NJCWG Meeting

The NJCWG has loads of things to look forward to in 2007. The first item on our list is Kathryn Porter's blog tour. Kathryn is looking for "how do I declutter my writing life" questions. The five best questions will be answered on the blog. One name will be drawn from those among those who submitted questions. The winner will receive a copy of her latest book. Please get those questions in now. (See previous blog posts on how to enter your questions.)

A second book will be offered to one person attending February's meeting (see below) -- so you have two chances to win!

The topic of this month's teaching - Using Conflict to Create Drama

NEXT MEETING of the NJCWG
Saturday, February 3, 2007
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Blog Tour - Kathryn Porter

Today is the day we start our blog tour with author, speaker and Declutter Queen, Kathryn Porter.

We could use a few more questions from members of our group. If you have any questions on decluttering your writer's life - send them to me (njcwg.dumont@gmail.com) ASAP. We'll take the last questions on February 9 and I will post them along the way.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker

Contest - Decluttering Your Life

I just spoke to Declutter Queen, Kathyrn Porter, and she has generously offered TWO free copies of her book in relation to her upcoming blog/web tour.

Blog Tour coming to www.njcwg.blogspot.com on 1/29/07

Here's how it will work.

FIRST CHANCE TO WIN
Send me your best how-to-get-organized-and-decluttered questions. Since most writers know that everything in your life affects your writing, these questions can be directly writing related or just general organize/declutter questions.
Email your questions to me, Louise Bergmann DuMont, at: njcwg.dumont@gmail.com
The best question (chosen by Kathyrn) will win a copy of Too Much Stuff: De-cluttering Your Heart And Home by Kathryn Porter

SECOND CHANCE TO WIN
Attend the next NJCWG meeting (2/3/07) and your name will automatically be placed in a drawing for a copy of Too Much Stuff: De-cluttering Your Heart And Home. The winner at the meeting will also receive a copy (your choice) of one of my books -- Faith-Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement to Sweeten Your Day or Grace by the Cup: A Break From the Daily Grind

Get those questions to me right away!

Special Event - January 29, 2007

The NJCWG Blog will be hosting the decluttering queen and professional organizer, Kathryn Porter, as a part of her month long Blog/Web Tour. Kathryn's lastest book Too Much Stuff: Decluttering Your Heart and Your Home is one of the best I've read on the subject. As a part of her web/blog tour she will offer specific advice to the writter on how to organize your writing area and generally declutter your life so you have more time for writing. Be sure to check out the NJCWG blog on Monday, JANUARY 29, 2007. You won't want to miss this info!

ALSO... when you attend our February meeting (2/3/07) you will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of her book - Too Much Stuff: Decluttering Your Heart and Your Home.

Looking Back & Looking Forward

For those of you who could not make the first NJCWG meeting of 2007, here are the hand-outs that came with our lesson.

Looking Back & Looking Forward
Presented by Louise Bergmann DuMont
North Jersey Christian Writers Group – 1/6/07

To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward.

~Margaret Fairless Barber

Writers, like actors, are only as good as their last work. Writers must stay on top of the current market, foresee trends and always, always, ALWAYS be sensitive to the changing mood of their audience. By examining what works for us as an individual (and what doesn’t work) we are better able to hone the skills God gave us, develop new areas of expertise and provide fresh material to editors and publishers who need our competence.

Here are few questions that will increase your publication opportunities as they help you look back and forward.

2006
1. What did I write that brought forth a positive response?
2. In what genre did I write most often?
3. In what genre was I most often published?
4. How did respond to my rejections?
5. What did I learn from my rejections?
6. What person most influenced my writing in 2006?
7. What editor, publisher or author provided me with the most constructive feedback?
8. What new writing related contacts did I make?
9. How did I put to good use the writing contacts I made?
10. What new market(s) did I explore?
11. What motivated me to write?
12. What kept me from writing?
13. What changes did I make to my writing routine that made me a better writer?
14. What changes occurred that impacted my writing in a negative way?
15. Who observed a change for the better in my writing?
16. Who was least supportive of my writing?
17. Who was most supportive of my writing?
18. What book or article most influenced you this past year?
19. How much of your writing was committed to God?
20. How often did you pray about your writing?

2007
1. Why do I want to continue to write?
2. What new genre do I want to explore?
3. How will I respond to rejections differently than I have in the past?
4. How will I use rejections to make me a better writer?
5. How will I use the influencers in my life?
6. How will do I intend to stay connected with the editors, publishers and authors that God placed in my path?
7. What new writing related contacts do I want to make?
8. In what area of writing do I need the most work?
9. What new market(s) will I explore?
10. How will I best use those things that motivate me to write?
11. How will I avoid those things that keep me from writing?
12. What changes will I make to my writing routine?
13. Who will you consider as your writing prayer partner?
14. What online writers groups will you join or recommit to?
15. What kind of commitment will you make to your local writers group?
16. Which writer’s conference, workshop or seminar will you strive to attend?
17. What writing books do you plan to read?
18. What writing magazines do you plan to read regularly?
19. Are you willing to make a commitment to pray about your writing?
20. Have you committed all of your life (including your writing) to God?

Writing Op - Group Magazine

GROUP Magazine
P.O. Box 481
Loveland, CO 80539-0481

Group Magazine is a magazine for individuals in youth ministry.

Writer’s Guidelines

Best Way to Get Your Foot in the Door:

Group Magazine is always looking for submissions for short, novel, practical ideas that have worked in actual youth ministry settings. It's best to familiarize yourself with Group Magazine before sending in ideas for the following departments...

“Try This One” section needs short ideas (100-250 words) for youth group use. These include games, fund-raisers, crowdbreakers, Bible studies, helpful hints, outreach ideas, and discussion starters. Payment $40.00

“Hands-on Help” section needs mini-articles (100-350 words) that feature practical tips for youth leaders on working with students, adult leaders, and parents. Payment $40.00

PREPARATION OF COPY:
Manuscripts should be typewritten or printed from a computer, double-spaced, on one side of the paper. Please include a brief cover letter with information about the author and article. Your name, address, phone number, email address and Social Security Number should appear on the cover letter and the upper right corner of first page. Each page should be numbered and include title or your name. Include stamped, self-addressed envelope for return of unaccepted manuscript. Our normal response time to manuscript submissions is eight to ten weeks.

Group works nine to ten months ahead of distribution. Please keep that in mind if you are submitting dated or seasonal material.

Payment on acceptance.

Buys all rights.

Delaware Christian Writers Conference

John Riddle, will be hosting the Second Annual Delaware Christian Writers' Conference from April 19-21, 2007, at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. I

http://delawarechristianwritersconference.com/

I've said this before, attending a writers' conference is one of the best ways to build your writing career.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
www.louisedumont.com

Updates

Once again I've been neglectful of our NJCWG blog. Seems that when it rains it pours. Our furnace died, my car died, and I've been to the doctor four times in the last month. The good news is that we got our furnace fixed temporarily (we'll be getting a new one in a few weeks), my car is being repaired (new transmission) and the doctor says that so far my blood work, my x-rays and my MRI are all great -- he just can't find the remedy for my problem just yet. Please pray for our finances (lots of bills come along with these trails) and that my doctor would find the source of my trouble and have a ready solution. Hopefully I'll be able to catch you all up on the various writing ops, conferences, etc within the next week or so.

God Bless,

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker

MEETING of the NJCWG

The North Jersey Christian Writers Group
Next Meeting

TOMORROW
Saturday
January 6, 2007
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Espresso for the Heart - Comfort Cafe

My latest column at the Comfort Cafe is posted!

To Resolve or Not Resolve – That is the Question
http://www.comfortcafe.net/?cat=65

Meeting Schedule NJCWG 2007

R-E-M-I-N-D-E-R

THE NEXT MEETING OF THE NJCWG WILL BE
SATURDAY, January 6, 2007
NEW DATE AND TIME
Meetings will be held the FIRST SATURDAY of every month,
2:30-3:30 p.m. - Meeting
3:30-4:30 p.m. - Critques

CHANGES:
* Meetings will no longer be twice each month (previously 2nd & 4th Monday), they will now be held only once each month. I am hoping that by reducing the number of meetings, more people will be able to fit the NJCWG into their schedule. I would like to see the group grow and mature.
* Meetings will be held on Saturdays (previously Mondays). This should accommodate those who are taking evening classes, those who have to work late, those who need a spouse to babysit, and those who have evening church conflicts.
* Meetings will be in the afternoon (previously evening). Some members found it difficult to maneuver the narrow, winding Ringwood roads in the dark – especially during the winter months when snow and ice makes our roads even more treacherous. By moving the time to late afternoon, I hope that more members will be comfortable attending.
* The new schedule will be tentative. After a few months the group can re-evaluate the arrangement and we can decide if we like Sat afternoon meetings or if we want to go back to evening meetings.

~~~~~~~~~

A 2007 Calendar, will be handed out at our first meeting.

~~~~~~~~~

2007 Meeting Schedule
January 6, 2007
February 3, 2007
March 3, 2007
April 7, 2007
May 5, 2007
June 2, 2007
July 7, 2007
August 4, 2007
September 1, 2007
October 6, 2007
November 3, 2007

God Allows U-Turns (Anthology)

GOD ALLOWS U-TURNS
is currently NOT accepting new submissions.

The God Allows U-Turns Project
P.O. Box 717
Faribault MN 55021-0717

Fax: (507)334-6464
E-mail: editor@godallowsuturns.com
Web site: www.godallowsuturns.com

Writing Op - Christian Journal (Newspaper)

CHRISTITAN JOURNAL
801 S. Riverside
Medford, OR 97501

Phone: (541)773-4004
Fax: (541)773-9917
Email: info@thechristianjournal.org
Web site: www.thechristianjournal.org

Contact: Chad McComas, editor
About CHRISTIAN JOURNAL

Free, monthly newspaper covering Christian support/encouragement.

"It is the purpose of the Christian Journal to encourage the reader with Christian support articles--personal experiences, stories about ministry, hope in God, poetry, uplifting short pieces, etc."

Freelance Facts
* Established: 1998
* 80% freelance written on a one-time basis.
* Byline given.
* Not copyrighted.

# Editorial lead time 1-2 months.
* Accepts queries by:
o Mail
o E-mail (info@thechristianjournal.org)
o Fax
o Phone
* Accepts simultaneous submissions
* Accepts previously published submissions
* Responds in 2 weeks to queries.
* Responds in 1-2 months to manuscripts.
* Sample copy for 9x12 envelope & 3 first-class stamps.
* Writer's guidelines available at web site (click here).

Needs
Types of Articles:
* Book excerpts
* Exposé
* General Interest
* Historical/Nostalgic
* How-To
* Humor
* Inspirational
* Interview/Profile
* Opinion
* Personal Experience
* Religious (fiction and nonfiction)

Does Not Want: Nothing of theological controversy.
Submission method: Query or send complete ms.
Length: 400–900 words.

Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Columns & Departmemt

Columns open to freelancers: Health; Senior Views; both 600-800 words.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript

Photos
Send photos with submission.
Reviews:* GIF/JPEG files
Photos Require Identification of subjects

Buys one-time rights
Offers no payment for photos.

Tips: "Be willing to have your work edited and used to touch readers."

Writing Op - The Christian Century

THE CHRISTIAN CENTURY
104 S. Michigan Ave.
Suite 700
Chicago IL 60603-5901

Phone: (312)263-7510
Fax: (312)263-7540
E-mail: main@christiancentury.org
Web site: www.christiancentury.org

About THE CHRISTIAN CENTURY

Format: Magazine for ecumenically-minded, progressive Protestant church people, both clergy and lay.

Frequency: Biweekly

"Authors must have a critical and analytical perspective on the church and be familiar with contemporary theological discussion."

Freelance Facts
* 90% freelance written
* Established: 1884
* Works with new/unpublished writers.
* Circulation: 30,000
* Pays on publication.
* Byline given.

Rights purchased: All rights

# Editorial lead time 1 month.
# Submit seasonal material 4 months in advance.

Accepts queries by: Mail & E-mail
* Responds in 1 week to queries.
* Responds in 3 months to manuscripts.
* Sample copy for $3.
* Click here for manuscript guidelines

Nonfiction:
"We use articles dealing with social problems, ethical dilemmas, political issues, international affairs, and the arts, as well as with theological and ecclesiastical matters. We focus on issues of church and society, and church and culture."

Needs:
* Essays
* Humor
* Interview/Profile
* Opinion
* Religious

Does Not Want: No inspirational.
* Buys 150 manuscripts/year.
* Submission method: Send complete ms; query appreciated, but not essential..
* Length: 1,000–3,000 words.
* Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Photos: State availability of photos with submission.

New Spirit Led Writer Online

The latest issue of the Spirit Led Writer is online.

ARTICLES
Market Guidelines: Seven Steps on the Path to Getting Published
Conquering Mountains
Feed the Sheep: Writing for the Weary and Scattered
Analyzing a Magazine
Overcoming the Fear of Submission

COLUMNS
Parchment and Scrolls
You may have heard someone say, "Experience is the best teacher," but the words mean nothing unless they motivate you to action.
Encouraging News
Knowing the alphabet is an important part of being a writer. Find out how to use that knowledge to take your writing to the next level.
Inspired Romance
Where should I begin? This is a common question for a writer, but time and experience shows that a beginning should: open at the point of change, open with action, and should capture the reader's interest.
Polishing Your Prose
This article describes a handful of writing and editing jobs. (I have written several of the descriptions from personal experience, and the rest come from interviews with other people.)
Nuggets for Personal Journaling
Can you recall some things in your life where you said, "I will never do that?" Certainly, I can.
Poetry Potpourri
NEW When an inner voice tells you to write, and when your poetic cup runneth over, write. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh— and so does the pen.

Bare Your Bookshelf

As Christians and writers we likely have a number of Bibles and and other Christian books on our bookshelves. Christian Resources International has begun a program called BARE YOUR BOOKSHELVES. This program provides individuals with everything they need to send a box of Bibles and Christian books to a pastor in a needy third-world area. Your name and address never appears on any of the materials so you don't have to worry about someone getting a hold of your information. Here is a link to this worthy ministry: http://cribooks.homestead.com/bareyourbookshelf.html

Christmas Break

Well, my Christmas "break" is over and we all have to get back to writing. I'll be posting a few dozen items here over the next few days. Please drop me an email to let me know if these are helpful or if there are other types of posts you would rather see.

Merry Christmas and may you and yours have a blessed New Year in Christ our Lord.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

NJCWG Changes

NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW
JANUARY MEETINGS
NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW
Starting in January, NJCWG meetings will take place on a new day and time. This decision was made with a great deal of prayer and the consideration of its members.

CHANGES:
* Meetings will no longer be twice each month (previously 2nd & 4th Monday), they will now be held only once each month. I am hoping that by reducing the number of meetings, more people will be able to fit the NJCWG into their schedule. I would like to see the group grow and mature.
* Meetings will be held on Saturdays (previously Mondays). This should accommodate those who are taking evening classes, those who have to work late, those who need a spouse to babysit, and those who have evening church conflicts.
* Meetings will be in the afternoon (previously evening). Some members found it difficult to maneuver the narrow, winding Ringwood roads in the dark – especially during the winter months when snow and ice makes our roads even more treacherous. By moving the time to late afternoon, I hope that more members will be comfortable attending.
* The new schedule will be tentative. After a few months the group can re-evaluate the arrangement and we can decide if we like Sat afternoon meetings or if we want to go back to evening meetings.

NEW DATE AND TIME
Meetings will be held the FIRST SATURDAY of every month, in the afternoon
2:30-3:30 - Meeting
3:30-4:30 - Critiques
SATURDAY
January 6, 2007 - FIRST MEETING
February 3, 2007
March 3, 2007
April 7, 2007
May 5, 2007
June 2, 2007
July 7, 2007
August 4, 2007
September 1, 2007
October 6, 2007
November 3, 2007

NJCWG Changes

NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW
JANUARY MEETINGS
NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW
Starting in January, NJCWG meetings will take place on a new day and time. This decision was made with a great deal of prayer and the consideration of its members.

CHANGES:
* Meetings will no longer be twice each month (previously 2nd & 4th Monday), they will now be held only once each month. I am hoping that by reducing the number of meetings, more people will be able to fit the NJCWG into their schedule. I would like to see the group grow and mature.
* Meetings will be held on Saturdays (previously Mondays). This should accommodate those who are taking evening classes, those who have to work late, those who need a spouse to babysit, and those who have evening church conflicts.
* Meetings will be in the afternoon (previously evening). Some members found it difficult to maneuver the narrow, winding Ringwood roads in the dark – especially during the winter months when snow and ice makes our roads even more treacherous. By moving the time to late afternoon, I hope that more members will be comfortable attending.
* The new schedule will be tentative. After a few months the group can re-evaluate the arrangement and we can decide if we like Sat afternoon meetings or if we want to go back to evening meetings.

NEW DATE AND TIME
Meetings will be held the FIRST SATURDAY of every month, in the afternoon
2:30-3:30 - Meeting
3:30-4:30 - Critques
SATURDAY
January 6, 20067 - FIRST MEETING
February 3, 2007
March 3, 2007
April 7, 2007
May 5, 2007
June 2, 2007
July 7, 2007
August 4, 2007
September 1, 2007
October 6, 2007
November 3, 2007

DECEMBER MEETINGS
There will be NO NJCWG Meetings in December. Please use this time to reflect on Christ's gift to humanity and to enjoy your family & friends.
Have a blessed, blessed Christmas!
Meetings will resume in January.

CHRISTMAS PARTY
There will be no NJCWG Christmas Party this year.

NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW - NEW
JANUARY MEETINGS
Starting in January, NJCWG meetings will take place on a new day and time. This decision was made with a great deal of prayer and the consideration of its members.

CHANGES:
* Meetings will no longer be twice each month (previously 2nd & 4th Monday), they will now be held only once each month. I am hoping that by reducing the number of meetings, more people will be able to fit the NJCWG into their schedule. I would like to see the group grow and mature.
* Meetings will be held on Saturdays (previously Mondays). This should accommodate those who are taking evening classes, those who have to work late, those who need a spouse to babysit, and those who have evening church conflicts.
* Meetings will be in the afternoon (previously evening). Some members found it difficult to maneuver the narrow, winding Ringwood roads in the dark – especially during the winter months when snow and ice makes our roads even more treacherous. By moving the time to late afternoon, I hope that more members will be comfortable attending.
* The new schedule will be tentative. After a few months the group can re-evaluate the arrangement and we can decide if we like Sat afternoon meetings or if we want to go back to evening meetings.

NEW DATE AND TIME
Meetings will be held the FIRST SATURDAY of every month, in the afternoon
2:30-3:30 - Meeting
3:30-4:30 - Critques
SATURDAY
January 6, 20067 - FIRST MEETING
February 3, 2007
March 3, 2007
April 7, 2007
May 5, 2007
June 2, 2007
July 7, 2007
August 4, 2007
September 1, 2007
October 6, 2007
November 3, 2007