2005 NJCWG - A Reason to Write Conference

The staff list for the 2005 NJCWG - A Reason To Write Conference has been finalized. If I do say so myself, it is a FANTASTIC staff!!!

Those who miss this event will regret not attending!

The closer we get to the conference date, the more information I'll be albe to share with you on the blog. Today I want to let know a little more about those gracious individuals who have offered to speak and teach at our conference. These are noted members of the writing community and they could easily garner substantial fees for their work. In the case of our conference, each speaker is not only donating their time and talent but some are traveling a substanital distances at their own expense.

Please join me in welcoming to our 2005 A Reason to Write staff (in alphabetical order):

Maude Carolan
Maude leads the Paper, Pen & Praise ministry at her congregation and publishes an inspirational poetry e-letter, "Searching For The One My Heart Loves." A three time finalist in the national Allen Ginsberg Poetry Contest, Maude's poems have appeared in "The Paterson Literary Review," "Sensations," "Lips," "The Pillar Monthly," and William W. Francis' book, "Celebrate the Feasts of Israel." She is currently working on a series of elegiac poems in memory of her husband.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Louise has written for numerous periodicals and is currently the author of two books Grace by the Cup: A Break from the Daily Grind (Revell) and Faith-Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement to Sweeten Your Day (Revell). Louise also facilitates the North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG) and includes among her many interests archeology, gifted/learning-disabled children and fiction/fantasy writing.

Valeria Lovelace, Ph.D.
Valeria Lovelace is the founder and president of Media Transformations, which specializes in the research and development of quality educational media for children, and the lead advisor and curriculum creator of the popular preschool Dora the Explorer television series. She is also the former Vice-President of Sesame Street Research.

Kathryn Mackel
Kathryn Mackel is the acclaimed author of Can of Worms and other novels for middle readers published HarperCollins. She is a produced screenwriter, having worked for Disney, Fox, and Showtime, and was the credited screenwriter for Frank Peretti's Hangman's Curse. Her latest novel for adults, The Departed (WestBow Press) exposes the dark side of television mediums.

Patrick O'Toole
Patrick is a published technical writer and a lifelong student of storytelling. First interested in writing in grade school, he is currently writing a feature length screenplay. Over the past 15 years, Patrick has taught Sessions on personal growth, the scriptures, computer programming and creative writing. He is a programmer by day to support his wife, stepdaughter, two dogs and two cats.

Rebeca Seitz
Rebeca Seitz specializes in publicizing works of fiction told from a Christian worldview. As the first dedicated publicist for Thomas Nelson's fiction imprint, WestBow Press, Rebeca worked with such esteemed authors as Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, Robin Jones Gunn, Angela Hunt, Michael Morris, Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and many others. She recently resigned from WestBow to focus full-time on her freelance publicity firm, Glass Road Public Relations. You can learn more at www.GlassRoadPR.com.

Juliann Weston
Juliann Weston comes to you via the shores of Asbury Park, NJ. She is a graduate of William Paterson University with Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts and has studied in various independent acting, writing and directing classes. She is a creative writer, playwright, director and stage producer and serves as the president of the Righteous Acts Drama Ministry and is the founder and head of Jewelz Weston Productions.

Writing Op - God Size Stories

Has God done something extraordinary in your life, or in the life of someone you know?

Story Guidelines from God Size Story Website
Guidelines Link: http://www.godsize.com/StoryGuidelines.aspx

Most of our success is due to writers like you who share the wonderful stories of God's work in their lives.

We hope you are basking in God's goodness and having a bunch of Godsize stories that you just dont know what to do with. Anyone of any age is welcome to submit thier Godsize story.

Ingredients for A Great Godsize Story

Godsize stories are true stories that have a beginning, middle and an ending. Quite often they close with a punch, creating emotion rather than simply talking about it. Godsize stories have that extra that makes us all feel more hopeful, more connected, more thankful, more passionate and better about life with God and others. It is a story that causes tears, laughter, goose bumps or any combination of these. A good Godsize story covers the range of human emotions.

Godsize stories are inspirational, true stories about God's intervention in the lives of ordinary people. These stories touch the souls of the readers and inspire them to trust and believe in the goodness and greatness of God for themselves. Godsize stories are personal and often filled with emotion, drama, and vivid images. They are filled with vivid images created by using the five senses. In some stories, the readers feel that they are actually in the scene with the people.

What makes Godsize stories different than Chicken Soup stories? Godsize Stories are about situations in which God intervenes. They are about God doing extraordinary things in the lives of ordinary people, not just about people doing extraordinary things. If your story is not about God's intervention, it may not fit our books. We are looking for stories filled with drama and emotion that move hearts and build faith in a God that does amazing things.

Writing Op - Weavings

WEAVINGS of Upper Room
http://www.upperroom.org/weavings/guidelines.asp

This journal is for clergy, lay leaders, and all thoughtful seekers who want to deepen their understanding of, and response to, how God's life and human lives are being woven together in the world. The journal seeks to move beyond the dichotomy between pulpit and pew by probing the depths of the spiritual life in ordinary language common to both clergy and laity.

Taken from their writers guidelines:
"Weavings is neither a popular devotional guide nor a technical scholarly journal. We are looking for material that has spiritual depth expressed in simple, even poetic, prose. We hope authors will show our readers the subject rather than simply describe or explain it. That is to say, we encourage authors to offer readers an experience of the subject itself. For example, we would hope that an article on prayer would be prayerful in style, and that readers would be likely to experience reading this article as a prayerful event. Reading the article might even lead a reader into a time of prayer. We seek material for Weavings that is meditative in tone, drawing on the rich metaphors of scripture and everyday life to help readers see and respond to God at work in their lives and in the world."

For more details, check out the link to their guidelines.

Author Contract Information

Looking for information about author contracts? Check out these links.

There is a lot of publishing contract information in this article:
http://www.right-writing.com/checklist.html

The American Society of Journalists and Authors also has a lot of contract tips at:
http://www.asja.org/pubtips/pubtips.php

Also the Author's Guild has periodical and book contract advice at:
http://www.authorsguild.org/?p=100

Cindy O'Halloran just posted a terrific review of my book, Faith-Dipped Chocolate on her website. Check it out!
http://www.cohalloran.com/reviews.htm

General Information for the NJCWG

John & Louise DuMont
We will be at the NJCWG Picnic --- Will you?

A Few NJCWG Reminders...

NEXT MEETING
Monday, June 13, 2005
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson Time: Writing Brilliant, Not Boring, Nonfiction
8:00-9:00 - critiques

NJCWG SAMPLE WRITING BOOK
Additional information will be available regarding the NJCWG Sample Writing Book. Write smart - you can start writing your piece for our picnic event and use that piece as your submission for the Sample Writing Book!

2005 A REASON TO WRITE CONFERENCE
October 8, 2005
We currently have a staff of eight professional writers, speakers & publicists lined up for this conference. Poetry, theater, movie scripts, fiction, nonfiction, publicity helps... we have something for everyone. Start telling your friends, writing colleagues, church members and other interested parties about this great event. Get the word out now! Brochures, flyers, press releases and literature regarding this event will be ready soon. Note that we are still looking for NJCWG members willing to help. Is God calling you to be a part of this team?

2006 A REASON TO WRITE CONFERENCE
Special Conference Event - don't miss this extraordinary opportunity!
May 13, 2006
Cecil "Cec" Murphey

NJCWG SUMMER PICNIC
Monday, June 27, 2005
NO MEETING THAT NIGHT
See previous post for details. RSVP Required.

NJCWG - Picnic

It is that time again.
Time for the Annual NJCWG Summer Picnic!

Val Schermerhorn has offered to host the picnic at her house again this year. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, Val!

Read on for the details:

DATE: Monday, June 27, 2005 (instead of our meeting)
TIME: 6:30 pm
Raindate: Wednesday, June, 29, 2005
PLACE: The Schermerhorn's, 402 Jersey Ave, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925 (Specific directions to their house will be given when you RSVP.)

THE WHOLE FAMILY IS INVITED
This is the chance to let your spouse, significant other, or good friend (along with your kids) see what our group is all about.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
* We are asking each family to bring one generously proportioned side dish AND either chips or beverages.
* Val is cooking up hotdogs and hamburgers.
* If you like to swim, bring your swim suit. Val lives right on the lake.
* If your children are not strong swimmers, please bring the appropriate flotation devices.
* We are doing casual readings after dinner, so get started writing your piece now! Please do keep your reading to one page. Poetry, fiction, nonfiction ... whatever suits you. No assignment and no critiques - just fun.

RSVP REQUIRED
* You MUST RSVP to Louise Bergmann DuMont on or before Friday, 6/18/05
Email: word.worker@verizon.net or Call: 551-427-3794
* At that time please let me know what dish you are bringing, whether you are bringing chips or beverages , how many adults will attend and how many children will attend (and their ages).

Vista Print - FREE Business Card Offer

Every writer should carry a professional business card. Those self-printed, side perforated cards are really not acceptable. One of the best (and most affordable) places to get good business cards is Vista Print. They are currently offering FREE business cards to first timers. The "catch" is that they print their website address (in fairly small print) on the back of each card. A small concession for getting 250 free cards. Check it out!

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

Free Custom Printing and Graphic Design Services
Until June 30 Only!

250 Business Cards FREE
http://vistaprint.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NiQYRWWQTVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VR

10 Notecards
Reg. $12.99 Now FREE
http://vistaprint.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NiQYRWWQTVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VS

25 Magnets
Reg. $12.99 Now FREE
http://vistaprint.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NiQYRWWQTVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VT

10 Invitations
Reg. $7.99 Now FREE
http://vistaprint.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NiQYRWWQTVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VS

140 Caricature Return Address Labels
Reg. $12.99 Now FREE
http://vistaprint.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NiQYRWWQTVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VU


Why Are These FREE?
This incredible promotion allows you to sample some of our products and services for free.

It's simple. Order in June and you get them free. If you need more later, reordering is fast, easy and inexpensive! You'll already know the kind of quality that you can expect

Offer expires June 30, 2005. Shipping and handling, product upgrades and photo/logo uploads not included unless otherwise specified. Each product ordered is subject to full shipping and handling charges for such product. VistaPrint's graphic design services are not available with any product discount greater than 25%. Free business cards product offer and graphic design service offer shown above currently do not expire. Not valid on previous purchases. See web site for details.

Need Help? Call 800.514.6591 or send an email to customerfeedback@vistaprint.com to contact us. Please do NOT click reply to this message as it is an unmonitored address. We hope this message proved to be a good resource for you. If it was, please forward it to your business
friends. If, for any reason, you don't wish to receive any more messages from VistaPrint, simply click below to change your email preferences.

http://vistaprint.rsc01.net/servlet/cc5?NiQYRWWQTVOhjKQOhjsLjxNLjpFhgQgLlV2VW

VistaPrint provides the highest quality, full-color graphic design and printing at the lowest prices! VistaPrint has served more than 4,000,000 customers worldwide.

The products and services described in this e-mail are provided by VistaPrint Limited, the international leader for webtop graphic design and printing. United States customers may contact us in care of our U.S. subsidiary: VistaPrint USA Incorporated, 100 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421

Non-Writing Related

I you have children from Pre-School through 6th Grade you may want to sign them up for this year's Vacation Bible School at the Ringwood Baptist Church.

VBS 2005
Serengeti Trek
July 11-15
6:30 - 9:00 PM

Louise Bergmann DuMont
NJCWG Facilitator

Writing Op - Decision Magazine

http://www.billygraham.org/DMag_WritersGuidelines.asp

What is the purpose of Decision? To set forth to each reader the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ with such vividness and clarity that he or she will be drawn to make a commitment to Christ. To encourage, teach and strengthen Christians to walk daily with Christ and to reach out to others for Christ.

The amount of payment varies according to the extent of required editing and the published article length. Payment is made on publication.

Send your manuscript by e-mail (submissions@bgea.org) or by mail to Bob Paulson, Managing Editor, Decision, P.O. Box 668886, Charlotte, NC 28266-8886. If you send by e-mail, please paste the manuscript into the e-mail message, rather than send it as an attachment.

Graywolf Press

Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize
$12,000 and publication for the best literary nonficiton book.
http://www.writingspiritresources.com/2005/06/graywolf_press_.html

Submissions must arrive between September 1 and October 1, 2005.
Send full manuscript of 200 to 400 pages.
There is no entry fee.
Prize: $12,000 advance and publication in 2007.
Graywolf Press is pleased to announce the second annual Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize. A $12,000 advance and publication by Graywolf in 2007 will be awarded to the best previously unpublished, full-length work of literary nonfiction by a writer not yet established in the genre. Robert Polito will serve as the judge.

“This prize seeks to acknowledge--and honor--the great traditions of literary nonfiction, extending from Robert Burton and Thomas Browne in the seventeenth century through Defoe and Strachey and on to James Baldwin, Joan Didion, and Jamaica Kincaid in our own time,” says Robert Polito. In looking for the winner, Polito goes on to say, “We seek the boldest and most innovative books from emerging nonfiction writers, although we define ‘emerging’ (no more than two published books) as lightly and flexibly as we define literary nonfiction. Whether grounded in observation, autobiography, or research, much of the most beautiful, daring, and original writing over the past few decades can be categorized as nonfiction. Submissions to the Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize might span memoir, biography, or history--but it’s essential that they be finished books (no miscellaneous essay collections, sample chapters, or proposals).”

Guidelines

Graywolf Press is pleased to announce the second annual Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize. A $12,000 advance and publication by Graywolf in 2007 will be awarded to the best previously unpublished, full-length work of literary nonfiction by a writer not yet established in the genre. Robert Polito will serve as the judge.

“This prize seeks to acknowledge – and honor – the great traditions of literary nonfiction, extending from Robert Burton and Thomas Browne in the seventeenth century through Defoe and Strachey and on to James Baldwin, Joan Didion, and Jamaica Kincaid in our own time,” says Robert Polito. In looking for the winner, Polito goes on to say, “We seek the boldest and most innovative books from emerging nonfiction writers, although we define ‘emerging’ (no more than two published books) as lightly and flexibly as we define literary nonfiction. Whether grounded in observation, autobiography, or research, much of the most beautiful, daring, and original writing over the past few decades can be categorized as nonfiction. Submissions to the Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize might span memoir, biography, or history – but it’s essential that they be finished books (no miscellaneous essay collections, sample chapters, or proposals).”

Eligibility: Any writer who has not published more than two books of literary nonfiction (excluding academic work and books in other genres) and resides in the United States is eligible. We welcome submissions from previously unpublished writers. Collections of miscellaneous essays/prose are not eligible for the prize. We will consider one submission per person.

Timeline: Submissions must arrive in the Graywolf offices between September 1 and October 1, 2005. Please note that this is not a postmark deadline. The winner will be announced in January 2006 and published in February 2007.

Procedure: Please send one copy of the finished manuscript, along with a cover letter containing contact information and previous publication history to Graywolf Press, attention Nonfiction Prize. Manuscripts should contain 200-400 pages of text, in a standard 12-point font, double-spaced, and printed on one side of the page only. Please use only a rubber band or clip to bind your manuscript. We cannot consider electronic submissions. Please do not submit manuscripts or queries to the judge.

Notification: If you would like to be notified that your manuscript has been received, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard; for announcement of the winner, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot answer any queries about the status of manuscripts. Manuscripts will not be returned.

All decisions are final, and the judge cannot comment on individual submissions.
http://www.graywolfpress.org/Company_Info/Submission_Guidelines/Graywolf_Pres
s_Nonfiction_Prize_Submission_Guidelines//

Carole McDonnell
"If I've told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will it be when I tell you about heavenly things?" Let the weak say I'm strong. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.

The Muse Marquee

http://themusemarquee.tripod.com

New Column Zine Offers Its First Issue To Debut June 1st For FREE

A new column ezine, The Muse Marquee, sponsored by Star Publish, offers new and seasoned writers the opportunity to enhance their writing skills with the help of ten prolific Editors, each and every month. The Muse Marquee, devoted to producing twelve issues a year with articles about the craft of writing, will launch its debut issue June 1, 2005.

Ten editors, contributing columns ranging from the children's market to romance, will cover topics such as plot development, mechanics of and strategies for writing, different markets and their trends, contestsand events, how to query and secure agents and publishers, incorporating cultural aspects into writing, and self-publishing. The first issue is free.

Online courses offer lessons starting anywhere from $50.00 and up. As an introductory price, The Muse Marquee offers an annual subscription of ONLY $10.00, 12 issues packed with various COLUMNS written as educational articles.

NJCWG Meeting

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Please note that there was a "fifth" Monday in May. This means that there are three (not two) weeks between the last May and the first June meeting.

NEXT MEETING
Monday, June 13, 2005
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson Time: Writing Brilliant, Not Boring, Nonfiction
8:00-9:00 - Critques

Four Writing Ops

InspiredMoms.com, an online inspirational e-zine for moms is looking for writers for their combined June/July edition of InspiredMoms.com, www.inspiredmoms.com
Theme: Celebrating Family
Special emphasis given to single moms, blended families, families with adopted children and Grandmas raising grandchildren.
Devotionals: under 500 words. Should include at least one scripture verse.
Articles: 750 to 1200 words.
InspiredMoms.com focuses on a casual style with a mom-to-mom approach to inspire and motivate through uplifting writing.
All published devotionals and articles will be featured for two months offering more exposure for published writers.
All queries and submissions should be sent to Editor@InspiredMoms.com.
Compensation includes byline, 100 word biography and promotion of author's books or resources for Moms. Published submissions will run through August 1st.

Bylines Writer's Desk Calendar is more than just a weekly calendar - it's a celebration of working writers, and a writing motivator full of inspiration, humor, and passion. Share the successes and trials of 52 fellow writers as you read their personal stories. Learn how they have conquered rejection, fear and writer's block; rejoice in their triumphs; and read how their published words have made a difference in others' lives. We invite dedicated, serious writers who have been published and paid for their work to submit an entry for the 2007 Bylines. Writers from all genres are welcome. The combined length of your entry and 2- sentence bio should not exceed 300 words.
Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2006.
Compensation includes one free copy of the calendar, money (though not much), a discount on additional calendars, and perhaps the most beneficial, help in promoting you as a writer. Visit www.bylinescalendar.com for complete submission details.

Gettin' Older, Gettin' Better - Contract with Harvest House. A sequel to Gettin' Old Ain't For Wimps. Author is looking for 'story seeds' (a few lines describing a funny and/or interesting experience you've had as a senior or one from the life of a senior you know). Author will write the story.
Send your 'story seed' ASAP -- by July 1, at the LATEST.
Please send your 'story seed' via e-mail ONLY with the words STORY SEED in the subject line to karen@karenoconnor.com.

Diamond Dust is a monthly online magazine and e-newsletter for teens and adults, empowering them in their Christian walk.
E-mail: DiamondEditor@yahoo.com.
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/diamonddustmagazine/
Editors: Laura & Stephanie Rutlind.
Diamond Dust seeks articles, short fiction, poetry, book reviews, music reviews, devotionals/inspirational pieces, and fillers. Please read our Writer's Guidelines before submitting.
Complete ms/cover letter or query by email (copied into message).
No payment, but includes an author bio with a link to your website and contact information.
Responds within 3 weeks.
Submit seasonal 4 months ahead.
Guidelines available on website or by email.

Book & Market News

LUCADO TITLE PASSES 510,000 IN SALES. Six months after its release, Max Lucado’s Come Thirsty (W Publishing/Nelson) has sold more than 510,000 copies. Lucado was recently named America’s Best Preacher by Reader’s Digest.

WATERBROOK MOVES. WaterBrook Press’ corporate office new address, effective May 16, is 12265 Oracle Blvd., Ste. 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. Telephone and fax numbers will remain the same.

BARBOUR BRINGS HILL BACK AT LOW PRICE POINT. Barbour Publishing is reintroducing six of Grace Livingston Hill romances at $2.97 each. The mass-market titles are Lone Point; Marcia Schuyler; Phoebe Deane; Lo, Michael; Miranda; and The Witness.

CBA’S MAY CHRISTIAN MARKETPLACE LISTS ONLINE. The new May best-seller and category top-seller lists--based on March sales--are now online at http://www.cbaonline.org/TrackingLists/BSLHome.jsp.

Writing Resources

Here are a few writing resources you might like to take a look at:

Tweener World Magazine, a brand new ezine for teens, is full of exciting, fun stories and information kids will love! The magazine can be found at http://www.tweenerworld.faithweb.com/

National Association of Hispanic Journalists dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. http://www.nahj.org

Markets, contests, and articles all about anthologies at Anthologies Online. http://www.anthologiesonline.com

See ten sure-fire suggestions to improve your fiction. http://www3.baylor.edu/~Greg_Garrett/writing/hints.html

How to make the most of your interviews by JM Cornwell. http://members.aol.com/Raven763/article42interview.html

Markets and contest listings for Christian writers. Primarily poetry, there are some great links to other resources for the general writer. http://www.utmostchristianwriters.com/utmost.htm

News, resources, links, articles, and book reviews for children writers and illustrators. http://www.yellapalooza.com

Is your character involved in the environment, like preserving our natural resources, pollution, ultraviolet radiation, global warming? Here's a great research site to check out. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/commsearch.htm

Colorado Romance Writers, a writers group. www.coloradoromancewriters.org

Writing about Scotland? Need information for setting, recipes, poetry, genealogy, the clans, Scottish trivia, Scottish history? Are your roots in Scotland and just plain curious? For all things Scotland you can browse to your heart's content. Check it out at: www.electricscotland.com. There is also a free

Script Info

Script Info
From:
Jerrol LeBaron
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just wanted to send a reminder:

Selling your script is a matter of knowing who is looking for what and when and knowing how to make contact. Getting your script into the right hands at the right time is essential in selling it. We help you do this with our Preferred Newsletter.

June 6th is the final deadline for subscribing to the Preferred Newsletter. With this newsletter, you are informed of the script needs for 4-6 companies a week, including the contact info. This info is always current and includes what those companies are looking for right now!!

For more info, please see:
http://www.InkTip.com/pref.php

Best Wishes,
Jerrol LeBaron
President
www.InkTip.com
Getting the Right Script into the Right Hands.

Poetry Contest - SPS Studios

SPS Studios Announces Its Sixth Biannual Poetry Card Contest

DEADLINE: June 30, 2005
1st prize: $300
2nd prize: $150
3rd prize: $50

For guidelines and the submission form go to:

http://www.sps.com/k/poetry/contest.htm

For past winning poems go to the following and click on Poetry Contest Winning Poems:

http://www.sps.com/

Note: It appears that free verse is favored over rhymning poetry and the winning entries paint vivid word pictures.

Writing Op - Novellas

www.MoreThanNovellas.com is looking for plot/character driven fiction. There is no monatary compensation, but their mailing list goes out to people on six continents and includes countries that are, by law, closed to the gospel. Here is an opportunity to touch lives using fiction!

Check out www.morethannovellas.com and click on submission guidelines or guest writers. They are looking for novels, novellas, and short stories. No allegories or testimonials.

Writing Op - crosshome.com

After a period of dormancy, the Christian website, crosshome.com is once again up, running and better than ever. It's creator and webmaster (Jason Mitchner) has overcome a number of physical, financial and spiritual battles and he is now ready to accept proposals for new columns. Crosshome also accepts book, music and movie reviews.

If you have a column idea, now is the time to pitch it to Jason. DO let Jason know that you got your information from Louise DuMont's blog. I am very grateful to Jason for starting me on my writing career. My first column, Coffee And... ran on crosshome a number of years ago. Coffee And... peaked my agent's interest and eventually turned into my first book - Grace by the Cup: A Break From the Daily Grind (Revell), 2003.

If you need help putting together your pitch, drop me a note and I'll walk you though it.

For writers' guidelines go to: http://www.crosshome.com/guidelines.shtml

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the North Jersey Christian Writers' Group (NJCWG)
Director of the NJCWG - A REASON TO WRITE Conference
OCTOBER 8, 2005
MAY 13, 2006
www.louisedumont.com
www.njcwg.blogspot.com
word.worker@verizon.net

Writing Op - YouthWorker Journal Nov/Dec

Here is the latest theme list from YouthWorker Journal. They are now also accepting artwork and addtional editorials submisisons. If you work with teens, you might want to check this out.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

YouthWorker Journal has always encouraged article proposals from youth workers who would like to write on our upcoming themes. Now, we are also accepting all sorts of editorial submissions unrelated to article content, especially original art related to the themes. In fact, we're still open for art submissions for the Sep/Oct "Coming of Age" issue, in addition to the Nov/Dec one below.

Nov/Dec Issue - Other Needs
In addition to article and art proposals, other non-article related editorial submissions include:

- Original Cartoons (theme-related, column-related, or general youth or youth ministry-related)
- Youth Culture Updates (timely trends of interest to youth workers)
- Youth Worker Events & Resources (for inclusion in Tools sidebar)
- Web Sites (for inclusion in Tools sidebar)
- Products for Review (primarily books and Christian CDs)

Specifics can be found regarding all of these submissions at: http://www.youthworker.com/editorial_guidelines.php

****** Upcoming Theme *******

Kids on the Fringe
November/December 2005

How can we improve our ability to minister to at-risk kids? Those with physical handicaps, ADHD, or depression? Substance abuse issues or cutting/self mutilation? How can reach kids most youth ministries miss? Where do we go for help? And how do our teaching and disciplinary styles need to adapt?

If you have article ideas on this theme, write *November/December 2005 proposal* in the e-mail subject field, and send an outline and opening paragraph within the e-mail body by June 15 to

proposals@youthworker.com.

You'll receive a reply no later than October 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

Memorial Day Weekend

This blog will be inactive for the Memorial Day weekend. I pray that everyone will take a moment to remember and pray for families who this year lost loved ones to war.

I and the NJCWG wish you all God's grace and peace.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
Dirctor, A Rason To Write Conference
www.louisedumont.com

The Structure of a Short Story

How to Write a Short Story
Presented by Louise Bergmann DuMont
At the NJCWG – 5/23/05

Average Length of Various Pieces of Fiction
Short Short (aka - flash fiction) - 500-1,800 words
Short Story - 3,000-4,000 words
Novella - 20,000-40,000 words
Novel - 80,000-120,000 words

There are many ways to structure a short story - this is only one of them. Some writers prefer to conceive their characters in step one and others write the story as a whole rather than divide it into scenes. These are differences of opinion and style. I chose to list a simple format that works well for most new writers.

1. Start With An Idea
To a trained writer, this idea comes like lighting across a blackened sky. But the seasoned writer knows that to create a story, they must cultivate this momentary flash into something permanent and useful. An idea is not a story.

Most writers know a part of what they want to say. You may, for example, want to write about your trip to the Grand Canyon.

2. Focus, Focus, Focus…To begin creating a story from your idea you must ask, "What is the focus of my story?" or in this case, what was it that made my trip to the Grand Canyon unique or significant? Was it the perilous trip to the canyon floor that impressed you, was the breath taking view from the top that made the trip special, or was it what you found at the bottom of the canyon that made the trip worth every penny? You must narrow your focus and you should not write everything that happened. In the case of fiction, do not write everything that could happen.

If we select as our first focus that the trip to the canyon floor was what we want to discuss, we have narrowed our focus down to the perilous trip down to the base of the Grand Canyon.

Do this again. What specifically did you find unique or special about that trip down to the base of the Grand Canyon? Let us say that it was the sure-footed, but not very bright, burro that got you to the bottom. Now you have a story about the surefooted, but not very bright, burro that took you to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

3. Figure Your Angle
Angle is a journalistic term meaning -- significance. Finding your angle will narrow your story even more.

In the case of the Grand Canyon story, you need to decide the angle or significance of the burro who took you to the bottom of the canyon. Your story could be about how the burro reacted to the trip into the canyon, how he was chosen and trained for this job, or about what you learned from putting your trust into this simple animal.

If you can't determine an angle, return to Number 1 and/or 2 and tinker with your idea again. Maybe you need a new idea or your focus needs to change.

Let us say that this time you came up with: The gift of the simple burro and how putting my trust into this animal changed my life when he took me to the base of the Grand Canyon

4. POV
Chose a point of view. 1st person is very easy to write (too easy), 3rd person a bit more challenging but still not too hard for a beginner (it is also well received by the reader), and Omniscient is rarely used (because it is not well received by readers). Let us say that you will write this story in 3rd Person.

5. Understand the Conflict
Every story must have conflict. In our story there will be both external and internal conflict.
External - rocks sliding, narrow passage, fright of other passengers
Internal - fear of falling, anger at the burro because he remains calm despite the obvious danger

6. Outline your Scenes
Once you have an idea, your focus, the angle, the conflict and your POV, it's time to map out your scenes.

First determine how long this story should be. We will use an average length and say that this story is approximately ten pages long. That means you will need three good scenes. (Writing scenes as opposed to writing the story as whole is controversial in some writing circles. For the beginning writer, writing scenes is easier than trying to swallow the whole story at once.)

Using our Grand Canyon idea, we might create these scenes:

(Scene 1) getting to know the unique attributes of your traveling companion -- your burro
(Scene 2) the narrow passage, the rocks that tumbled down the mountain and the never wavering animal that seemed unflustered as the earth slid beneath his feet
(Scene 3) gaining confidence in, and learning to trust the experience of your burro

The outline you make can be loose and general, or it can be as precise as an agenda. The type of outline you choose will depend greatly on your personality and writing style.

7. Determine Your Characters
Main Characters - For a ten-page story, three main characters are sufficient. More than four becomes cumbersome, and less than three doesn't allow for significant dialogue and conflict. characters. The three main characters in this story might be: (1) you, (2) your burro and (3) one of your traveling companions. Some writers create a character sketch for each main character. Minor Characters - You can have a number of minor characters, but they should not get in the way of the story, be positioned to feed information or detract from the action. Each character, no matter how insignificant, must be either an irritant or an ally to one of main characters.

8. Write
You should swing into this with the enthusiasm that you had when you first learned to play a sport. You knew you weren't Eli Manning (QB for the NY Giants), but you had fun anyway. Don't worry about mistakes at this stage of the game -- you will edit those out later. Allow your enthusiasm to seep into your words. Strive to evoke emotion using the five senses.

9. Edit
Editing is not simply fixing the mistakes. You need to make your story shine. Remember that flash of lightening? Some of that energy and brilliance should burst through your story. If the surface is lack-luster, your reader will not stay with you. Stories need to spark something inside the reader. A shining piece comes not from stellar writing, but from excellent editing.

It's not unusual for some professional writers to take their stories through 30, 40, or 50 editing cycles. You will learn to sense when you've reached the Point of Diminishing Returns. This is the point where further editing may change the story but will not appreciably improve the story. That is when you let it go, and get to work on your next story.

Next Meeting of the NJCWG - tomorrow night!

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Monday, May 23, 2005
6:15-7:00 Chat Time
7:00-8:00 Lesson: Structure of a Short Story
8:00-9:00 Critiques

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Faciliator, NJCWG
www.louisedumont.com
www.njcwg.blogspot.com
word.worker@verizon.net

NJCWG - Next Meeting

At the next meeting of the NJCWG (Monday, May 23, 2005) we will be discussing a number of things.

1. Additional information will be available regarding the NJCWG Sample Writing Book.

2. Our October 8 , A REASON TO WRITE conference is coming up fast. We need to get the details worked out and I still need offers of help in a few areas.

3. I will be making a announcement about a very special, noteworthy, international author, who is coming to Ringwood to speak to OUR group in May, 2006. Yes, I said 2006. (You have to get the BIG name speakers at least one year in advance.) Come to the meeting to find out all the details about this BIG event.

4. My topic for the lesson will be: The Structure of a Short Story.

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

Louise Bergmann DuMont
word.worker@verizon.net
www.louisedumont.com
njcwg.blogspot.com
GRACE BY THE CUP: A BREAK FROM THE DAILY GRIND, (Revell), Oct 2003
FAITH-DIPPED CHOCOLATE: RICH ENCOURAGEMENT TO SWEETEN YOUR DAY, (Revell), Jan 2005
Coming Soon...
THE STRENGTH OF A WHISPER - Six Ordinary Women: One Extraordinary God

Christian Comics Training

COMIX35/ROX35 Media, Inc.
http://www.comix35.org
------------------

There is a new COMIX35 Christian Comics Training Seminar coming up. The event will be hosted by Lifewerks, Inc. and held at Bible Baptist Church, 801 Darley Rd, Claymont, DE (greater Philadelphia metro area) on August 8-10th, Monday - Tuesday 9am-5pm & Wednesday 9-3pm.

Cost: $199 per person by July 1st, $249 after July 1st

The "official" hotel will be the Holiday Inn Select on Naamans Road in Claymont. Lifewerks has a block of rooms reserved under the COMIX35 or Lifewerks name. Group rate is $89.00 per night. We will also have a meeting room at this hotel for attendees & speakers to visit and discuss comic arts & writing after class hours.

TAG-TEAM TRAINERS!

+ Paul Castiglia - Paul is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts where he earned a BFA degree majoring in animation and minoring in cartooning. He has worked as a script writer for Archie, DC, Dark Horse, Antarctic Press and Cracked Magazine. He currently writes scripts on a freelance basis and is employed as Senior Copywriter at Fisher-Price.

+ Lisa Hutchinson - Lisa has a BFA in graphic design from the Tyler School of Art. She has done freelance illustration and design work for 9 years and is an acclaimed American Christian manga artist. Lisa has worked for Anime Angels Mangazine, Makar Studios, and Community Comics. She is now employed by a West Coast company, working on a manga graphic novel, video game concept art and 2-D animation.

+ Alec Stevens - From 1985-1999 Alec wrote and drew comics for Fantagraphics Books, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Kitchen Sink Press, Heavy Metal, Acclaim, Wildstorm, and others. His illustrations have appeared in The New York Times Book Review, The New Yorker Magazine, and Reader's Digest. In more recent years Alec has turned his attention to Christian magazine, tract, and comics illustration, both as a self-publisher and illustrator for other ministries. He is also an instructor at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon & Graphic Art, Inc.

+ Nate Butler, President, COMIX35/ROX35 Media, Inc - Worked for 20+ years as a cartoonist, commercial artist, and writer/illustrator of comics, producing artwork for clients such as Jim Henson, DC Comics, and King Features Syndicate, as well as scripting for Archie and Marvel Comics. Also packaged a few Christian comic books, tracts and magazines over the years.

Lifewerks hopes to have a website up very soon with registration information. Please let people know they should keep an eye on the Ministry's "Future Training Events" page. Link: http://www.comix35.org/upcoming.html


COMIX35/ROX35 Media, Inc.
http://www.comix35.org

Writing Op - The Lookout

THE LOOKOUT
GUIDELINES FOR WRITERS
Our Magazine THE LOOKOUT is a 16-page, full-color weekly magazine from Standard Publishing with a circulation of 100,000. THE LOOKOUT is written and designed to provide Christian adults with true-to-the-Bible teaching and current information that will help them fulfill their desire to mature as individual believers, develop godly homes, and live in the world as faithful witnesses of Christ. In short, we want to help our readers understand and respond to the world from a biblically based viewpoint. THE LOOKOUT publishes from a theologically conservative, nondenominational, and noncharismatic perspective. It is a member of the Evangelical Press Association.

Direct submissions and correspondence to:
LOOKOUT, 8121 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45231
Fax: 513-931-0950
E-mail: lookout@standardpub.com.

More here:
http://www.lookoutmag.com/guidelines.php

Writing Ops - Secular

Here are a few secular writing opportunities.
Home Improvement Stories - Good and Bad
PAY: $50 - $100
Wanted: good and bad home improvement stories
Wd Ct: 500-1000
Pay: $50-100 per story depending on size and relevance.
Humor welcome.
We publish a magazine with pre-screened contractors and home service providers in it. No specific names of companies or individuals should be included in the story.
Contact Info - Melissa: melissadevita@1homesource.net
Website: http://www.1homesource.net/


A Cup of Comfort for Expectant Mothers
Looking for: true-life essays.
Deadline: July
Payment: $100.
Wd Ct: 1,000-2,000 words.
Guidelines: www.cupofcomfort.com - Click on "Share Your Story."


Wax Romantic's Short Story Contest
Looking for "happily-ever-after" romantic stories.
Deadline: August 10
Wd Ct: 1,000-3,000 words.
Winners receive publication and in-kind prizes.
Guideliens: www.waxromantic.com/contest.html .

Poetry Reading Cancelled

POETRY NEWS from Maude: POETRY READING CANCELLED

I regret to inform you that the Christian Inspirational Poetry Reading, which was to be held at Christian Publications Bookstore, Pompton Plains, NJ, Saturday, May 21, has been cancelled. The Director of Retail Stores of Christian Publications, Larry Hair, died this morning, May 19. His funeral will take place in Pennsylvania on Saturday. The bookstores will, therefore, be closed.

All of the poets who were planning to participate had been eagerly anticipating this event. We may be able to reschedule in the Fall. I hope this notice helps to alleviate any inconvenience to those planning to attend.

Poetry Event - NJCWG Members Participating

There will be a special reading of Christian inspirational poetry, this Saturday, May 21, 1 to 3 pm at the Christian Publications Bookstore, 620 Route 23, Pompton Plains, NJ.

Eight poets, with a diverse assortment of inspiring creations in various styles will give glory to God...poetically!...and bless the hearts of those who attend. Come hear Nancy Baker, Gloria Healy, Barbara Williams Hubbard, Ann Lefevre, Elizabeth Marchitti, Valerie Schermerhorn, Nancy Stoppelkamp and myself, Maude Carolan. Some of the poets will have chapbooks available, others are expected to bring complimentary broadsides of favorite poems.
DON'T MISS THIS EDIFYING LITERARY AFTERNOON...IT'S FREE!

Please note that Christian Publications is closing their doors. This will be one of the last events held at this locaton and the discounts on merchandise should be very good. You might want to take advantage of that as well.

Two Tele-Classes

A message from:

MaryAnn L. Diorio, Ph.D.
Author, Speaker, Coach
CLASS Graduate
www.maryanndiorio.com
www.LifeCoachingConsultants.us

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

Dear Friends,

I have scheduled two teleclasses in which you may be interested. One is called Letting Go of the Past and the other is called Writing Winning Articles. Please click below for details:

http://www.maryanndiorio.com/schedule.php

Blessings for a Happy Summer!
MaryAnn

1st Edition & Writer's Edge

Note From Louise: Some publishers will tell authors that they don't take unsolicited manuscripts and that the author should post their manuscript with either 1st Edition or Writer's Edge. I don't suggest this.

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

1ST EDITION, www.ecpa.org/FE/index.html
Few editors are look at 1st Edition. There is no screening process so anyone can post a proposal. The good th ad and the ugly do. I know of an editor that had access and was appalled by what was posted. I'm not surprised that most edtiors won't waste their time trudging through the trash to get to one treasure that 'might' be hiding in its midst. Several self-publishing companies troll it, so I'm guessing that any contract you might here that come from posting there must be coming from those responses.

WRITER'S EDGE, www.writersedgeservice.com
This service is run by Stephen Board, who used to own Shaw. The evaluators are former book editors who have good reputations and know what will sell. This service may be worth the money you need to pay to find out if your proposal is really ready. If not, you'll get suggestions for improving it, but not a thorough critique. The monthly listings of available proposals go to over 75 CBA houses, and many editors read these listings. If they are interested in seeing a proposal, they contact the authors directly. Editors don't request many and only a few of those requested are contracted.

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

Bottom line - the best way to get your book contract in the hands of the right editors is through a writers' conference or an agent.

Contest for Tweeners - Ages 9-12

Here is a message for any 9-12 year old writers you may know!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

If you know tweeners age 9-12, encourage them to enter the CONTEST on my website. We need a name for the mascot, and the winner will receive a signed poster and signed Dirt Bike Rider book. The deadline is May 31, so don't delay.

God bless you all! Audrey Hebbert
www.audreyhebbert.com

Poetry News From Maude

POETRY NEWS FROM MAUDE:
This is to remind you that a special reading of Christian inspirational poetry, will be held this Saturday, May 21, 1 to 3 pm at Christian Publications Bookstore, 620 Route 23, Pompton Plains, NJ. Eight poets, with a diverse assortment of inspiring creations in various styles will give glory to God...poetically!...and bless the hearts of those who attend. Come hear Nancy Baker, Gloria Healy, Barbara Williams Hubbard, Ann Lefevre, Elizabeth Marchitti, Valerie Schermerhorn, Nancy Stoppelkamp and myself, Maude Carolan. Some of the poets will have chapbooks available, others are expected to bring complimentary broadsides of favorite poems.
DON'T MISS THIS EDIFYING LITERARY AFTERNOON...IT'S FREE!

NJCWG - Next Meeting, 5/23/05

A number of people have asked me to teach a class on the structure of a short story. That will be the topic for our next meeting.

Monday, May 23, 2005
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Teaching -- Short Story Structure
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

NJCWG - Sample Writing Book

NJCWG is putting together a book that will contain samples of our writing. Clare Cartagena, the coordinator of this project, asked me to share some information with you (below). To submit your work, please e-mail Clare (NOT me) at writ10wrd@aol.com .

` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Reflect on the “theme”.
2. Choose a Genre.
3. Write.
4. Submit as per Submission Requirements.
5. Revise – if needed.
6. Re-Submit ( repeat 5 & 6 as needed).
7. Approve final draft for publication.


THEME

“The Heart of the Matter” --- Your writing must incorporate this theme in some way. This association should not be so obscure that it can’t be detected without intense thought but it does not have to be so obvious that your creativity is stunted. You do not have to include the words used in the theme. The theme will not be the title of the book. (We are open to suggestions.)


CATEGORIES

Devotion -- 250–400 words
Format for Devotion: Scripture; short anecdote or discussion; a brief prayer.

Fiction (Long Short Story) -- 1500-3000 words

Fiction (Short Short Story) -- 750-1100 words

Non-Fiction (Essay, Biographical, Anecdotal, Informative, Humor) -- 400–1100 words

Poetry -- 5–50 lines


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Name, Address, E-mail, Word Count; Genre and Page Number in upper left hand corner of every page.

2. Title Centered.

3. Double Space; Basic Font type Arial or New Times Roman; Font size 12 or larger.

4. Submit via E-mail to writ10wrd@aol.com
E-mail as a MS Word or WordPerfect or Microsoft Works document AND copy your submision into the body of the E-mail. You can also mail your submission to
Louise Bergmann DuMont
PO Box 36
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Please submit ONE way only (not email AND postal mail). PREFER EMAIL SUBMISSIONS.

5. Review the above ( especially #1). Anything not complying with these requirements will be returned without being read or considered until submitted properly. The publishing world is unforgiving when it comes to following procedure. This is a good proving ground.

NJCWG - Next Meeting
Monday, May 9, 2005
6:15-7:00 Chat Time
7:00-8:00 Teaching
8:00-9:00 Critique

Topic of discussion: Things any writer can do to become more proficient, why some writers don't do them, and how we can overcome our stumbling stones.

Writing Op - Greater Faith Magazine

This is a message I received from Charlotte Stancil, Publisher of Greater Faith Magazine.
~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~,~

Hi, I publish Greater Faith Magazine, which is an on-line magazine for Christian women. The magazine serves as a tool to help women achieve a closer relationship with God. The primary goal of this project is to encourage greater faith in God’s power in our lives as Christians.

Submissions are being accepted in the form of articles, essays and poems. Our Writer's Guidelines explain the areas of focus. Take a look at our website for more information, www.greaterfaithmagazine.com. If you have any questions or comments, please send me an email.

Sincerely,
Charlotte Stancil
Publisher
GreaterFaithMagazine.com
cstancil@greaterfaithmagazine.com

Contest - Xerox Aspiring Author Contest

Xerox Aspiring Author Contest

Have you written a book? Are you trying to get published? Are you looking to make writing more than a hobby or dreaming of best-seller lists?

Dust off the manuscript that's hiding under your bed and enter the Xerox Aspiring Authors Contest. The company is on a nationwide search for the best work of unpublished fiction to demonstrate the power of digital print-on-demand as a smart alternative to traditional publishing.

The grand-prize winner will receive:
* $5,000
* 100 paperback copies of their novel digitally printed and fully bound

Second and third-prize winners will receive:
* 50 paperback copies of their novel digitally printed and fully bound

Everyone is a winner!
The coolest thing about the Xerox Aspiring Authors Contest is that everyone is a winner. By submitting your fiction manuscript, you will receive one free paperback copy of your novel digitally printed and fully bound.

With digital print technology, “The End” is just the beginning. To facilitate the publishing process, Xerox has enlisted Lulu.com, an online publishing services provider, and ColorCentric, a world-class digital printing organization.

Website: http://www.xeroxaspiringauthors.com/

Writing Op - How-To Books

Summersdale Publishers Ltd is a new UK-based publisher specialising in how-to books (including several for budding writers). They are happy to consider proposals from writers, but ask that before contacting them you look at their website at http://www.summersdale.com to get an idea of the sort of book they publish. If you have an idea you think would suit their style, they ask you to submit a chapter-by-chapter synopsis along with the first three chapters. Proposals can be attached to an email in the form of a single MS Word document to mailto:submissions@summersdale.com, but a hard copy is preferred. Their postal address is: Summersdale Publishers Ltd, 46 West Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1RP, UK.

Writing Op - Women Only

Women only for this next one! Keen Publications are looking for stories of "aggressive, creative women who made the first move - and maybe even the second and third - to get the man of their dreams", for a book to be published in early 2006. They are paying $20 for each story they accept that explains how you did something proactive, unique or even outrageous, to get your man. Maximum story length is 500 words, and they say they are only seeking stories of successful first moves made by women that resulted in marriage or a committed relationship. The best stories will be accepted for publication and for payment. You may choose to remain anonymous or you can be credited by name, whichever you prefer. Email your story to mailto: KEENPUBLICATIONS@AOL.COM with GRAB THAT TIGER in the subject line.

Writing Op - Embarrassing Moment

If you have had an embarrassing experience, you could turn it to profit at http://www.splitmyside.com. This website is collecting funny stories about people's most embarrassing moments. They say, "Within the story tell us a little bit about yourself, the type of person you are. The events surrounding the moment, the people involved and what they are like. Describe exactly what happened and tell us what you felt during the event and right after. Also what transpired following the event to yourself and the people involved in the story." A fee of $200 is paid for each story used. To send in your tale, just click on the tab titled 'Submit Story' and follow the on-screen instructions.

Writing Op - Blue Mountain Arts Greeting Cards

Blue Mountain Arts is interested in reviewing writings suitable for publication on greeting cards. They are looking for highly original and creative submissions on friendship, family, special occasions, positive living, and other topics one person might want to share with another. Submissions may also be considered for inclusion in book anthologies. They pay $300 for all rights and $50 if your poem is used only in an anthology.

To request a copy of their writers' guidelines, send a blank email to mailto:writings@sps.com with "Send Me Guidelines" in the subject line, or write to them at: Blue Mountain Arts, Inc., Editorial Department, Post Office Box 1007, Boulder, CO 80306, USA.

Rev Up Your Writing

Cameo Publications: Transforming Potential Into Success One Word At a Time

I recently participated in a Cameo Publications Teleconference that was advertised through a publicity newsletter put out by The Publicity Hound, Joan Stewart (http://www.publicityhound.com/). It was one of the best investments I've ever made in my book.

Do you wonder why you are not published or why so few of your manuscripts are being accepted? Maybe you just haven't give writing your all. Get serious about being an author. Begin by participating in these FREE writing teleseminars.

This past weekend I received some literature from Cameo Publications, a leading writing-related information source. Cameo also provides editorial services and is a Full-Rights Publishing firm (ie a reputable self-publishing company) for authors and speakers. This is what they had to say.

If your writing projects have sputtered to a halt, then Cameo publications can help. We will kick off our Rev Up Your Writing Monthly Teleseminar Events on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 1:00 pm EST with a FREE CALL on how to tune up your writing skills.

By calling 1-800-416-4956 and using passcode 54006989# you can get advice from Master Writing Coach Dawn Josephson on how to polish your written pieces. This is a TOLL FREE CALL anywhere in the US.

If you need some help understanding how these teleconferences work, drop me an email or give me a call. I'll walk you through it.

Mark your calendars, there are MORE information-packed Teleseminar Events coming up! Note: The Call is TOLL FREE when you register for the conference call fee.

May 25, 2005, 1:00 pm EST
Self-Editing Techniques that Professional Writers Use to Overcome Their Grammar and Spelling Challenges ($49, includes a CD of the call)

June 8, 2005, 1:00 pm EST
How to Distinguish Reliable from Unreliable Web Sources (FREE)

June 22, 2005, 1:00 pm EST
Elevate Your Message and Your Expertise with Quality Research ($49, includes a CD of the call)

July 13, 2005, 1:00 pm EST
Three Ways to Jumpstart Your Creativity (FREE)

July 27, 2005, 1:00 pm EST
Beat Writer's Block, Once and For All ($49, includes a CD of the call)

Did You Borrow Any of My Books?

This message is specifically for members of the NJCWG.

I love to loan my writing books to members of our group -- the problem is that I have an awful memory when it comes to things like this. If you borrowed my books please drop me an email and tell me which books you have. I am especially looking for the small book entitled Writers Book of Wisdom: 101 of the Best Rules You'll Ever Want to Follow!.

The easiest way to get in touch with me is to drop me an email --

Writing Op - The Word Smith Writer

If you do not already receive the free e-letter put out by The Word Smith Writer (formerly WordSmith Shoppe), you should. If you DO receive it, be sure to check out Peg's sticky notes section. She is now accepting submissions for the newsletter.

To sbscribe to The Word Smith Writer go to: http://www.wordsmithshoppe.com/

Peg Writes:

There are two new features I'd like to call to your attention. Read (them and) then please consider submitting something yourself.

Reflections. .... Each issue will have a small devotional, thoughts, or some other quiet moments for your comfort, pleasure or enjoyment.

Special Delivery: This will probably be an occasional feature depending on what comes in, but I will post email messages from you that would benefit others. Keep them short and to the point.

PUBLISHING INDUSTRY NEWS

JENKINS SIGNS EXCLUSIVE TYNDALE CONTRACT. Best-selling Left Behind co-author Jerry Jenkins has signed an exclusive 15-book contract with Tyndale House Publishers. Jenkins will write two books a year for the first two years, then three a year. Subject matter and whether the books will be stand-alone or series titles are still to be determined.

JENKINS SIGNS WITH WRITER’S DIGEST BOOKS. Jerry Jenkins signed a one-book deal with Writer’s Digest Books to pen his reflections on writing. Titled Writing for the Soul, the book will be a combination of autobiography, inspiration, and instruction. An aggressive publicity and marketing campaign will accompany the book’s September 2006 release.

REVELL SIGNS LEISHA KELLY. Revell has signed best-selling fiction author Leisha Kelly to a three-book series, “Country Road Chronicles.” The first title, Rorey’s Secret, releases in August.

MEYER TITLE DEBUTS AT NO. 10 ON NY TIMES LIST. Warner Faith’s Approval Addiction by Joyce Meyer landed at No. 10 on the New York Times best-seller list after its first week of sales. Stores in the South and Midwest reported selling more than 500 copies and running out of inventory.

MORE ON MONSTER. An Apr. 18 issue of Entertainment Weekly called Frank Peretti a “Christian publishing phenom.” His Monster debuted at No. 127 on USA Today’s Top 150 list Apr. 21.

WESTBOW WINS BID FOR LAWHEAD. Westbow Press won a three-publisher bid for best-selling ABA author Stephen Lawhead. His first project for WestBow will be a Robin Hood recreation. The first installment, Lord of the Forest, releases Sept. 2006.

FORMER RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHER NOW LITERARY AGENT: Don Pape the former publisher of WaterBrook Press (a division of Random House) recently announced he is leaving his post in publishing to become a literary Agent with Alive Communications. www.alivecom.com. Alive Communications is considered a premier literary agency representing several New York Times best selling authors and series - including the multi-million seller: The Left Behind series. In a recent interview Mr. Pape was quoted as saying "What I liked best about publishing was being the author's advocate - now I can concentrate on the author, full time". Mr. Pape welcomes submissions of quality. --Don Pape, dpape@alivecom.com [Reprinted from Dan Poynter’s Publishing Poynters with permission. http://ParaPublishing.com]

AMAZON'S FIRST-QUARTER SALES JUMP TO $699 MILLION; 700,000 pre-orders for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince are received. See http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA527870.html [Reprinted from Dan Poynter’s Publishing Poynters with permission. http://ParaPublishing.com]

Writing Op - Diamond Dust Mag

Diamond Dust is a monthly online magazine and e-newsletter for teens and adults, empowering them in their Christian walk.

E-mail: DiamondEditor@yahoo.com.

Website: http://www.freewebs.com/diamonddustmagazine/

Editors: Laura & Stephanie Rutlind.

Diamond Dust seeks articles, short fiction, poetry, book reviews, music reviews, devotionals/inspirational pieces, and fillers.

Please read our Writer's Guidelines before submitting.

Complete ms/cover letter or query by email (copied into message). No payment, but includes an author bio with a link to your website and contact information.

Responds within 3 weeks. Submit seasonal 4 months ahead. Guidelines available on website or by email.