted when I get back on Monday night (10/16) since I do have to go back to work on Tuesday (10/17)
10) That God would use all the speakers and teachers to raise up writers for His purpose
11) That editors and publishers would find the writers that they need and that writers would find a market for their work at Glorieta

Please note that the NJCWG is meeting on Monday, 10/9/06. Hope to see many of you there.

Louise

Notes from NJCWG Lesson

How to Analyze a Publication
Notes from the 9-25-06
Meeting of the NJCWG

The Surface
What is the name of the magazine?
Who or what is on the cover?

The Basics
Explore the index – what topics do they cover?
Does the publication seem to have a theme for the issue?
Can you tell what their features are about from the titles in the index?
Do they have regular columns and what topics do the columns cover?
Are the columns written by staff or freelancers?
What are the article titles like (humorous, factual, one word, complex w/subheadings)?

The Visual (not ads)
Are there photos? Cartoons? Line drawings? Clip Art? Graphs?
Are the visuals in color or black & white?
Are the visuals modern? Classic? Simple? Crowded? People? Things? Calming? Action Oriented?
Are the visuals large (full page, across from the article)? Tiny (small graphic set in the body of the text)? Or a combination?
Is there a good use of “white-space” on each page?
Is the size of the font appropriate for the material?

The Words
What overall message does the publication bring their readers (what do the readers of this specific publication care about)?
How long are the feature articles?
How long are their regular columns?
What type of words do they use (jargon/slang, formal/professional, middle class/casual)?
How long are the sentences and how complex are the thoughts?
What tone is used (friendly, personal, distanced, humorous, serious)?
Do they use side bars?
Do they use subheadings?

The Sell (Ads)
What are they selling?
Who do you think buys these particular products?
How large are the ads (full page, half page, two column/two lines)?
How complex are the ads (multiple visuals, long text, etc)?
Do the ads use lots of words, lots of visuals, or both?
Where are the ads (all grouped together, spread throughout the publication, before the index, at the end)?
In relation to the copy, what percentage of the publication is devoted to ads (0%, 10%, 50%, 80% of the publication)?

Page 2 of Notes

Every article has two audiences – its REAL audience and its INTENDED audience.

Intended Audience – the person you are writing this article for
Real Audience – anyone who actually reads the article

Questions to Ask Yourself When Analyzing a Publication

The Reader
What kind of job does my reader have?
How old are they?
How much money does this reader make each year (salary or hourly)?
Did they graduate from high school? College?
How many children are in the family?
What is their ethnic background?
Is the reader married, single or divorced?
What does this reader do for fun?
What political party do they belong to?
What kinds of magazines or books do they read?
Do they have a good sense of humor?
Do they read every word or do they skim articles?
Will the reader read the whole article at one time, or will they read some now and some later?
Does my reader “clip” articles or toss them?
What else do I need to know about my reader in order to provide good written material?

How much does the audience know about my subject?

How does the audience feel about my subject?

What new information can I provide to my reader?

What does my reader need?

What does the publisher need?

What is my relationship to my reader (equal, authority, subordinate)?

What are the demographics of my readership (age, sex, educational background, geographic location, etc)?

Why are they reading this piece (information, entertainment, etc.)?

Type of publication am I writing for and what does this mean to me, my reader, my publisher (web, print, magazine, newspaper, e-book)?

Meeting Tonight

For Members of the NJCWG

Change in lesson option for tonight.
Tonight I will host a brief workshop-like (hands-on) meeting where members will learn how to research a periodical market.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Meeting Tognight

NJCWG Meeting - Tonight
Monday, Septembre 25, 2006
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

We were going to have a local journalist speak tonight but I haven't been able to confirm the date with her. If she is unable to make it, I will teach a lesson on Devotional Writing.

Louise Bergmann Dumont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Wedding Invitation

AN INVITATION FOR ALL

NORTH JERSEY CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP MEMBERS

The honour of your presence

is requested

at the celebration of our marriage

Maude Carolan

to

Robert F. Pych

Saturday, the Twenty-First of October

Two Thousand and Six

Ten O'Clock in the Morning

Beth Israel Messianic Center

2 Lincoln Place

Garfield, New Jersey

Light Refreshments Will Follow

The blessing of your presence is the present we desire

Writing Op - Mature Living

MATURE LIVING
Excellent Break-In Market
New market -- Pays 0-9¢/word or $0-150/article

A Magazine for Christian Senior Adults
Lifeway Christian Resources
1 Lifeway Plaza
Nashville TN 37234

E-Mail: matureliving@lifeway.com
Website: www.lifeway.com
Mature Living Link: Mature Living

Contact:
David Seay, editor-in-chief

About MATURE LIVING: Monthly leisure reading magazine for senior adults 55 and older. "Mature Living is Christian in content and the material required is what would appeal to 55 and over age group: inspirational, informational, nostalgic, humorous. Our magazine is distributed mainly through churches (especially Southern Baptist churches) that buy the magazine in bulk and distribute it to members in this age group."

Freelance Facts:
90% freelance written
Established: 1977
Circulation: 320,000

Pays on acceptance
Publishes manuscript 7-8 weeks after acceptance.
Byline given.

Rights purchased: Purchases all rights if writer agrees.

Submit seasonal material 1 year in advance.
Responds in 3 months to manuscripts.
Sample copy for 9x12 SAE with 4 first-class stamps.
Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE.

Nonfiction Needs:
General Interest
Historical
How-To
Humor
Inspirational
Interview/Profile
Personal Experience
Travel
crafts

Does Not Want: No pornography, profanity, occult, liquor, dancing, drugs, gambling.

Buys 100 manuscripts/year.
Length: 600–1,200 words.
Pays $75-105.
Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Photos:
State availability of photos with submission.
Offers $10-25/photo. Pays on publication.

Columns & Departments:
Columns open to freelancers: Cracker Barrel (brief, humorous, original quips and verses), pays $15; Grandparents' Brag Board (something humorous or insightful said or done by your grandchild or great-grandchild), pays $15; Inspirational (devotional items), pays $25; Food (introduction and 4-6 recipes), pays $50; Over the Garden Fence (vegetable or flower gardening), pays $40; Crafts (step-by-step procedures), pays $40; Game Page (crossword or word-search puzzles and quizzes), pays $40.

Fiction Needs: Humorous, Religious, senior citizen/retirement
Contact -- David Seay, editor-in-chief

Does Not Want: No reference to liquor, dancing, drugs, gambling; no pornography, profanity or occult.

Buys 12 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 900-1,200 words preferred

Pays $75-105; 3 contributor's copies.

Poetry: Buys 24 poems/year.
Submit maximum 5 poems.
Length: 12–16 lines.