Writing Exercise

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is a writing exercise for those writers who need a bit of inspiration - or a kick in the you-know-what to get them started.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Most of you know the line "It was a dark and stormy night.." made famous by the THE most famous (infamous?) writer of our century - Snoopy. This line was originaly penned by Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton, as the beginning of his 1830 novel Paul Clifford. Here is the complete opening line.

"It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents, except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness."

Your assignment -- rewrite this opening using Showing techniques rather than Telling ones. Don't overwrite. Don't use a lon list of adjectivs. Break up the sentence into manageable bites. In other words -- write tight -- write clean -- write a great opening.

If you are interested in a free critque of your rewritten paragraph, drop me an email.

Louie Bergmann DuMont
Author, Speaker & Facilitator of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG)

Book Proposals That Sell

"If you are currently writing a book or even thinking about writing a book, you won't want to miss this online event. "
Louise Bergmann DuMont, NJCWG

---------------------------------
From Editor and Author - Terry Whalin
---------------------------------
Let's Talk About Book Proposals
On Thursday, October 26th, I will be chatting for two hours at the Institute of Children's Literature. The topic is book proposals and how as writers submit better proposals, then they will improve the results from their submissions.
If you can, join us for the chat. I recommend you go to the chatroom ahead of time to register (free) then participate.
Here’s the times:
9-11 p.m. Atlantic/Canada
8-10 p.m. Eastern
7-9 Central
6-8 Mountain
5-7 Pacific

If you are reading this article after October 26th, the transcript for this chat are stored online. These archives are a rich resource of writing information on a variety of topics from many different participants. In the past, I've been in this chatroom--in fact three times but Thursday will mark the first time talking about Book Proposals That Sell. I hope to see you there.

Chat with Terry Whalin

On Thursday (10/26/06), Terry Whalin is going to be chatting about Book Proposals That Sell for two hours at the Institute of Children's Literature website. This event is free--but he advises that you register ahead of time so you will be ready to participate. If you can't make it, the transcript will be stored on the ICL website--after the chat.

Here's where you can learn the details: http://tinyurl.com/ygvrps

Writing Op - Morning Song

This just came across my desk
Facilitator, NJCWG
-------------------------------
I am the publisher of a new e-Newsletter called "Morning Songs". The newsletter is about Christian and Gospel music, Christian life, faith, spirituality, and just life in general. If you are interested in contributing to this monthly publication, send me a 500 word article along with your contact information. We'll review it for potential publication. If you have any more questions about it you can contact me directly at morningsongs_newsletter@yahoo.com. I think there can be some great, ongoing contributions that come from you. I can't wait to hear from you. If you just want to read it when its done, you can also email me. We hope to have the first publication ready in November, just in time for Thanksgiving. Be blessed.

Chance Glenn
Editor - Morning Songs

Next Meeting - NJCWG

Louise Bergmann DuMont at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference
She is teaching her KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE/WRITE TO MARKET class.

I'm SO excitied about our next meeting. I hope to share some of the many things I learned at the 2006 Glorieta Christian Writers Conference.

The worship, devotionals, opening and closing sessions were amazing.

The classes exceeded everyone's expectations.

God brought me so much more than I ever expected during the faculty to faculty sessions (you will be nearly as excitied as I am when you hear about it all).

The attendee to faculty appointments that I participated in were awsome as well.

And of course I reconnected with great old friends and made dozens of new ones.

To be the first to hear all the details, come to our next NJCWG meeting.

Next meeting -- NJCWG
Monday, October 23, 2006

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson / Glorieta
Networking Ops, Classes, Connections, , CD's Available, Writers Guidelines & Sample Copies... and so much more.
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

Terry Whalin, Fiction Acquisitions Editor Howard Books

Terry Whalin, Fiction Acquisitions Editor Howard Books, and author, Louise Bergmann DuMont, pose for a picture after dinner at the 2006 Glorieta Christian Writers Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Editor Appointments

Attendee and editor in the midst of an all-important appintment.

Nick Harrison

Nick Harrison, author and Acquisitions Editor for Harvest House, allowed me to snap this picture one afternoon when we were having lunch together. It was such a pleasure to learn from this knowledgeable (and patient) man.

Joe Box Mysteries author, John Robinson

One of my favorite authors, John Robinson, takes a break and enjoys the glorious weather in between his faculty to faculty appointments, attendee to faculty appointments, and rigorous teaching schedule. It was a real blessing for me to reconnect with John at this conference. 

Glorieta's Chuck Wagon

TheWritersView1 Members taking a break at the Chuck Wagon

TheWriters'View1 is an online Christian writing group for those activingly engaged in publication. We gathered after the days sessions for popcorn, lattes and a good time at Glorieta's Chuck Wagon Cafe. These after hour get-togethers are a great place to connect with editors and publishers whose appointment schedules are full during the day.

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