Christian Writers Cruise to Alaska!

Here is a note from a friend of mine at WinePress Publishing.
Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Christian Writers’ Group:

As a group leader you understand the importance of connecting authors with one another and with industry professionals. That’s why NCWA sponsors special events such as the 2007 Northwest Christian Writer’s Alaskan Cruise.

Please pass this announcement on to the members of your writers’ group. Encourage members to join us for a fantastic week of writing, networking, and sight seeing, August 26 – Sept 2, 2007. This is NCWA’s third cruise and each time we have had new authors published for the first time. We look forward to seeing the fruit of this voyage.

We will sail on the new luxury liner Norwegian Pearl through the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and wonderful ports of call. While on the cruise, find out ways you can do projects with your group to encourage writing and bring in extra funds. What a great way to write off a dream vacation, meet authors and editors, improve your writing skills, and relax all at the same time!

Keynote speaker: Bestselling author, James Scott Bell
Workshop leaders: Lin Johnson, editor, The Christian Communicator & The Advance Christian Writer. Nick Harrison, editor, Harvest House Publishers

Sign up soon—Norwegian is holding our prices until April 24th. After that the rates go up and our prime rooms go back on the market. Conferees can put down a deposit now and final payment is not due until May 29th.

Check the website for details of the workshops and events and to register.

http://www.nwchristianwriters.org/default.asp?id=9611

Questions? Email: events@nwchristianwriters.org

Hope to sail with you in August!

Carla Williams
NCWA Special Event Coordinator
Co-sponsored by WinePress Publishing Group www.winepressgroup.com


The WinePress Group Your Partner In Quality
PO Box 428, Enumclaw, WA 98022 • Phone: 360-802-9758 • Fax: 360-802-9992

The Writer Mag - Short Story Contest

The Writer Short Story Contest
Prizes: $1,000, first place; $300, second place; $200, third place.

The first-place entry, along with the finalist judge's comments, will be published in The Writer magazine. All three winning entries will be posted on The Writer Web site, http://www.writermag.com.

Entry fee$10 per entry, payable to The Writer. Payments must be in U.S. funds drawn from a U.S. bank.DeadlinePostmarked by June 30, 2007.
Rules
1. Submit two (2) copies of your story. Entries must be submitted with an official entry form, available at the website. Place the title only (not your name) on each page of the story.
2. All entries must be original and previously unpublished in a book, nationally distributed periodical or Web-based magazine. Entries must be in English and submitted by the author, who must be at least 18 years old.
3. Entries should not exceed 2,000 words. No explicit sex or violence.
4. Entries must be double-spaced in standard 10- to 12-point type, and each page must be consecutively numbered. Please paperclip pages together; do not staple or enclose in covers or binders.
5. A $10 nonrefundable entry fee, payable to The Writer, must accompany each entry. Please do not send cash in the mail. Entries will not be returned, so be sure to keep a copy for your records. We are unable to acknowledge entries.
6. One person may submit more than one entry, but each entry must be accompanied by a $10 entry fee. No simultaneous submissions are allowed.
7. Winners will be notified by Sept. 30, 2007.
8. Family members and employees of The Writer and its affiliates are not eligible to enter the contest.

How to submit
Download the entry form (at the website). To request a form by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Guidelines, c/o The Writer, P.O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612. Send two (2) copies of your story, along with the completed entry form or cover page and total entry fee ($10 per entry). Payment must accompany all entries. Address entries to: Short Story Contest, The Writer, P.O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612.

Right Writing - Terry Whalin

Terry Whalin has a wonderful writers website ( http://www.right-writing.com/ ). It has information on everything from writing the nonfiction book to children's short stories. Terry also sends out a fantastic newsleter that I beleieve every writer (new or accomplished) should subscribe to. You can get this newsletter by going to his website and clicking on the subscribe button.

Terry also has a GREAT writers blog - The Writing Life. It would be worth your time to check that out as well.

Sinclair Lewis Quote

Sinclair Lewis

SINCLAIR LEWIS ON MAKING A LIVING AS A WRITER
"What the young writer of today should contemplate is a dual profession, and incidentally, it would be the best thing in the world for his tortured creativeness to be forced to touch some nonliterary world, forced to remember what saner folk are daily up to. Let the young Balzac or Byron not only wear his elbows shiny at his desk, but let him with equal assiduity learn another and slightly more lucrative calling. But I would like him to keep out of advertising, journalism and the teaching of literature, if possible, because they are too much akin to writing. No let him become a doctor or a grocer, a mail-flying aviator, a farmer or a bacteriologist, a priest or a communist agitator, and the two professions together, he may make a living."
From The Writer, September 1936

Randy Ingermanson

Here's an article on conference-going tips reprinted with permission from Randall Ingermanson's Advanced Fiction writing e-zine. Randy Ingermanson ("the Snowflake guy") is a physicist turned novelist. If you haven't read his novel Oxygen you really are missing a great read.
Louise Bergmann DuMont

Facilitator of the NJCWG

How To Have a Great Conference

Are you going to a writing conference this year? I hope you'll be able to. Writing conferences can be expensive, humiliating, and discouraging, but they can also change your life. My career began to blossom when I committed to going to at least one major writing conference every year. I know many writers who can say the same.

The problem is that writing conferences can also go horribly, frightfully, abysmally wrong. In this article,
I'd like to talk about a few things you can do to have a good conference and a few things you can avoid so as to NOT have a bad conference.

Here are some DOs and some DON'Ts:

1) DO set your expectations based on where you are in your writing career.

* Are you a "freshman" or "sophomore" writer? Then you shouldn't be expecting to sell a book at the conference or get an agent. You should be expecting to learn as much as possible about the publishing industry, to learn more about the craft of writing, and to make some friends. Those are doable goals for "freshmen" or "sophomores."

* Are you a "junior" writer? Then you still can't expect to sell your book, but you CAN expect to get some valuable feedback from editors or agents. You might possibly even find an agent who'd like to represent you. And you can expect to make new friends.

* Are you a "senior" writer?" Then it's very reasonable to see some real excitement among the editors and agents over your book. "Seniors" are pretty rare, and editors and agents are looking for them. You might not sell your book at the conference, but it's likely you'll get some requests to send in your proposal or manuscript. And you might well land an agent on the spot. Or not. Your mileage may vary.

* Are you published already? Then your goal might be to make new contacts with editors and agents. Or you might pitch book ideas. Or both. It depends on you, but you know that by now.

If you're not sure what stage you're at in your career, check out this page on my web site:
http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/talks/roadmap/index.php

2) DON'T try to cheat the system.

I once went to a weekend writing conference at San Diego State University. About 700 writers attended, so it was a big conference! The rules said that you could submit at most 5 pages of your work to a single editor. That was designed to keep the work load down for the editors and agents.

One writer at the conference decided to get around this restriction by submitting 30 packets -- each with 5 pages in it -- all to the SAME editor! Think that endeared the writer to the editor? Nope, it just irritated the bejeebers out of him.

3) DO be nice to everybody.

There is just no good reason to be rude to other people. Those other writers next to you are NOT your competition. They really aren't. If you let them, they'll be your friends, your coaches, your mentors, your cheerleaders, and your shoulder to cry on. And you'll be the same for them.

Want to know who your competition is?

It's you. The one person most likely to keep you from succeeding in your career is yourself. You probably think too highly of yourself OR you think too little of yourself. Sometimes you need other people to tell you that you really aren't Stephen King. And sometimes you need other people to tell you that you aren't kitty litter.

So be nice to other writers. That is the one thing you can do to make your conference stupendously wonderful. I'm assuming you already know to be nice to editors and agents. In fact, you might get carried away, so that brings us to the next DON'T . . .

4) DON'T freak out in the presence of famous editors, agents, and writers.

Look, famous people are a lot like you. I can pretty much guarantee they use the exact same technique you do to put on their pants in the morning.

No doubt when you put on your pants, you toss them up twelve feet in the air, do a triple back-flip with a full twist, plunge your legs into the pants at the peak of your trajectory, and then land lightly on your feet with the pants zipped, ready to go meet the day.

Famous people do that too. So don't freak when you meet them. They're just like you. It's OK to fawn a little, but freaking out is just a no-no.

5) DO expect the unexpected.

No writing conference I've ever been to has gone the way I expected. So I've learned to just go with the flow, try to meet people, set some reasonable goals, have fun, and be ready for anything.

Probably the most fun I ever had at a conference was the infamous "Shaving Babbitt" incident. I had that conference all planned out. It went exactly the opposite of what I had planned. By all rights, it should have been the most humiliating thing that ever happened to me. I loved every minute of it.

I could tell you more, but that's enough for now. To review:
* Set reasonable expectations
* Don't try to cheat the system
* Be nice to everybody
* Don't freak out with famous folks
* Expect the unexpected

Oh yeah, and . . . have fun!

Publisher, Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine
http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com

Conference Scholarship Opportunity

I have the opportunity to recommend one person for a 50% scholarship ($167) to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference ~ May 16-19, 2007. I need to have my recommendation to the committee no later than April 12 so let me know ASAP if you are interested in pursuing this.

If you accept the scholarship, you would still be responsible for the other half of the registration fee (due by April 16), transportation to and from the conference, and your lodging which includes meals and runs $44 - $112 a night depending on whether you to stay in Mt. Ypsilon or Wind River.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
Facilitator of the NJCWG

Writing Op - SpiritLed Writer

From Lisa Crayton, Editor of the SpiritLed Writer

~~~ WRITE FOR US! ~~~

SPIRIT-LED WRITER needs writing-related articles and fillers (including book reviews, conference reports and devotionals). We also seek how-to articles on the business side of writing, and writing for children. Check out the guidelines
and query today.
http://www.spiritledwriter.com/guidelines.html

Yes, we're a paying market, and we accept reprints.

Handling Rejection Article

There is an EXCELLENT article by Sherri Langton at the SpiritLed Writer. Check it out!

* * *Handling Rejection: Don't Burn Your Bridges* * * by Sherri Langton
Snipit: "I'm not writing for you anymore!" Fortunately, the editor never heard those words; I internally screamed them at the computer when I read his e-mailed rejection notice.
To read the full article go to: http://www.spiritledwriter.com/mar07/bridges.html

St. Davids Christian Writers Conference

An educational retreat for writers serious about their craft.
St. Davids Christian Writers' Conference
50th Anniversary - June 18-23
Special Chicken Soup Feature
Grove City College, PA
http://www.stdavidswriters.com

Writing Op - Anthology

NOTE: This call went out to authors who submitted to Helen Kay Polaski's anthologies in the past. I am forwarding it on to you with permission. Be sure to get in on this right away! For author's 2007's Christmas is here NOW.

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

Dear Authors,

Please feel free to share the following information will all of your writing groups and friends. Thank you for your patience! I hope to see many familiar names in my email in the near future.

Take care -- Helen


*****************************************************************

CALL FOR STORIES - CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

From Adams Media/F + M Publications, home of the bestselling series, A CUP OF COMFORT, and the bestselling 2006 holiday anthology, CLASSIC CHRISTMAS, True Stories of Holiday Cheer and Goodwill, comes CHRISTMAS MEMORIES, an anthology of True Stories that Touch the Heart and Renew the Spirit.

Christmas is a time for making memories and sharing. All of the things we enjoy -- everything from visiting grandmother and grandfather’s house to opening presents, building snow forts, honoring the Christ Child, and enjoying a generous helping of plum pudding -- are more magical during this special time of the year. All of the holiday memories we've experienced in our lives seem to have been forged in our minds and souls to be shared again and again with others. In keeping with that sentiment, we would be honored if you shared your best Christmas memories with us and with the world.

LENGTH: Word count should be between 800 and 1,200. Please send only complete stories that are inspirational as well as emotional, have a dramatic flair, pack a punch, and bring all of the senses into play. The best stories will invoke tears and/or laughter, or make the reader sigh. In a nutshell, make us feel as though we’re in the story with you.

EMAIL STORIES TO: hkpolaski@yahoo.com

Submissions should be sent in the body of an email, as well as in attachment form. Include: name, address, phone number, email address, and 50-word bio. Please, also, only one submission per email.

RESPONSE: Because of the sheer numbers of submissions involved in a call for stories of this nature, it’s difficult to contact authors personally, however, upon receipt of submission an automatic response will be sent. This response will be your confirmation that your story arrived safely to my desk. (Please allow up to two days for a response. If/when time permits, the editor will do her best to contact authors personally.)

Authors of work that is selected to be in the book will be contacted prior to publication. Once selections have been made, entrants will be informed of the status of their work. (When in doubt, do not hesitate to contact me at the above email address.)

DEADLINE: May 30, 2007

COMPENSATION: $50 and a free book will be given to the author of each story that is accepted and published. Authors may submit more than one story for consideration. Authors will be limited to no more than three stories in the book.


Helen Kay Polaski
Book Editor: A Cup of Comfort for Weddings and Classic Christmas
http://www.gardenandhearth.com/Gift-Baskets.htm

CLASSeminar, an international Christian speakers organization, is once again coming to NEW JERSEY!!! I am a CLASS graduate and attending this seminar was one of the very best things I could have done for my writing career.

The early registration (April 21) is fast approaching for the first 2007 CLASSeminar, held at America's KESWICK in Whiting, New Jersey May 21-23, 2007. The CLASSeminar is for both aspiring and established leaders, speakers and writers--in fact those whom God has given a message to deliver. Register by calling today at 800/433-6633.

If you are intersted in knowing more about this,drop me an email.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Writing Op - New Jersey Savvy

NEW JERSEY SAVVY LIVING
view in new window
CTB, LLC
30B Vreeland Rd.
Florham Park NJ 07932

Phone: (973)966-0997
Fax: (973)966-0210
E-mail: njsavvyliving@ctbintl.com
Web site: www.njsavvyliving.com

About NEW JERSEY SAVVY LIVING

Format: Magazine covering New Jersey residents with affluent lifestyles.
Frequency: Bimonthly

"Savvy Living is a regional magazine for an upscale audience, ages 35-65. We focus on lifestyle topics such as home design, fashion, the arts, travel, personal finance, and health and well being."
Freelance Facts

* 90% freelance written
* Established: 1997
* Circulation: 50,000
* Pays on publication.
* Publishes manuscript 3 months after acceptance.
* Byline given.
* Offers $50 kill fee.
* variable rights.

# Editorial lead time 3 months.

Accepts queries by: Mail
* Accepts simultaneous submissions
* Response time varies
* Sample copy for 9x12 envelope.

Nonfiction:
Needs:
* Interview/Profile (people of national and regional importance)
* Photo Feature
* Travel
* home/decorating, finance, health, fashion, beauty

Does Not Want: No investigative, fiction, personal experience, and non-New Jersey topics (excluding travel).

* Buys 50 manuscripts/year.
* Submission method: Query with published clips.
* Length: 900–2,000 words.
* Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Photos:
* State availability of photos with submission.

Photos Require:
* Captions
* Identification of subjects
* Model Releases
* Buys one-time rights
* Offers no additional payment for photos accepted with ms.

Columns & Departments:
* Columns open to freelancers: Savvy Shoppers (inside scoop on buying); Dining Out (restaurant review); Home Gourmet (gourmet cooking and entertaining).
* Buys 25 columns/year.
* Submission method: Query with published clips
* Pays: $300 minimum for columns.

Tips:
"Offer ideas of interest to a savvy, upscale New Jersey readership. We love articles that utilize local sources and are well focused and keep our readers informed about trends affecting their lives. We work with experienced and stylish writers. Please provide clips."

Writing Op - Relevant Magazine

RELEVANT
Relevant Media Group
100 S. Lake Destiny Dr.
Suite 200
Orlando FL 32810

Phone: (407)660-1411
Fax: (407)660-8555
E-mail: editorial@relevantmagazine.com
Web site: www.relevantmagazine.com
Contact: Adam Smith, managing editor

About RELEVANT

Format: Magazine covering God, life, and progressive culture.
Frequency: Biweekly

Relevant is a lifestyle magazine for Christians in their 20s.
Freelance Facts
* 80% freelance written
* Established: 2002
* Circulation: 70,000
* Pays 45 days after publication.
* Publishes manuscript 6 months after acceptance.
* Byline given.
* Offers 50% kill fee.

Rights purchased:
* First North American serial rights
# Editorial lead time 4 months.
# Submit seasonal material 5 months in advance.

Accepts queries by: E-mail

* Accepts simultaneous submissions
* Responds in 6 weeks to queries.
* Responds in 3 months to manuscripts.
* Click here for sample copy
* Sample copy available at website.
* Click here for manuscript guidelines

Nonfiction:
Needs:
* General Interest
* How-To
* Inspirational
* Interview/Profile
* New Product
* Personal Experience
* Religious

Does Not Want: Don't submit anything that doesn't target ages 18-34.

* Submission method: Query with published clips.
* Length: 1,000–1,500 words.
* Sometimes pays the expenses of writers on assignment.

Tips: "The easiest way to get noticed by our editors is to first submit (donate) stories for online publication."

Writing Op - 108 Celebrating Baseball

108
Sandlot Media
Celebrating Baseball
517 N. Mountain Ave.
#237
Upland CA 91786

Phone: (909)912-0134
Fax: (909)912-0197
E-mail: info@108mag.com
Web site: www.108mag.com
Contact: Phil Osterholt, managing editor.

Format: Magazine covering baseball.
Frequency: Quarterly

About 108: "108 celebrates baseball's contribution to and role in American history, culture, and community through in-depth feature articles, short fiction, photography and original artwork."
Freelance Facts

* 75% freelance written
* Established: 2006
* Circulation: 40,000
* Pays on publication.
* Publishes manuscript 1-2 months after acceptance.
* Byline given.

Rights purchased:
* First North American serial rights
* One-time rights
* Electronic rights
* Makes work-for-hire assignments
# Editorial lead time 3-6 months.
# Submit seasonal material 3-6 months in advance.

Accepts queries by:
* Mail
* E-mail
* Sample copy for $7.95.
* Writer's guidelines available via e-mail.

Nonfiction:
Submit nonfiction to features@108mag.com.

Needs:
* Essays
* Historical
* Humor
* Inspirational
* Interview/Profile
* Personal Experience
* Photo Feature
* Buys 20-30 manuscripts/year.
* Submission method: Query with or without published clips or send complete manuscript.
* Length: 1,000–7,000 words.
* Sometimes pays the expenses of writers on assignment.

Photos:
* State availability of or send photos with submission.

Reviews:
* GIF/JPEG files

Photos Require:
* Captions
* Identification of subjects
* Model Releases
* Buys one-time rights
* Negotiates payment individually.

Columns & Departments:
* Columns open to freelancers: Growing Up (children of MLB players, what it's like); Beyond the Boxscore (greater significance of a single game/moment); Whatever Happened To (profile on player who fell out of the limelight); Teammates (tales of extraordinary baseball friendships), all 1,500-2,000 words.
* Buys 16 columns/year.
* Submission method: Query with or without published clips or send complete manuscript
* Pays 50¢-$1/word.

Fiction:
"As long as baseball is an integral part of the story, we'll take a look." Submit to fiction@108mag.com.Needs:

* Historical
* Horror
* Humorous
* Mainstream
* Mystery
* Slice-of-life Vignettes
* Suspense
* baseball
* Buys 10-15 manuscripts/year.
* Submission method: Send complete manuscript.
* Length: 2,000–7,000 words.
* Pays 50¢-$2/word.

Poetry:
Publishes baseball-related poetry.
o Buys 4-6 poems/year.
o Submit maximum 3 poems.
o Pays 50¢-$1/word.

Tips: "We tell the great stories that help make baseball the great game it is. We're looking for great stories—not statistical-laden entries from a baseball encyclopedia. We prefer complete manuscripts to queries."

Women's Chocolate Retreat

For the members of the NJCWG

I was asked to speak at a Women's "chocolate" retreat this weekend and I will be in Pennsylvania from Fri-Mon of this week.

Now I don't want to get anyone envious, but I think I think I hit the jackpot this weekend. Here is what will happen.

I get to speak to a group of wonderful Christian women (which I l-o-v-e to do), they will have chocolate every day (the theme is chocolate), I've been asked to speak about chocolate every day (can't think of anything I'd rather talk about), the event is about twenty minutes from the famous Pennsylvania mall outlets (yes, we have a number of unscheduled hours on Saturday where we can go shopping), I am going to this event with one of my favorite people (Amanda, my future d-i-l), I've been asked to bring a case of books that they want me to sell, Amanda & I both get free hotel accommodations, free food, free chocolate AND they pay me for all of this!!! If anyone out there can beat this deal I'll be more than happy to listen to your offer. LOL

Anyway, keep me in your prayers - think we are expecting snow again.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author of Faith-Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement To Sweeten Your Day

Writing Op - Breakaway Magazine

Breakaway Magazine
Focus on the Family
8605 Explorer Dr.
Colorado Springs CO 80920

Phone: (719)531-3400
Web site: www.breakawaymag.com

Format: Magazine covering extreme sports, Christian music artists, and new technology relevant to teen boys.
Frequency: Monthly

"This fast-paced, 4-color publication is designed to creatively teach, entertain, inspire, and challenge the emerging teenager. It also seeks to strengthen a boy's self-esteem, provide role models, guide a healthy awakening to girls, make the Bible relevant, and deepen their love for family, friends, church, and Jesus Christ."
Freelance Facts

* 25% freelance written
* Established: 1990
* Circulation: 96,000
* Pays on acceptance.
* Publishes manuscript 5-12 months after acceptance.
* Byline given.
* Offers $25 kill fee.

Rights purchased:
* First North American serial rights
* First rights
* One-time rights
* Electronic rights
# Editorial lead time 5 months.
# Submit seasonal material 8 months in advance.

Accepts queries by:
* Mail
* Responds in 2-3 months to queries.
* Responds in 2-3 months to manuscripts.
* Sample copy for $1.50 and 9x12 SASE with 3 first-class stamps.
* Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE.

Nonfiction:
Needs:
* Inspirational
* Interview/Profile
* Personal Experience
* Buys up to 6 manuscripts/year.
* Submission method: Send complete manuscript.
* Length: 700–2,000 words.
* Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Columns & Departments:
* Columns open to freelancers: Epic Truth (spiritual/Biblical application devotional for teen guys), 800 words; Weird, Wild, WOW! (technology, culture, science), 200-400 words.
* Buys 2-3 columns/year.
* Submission method: Send complete manuscript
* Pays 12-15¢/word

Fiction:
Needs:
* Adventure
* Humorous
* Religious
* Suspense

Does Not Want: "Avoid Christian jargon, clichés, preaching, and other dialogue that isn't realistic or that interrupts the flow of the story."

* Buys 3-4 manuscripts/year.
* Submission method: Send complete manuscript.
* Length: 600–2,000 words.
* Pays 15-20¢/word

Tips:
"Some of our readers get spiritual nurture at home and at church; many don't. To reach both groups, the articles must be written in ways that are compelling, bright, out of the ordinary. Nearly every adult in a boy's life is an authority figure. We would like you, through the magazine, to be seen as a friend! We also want Breakaway to be a magazine any pre-Christian teen could pick up and understand without first learning 'Christianese.' Stories should spiritually challenge, yet be spiritually inviting."

Writing Op - AARP Magazine

AARP
601 E St. NW
Washington DC 20049

Phone: (202)434-6880
E-mail: member@aarp.org
Web site: www.aarp.org

Format: Magazine
Frequency: Bimonthly

"AARP The Magazine is devoted to the varied needs and active life interests of AARP members, age 50 and over, covering such topics as financial planning, travel, health, careers, retirement, relationships, and social and cultural change. Its editorial content serves the mission of AARP seeking through education, advocacy and service to enhance the quality of life for all by promoting independence, dignity, and purpose."
Freelance Facts

* 50% freelance written
* Prefers to work with published/established writers.
* Circulation: 21,500,000
* Pays on acceptance.
* Publishes manuscript 6 months after acceptance.
* Byline given.
* Offers 25% kill fee.

Rights purchased:
* Buys exclusive first worldwide publication rights.
# Submit seasonal material 6 months in advance.

Accepts queries by:
* Mail
* E-mail
* Does not accept previously published submissions
* Responds in 3 months to queries.
* Free sample copy.
* Click here for manuscript guidelines

Nonfiction:
Articles can cover finance, health, food, travel, consumerism, general interest topics, and profiles/first-person accounts.

* Submission method: Query with published clips. No unsolicited mss..
* Length: Up to 2,000 words.
* Sometimes pays the expenses of writers on assignment.

Photos:
* Photos purchased with or without accompanying mss.
* Pays $250 and up for color; $150 and up for b&w.

Tips:
"The most frequent mistake made by writers in completing an article for us is poor follow-through with basic research. The outline is often more interesting than the finished piece. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. " This means query first.

The Writer Magazine

The current issue of The Writer is filled with great information for the novice and for the accomplished writer.

The April 2007 Issue Features

Step by Step: A daily plan to boost your output using a ''treadmill'' writing journal
GREGORY MARTIN

Step by Step: How to use setups and payoffs in your fiction
WILLIAM KOWALSKI

Step by Step: 10 ways to make your manuscript agent-ready
JORDAN E. ROSENFELD

Fiction writing for the thrill of it
JACK SMITH

Build your imagination and power of expression with these writing exercises
SHERRY ELLIS

Research: Blending fact with fiction
SARA GRUEN

Research: primary sources-handle with care, but do handle
DAVID J. EICHER

7 essential tools for narrative writing
ROY PETER CLARK

What you need to know before you publish
KELLY JAMES-ENGER

Archive: Vintage advice from The Writer

Answer #3 - Too Much Clutter

Answer #3 - Too Much Clutter

These questions come from a NJCWG member.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Too Much Clutter - Question #3
Ann Asks: . I have many art (painting) supplies sitting on an open book case. They are all jumbled up. Some are in bags on the floor as I have too many for the shelves. How can I organize these?

Clutter Queen, Kathryn Porter Answers: If you have too many paint supplies than what will comfortably fit on the shelves, then the problem is not a storage issue. The problem is that you have too many paint supplies. Use the same organizing principles as you would for any other project:

Assess what you have. Do this by grouping all like objects together such as all water based paints in one box, all oil based paints in another, etc. How many are dried and no longer fit for using? Throw them away. Do you have duplicates? Put them in a donation box. Are there items you know you won’t use in the next year? Those go too.

Before you put everything back on the bookshelves, consider what’s working and what’s not with your current system:
*Are the bookshelves located where you paint and create your art?
*Are you putting other items on the bookshelves that are unrelated to your art?
*Is the bookshelf the style of organizing that fits your situation best?

Answer #2 - Too Much Clutter

Answer #2 - Too Much Clutter

These questions come from a NJCWG member.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Too Much Clutter - Question #2
Ann Asks: My attic is a mess. My husband & I are older and not terribly strong but we are active and can do a good bit. We don't want to leave this for our daughters to clean up after we die. Ditto for our basement.

Clutter Queen, Kathryn Porter Answers: This sounds like the perfect scenario for hiring a professional organizer. Getting assistance outside the family can be extremely valuable in order to get the job done. When we ask family or friends for help, we get stuck waiting on their schedules—which sometimes means that the de-cluttering won’t get done because more important things pop up for them. You also risk being talked into keeping things you really don’t need.

If you are determined to take on this challenge by yourself, start with the easy stuff. If it takes more than ten seconds to decide on whether to keep or toss, then move on to the next item. This is called the pre-sort. Here, you are simply paring things down quickly and easily as you come across them. While you do this, start grouping like things together. This will allow you to assess exactly how much you have. It’s easier to make decision on parting with things when you can make informed decisions. It’s one thing to go through your t-shirts. It’s another to take them all out of your closets and drawers to witness the sheer number of what you own. Once you pare down, implement organizing systems. Create homes for things based on where they are used, how often they are used, and who uses them.