Quotable Quote - Mother Teresa

By Mother Teresa
"We are all pencils in the hand of a writing God, who is sending love letters to the world."

Market Guides Are In

I did receive my standing order of Sally Stuart's Christian Market Guide. I still have two copies unspoken for and will bring ALL the copies to our next meeting, March 14.

If you want a copy and have not paid for one yet, bring $20.00 to the meeting and the copies will be distributed there.

Louise Bergmann DuMont

NO MEETING 2/28/05

THERE WILL BE NO MEETING OF THE NJCWG ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2005

I realize that this may be a bit premature but I wanted everyone to know the meeting is cancelled - due to the possibility of an imminent snow storm. Some of you may not be aware, but our group has people who travel from as far away as New York & Pennsylvania. I would hate for someone to get stuck on the road simply because they did not know we cancelled the meeting.

NEXT MEETING
Because we had to cancel the 2/28 meeting, we will move the "review" session of show vs. tell to our March 14 meeting. This will push our workshop to the last meeting in March.
Monday, March 14, 2005
6:15-7:00 Chat Time
7:00-8:00 Teaching
8:00-9:00 critiques

Monday March 28, 2005
WRITING WORKSHOP
6:15-9:00 We begin precisely at 6:15.

If anyone has something that can't wait until our next meeting, please do call me and we can get together beforehand.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG
www.louisedumont.com

Free Novel by Randy Ingermanson

Randy Ingermanson's latest novel, Retribution, is being offered as a free gift to anyone willing to hand out twenty-five brochures describing his book.

Randy Ingermanson is a physicist, novelist, writing teacher and publisher. Yes, by his own admission he's joined the dark side and launched his own publishing company. This year he will be teaching major fiction tracks at five Christian writing conferences.

His heart leads him to share his writing expertise with as many writers as possible. To do this he is launching the Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine a FREE email newsletter on the craft and marketing of fiction.

Quote by Randy Ingermanson: "This E-zine is for both published and unpublished writers, both CBA and ABA. In another week or so, I expect to have my 500th subscriber signed up. What's all the excitement about? Come check it out . . .
http://www.rsingermanson.com/index.html "

I've signed up for this newsletter myself and suggest that anyone interested in fiction writing do the same. You might also want to check out Randy's famous "snowflake" method of writing. He's posted a sample of this method on his website.

God Bless
Louise Bergmann DuMont
www.louisedumont.com

Poetry Reading - May 21

To: NJCWG Poets
I will provide information about the
Inspirational Poetry Reading, to be
held Saturday, May 21, 1 - 3 p.m.,
at Christian Publications Bookstore,
Rte. 23N, Pompton Plains, at our next
writer's group meeting, Monday,
February 28. See you there!
Maude

Writers Resource - Inkwell Newswatch

Here is a GREAT new writers ezine - Inkwell Newswatch, News And Views For Working Writers. It has only been in existance since January 2005 and Google already lists it as one of the top ten writing ezines. That is quite an accomplishment! Inkwell has a nice 'edgy' look, facinating interviews, helpful articles and some of the best industry and market info I've seen.

In This Month's Issue: news, education, reviews, writing resources, interviews, genre info (poetry, screenwriting, fiction, nonfiction, TV/radio, children's lit, comedy, journalism), columns, event listsing and one of my favorities -- the writers life.

Try at least a few of the itmes listed above and I have little doubt that you'll be back again soon.

http://www.fwointl.com/in.html

NO Meeting Tonight

Just a reminder - there is NO meeting tonight.

Our regularly scheduled meeting is
Monday, February 28
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

If you have today off because of President's Day or if you are just snuggling down at home because of the weather - today is GREAT day to write! I'm home today so feel free to give me a call if you need help on any particular project.

Stay warm!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author of: FAITH-DIPPED CHOCOLATE & GRACE BY THE CUP
Coming Soon: THE STRENGTH OF A WHISPER

How Long from "Idea" to "Book"

A number of you have asked me how long it takes to get a book from conception to publication. I've been reading posts in regard to this topic on an other writers list. Below is a blend of my own experience and the information I gathered from others.

BOOK TIMELINE - From conception to Publication

1. From idea to proposal
This will depend on your proposal experience. For a person writing their first proposal it may take six months. For someone who has done it before, it will probably take two or three months. Your proposal has to be at least as good as the book itself or a publisher won’t bite.
2. From proposal to acceptance by an agent
Three to six months. This is assuming you don’t already have an agent. If you have an agent you simply pitch blurbs and when she thinks an idea is good, she asks for the proposal. Assuming you don’t have an agent yet and the proposal is fabulous it could take only a few weeks. If the proposal is less than stellar, it could take six years to forever for an agent to bite.
3. From agent to publisher
Three to six months. If you are a new author it could take a little bit longer.
4. From publisher to contract
Another three to six months as it goes through the various committees.
5. From contract to finished manuscript
This depends on a lot of things – do you have a full time job, do you run a number of ministries that take up your time, how fast do write, do you need to hire an editor or do you know an editor close to home who will review the manuscript as you complete it? Most writers ask for 9 to 12 months to write their books. Authors pitching their first manuscript probably already have the manuscript done when then send in their proposal so they may only ask for 3-6 months in order to edit and review the book before submission. If that part is already done they can submit immediately.
6. From finished manuscript to bookstore shelves
12-18 months. This is the time it takes for the publisher to create a title & cover, run your manuscript through numerous edits, formulate a marketing plan and then print, box and ship your books.
7. From store shelves to receiving a royalty check
9-12 months, depending on when your book releases and when the publisher pays royalties.

Getting your book published takes a long time and it is not easy – but well worth the effort.

Screenwriter Classes - Writers Conference

Blue Ridge Mountains Writers Conference
LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center
North Carolina
April 17-21, 2005
Run by the LifeWay Conference Center
http://www.lifeway.com/christianwriters

2005 Conference Theme Verse
We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
– 1 John 1:4 Holman CSB

This conference is a mid-sized conference (not as big as Mt Hermon, Glorietta or Florida but bigger than most others) and it is VERY affordable as conferences go. It is one of the few Christian writers conferences that has classes for screenwriters. They will also have the usual classes in fiction, nonfiction articles, greeting cards, devotionals, etc. The Blue Ridge Mountains Writers Conference hosts a good solid staff of editors, publishers and authors and it isn't as far away as the larger conferences.

This conference would be a good choice for someone who has done some writing but is looking for a higher level of instruction than can be obtained from library books and local classes. It also offers excellent networking possibilities and numerous contacts with editors and publishers.

Check out their website to see the staff and class offerings.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author of Faith-Dipped Chocolate and Grace by the Cup

Writing Op - Youth Worker Journal

Here is the latest theme list from Youth Worker Journal.

YOUTH WORKER JOURNAL THEME LIST
September/October 2005
"Coming of Age"
In many ways, youth ministry has grown up; how does that change our field? What happens when countries come of age? Or cultural movements (or church movements)? As the adolescent stage grows longer on both ends, how does that affect our understanding of what it means for kids to come of age? How useful are rites of passage in that context? What about a global youth culture? And adults not wanting to grow up?

If you have article ideas on this theme, write "September/October 2005 proposal" in the e-mail subject field, and send an outline and opening paragraph within the email body by April 15 to proposals@youthworker.com. You'll receive a reply no later than August 1.

To improve the chances of being published, we encourage you to check out our "writer¹s guidelines" at http://www.youthworker.com/writers_guidelines.php

Writing Op - Group Publishing

Group Publishing, Inc.
1515 Cascade Avenue
Loveland, CO 80538
970-669-3836

CHILDREN S MINISTRY is the premiere magazine for adults who serve children in the church. Each bimonthly issue is packed with dozens of ideas and inspirational articles to help leaders encourage children to grow spiritually. Each issue also contains five helpful pages to photocopy and send to parents and teachers to give them new ideas and insights into today s kids.

CHILDREN S MINISTRY needs practical articles such as working with volunteers, disciplining children, and communicating with children about faith, morals, money, friends, grades, and choices. Articles on understanding children are also regularly featured. Each issue features regular Ideas Columns such as Preschool Age, Nursery Notes, Reaching Out, Seasonal Specials, Vital Volunteers, Preteen Pointers, Group Games, Family Ministry, Quick Devotions, Teacher Telegram, and For Parents Only. No fiction, prose, or poetry.

WORD LENGTH AND PAYMENT
Feature Articles: 500 to 600 words $125, 800 to 1,100 words $150, 1,200 to 1,700 words $175, 50-word Parent tips $40
Programs: 150-word Ideas articles $40, 150-word teacher tips $40, 150-word parenting tips $40
Payment is on acceptance.
We buy all rights.

MUCH MORE INFO ON SITE:
http://www.cmmag.com/writers_guidelines.asp

NJCWG Member Wins Prestigious Award

Our own Chris Sagona recently was awarded the First Amendment Award from the New Jersey Press Association. This award is given to reporters who have uncovered something that citizens would otherwise not have known and something that changed the community after it was revealed. Her story was in competition with numerous other stories throughout New Jersey and this is truly an honor that can be shouted from the roof tops.

On behalf of the NJCWG I wish Chris hearty congratulations. I know this won't be the last writing award offered her .

Title of her investigative series: The Elephant in the Town's Living Rooms
A few of the subtitles in this six part series: Why Homeowners Who Renovate Whisper, The Blueprint For Red Tape, When Too Many Requirements Aren't Enough, and The Secret's Out!
Results of Her Investigative Piece: municipal firings, laws were changed AND her articles were read on the floor of the state senate

Please join me in congratulating Chris and wishing her addtional future success.

Quote From Chris Sagona: "I feel very blessed and very grateful! Thank you for your prayers!"
To God be the glory!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
word.worker@verizon.net
www.louisedumont.com

Writing Op - NJ Family Magazine

Bob Moran of the NJ Family Magazine sent me the following message.

------
Hello Louise:

MaryAnn Dirio recommended that I contact you.

I'm helping NJFPC locate writers that can write for their annual NJ Family Magazine. The theme this year is Judicial Activism.

I've attached the Writer's Guidelines. Please reply and/or forward as you think best.

Thanks,

Bob Moran
C:732-718-1502
bmoran@njfpc.org

------

NJ Family Magazine: Writer’s Guidelines
Magazine Established: 2002
Publisher: New Jersey Family Policy Council
Website: http://www.njfpc.org
Editor: Linda Langstaff
Writing Coordinator: Bob Moran
Email: bob.moran@njfpc.org

Description: NJ Family Magazine is a topical, four-color glossy annual, circulation five thousand, published by the New Jersey Family Policy council since 2002.

Needs: Nonfiction only. Subject matter is organized around the theme of the issue. Editor reserves the right to edit for conformance to magazine needs.

Rights: We usually request first North American serial rights in exchange for publication of original, unpublished material. Thirty days after your article is published, you are free to sell it to another publication. We require a brief credit line with any second uses.

Length: Articles run 600 to 1,200 words. Specific requirements will be assigned by Writing Coordinator.

Deadline: Articles need to be submitted January 24 – February 15, 2005. The earlier your article is submitted, the better.

Payment: The NJ Family Magazine is distributed without charge, so there is no payment, except for the opportunity, especially for beginners, to showcase their work and add a notch to their list of credits. Complimentary copies of the magazine in which their article appears are mailed to authors. Published articles may also be made available on our website.

Publicity: Each article will have contact information about the author at the end of it. With your submission submit a headshot, a 1-3 line bio, phone number, and an e-mail address and/or link to your website.

How to Submit: Only E-mail submissions accepted. MS-Word attachments preferred, but will accept submissions in the body of an e-mail. Send to bmoran@njfpc.org. Always keep a typed hard copy or a backup disk of your work for your files.

Response Time: A few days after we receive it, usually no longer than a week.

Tips for Writers: Please proofread your stories and articles. If accepted, we will publish your submission.

How To Proofread Your Own Work: http://freelancewrite.about.com/cs/howto/ht/htproof.htm

Thank you for your interest in the New Jersey Family Magazine.
NJ Family Magazine Writer’s Guidelines

-------------

NJ Family Magazine: Letter of Understanding
Letter of Understanding between (You, the Writer) and the New Jersey Family Policy Council.

The Writer agrees to prepare an Article of ( ) words on the subject of ( ) for delivery between January 31 and February 15,2005. The Writer also agrees to provide one revision of the Article, as needed.

SIGNED,
Author New Jersey Family Policy Council

(Signature)
(Printed name Printed name)
Date

NJ Family Magazine Letter of Understanding

------

Need Your Help

Do you know an extraordinary woman of God? Someone who feels she is ordinary but who you feel is an example of extreme faith and servitude? I am looking for SIX very SPECIAL women who are willing to share their lives and experiences with me. No payment is possible for these stories but the women will be blessed to know that God will use their experiences to move others to serve Him. I am looking specifically for women who feel called to the positions mentioned below but who do not necessarily seek or even want positions of honor or authority. They perform their tasks selflessly and for only one reason - because they love Jesus. It may not be easy for them to be what God called them to be - but they do it anyway.

*** If you know of a woman (or women) who fit the following descriptions, please contact me as soon as possible. You can write me at word.worker@verizon.net ***

A Teacher
This does not necessarily mean a school teacher, but she could be one. It may be a woman who is a social worker, a housewife or a corporate business woman. She teaches others how to be a Godly wife, mother, business woman or simply how to walk with Jesus.

A Giver
This would be a woman who has the gift of giving -- unselfishly and conditionally. Not simply a woman who helps out at her local soup kitchen but a woman called to give sacrificially.

A Servant
I believe that women have a natural tendency toward a servant's heart. I am looking for a woman who serves despite her human desire to serve herself. Someone who goes beyond running the VBS program every year or baking cookies for shut-ins. I'm looking for a woman to whom God has given a "special" gift.

A Woman of Exhortation
To exhort means to urge strongly or incite by argument or advice. I'm looking for a woman who incites other woman to Godly behavior using strong words and deeds. Someone who may not be a natural leader but who speaks up because God urges her to do so.

A Leader
Different denominations have different opinions on whether woman should preach or 'lead' both men and women in a congregation. I'm looking to get into this sort of discussion. I AM looking for a woman who is a leader among leaders because God placed her in authority - perhaps despite her own desire for anonymity.

A Woman Who Shows Mercy
This woman should exemplify mercy in its purest form. Someone who is able to show mercy when the world could not. A person who has been so touched by God that mercy leaches from heaven to others through their hands.

THE STRENGTH OF A WHISPER
Book premise:
Every Christian’s life should be a study in enthusiastic anticipation. So why do some women climb out the side window, rather than walk through God's door? I've noticed that there are a few brave souls who strap on their gear and courageously plunge into the adventure that God sets before them. This book is about those women. It is about ordinary women who are called to do something beyond their own strength and outside of their realm of usual experience – a task that requires "radical faith." This book will not only illustrate the lives of six exemplary women; it will encourage the reader to examine her own life. The book will offer the reader innovative thoughts and concrete strategies that foster an ongoing life of service and leadership. Areas covered will include teaching, giving, service, exhortation, leadership, and the showing of mercy (based on Romans 12).

Time is of the essence. Please contact me as soon as possible, even if you just "think" you might have a match for these descriptions.

Thank you and may God bless you for this.

Jehovah-Tsidkenu
The Lord is My Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:1-6

Louise Bergmann DuMont
word.worker@verizon.net
*GRACE BY THE CUP: A BREAK FROM THE DAILY GRIND*, (Revell), October, 2003
*FAITH-DIPPED CHOCOLATE: RICH ENCOURAGEMENT TO SWEETEN YOUR DAY*, (Revell),
January, 2005

Quotable Quote

"It has often been said
there's so much to be read
you never can cram all those thoughts in your head.
So the writer who breeds
more words than he needs
is making a chore for the reader who reads.
That's why my belief is
the briefer the brief is
the greater the sigh of the reader's relief is."
~Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel)

Contests

Nelson Algren Awards http://about.chicagotribune.com/community/literaryawards.htm
The Nelson Algren awards are for short fiction. Submissions must be written by an American and must be unpublished. One $5,000 prize and three runner-up prizes of $1,500 are awarded.
There is no entry fee. Entries must be received by February 28, 2005.

Announcing the Heartland Writers Guild Winter 2004-2005 Poetry Contest http://www.heartlandwriters.org/2004/poetry.html.
The Heartland Writers Guild is sponsoring the Heartland Writers Guild Winter 2004-05 Poetry Contest. Poems of any style will be accepted and should not exceed two pages in length per poem. Contestants may enter up to three poems. A single $5.00 reading fee must be included with contest entries. Poems must be the original work of the contestant and must be unpublished. The deadline for entries has been extended to Feb. 28, 2005.

THE FIRST BIENNIAL Mary Shelley Prize for IMAGINATIVE FICTION http://www.rsbd.net/mary_shelley_award.htm
Rosebud has the honor to present the successor to the popular Ursula K. Le Guin Contest, namely the Mary Shelley Imaginative Fiction Award. Original unpublished fantasy, horror, mystery and science fiction submissions are welcome, but the editors are open to stories that reach beyond the boundaries of these genres, take a variety of creative and literary risks, and tell a good story. The First Prize is $1000 and publication in ROSEBUD. Deadline: October 1, 2005

RWA-East Texas Chapter *2005 Texas Gold Romance Award For Published Authors. Sponsored by RWA-East Texas Chapter. Fee: $15. Deadline: April 15, 2005. Enter: novels written by RWA Region 5 authors/residents or novels set predominantly in Texas, with an original 2004 copyright. http://home.earthlink.net/~ralsobrook/texgold.htm

Glimmer Train's Short Story Award for New Writers. Open only to writers whose fiction has not appeared in any publication with a circulation over 5,000. (Entries must be entirely unpublished.) Open to all themes, all subjects. First-place winner receives $1,200, publication in Glimmer Train Stories, and 20 copies of the issue in which it is published. Second- and third-place winners receive $500/$300, respectively, and acknowledgement in that issue. To submit your story, go to our site, http://www.glimmertrainpress.com , log in, and click on SHORT STORY AWARD FOR NEW WRITERS. Reading fee (payable by visa or mc) is $12 per story. Entries will be accepted through April 5th.

Writer Resources

WRITER RESOURCES

Attention Historical Writers: Civil War Maps Get New Exposure on the Internet (article)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6807551/ The maps link: http://www.rwanational.org/statistics.cfm

Multi-map.com boasts "online maps to everywhere." Here ya go: http://www.multimap.com/

Need character names? Check out this site for some ideas. Searchable various ways, including popular names by decade starting with 1900. Also provides a link to the Social Security Administration. http://www.thinkbabynames.com/

WriteSuccess Resources, information and inspiration for writers--You'll find all three at WriteSuccess, the hangout for SUCCESSFUL writers! Come join us today at http://writesuccess.com

New York Times Bestselling Authors Discuss Their Approach to Writing! Read exclusive interviews with several bestselling authors, peruse "how-to" articles on writing, marketing, and publishing. Find recommendations for books on writing, and subscribe to our free monthly e-newsletter. Get all of this and more, always free, at www.WritersBreak.com.

Fighting Writer's Block? Sign up for our Writing Sparks newsletter to receive free weekly writing prompts, writing contest deadlines, and writing advice by published authors. Our Off The Press newsletter features monthly book reviews of works written only by NEW authors. Visit the website to enter to win free books and writing contests ($1,000 Grand Prize for Fiction; $500 Grand Prize for Poetry) OnceWritten.com The Source For New & Emerging Authors. URL: http://www.oncewritten.com

Publishing Industry News

S & S LAUNCHES KIDS RELIGION IMPRINT. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing announced "Little Simon Inspirations," a line of faith-based titles. Five titles release this month including two by Karen Hill, author and Max Lucado's administrative editor/assistant. Lucado endorsed the line and will contribute a special note to readers for each book. Four more titles will release in August.

APOLOGETICS MAY BE HOT TREND. At CBA's Independents Day, Thom Rainer, Billy Graham School of Missions dean and Church Central president, said Christian apologetics is a coming hot book genre. Cultural conflicts between religions, heightened by the war on terrorism, will drive churches to understand other faiths while defending and spreading Christianity. Rainer's recent research found many churches are forming apologetics departments to help Christians to understand what and why they believe.

CBA'S FEBRUARY CHRISTIAN MARKETPLACE LISTS ONLINE. The new February best-seller, category top-seller, and ISBN lists--based on December sales--are now online at http://www.cbaonline.org/TrackingLists/BSLHome.jsp.

WORD, NELSON PARTNER. Word Distribution's "Women of Their Word" promotion is highlighting Thomas Nelson's new The Word Becomes Flesh audio Bible for women. Consumers who buy featured music by women artists including Point of Grace, Nicole C. Mullen, and Natalie Grant receive a free CD sampler of the Bible and a $10-off coupon to buy it.

BRIO GIRLS" RELAUNCHES. Focus on the Family and Tyndale are relaunching Lissa Halls Johnson's "Brio Girls" series previously published by Focus and Bethany. The repackaged series releases in April; two new titles, "When Stars Fall," and "Bad Girl Days," release in June and will end the series.

Faith-Dipped Chocolate Tour

The Faith-Dipped Chocolate Tour is finally behind me. I hardly know where to start telling the group all that happened. If you read the previous posts you'll see that I was pretty sick during the first week of my trip, but God used even that to teach me some very interesting things. Faith is more than just trusting that God will provide "good" things. It is trusting that ALL things are good when they come from God.

I am still amazed that God would send me three speaking engagements during my bout with laryngitis and that I would get my voice back, not once but three times, just minutes before my speaking engagements. God certainly has a sense of humor.

I ended the tour with a real bang. The last two signings went exceptionally well. I sold dozens of books at each and the stores were so pleased that they asked me to sign a few dozen more to keep on hand. What a blessing. I dated one more speaking engagement in Michigan and met some fascinating people at every turn. One fellow, a botanist and author of three books, shared some coffee facts that I did not know (amazing is - I know). Those coffee tidbits will appear in my next column and on my website in the near future .

I also met a number of great kids and teens who wanted to be writers. What a privilege to be able to encourage them in their writing!

Looking forward to seeing many of you at the next meeting. Lots planned!

God Bless
Louise Bergmann DuMont
word.worker@verizon.net

Two Writers Conferences

Colorado Christian Writers Conference
May 11-14, 2005
This conference promises to provide exceptional teaching in the area of fiction. Angela Hunt and Nancy Rue will host fiction clinics -- Angela for adult fiction and Nancy for YA fiction.
I will have the brochure and further information at our next meeting - 2/28/05.
You can also go to www.writehisanswer.com/colorado for more info.

ASJA 34th Annual Writers Conference
April 16-17
Grand Hyatt Hotel
42nd Street at Grand Central Station
New York, New York
The American Society of Journalists & Authors 34th Annual Writers Conference is being held right in New York City. The keynote speaker is Pulitzer-prize-winning investigaive reporter H.G. (Buzz) Bissinger author of the best-selling Friday Night Lights.
The main conference takes place on Saturday, 5/16/05. Sunday is reserved for one-on-one essay workshops. (10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.)
I will have the brochure and further information at our next meeting - 2/28/05.
You can also go to www.asja.org/wc/wc.php for more info.

Correction - Next Meeting

ERROR ALERT
I made an error when I wrote that our next meeting would be 2/21/05. AS ALWAYS, our meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. That means our meeting will be on Monday, FEBRUARY 28th. Usual time.
6:45 Chat Time
7:00 Lesson/Discussion
8:00 Critiques

God Bless,
Louise Bergmann DuMont
Faith-Dipped Chocolate (Revell) Jan 2005

Poetry

NJCWG

Hi, this is Maude trying out blogging for the first time. Hope it works! Just want to let everyone know that I've scheduled a Christian Inspirational Poetry Reading at Christian Publications Bookstore for May 21, 1-3 p.m. Details will follow. Save the date! Please pray that it will be an uplifting and successful event.

Tour Update-Michigan

TOUR UPDATE
Hi again. I'm writing this message from Michigan. It is supposed to warm up and rise out of the single digits today so it looks like a good day for a book signing in Petosky. Yesterday's signing in Charlevoix went very well. I only sold two books during the first two hours but sold nearly a dozen during the last half hour. I was already packing up my things when people began pouring into the store and crowding the table . Once again, God taught me a lesson. I could have gotten frustrated and cut the signing short. I could have said, "No one will come into this small store. I can use my valuable time elsewhere." Instead I held fast to the plan that God provided for me and WOW -- I was blessed beyond measure. I met a number of people who gave me ideas for future columns and a fascinating retired botanist who wrote three books I want to look into. I also had a great conversation with the store's manager. She is a believer and has been trying to get more Christian books into this store. She was praying that my signing would do well so the owner would be receptive to this. The "burst" of sales in the end encouraged her tremendously. Because of those sales the owner asked me to sign an additional twelve books (six of Grace by the Cup and six of Faith-Dipped Chocolate) to leave in the store. Most stores only ask you to sign an additional two or three copies. This too lifted the manager's spirits. I would never have known the blessings I missed if my attitude had soured. God is Good.

WRITING INFO
I know I have not sent any market info or writing tips during the last two weeks. So much of the information I receive and send to you can only be gather from my "home base." I will be sending these to you again when I get back to New Jersey.

PRAYER REQUEST
Please continue to pray for good weather, safe travel and a positive/right spirit while I tour.

NEXT MEETING
Our next meeting will be on Monday, Feb 21. (Chat 6:15-7:00, Lesson 7:00-8:00, Critique 8:00-9:00) I will continue my Show Vs Tell lesson and review some of the items we already went over. Our next Writers' Workshop will be held on March 14 - from 6:15 to 9:00. I have a wonderful evening planned so you won't want to miss it.

Wild Ride

I'm writing this message from beautiful sunny Phoenix AZ. Its been chilly here - all of 65-70 degrees (eat your hearts out).

Please note that I am using an unfamiliar computer system and that I do not have access to spell check as I write this. Offer me a little grace if anything comes through "funky." Thanks.

I am writing to ask for some special prayer. It seems that anything bad that could have happened, did happen and yet, God is moving in some AMAZING ways. I am not a person who sees demons under every rock but I know that spiritual warfare is real. Satan is trying very hard to rob me of the joy that I should be feeling about all that God is accomplishing right now. Pray with me that I can honor Christ in both word an deed.

Here is the low-down

As you know, two day before I left for my tour I came down with a 'bug' (fever, chills, aches, cough, etc.)

I took one day off but had to go to work on Thur to clean up some last minute things. I started to feel a bit better and left for VA on Friday afternoon.

Got to my son's house in VA on Friday and by then my voice was almost non existent. He & my sweet d-i-l pampered me and I went to my booksigning on Saturday with great anticipation. When I got there the bookstore told me that they no longer had any of my books in stock and they wanted to know if I had any copies of my book with me to sign. AHHH. My d-i-l had dropped me off at the store and left to take her car for inspection so I called my son (still at home) and asked him to dig a few copies of my old book out of my suitcase (Grace by the Cup) and bring them to the store. He did that and then called his wife to stop at every Borders and Barnes & Noble in the area. She bought every copy of my new book (Faith-Dipped Chocolate) that she could find and brought them to me as well. They arrived about twenty minutes later with books for me to sign. I was a little upset and had to pray my way through the anger that kept creeping up. How can a store ask an author to come for signing when they have no books to sign?

My voice was little more than a whisper at this point but I managed to smile, listen a lot, and chat a little. Despite it all, God brought three separate area church leaders to me who offered me their business cards and asked me to do future speaking engagements at their churches. All offered substantial compensation as well as offering to pay my expenses (transportation and hotel fees). God has an amazing sense of humor. I could hardly speak five words in a row and He gives me SPEAKING engagements. LOL I also had a wonderful chat with Tom Lacy from CWG and I met with Ivonne (also from CWG) for lunch. What a blessing both of those writers are!

When i flew out of VA to Phoenix I was exhausted but happy. Got to Phoenix and things just kept going down hill for me physically. My voice got a little better and then got worse again. My niece was just coming home from the hospital where she had been struggling with kidney failure. My sister seemed so angry at me. I thanked her a thousand times for offering to drive me around to the signings and for letting me stay at her house but I also told her I would understand if she couldn't do it. I told her I would just take a cab if it was too much right now. I know that she accepted Christ many years ago but she does not always walk the narrow path. The more I offered the madder she got. Finally I just backed off and tried to stay out of her way - that made her angry too. Sigh.

My first signing in AZ was a replay of VA - no books. Am I crazy or does this seem strange?? Fortunately this time I came prepared. I had a half of a case of books in the car because I ordered books shipped from my publisher directly to my sister's house - just in case. God is good. My relationship with my sister continued to slide downward. She wanted me to take some vitamins she bought for me. I took them and proceeded to get a major case of diarrhea. With two more signings and a church speaking engagement still to go, I stopped taking the vitamins. She started screaming at me (along with name calling and obscenities) that I thought I "knew everything" and that a few days of diarrhea was good for me because it was cleansing my system. Sigh. The bottom line was I could NOT afford the dehydration in my less than healthy state and could not run to the bathroom every five minutes while working these events. My sister then told me it wasn't about me not taking the vitamins and that I "knew" what it was really about. Very Big Sigh. I honestly have no clue what she is talking about. On top of all this I was running a low grade fever every night, coughing my brains out, and trying to run interference between my mom and my sister, and my mom and my niece. My mother tries to 'fix' things - which only makes things ten times worse.

Tomorrow I fly to Michigan for the last leg of this tour. My voice is finally back. My sister apologized by saying she was sorry that "I couldn't see she was only trying to help" and that I was not "more open to new ideas" (sigh).

The good news from Phoenix? My neice is home from the hosptial, back at high school and she started her first part-time job. She is SO happy about that. At one of my signings I met Jeannett McDonald, a wonderful Phoenix area writer from CWG, and I was blessed to meet dozens of other sweet generous people. The individuals at my signings blessed me over and over with stories about how my first book touched their lives. God is still a God of miricles. At the First Christian Church of Phoenix, God provided me with a voice just for that evening's speaking engagement , and the women there were so generous with their praises and love. Each woman was extra kind to my sister despite her rather cool response to everyone and a somewhat unfriendly attitude. I was invited back to teach at a future women's retreat and I really look forward to gathering with these dynamic believers again. I also met and became friendly with a fabulous Christian woman who is the Publicity Manager for a number of local Barnes and Nobel stores. The lives that have touched my heart on this trip are so numerous that I can't even begin to share it all.

Satan is trying to rob my joy and I'm ashamed to say that I've allowed him to do it to some extent. But I will not let this settle into my spirit. I am making a deliberate choice to LIFT CHRIST and PRAISE HIS NAME for all the good that is coming out of this -- whether I see that good right now or not is immaterial.

Please continue to pray for me and my tour. Please pray that God's will is done and that God will be honored by my words and my actions. Pray that I will have His strength and not try to do this on my own.

So far this trip seems to be a wild roller coaster ride, but the up's are out weighing the down's a thousand to one.

I am looking forward to the next NJCWG meeting and hope that many of you can be there to hear the "final" story. Please, please, please continue to pray and know that the NJCWG is always in my prayers as well.

God Bless

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Writing from her Faith-Dipped Chocolate Tour

Leaving for Tour

Well, this afternoon, around 3:00 pm, I'll be leaving for the airport. My "bug" has turned into little more than a cold/sinus thing so I'm glad about that. No more fever, chills and that sort of thing. Do continue to keep my health in your prayers as well as the tour in general.

I will be picking up my email periodically over the next three weeks but won't be responding to emails until I get back.

If there is any urgent NJCWG business you can contact Clare Cartegena at: ccarta1058@aol.com She knows how to get in touch with me.

Continue to check the blog, even while I'm away. You never know what sort of goodies will appear!

God bless

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Faith-Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement to Sweeten your Day (Revell, Jan 2005)

Writing Op - YouthWorkerJournal

This was sent to me from YouthWorkerJournal Magazine.
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Topic: Community
July/August 2005

From diverse backgrounds--culturally, theologically, and institutionally--youth ministers are all part of a community; how does that happen, and how can we make it better? How do you form community among multiethnic, economically diverse, culturally varied kids? What about creating community among the staff? Among kids' parents? Among volunteers??

If you have article ideas on this theme, write "July/August 2005 proposal" in the e-mail subject field, and send an outline and opening paragraph within the e-mail body by February 15 to proposals@youthworker.com. You'll receive a reply no later than June 1.

To improve the chances of being published, we encourage you to check out our "writer¹s guidelines" at http://www.youthworker.com/writers_guidelines.php

***
We also accept editorial submissions in several non-article ways (especially original art and cartoons), and we particularly encourage submissions related to the upcoming theme. So if you, or any of your peers, or even kids in your youth group are artists, please send us your stuff. For guidelines on non-article submissions, check out http://www.youthspecialties.com/articles/editorial_guidelines.php

Urgent Prayer for Louise

I am home from work today and feeling absolutly miserable. Aches, fever, sore throat, etc, etc. My plane leaves Friday afternoon and I MUST go to work tomorrow to get a few more things cleaned up. I feel awful that I even called in sick today, but I've got to get well before I fly out with this schedule. I don't know why God allowed this to happen now but I DO know even this has a purpose and is in His hands. Please pray that this passes quickly and that I'm OK when I leave on Friday. Thanks.

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Send all email messages to word.worker@verizon.net
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Jehovah-Tsidkenu
The Lord is My Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:1-6

Louise Bergmann DuMont
*GRACE BY THE CUP: A BREAK FROM THE DAILY GRIND*, (Revell), October, 2003
*FAITH-DIPPED CHOCOLATE: RICH ENCOURAGEMENT TO SWEETEN YOUR DAY*, (Revell), January, 2005

Message to Louise

I can blog!! thanks! May the Lord Bless you and keep you during your book tour! Clare

Full Scholarship Opportunity - Ohio Christian Writers' Conference

Are you ready for the next step on your writing journey? Last year our very own Lisa Ramadan received a full scholarship to the Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference from CWG. Despite my continued whining and begging (sigh) no one else in our group applied for this scholarship. I wonder how many opportunities were missed because of fear of rejection or simple procrastination?

Well, this year, thanks to the generosity of Cecil “Cec” Murphey, CWG (the Christian Writers’ Group – online writers group of over 800 members) is offering not one but TWO full scholarships to a very specific conference in Ohio – the 2005 CWG Conference. I was on staff at their 2003 conference and they create one special time for their guests.

To apply for this scholarship you need to do four things:
1. You need to be a member of CWG. It is super simple to join. Go to: www.christianwritersgroup.org
2. Indicate you have a financial need (no specific questions will be asked or background checks made. They simply ask you to check a box that says you need financial help to get to a writers conference and that is the end of it.
3. You will be asked to submit a 500 word or less essay explaining why you want to attend a writers’ conference, how you have prepared for this conference, and what (if anything) you intend to submit for critique or possible publication
4. Agree to pay your own travel expenses.

The deadline for scholarship application is March 1, with winners announced on April 4.

The Ohio Christian Writers’ Conference is being held in Aurora, Ohio (October 12 – 15, 2005) at the lovely Bertram Inn. You can check out the accommodations by going to this website: www.christianwritersgroup.org/conference05/answer.php

At this conference you will have the opportunity to meet with fellow authors, greet editors, sit under the instruction of seasoned experts, and pitch your ideas to agents, publishers and editors.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Arnold Fleagle, Director of Church Development for the Central District of the Christian & Missionary Alliance. Dr. Fleagle has co-authored seven books, including PLANTED BY THE WATER, JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM, DEVELOPING YOUR SECRET CLOSET OF PRAYER, and PSALMS FOR THE SEASONS OF YOUR LIFE.

Continuing Track classes include:
Beginning Writing Track with Cecil Murphey
Advanced Writing Track with Sally Stuart
Writing for Children Track with Cindy Kenney
Fiction Writing Track with Randy Ingermanson

Plus many individual classes with outstanding faculty.

For full class descriptions, schedule and faculty information, registration, and scholarship application, go to:
http://www.christianwritersgroup.org/conference05/answer.php

Writers' Conferenes Feb-Apr 2005

Here is a list of some of the writers' conferences that are coming up early this year. As more come to my attention, I will update and repost this list.

Castro Valley Christian Writers Seminar, February 18-19, 2005.

Oregon Christian Writers Winter 2005 Conference, February 19th, 2005

14th Annual Writer's Weekend at the Beach, February 25-27, 2005. February 25-27, 2005.

The 2005 Florida Christian Writers Conference, March 3-6, 2005.

36th Annual Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, Mar 18-22, 2005.

Obadiah Press Christian Writers Conference, April 8-9, 2005.

Central Ohio Writers of Literature for Children, April 23, 2005.

Orange County Christian Writers Fellowship 20th Annual Spring Writers Day Saturday, April 30, 2005.

Quotable Quotes

"Take solace from this: Every good writer writes junk. Every great writer writes junk. The difference between them and you is they recognize what needs to be tossed and what can be salvaged with re-writes. That takes practice; which is where the craft part comes in."
~ Frank Baron

"Expert wordsmithing is when the skillful writer retrieves a white hot idea from the furnace of creativity, and with each carefully directed blow of the literary hammer, shapes the still malleable idea against the anvil of proper language convention to forge a fitting vessel of creative communication."
~ Glen B. Cook

"Tenacity is one of a writer's greatest gifts."
~ Louise Bergmann DuMont

"I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak"
~The Bible -- Matthew 12:36

Show Vs Tell Lesson

As I mentioned to a few of you, I am posting last night's Show Vs Tell lesson here. Feel free to print this and use it, but if you share it with anyone else -- please be sure to site this blog and the author (me). I ask this not inorder to receive credit for the work but because others may have questions or issues with the material and they should be able to go to the source for clarification. Thanks.



SHOW VS TELL
Lesson Taught at the NJCWG Meeting 1/24/05

Why should you SHOW rather than TELL your story?

1. SHOWING creates mental pictures for the reader. Our society is more visual than ever before and readers insist on visual narrative.

2. SHOWING is participatory. It involves readers in the story by evoking feelings and by forcing readers to think for themselves and draw their own conclusions.

3. SHOWING helps to avoid preachy writing. You don’t TELL a reader what to think or how to act. You simply SHOW them the events and let them draw their own conclusion.

4. SHOWING lets the reader know you think they are smart enough to “get the point” of your manuscript. TELLING makes the reader feel dumb because you bang them over the head with every detail.

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Example using narrative:
TELL
Jane was an old woman.
SHOW
Her hunched form entered the great hall with small, deliberate steps. Jane’s gnarled hand gripped the rosewood cane that supported her fragile frame. The other liver-spotted hand fugitively clutched a small lace hankie.

Can you see how the first example simply passes the reader information? The writer TELLS the reader that Jane is old. In the second example the author never says that Jane is old. The reader must discover this through observation.

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Example using dialog:
TELL
Jean had a reputation. Every member of the office staff from the top down knew that Jean was the one who got things done.
SHOW
The corner of Phil’s eye twitched nervously. “We’re doomed. There is no way we can get this presentation done on time.”
Gary tossed a nearly empty file folder onto the table and let his hands fall to his side. “So I guess that’s it. We fold our hand.”
The sun ducked behind a cloud and the room turned an appropriate shade of dismal gray. Just then the door cracked open, letting in a stream of light from the hall.
Jean Applegate, one of the other managers, stuck her head through the door, “Hey guys. What’s up?”
What sounded like a growl escaped Phil’s throat. ”You know what’s up. We couldn’t get the presentation together on time. We’re dead in the water. We blew it. We’re nothing but dog meat.”
The corners of Jean’s mouth curled upward. “Well, I guess you don’t want this then.” She laid an array of project folders and specs on the table and watched the men’s eyes grow large. Jean laughed. “You know guys, if you’d asked me nice I would have been glad to help. As it is, you can thank Mark for the head’s up that you were in trouble. I had a similar presentation done for another client who bailed. A couple of hours work last night and, viola, here it is.”
Phil stood and clasp Jean’s hand. “If I weren’t married I kiss you, girl. My wife thanks you, my kids thank you, heck even my dog thanks you.”
Jean’s laugh filled the room once again.
Scanning the contents of one of the folders, Gary seemed unable to stop grinning. “You are a miracle worker, Jean! Honest. A miracle worker!”

Dialog makes the reader feel like they are in the room and listening to the characters’ conversation. When your reader becomes a part of the action they enjoy the story more.

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So SHOWING means using lots of description, right?

Using description is good, but description is not enough to get you from TELLING to SHOWING. SHOWING is more than a long list of adjectives.

Example:
TELLING
Jim awoke feeling a cold chill over his body and the hair rose on his neck. He heard a slight rustling sound behind his back, with a shifting of air, as if something might be swaying. He knew without a doubt that there was another presence in the bedroom with him and Elizabeth and it was of demonic origin.
From Divine Shout, by Patricia Winters Johnston

SHOWING
A chill swept Jim’s body. As he lay between the world of dreams and a state of conscious decision, the hair on the back of his neck, like so many tiny soldiers, rose to the attention of his fear. Jim’s mind came to full wakefulness as the rustling in the corner of the room grew to an urgent crackle. A waft of cool air once again moved across his bare chest but intuition begged that he not pull the covers around him. The evil presence floated past their bed with the stealth of a jungle creeper and bile collected in his stomach. The urge to purge himself nearly overtook him. For the safety of Elizabeth, who remained in peaceful sleep at his side, Jim forced his trembling form into submission and began to pray for help.

Notice how both paragraphs use description, but the first paragraph only describes what happened to Jim. The second paragraph allows the reader to experience the event as it happens to Jim. It pulls the reader into the room to lay in the bed alongside Jim and Elizabeth.

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Would it be fair to say that when a writer SHOWS he allows the reader to draw their own conclusions because they are participants in the event?

Yes. The writer does not intrude on the reader by telling him what to think, how to feel, or what conclusion to draw. The author simply lets the scene unfold and allows the reader to follow the story through to its logical end.

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But aren’t there times when a writer is supposed to TELL rather than SHOW? And if so, how do you know when to use these two techniques?

Yes, there are times the writer should TELL rather than SHOW.

1. You should TELL the trivial parts of the story that need to be filled-in but not expounded upon.
2. You may want to TELL some scenes when writing your first draft. This allows you to continue the flow of your story. When you do your rewrite you convert to SHOWING.
3. Typically outlines for proposals should use TELLING rather than showing. You will have sample chapters to illustrate you know how to write. The draft can say “And here there is a huge battle between King George and the Black Knight.”

One of the best ways to know when you need to SHOW is to ask yourself this question. “In this scene, does the reader need to be emotionally involved or can they distance themselves from my story here?” If the reader needs to be involved in the scene, you must SHOW. If it is merely a scene that supplies needed information, you may TELL.

Another way to determine if you should SHOW or TELL is to ask the following:
Does the detail help establish or intensify the mood?
Does it define a character?
Can it clarify an action?”

Some indicators of TELLING are the words clearly, obviously, usually & actually. These let the reader know that the writer hasn’t made their words clear. Strong, assertive writing seldom needs words like these.

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

So how do I make something SHOW instead of TELL?

Use solid nouns and active verbs.

Instead of Saying old paint
Say the weathered, pealing paint
Instead of Saying shiny coins
Say the coins glinted in the sun
Instead of Saying her pretty new clothes
Say her fashionable silks drew the attention of every woman in the room
Instead of Saying rough cloth
Say the rough fabric tore at her skin
Instead of Saying a cool drink of water
Say that refreshed her parched throat
Instead of Saying she had a beautiful voice
Say her voice rose like that of a lark on a summer’s eve

Show the smoke instead of the fire.

New writers try too hard to describe the snap of the twigs, the intense heat, and the color of the flames. Sometimes it pays to take a more subtle approach. Describe the smoke and let the reader determine that it comes from a raging fire. Remember what it is you want the reader to focus on. When you concentrate on a description of the fire you move the focal point off of the protagonist. Better to describe the protagonist choking on the smoke.


Example - TELLING
All the kids knew that Belinda was the meanest kid in the world. She hated every kid in our school and treated even the best of them like dog meat. I don’t know why, but she hated me even more than everyone else and took great pleasure in torturing me.

Example - SHOWING
I caught more than a glint of pleasure in Belinda’s eyes as I fell to the floor, scattering the contents of my box lunch across the room. The rest of the class scampered out the door, bounding over the paltry offerings my mother had packed – but Belinda held back. I dragged my bruised body out of the fray and cowered against big George’s desk. My fingers recovered my eyeglasses just in time to bear witness to her malicious deed. With an smirk she stepped within inches of my form. Her black eyes bore into mine, daring me to show the slightest sign of weakness. When I could hold her gaze no longer, a slow smile appeared at the corners of her mouth. She licked her lips once, as if savoring the taste of her victory, then she ground the heel of her perfect patent leather shoe into the soft flesh of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

By concentrating on the antagonist and the protagonist the reader is drawn into the episode. Instead of telling us how mean Belinda is and focusing on the meanness, the writer focuses on the characters and SHOWS just what Belinda could do when she hated someone as much as she hated Billy

NJCWG - Gen Msg - 1/23/05

**NEXT MEETING OF THE NJCWG**
Monday, January 24, 2005
YES, we are holding a meeting. I believe the roads will be clear and the weather will accomodate us.
(6:15-7:00) - Chat Time & Special Help
(7:00-8:00) - Discussion Time
(8:00-9:00) - Critiques

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
My Cell # 551-427-3794
Always check your email before heading off to a meeting. If for any reason we need to cancel the meeting, you will be notified via email.

**THE WRITER MAGAZINE**
The Writer Magazine has generously sent me twenty copies of their January issue for distribution to our writers group. I will pass them out at this meeting.

**2005 MARKET GUIDES**
Sally Stuart assures me that the 2005 Market Guides were mailed (media mail) but I haven't received them yet. If they come tomorrow I'll bring them to the meeting but if not, I will bring them our February 28 meeting.

**WINTER CBA**
Please pray for the many publishers, editors, agents and authors who will attend February's CBA. Pray each will be led by God to select the manuscripts best suited for the next season's needs.

**WELCOME MARGARET**
Please join me in welcoming our newest member, Margaret Buckley. She will (weather permiting) attend our next meeting.

**FEBRUARY 28 MEETING**
At this meeting we'll do a quick review of everything we learned and I'll spend a few minutes updating you on what happened on my tour.

**NO MEETING**
No Meeting on FEBRUARY 14 (02/14/05)
I will be on my *Faith-Dipped Chocolate* book-tour.

**NJCWG WRITERS' WORKSHOP**
March 14, 2005
6:30-9:00 We will start promptly.
I have some very interesting things planned for this workshop. You won't want to miss it!

**FALL CONFERENCES**
If your budgets will permit, you might want start tucking away a few dollars now. The Glorietta conference takes place in October. I plan to attend and so does Ann LeFevre. It would be nice to have a sizeable contingent from NJ represented. Anyone who feels they are ready for one of the larger conferences can see me before one of our meetings and I'll help you prepare.

**NJCWG WRITERS' DEVOTIONAL PROJECT**
Clare Cartegena is now in charge of this project. I've given her access to post on this blog. If you have any interest in contributing to the creative process or to the manuscript itself, please contact Clare at ccarta1058@aol.com Watch the blog for further updates regarding this project.

**COLUMNS FOR MY WEBSITE**
Those of you who expressed interest in writing a column, please bear with me as I sort through the many responses I received from other lists. I will get back to you within six weeks.

~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~
Send all email messages to
word.worker@verizon.net
~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~

Jehovah-Tsidkenu
The Lord is My Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:1-6

Louise Bergmann DuMont
word.worker@verizon.net
*GRACE BY THE CUP: A BREAK FROM THE DAILY GRIND*, (Revell), October, 2003
*FAITH-DIPPED CHOCOLATE: RICH ENCOURAGEMENT TO SWEETEN YOUR DAY*, (Revell), January, 2005

DEAR NORTH JERSEY CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP

Good morning NJCWGers. Hope that you are safe and warm during this blizzard of 2005. Curl up with a good book, a hot cup of coffee and giant chocolate chip cookie and ride it out with me.



**NEXT MEETING OF THE NJCWG**
Monday, January 24, 2005
(6:15-7:00) - Chat Time & Special Help
(7:00-8:00) - Discussion Time
(8:00-9:00) - Critiques

At our next meeting I will continue my teaching on Narrative & Description by reviewing the principals of Show vs Tell. On Feb 28 we'll do a full review of what we learned and on March 14 we'll have a workshop to put to use the lessons.

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
My Cell # 551-427-3794
Always check your email before heading off to a meeting. If for any reason we need to cancel the meeting, you will be notified via email.

**NO MEETING**
No Meeting on FEBRUARY 14 (02/14/05)
I will be on my *Faith-Dipped Chocolate* book-tour.

**NJCWG WRITERS' WORKSHOP**
On March 14, 2005 I'm going to offer Writer's Workshop to the group. This is where you put to use the skills I've been teaching. As in the past, our workshop will BEGIN PROMPTLY at 6:30 pm and run through until 9:00 pm. Please try not to be late so that the writing of the others are not disturbed. You will be given an assignment, we'll write, we'll critique, we'll rewrite. Then you'll be given an other assignment and we'll run it again.. Bring paper, writing utensils and an active imagination. As always, your writing task will be handed to you when you arrive with no prior warning as to the topic. I will try to chose topics that may make for sale-able manuscripts. Might as well have our work do double-duty.

*AGENTS AND ARTICLES ON WRITING*
For those of you thinking about agents, there is great CBA Agent list at: http://www.christianwritersinfo.net/writertips.htm
When you get to the site, click on WRITING TIPS. It is at the top of the page, in the second row of the menu, all the way on the right. There are also a number of EXCELLENT articles on that page. Check out.

**FAITH-DIPPED CHOCOLATE TOUR**
My tour schedule is up on my website. Check out www.louisedumont.com ! If you know of anyone who lives in the parts of the country where I will be touring, please do have them stop by one of my signings or speaking engagements. I'd love to meet them.

**NJCWG WRITERS' DEVOTIONAL PROJECT**
Clare Cartegena is now in charge of this project. If you have any interest in contributing to the creative process or to the manuscript itself, please contact Clare. ccarta1058@aol.com

**WRITING OPPORTUNITY**

#1
One or two of you have expressed an interest in writing for my website. I will get back to you regarding this matter soon. Right now I'm gearing up for the tour and have put a few things on hold. My appologies for the delay.

#2
Suburban Trends -- Readers are encouraged to send guest columns, approximately 500 words in length. Columns on local topics specifically are sought. Send columns via e-mail to: suburbantrends@northjersey.com, or via fax to 973-283-56-23. They can also be mailed to Matt Fagan, Editor, Suburban Trends, 300 Kakeout Rd, Kinnelon, NJ 07405.

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Send all email messages to word.worker@verizon.net
~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~

Jehovah-Tsidkenu
The Lord is My Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:1-6

Louise Bergmann DuMont
word.worker@verizon.net

*GRACE BY THE CUP: A BREAK FROM THE DAILY GRIND*, (Revell), October, 2003
*FAITH-DIPPED CHOCOLATE: RICH ENCOURAGEMENT TO SWEETEN YOUR DAY*, (Revell), January, 2005