Writing Opportunity

James Scott Bell

James Scott Bell is looking for freelance contributions for his new books. Wouldn't it be great if a number of our members were selected for publication in these books? Why don't YOU give it a try? See below

Louise DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
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Dear Writer,

I’d like to invite you to be part of an exciting new series that Guideposts is sponsoring: The Incredible Power of Prayer.

You may have contributed to one or more of my story volumes in A Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, or Love is a Verb. Great! I’d love to hear from you whether you’re a previous associate or have not yet submitted anything to my projects.

Prayer is the heartbeat of the Christian life and is an amazing gift from God to us. A prayer in faith can spur God’s heart to “move mountains” on our behalf. The incredible power of prayer can accomplish miracles that go far beyond anything we humans can accomplish on our own.

Guideposts reaches millions of Americans with their upbeat message of God empowering us. And now, Guideposts is launching a series of 12 books on various aspects of prayer and how people from every walk of life have been transformed through God’s responses. These books will be mailed monthly as part of a book club promotion, and will be exclusive to this readership.

I am now collecting submissions for the first three books in the series and would welcome as many stories as you wish to submit. The first volume is Praying from the Heart and covers God answering our deeply felt prayers of great passion, sincerity, and trust. These prayers may be repentant, express deep gratitude, or describe desperate cries that lay bare a person’s deepest needs.

The second volume, The Healing Touch, deals with stories about prayers that lead to physical, spiritual, relational, or emotional healing. They may involve relationships that don’t resolve perfectly, but bring a closer relationship with God and a new sense of purpose and greater ability.

The third volume, Expecting Miracles, includes personal experience stories about audacious prayers with powerful answers. This is where the need is great and God responds extraordinarily. The answers don’t need to be purely supernatural; God can work in mysterious ways using all kinds of means.

Submissions can be up to 2000 words. Each story should have a creative title, an attention-grabbing lead, main body explaining a conflict or challenge, and a resolution. These need to be descriptive and compelling personal experience stories—not simply testimonies. We prefer original stories but you may also submit previously published stories. The payment is $25 for stories under 1000 words, and $50 for longer stories. You may retain the rights to publish the stories in magazines and books with smaller distribution sources.

We are accepting manuscripts from now until at least June 15 for the first three volumes. We’ll announce the finalists for the first volume around October 15.
Please include on each manuscript—not in headers or simply in the e-mail—your name, contact information (address, phone, e-mail, rights offered) and a bio of up to 30 words. Please attach to the e-mail rather than pasting text in the body.

Please direct all inquiries and manuscript submissions to my colleague, Jeanette Littleton at IncrediblePrayers@earthlink.net. And please feel free to let others know about this project. If this e-mail has been forwarded to you, and you can’t submit to this call, but would like to be notified about other editorial needs as they arise, please send us your e-mail address and we’ll add you to our notification list (we do not sell or distribute these e-mail addresses).

Blessings to you and yours,

Jim

James Stuart Bell
Compiler, Guideposts Prayer series

JSB/jgl

Guest Speaker - Chris Sagona

Hi everyone. I have GREAT treat for you. Our own Chris Sagona will teach a class on writing news at our next meeting. You will NOT want to miss this.

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Bio - Chris Sagona

Chris Sagona is an American journalist and the winner of the 2005 Society of Professional Journalists' Award for Best Feature Writing. She also won the 2004 Awbery Award for Excellence in Journalism for Distinguished Public Service and the New Jersey Press Association Awards for First Amendment Writing. She also won the 2006 Deadline Reporting Award from the NJ Press Association.
Author of the book, Park Ridge, by Arcadia Publishing Sagona is also a Board Member of the Pascack History Project.
She was Managing Editor of Community Life for two years, crime beat reporter and Religion Editor at The Montclair Times, and a journalist for North Jersey Media Group, with her work appearing in the Herald News and The Record. She also did photography for publications including the Herald News.
Sagona moved to television in 2006, as Associate Producer, then Assignment Editor, for News 12. She is currently Foreign News Assignment Editor for Fox News Channel and does online reporting for FoxNews.com out of New York City.
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The next meeting of NJCWG is on Saturday, March 7, 2008, 2:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Note: I have a few copies of Sally Stuart's 2009 Christian Market Guide left. This year they retail for $34.99 per copy. Your copy, if purchased through me, will cost $21.00. If you want one, bring your money to the meeting. They will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.

Blessings,

Louise DuMont

Gifted Hands 2/8/09

Ben Carson

A Message From Cecil Murphey


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Greetings friends,

Don't forget to watch GIFTED HANDS tomorrow night at 8 p.m (Eastern time) on TNT

Here's a blurb from the movie Web site ---

A frustrated young boy with problems in school overcomes the obstacles in his life to become a world-renowned neurosurgeon in the new TNT Original movie GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY. This uplifting and inspirational JOHNSON & JOHNSON SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION® stars Oscar® winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) and two-time NAACP Image Award winner Kimberly Elise (The Great Debaters, The Manchurian Candidate). It is based on the true story of Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, whose lifelong journey led him to become director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, a best-selling author and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The movie premieres Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), exclusively on TNT.

More information about the movie can be found at this link: http://www.tnt.tv/movies/movietitle/?oid=44656

Books are available for purchase through your local bookstores, online, or by contacting Twila Belk at twilabelk@mchsi.com.

Sincerely,

Twila Belk (for Cec Murphey)

Next Meeting & Market Guide

Hi everyone. The next meeting of NJCWG is on Saturday, February 7, 2008, 2:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

AND my ten copies of the Sally Stuart's 2009 Christian Market Guide have arrived. This year they retail for $34.99. Your copy, if purchased through me, will cost $21.00. I have only ten copies, so bring your money to the meeting if you want one. They will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. I'll do a quick run down on how to use the guide at the meeting.

Questions? Call Louise 551-427-3794 or 973-926-9267.

Blessings,

Louise

2009 - Jan Meeting of the NJCWG

1) Have you made the commitment to follow Christ's plan for your life?
2) Does this include His call to write?
3) If you feel the call to write, do you write every day?
4) Do you write what, when and how He instructs you to write?
5) Are you only flirting with writing, or are you ready for a serious commitment?

We will discuss these topics and more at the first meeting of the NJCWG in 2009 on Saturday, January 3. Don't forget to bring your critques.

NJCWG
Saturday, January 3, 2008
2:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Questions? Call Louise 551-427-3794 or 973-926-9267.

Thanksgiving Note

Here are a few writing prompts for the Holiday weekend:
1) Write a letter to God thanking Him for one specific blessing you received this past year.
2) Write a letter to one person who influenced you for the better - tell them what they did for you and why you are a better person for it.
3) Write a letter to one person forgiving them for a past grievance.
4) Write a letter to one person asking for forgiveness - for something you've done or said that may have offended them.
5) Write out five blessings in you life - expand each to include who God used to bring that blessing about.

• Please note that there will be NO December meeting of the NJCWG. I apologize for this, but it could not be helped (read previous blog-note).
• FYI - the Ringwood Library is sponsoring a new critique group - the second session begins Thursday evening, Dec 6 at 7:00 p.m.
  

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Louise Bergmann DuMont

Dec Cancelation... and more

I'm sorry to say that I have to cancel the December meeting of the NJCWG. Tim, my son, is hosting a Sr. High youth retreat that weekend. The mother of one of his primary speakers has been very ill (a tumor on her heart). This speaker now won't be able to make the retreat and Tim needs me to step in on the afternoon of Sat, Dec 6 to help him.

I know you all look forward to our meeting but we will meet again on Saturday January 3, 2009.

On a happier note, if you want to see some of Tim & Amanda's wedding photos (and a whole bunch of others), you can go to the DuMont family blog at: http://www.dumontfamily.blogspot.com/

Blessings,
Louise

November Meeting

The next meeting of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group is here!

Where: Ringwood Baptist Church, 30 Caroletondale Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456

When: November 1, 2008 -- 2:30

Bring the items you critiqued and bring a piece you've written (one page, double spaced, with your name & address at the top).

See you Saturday!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Yes - NJCWG Meets in October

Yes, the NJCWG IS meeting in October - finally...

Saturday, October 4, 2008
2:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Our topic of discussion:
Finding Your Writing Voice

Hope to see you there!

NJCWG SEPT MEETING CANCELED

SEPTEMBER NJCWG MEETING CANCELED
So sorry, but I think we are going to cancel our NJCWG meeting for tomorrow 9/6/08. With Hurricane Hanna coming in (the worst to hit late tomorrow afternoon) I think it would be best to just wait one more month before we meet.

Hope to see you in October!

Louise Bergmann DuMont

September Meeting of the NJCWG

Timothy & Amanda DuMont
July 11, 2008


We ARE having a NJCWG meeting this September

Next Meeting of the NJCWG
September 6, 2008
Ringwood Baptist Church
Ringwood, NJ
2:30 p.m.

... and YES, I am bringing wedding pictures (grin).
See you there.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG

BEWARE ....

I am both embarased and distressed to tell you all that my website has been taken over by a porn group. Please do NOT go to www. louisedumont .com

My sincerest apologies if any of you recently tried to go to my website. My husband is trying his best to take back what was mine but they are asking a large sum of money to turn over the site name.

On a much happier note, my son's wedding was WONDERFUL !!! They should be returning from their honeymoon tonight.

Our next meeting will NOT be in August -- we are taking a summer break and will return to our regular meetings in September.

Hope to see you all there. Have a most blessed summer and KEEP WRITING!!!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
louisedumont@gmail.com
Facilitator of the NJCWG

www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com

No July & Aug Meetings

Wishing a Happy Summer Time to all our NJCWG Members!

PICNIC
Our June NJCWG picnic was a wonderful success. The weather was hot but gorgeous right up to the moment that I climbed back into my car. Then the heaven's opened up with a torrent of rain. God just wanted to let me know once again how good He was to allow us that beautiful afternoon.

REMINDER
There will be no NJCWG meetings for July & August. My son's wedding, vacations and numerous other summer activities have led me to believe that we need to take this break. We will resume our meetings on their regular schedule on September 6, 2008.

DO CHECK THE BLOG REGULARLY THIS SUMMER.
Because we suspended meeting for July & August, I will share writing opportunites, conference information, and other writing related topics on the blog during that time. I also have some pictures that Marilyn took at the picnic and I'll post them as soon as I get the chance - probably after the July 4th holiday.

Blessing to you all. Have a safe and happy summer. And KEEP WRITING!!!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, North Jersey Christian Writers Group

ERROR IN ADDRESS

Please note that the address posted for Marily Gardullo was NOT correct in the previous blog

The correct address is:
Marilyn Gardullo
319 Cupsaw Drive
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Marilyn's Phone: 973-962-4893
Louise's Cell: 551-427-3794

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NJCWG June Picnic
Saturday June 7, 2008
4:00 p.m.
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 319 Cupsaw DriveRingwood, 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. This is just for fun ladies and gentlemen, so don't tie yourself all up in knots worrying about the presentation.

July
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
(be sure to ALWAYS check the blog before you come)
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 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.