NJCWG Picnic - TIME

Duh....

Please note that in my previous poste I failed to mention that the NJCWG picnic will not be at our "usual" time of 2:30 -- it will be at 4:00 PM.

See my previous post for the rest of the details. :-) Any questions??? Email me at louisedumont@gmail.com


Louise

NJCWG - June/July Meetings

Hope everyone in the NJCWG is getting lots writing done during this beautiful spring weather.

Here are a few special events and things to note about upcoming meetings:

SPECIAL June Meeting
Saturday June 7, 2008
Instead of our usual meeting, we will be having a picnic at Marilyn's home.
Everyone should bring a dish to share (potluck style) and everyone should bring their SUMMER story (see below). If you have any questions, please feel free to call me or call Marilyn.
Marilyn Gardullo
19 Cupsaw Drive
Ringwood, NJ 07456
(973) 962-4893
SUMMER Story: There will be no critiques. Everyone should bring a short written piece (no more than one page, double spaced) entitled SUMMER. We will read these out loud. They may be poignant, humorous, adventurous or 'whatever' ... but they should all be entertaining. This is just for fun ladies and gentlemen, so don't tie yourself all up in knots worrying about the presentation.

July Meeting
Saturday July 5, 2008
NO MEETING
This is right before my son's wedding and I will need every second to get things ready. :-)

August Meeting
Saturday August 2, 2008
2:30-5:00
We will resume our regular meeting schedule.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

NJCWG Writers Workshop

Reminder!
This Saturday, April 5, 2008 the NJCWG will host a Writer's Workshop for its NJCWG members. Please try to arrive on time (2:30 p.m.). Bring pens, pencils, paper and your most vivid imaginations.

NJCWG
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
2:30 p.m.

Facilitator
Louise Bergmann DuMont

JCWG - Saturday, March 1, 2008

YES, we are having a meeting today (Saturday March 1, 2008), despite the snow.

We will be doing something unique today. I have been asked to be a judge for the Genesis Writers Contest --- and you will see some behind the scenes tips on what judges (and editors) look for in your writing.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Writing Op - YouthMinistry.Com

For those of you who have children, work with youth or have worked with youth ministries in the past -- here is a great writing opportunity!

Go to: youthministry.com (contributions).

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Next Meeting of the NJCWG

Well, I broke my foot about a week ago. It has three hairline fractures. The good news is that it is my left foot (so I can still drive) and there isn't any real pain.

If you know anything at all about the facilitator of the NJCWG, you know that keeping me in one place is going to be tough a best -- more likely impossible (she said smiling through gritted teeth). I have an "elastic" bandage over my foot and a walking boot over that (see above picture) -- so YES, we are meeting for our monthly writer's group on March 1, 2008.

Pray for me regarding my attitude. This could have been a LOT worse, but I find myself getting grumpy because I can't go places as fast, as far, or as often as I'd like. I really don't WANT to be crabby -- just seems this is bringing out the worst in me. I remember praying for patience AND for some down-time (God has a sense of humor) . Of course God answered my prayer -- but not exactly the WAY I wanted Him to (the facilitator said this as she delicately hoisted her huge booted leg onto her office desk and adjusted it's velcro straps for some semblance comfort).

Looking forward to our next meeting (grin).

North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG)
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Saturday, March 1, 2008
2:30 p.m.

Writing Op For Pet Lovers

A writing op for all you pet lovers!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New York Times best-selling authors Dr. Marty Becker (of "Good Morning America") and Gina Spadafori are working on a new book series for the publisher of the "Chicken Soup" books. Looking for writers (you don't have to be a professional, or even published before) with inspirational stories on dogs, cats and horses. Also looking for great photographs. Payment for all published submissions.

Deadline for submissions is March 15, with the books coming out in the fall.

Here's where to go for information on how to get stories and pictures in the books:

http://theultimatepetlover.com/

--

Thanks!

Gina

Gina Spadafori
PetConnection.com
DogCars.com
theultimatepetlover.com

ACFW Genesis Contest

Sushi for One by Camy Tang

I recently accepted Camy Tang's invitation to judge the ACFW 2008 GENESIS CONTEST

The 2008 ACFW Genesis contest is open to ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) members unpublished in adult or young adult fiction in the last seven years (no published fiction print or electronic works of 20,000 words or more). Authors of non-fiction or library bound fiction dissertations are eligible.

This is an excellent organization and very worthy contest. Use the links above to check out both the organization and the contest.

And I've read Camy excellent novel, Sushi for One. Definitely worth the read. Her next book Only Uni is due out this February.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

February Meeting of the NJCWG

I am looking forward to the February meeting of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group. I hope you are as well! Sally Stuart's Christian Writers Market Guide arrived last week. I will distribute them to members who ordered them at our February meeting. Our lesson time will be spent learning how to use the book to our best advantage.

Saturday, February 2, 2008
2:30 pm
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ


Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
http://www.louisedumont.com/

1st 2008 NJCWG Meeting

Get creative!
WRITE!

First meeting of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group for 2008

Saturday, January 5, 2008
2:30 pm
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ

Happy New Year!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
http://www.louisedumont.com/

Writing Op

Msg From Jim Watkins from the Wesleyan Publishing House
`````````````````````
Help! Don't you just love it when editors beg!
I'm in NEED of short articles and anecdotes with Christian message (250 words).
I'm also DESPERATE for humor with a Christian message or thought (250-300 words).
SEND THEM TO wphsubmissions@yahoo.com and include the article right in the email body (NO ATTACHMENTS).
Thanks!

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well" (3 John 2).
Jim Watkins
Author-Editor-Speaker-Threat to Society
http://www.jameswatkins.com/
_______________________________________
COMMUNICATE TO CHANGE LIVES (Wesleyan Publishing House) is now available.
Visit site above to learn more about this life changing book!

Press Release - Pecan Tree Publishing

PECAN TREE PUBLISHING
2221 Adams Street Suite 8 ~ Hollywood, FL 33020
WWW.PECANTREEPRESS.COM ~ Info@pecantreepress.com
P: 877-207-2442 F: 954-272-7041

For Immediate Release: 12-8-07

South Florida-based Publishing House Launches

Quarterly Christian Literary Journal

(Hollywood, FL) Celebrating the prominence of Christian literature in the current literary marketplace, Pecan Tree Publishing has announced plans for the first edition of a quarterly Christian literary journal. Parables Magazine will feature short Christian fiction from authors around the world. Co-publisher/Creative Director Craig Stafford says, “Parables is designed to offer quality stories with positive themes and images, that will evangelize as well as enrich the lives of spiritual people.”

Content of the magazine will also include original artwork from Christian artists, devotionals and words of inspiration from Parables‘ editorial staff including authors E. Claudette Freeman, Carol Watson and Stafford. The first issue of Parables Magazine is scheduled for release in March 2008. Pecan Tree Publishing is now accepting story and art submissions for the premier issue and forthcoming issues. Stories submitted must be between 2500 and 5000 words, must be the author’s original work and a letter stating ownerships must be included and must espouse Christian beliefs and doctrines. The genre is Christian fiction, therefore personal testimonies not written in that format, should not be submitted. Work may be of a suspense, romantic, urban or other fiction nature. Art submissions must show positive, uplifting imagery and celebrate Christian beliefs and doctrines. Work must be the artist’s original work and a letter verifying ownership must be included.

Stafford says, “we believe there is a bounty of good Christian writers out there who are looking for a reliable, quality and professional platform to get exposure. Parables Magazine is that platform and Pecan Tree Publishing is glad that God chose us to present it.”

Art and story submissions for the premier issue must be received by January 28, 2008. All submissions may be made via email to info@pecantreepress.com or may be mailed to: PARABLES SUBMISSIONS, PO BOX 470697, Miami, Fl 33247. Those submissions not selected for the premiere edition will be held for consideration for future issues. Authors and artists making submissions should include a professional, quality headshot and an one paragraph biography. Artists submissions should be in jpeg, gif or PDF format and must be at least 350 dpi for quality printing. For submission questions or advertising inquiries, Parables Magazine may be reached at 877-207-2442.

Promised Links - Merry Christmas

The December meeting of the NJCWG was a real blessing to me! Every single member of this group has been a blessing to me this past year.

Now, here are two things I promised to send the group via the blog.

1) a link to my latest column at the www.comfortcafe.net
http://comfortcafe.net/?p=613

2) You can read back issues of my column at my personal blog
http://www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com/

3) a link to vista print's free (250) business cards.
www.vistaprint.com

I pray that each of you will have a most blessed Christmas!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Christian Market Guide Order

Sally Stuart's 2008 Christian Market Guide hits the books shelves in January. If you are a Christian writer you really MUST have a copy of this book AND it now with a CD-ROM!

This book contains complete information on book publishers, periodicals, specialty and foreign markets, newspapers, writing contests, editorial services, conferences, literary agents, and more. 640 pages, softcover with CD-ROM. Publisher - Waterbrook.

"An essential reference for anyone seeking to be published in the Christian community,"---Midwest Book Review.

A Note From Louise: Those of you who have been members of the NJCWG for a while know that I have a standing order with Sally (Stewart) for a dozen Christian Market Guides each year. Becuase my standing order was placed many years ago, I get an unbelieveable price. I sell these books to members of our group for a mere $21.00. That covers the cost of the book and bulk shipping. Please note that I do not make any money on these books. I pay for the dozen books and try to sell them at cost so that any new writer will have the wonderful market information that this book supplies.

The retail price of the 2008 Christian Market Guide is $34.99 (you can probably get a copy online for about $26.00 but then you'd still have to pay for shipping. That means that buying this book from me would save you around $10.00.

Since our group is small, I'm a little concerned that I will once again end up with copies that I must pay for but can't sell. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this book please let me know as soon as possible. If you have writing friends who want a copy, please feel free to ask for more than one copy. If I don't get enough people to request copies, I'm going to have to cancel my standing order. Unforntunately, I can no longer afford to pay for the books only to donate them to various libraries. Agian, let me know as soon as possible if you would like a copy.

NJCWG December Meeting

Wishing you all a most blessed celebration
of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

YES - The NJCWG will be hosting a December Meeting.

In the past, our December meeting has been a time fellowship and we did not have an actual "meeting". The financial constraints of the membership as well as timing did not allow us to host this year's event at a resturant as we have in the past. I will, however, bring some refreshments to our meeting and if anyone would like to contribute to the festivities, please feel free to do so (email me to let me know what you are bringing - louisedumont@gmail.com ).

I am putting our usual teaching session on hold for one month. The topic of this month's teaching will be: Holiday Articles and Stories -- How to Get Seasonal Materials Published.

Saturday, December 1, 2007
2:30-5:00
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

JANUARY MEETING - 1/5/2008
Our teaching session will continue with the "secrets" offered by Janet Orr in her book, No More Rejections. This Saturday's we will continue studying Passage 3 (Secrets 11-15). This includes information about supporting characters. It will help you portray your supporting cast in ways that enliven the overall plot and enhance the portrayal of your protagonist.

Out of Business

FYI - The following periodicals have gone out of business:
Christian Library Journal
Church Educator
Home-Based Mom: Audiozine
Hope for Women
Horizons (Canada)
TranscendMag.com

Writing Op - Vista

James Watkins, Editor, Vista

VISTA SEEKS SUBMISSIONS
Jim Watkins is new editor at Vista, and is looking for submissions of nonfiction and fiction (500-550 words), and humor pieces (250-300 words). Submissions can be on any subject related to Christian growth. In the past this publication was not open to freelance submissions.

Vista, PO Box 50434, Indianapolis IN 46250. Jim's e-mail is jim@jameswatkins.com.

Poetry - Writers Digest Poetry Contest

WRITER'S DIGEST POETRY AWARDS

December 20, 2007 is the deadline for the Writer's Digest Poetry Awards! If your poem is less than 32 lines it is eligible.
First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth - Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh - Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate to Writer's Digest Books

First- Tenth-Place winners will have their names and the title of their poem printed in an upcoming issue of Writer's Digest.

All winners will receive a copy of the 2008 Poet's Market.
Details on Website: www.writersdigest.com/contests/poetry.

Poetry - Writers Digest Poetry Contest

WRITER'S DIGEST POETRY AWARDS

December 20, 2007 is the deadline for the Writer's Digest Poetry Awards! If your poem is less than 32 lines it is eligible.
First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth - Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh - Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate to Writer's Digest Books

First- Tenth-Place winners will have their names and the title of their poem printed in an upcoming issue of Writer's Digest.

All winners will receive a copy of the 2008 Poet's Market.
Details on Website: www.writersdigest.com/contests/poetry.

November MEETING of the NJCWG
Saturday
November 3, 2007
2:30-5:00

Our teaching session will continue with the "secrets" offered by Janet Orr in her book, No More Rejections.

This Saturday's we will review Passage 3 (Secrets 11-15)
This includes information about supporting characters. It will help you portray your supporting cast in ways that enliven the overall plot and enhance the portrayal of your protagonist.

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG