Wednesday, June 22, 2005

FREE business cards


VISTA PRINT is offering an amazing deal.

I get all my business cards from Vista Print and I am always pleased with their quality and processing. As a matter of fact, I kust got the new NJCWG business cards I created for the NJCWG - A Reason to Write Conference. Top quality - excellent price.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Four New Writing Ops


The Sweet Spot
  • New Ezine by Tonya Stokes
  • Most genres accepted (No horror, No erotica& No profanity)
  • Especially interested in Inspirational Romance
  • The first issue scheduled for July 2005.
  • OPEN Market
  • http://thesweetspot.home.att.net/

Book Contributions -- What's In It For Me
  • by Tonya Stokes, Editor, The Sweet Spot
    Tentative Title: What's in It for Me? Faith-Building Stories of How the Bible Has Changed People's Lives
  • Submissions Needed
  • While most Christians have experienced comfort, encouragement, and instruction from God's Word, the editor of this new book is interested in specific instances where a particular Scripture verse/passage provided clear guidance, comfort, inspiration, conviction, humility, encouragement, etc.
  • Contact: dhill@hilbilt.com -- put SUBMISSION in the subject line and include contact information (email address, physical address, and phone number) within your email.
  • The story doesn't need to be in perfect form; editor will develop and edit as needed.
  • Manuscript is in the proposal stage. No promise of remuneration.
  • When the project is picked up by a publisher those chosen to participate will receive a copy of the book, a biographical paragraph within the book, and possibly a small honorarium.

Book Contributions -- When Your Babies Are Too Big to Rock L.O.V.E. Them
  • Tentitive Title: When Your Babies Are Too Big to Rock L.O.V.E. Them: Helping Older and Adult Children Through Crises
  • L.O.V.E. is an acrostic for Listen to their heart (without speaking your mind), Offer Advice Carefully, Verify the Truth of Who They Are in Christ, and Everything to God in Prayer--Share Carefully with Others.
  • Author needs serious and humorous stories of parents and children who have successfully worked through these areas. Also needs stories of "what not to do" AND stories of parents who have had to "release" their child to the Lord's care because the child refuses to cooperate with given direction and help.
  • Any of these can be from the parent's or the child's perspective.
  • Names can be changed as needed.
  • Stories may be edited for clarity or space, while retaining integrity of the story.
    There is no payment in this project, but each story that is accepted if this book goes to publication will receive a free copy.
  • NO QUERY
  • SEND COMPLETE STORY ASAP to: janet@janetbirkey.com

(Note: Above ops compliments of CLASS - http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=dtv47jbab.0.jdosz7n6.yfvmn9n6.1510&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.classervices.com)


Quarterly Journal - Reverent Submissions Journal

  • New theme-based quarterly Journal, Reverent Submissions Journal, with Christian-focused articles in all genres.
  • Inaugural issue (August) - Deadline June 20, 2005
  • Next issue (November) - Deadline is September 29, 2005
  • Check the following link for complete announcement and details about this new publication and opportunity for writers. http://wordsmithshoppe.com/revsubmission.htm


The 2005 Annual Rogers Communication Literary Non-fiction Contest
  • September 30, 2005
  • Winning entry will be published in the 2006 Winter Issue of PRISM international with an additional payment of $20 per printed page (in Canadian dollars or U.S. equivalent).
  • Submit no more than 25 pages, typed (12 pt font), double-spaced, on letter-sized white paper.
  • Entry fee is $27 for one manuscript of nonfiction, plus $7 for each additional manuscript.
  • Once an entry is received, no revisions will be allowed, and entry fees become non-refundable.
  • The winner will be notified by January 2006.
  • http://prism.arts.ubc.ca/contests/rogers.htm

Southern Hum Fiction and Poetry Contest.
  • Deadline: July 1, 2005
  • Seeks writing that is uniquely southern and explores southern life, traditions, or just what it means to be southern, or the southern experience. However, please do not send genre writing, or writing that is stereotypical in its treatment towards the South. Do send writing that is fresh in its approach to the South.
  • A writer does not have to be currently residing in the South, nor does the story have to be set in the south, but the writing should address some view(s) of the South or a southern experience. $250 prize in each category.
  • Electronic entry OK.
  • EMAIL: southern_hum@yahoo.com
    URL: http://www.southernhum.com/guidelines/

14th Annual Contest for a First Middle-Grade Novel
  • Deadline: June 30, 2005.
  • For US and Canadian writers who have not previously published a novel for middle-grade readers
  • 96-160 manuscript pages.
  • Contemporary or historical fiction set in North America, for readers age 9–12.
  • Sponsored by Delacorte Dell Yearling.
  • $1,500 in cash and a $7,500 advance against royalties, plus book contract (on the Publisher’s standard form) for a hardcover and a paperback edition.
  • Delacorte Dell Yearling Contest, Random House, Inc., 1745 Broadway, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10019
  • http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/writingcontests/

The Abilene Writers Guild's annual Writing Workshop and Contest
  • October 22, 2005 -- luncheon and contest awards to follow
  • Everyone is welcome to participate. Workshop speaker is Michelle Medlock Adams, prolific author in Children's Literature, Inspirational books, and Journalism. Writing contest has cash prizes in 9 categories.
  • Manuscripts must be postmarked before August 1, 2005.
  • For information visit www.abilenewritersguild.org

Six Week Email Classes from Wordsmith Writer



Here is a message from Peggy Phifer,
the editor of the Wordsmith Writer.


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

Something New!! Janice Thompson will be bringing us a course on "Getting Creative About Being Creative" in an email lesson format beginning Monday, July 11, 2005, and running for six weeks, ending the week of August 15th.

Here is the layout of Janice's Classes:
WEEK ONE: Building Your Writing House (with a thorough introduction to biblical creativity)
WEEK TWO: Sensory Writing
WEEK THREE: Personification
WEEK FOUR: Creative Characterization
WEEK FIVE: Field Trip Ideas for Creative Thinkers
WEEK SIX: Creatively Improving Your Writing Skills

Here's how it works: This is an interactive class. Each Monday of the course, Janice (or the current instructor) will send out the week's lesson and assignment. You will have the entire week to work on it, fully able to post questions throughout the week, and Janice will respond. The cost of this course is $15, payable through your PayPal account or online at PayPal using a credit card. This small fee will be for the entire course and will go to the support of Wordsmith Shoppe.

Each course will be conducted via email. There is no specific online time or location - all you need is a valid email address.

To register for the class send an email to: WSClass-subscribe@topica.com. Registration will be approved upon verification of your class fee.

Mark your calendars for July 11, and get your registration fee paid in plenty of time so there will be no delay in getting into the class when we begin. Click here to register now.

I am really excited about this new way to help writers. These courses will be a more "hands-on" class than we are able to cover in a one-hour chat. I sincerely hope you'll consider taking part. I'm looking for other classes to bring to you in the coming months.

Coming in September:
Authors should consider the very real benefits of creating a newsletter as a huge tool to help with their marketing strategy. I am working with Staci Stallings to bring this course to Wordsmith Shoppe. It would start -tentatively - in September and run for about eight weeks, ending in mid-to late November.

Monday, June 20, 2005

The Invisible Gorilla



OPINION PIECE
by Louise Bergmann DuMont


I came across a very interesting study on the internet today. Professor R. Wiseman filmed six teens passing basketballs to each other. Three were wearing white shirts and three were wearing black shirts. In an experiment, individuals watching the film were asked to count how many times those wearing white shirts passed the ball.

After the video was over, the individuals watching the video were asked if anything unusual occurred during the film. Hundreds were interviewed and they all said that nothing unusual happened. The strange part is that during the film a man in a gorilla suit walked across the stage, pounded his chest, and walked off the other side of the stage. Yet not one single person watching the video remembered seeing this happen - despite the fact that it was obvious to them when they watched the clip a second time. Many insisted that a different clip had been substituted for the original because they could not believe that they didn't see the gorilla the first time it was shown.

SO... WHY DIDN'T THEY SEE THE GORILLA?
Because those watching the film were focused on a single task - counting the number of passes made by the teens wearing white shirts.

HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO WRITING?
Tunnel vision occurs when a person tries too hard to make their point. Instead of opening their mind to a fresh approach or incorporating a new idea into an old theme, they focus only on what they previously decdied to present. The writer ignores the gorilla pounding his chest for attention because he never even sees it.

Writers need to look around for the unique approach, the unexpected angle and previously untold story. They need to turn tired old statements into a fresh new commentary. They need to seek lively quotes from unanticipated sources and surprise their reader with previously undiscovered details.

A writer does not need to accept the rest of the world's viewpoint, but they do need to acknowledge the existence and impact of the gorilla in their midst.

To see the film clip I described above, go to this site and click on the small green video dot (or arrow) under the film to start it moving.
http://viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/grafs/demos/15.html

NOTE: Professor Richard Wiseman has a first-class honors degree in Psychology from University College London, a doctorate from Edinburgh University, and was awarded the prestigious Perrott-Warrick Scholarship from Trinity College Cambridge

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Press Release - Faith Travels


http://www.faith-travels.org/
Faith Travels is looking for Christian testimonies in prose or poetry from adults and children for its newest book.

300-2000 Words
All testimonies must be original
No compensation

Send to: Contribution@Faith-Travels.org

Friday, June 17, 2005

Today is "Eat Your Vegetables Day"


Today's writers must make their writing relevant to the reader. One way to do this is to connect your writing to current events. When you find a "wacky holdiay" that relates to your favorite subject you have a built in writing platform.

Today happens to be National Eat Your Vegetables Day! Since I write a column about chocolate -- and we all know that chocolate is really a vegetable -- I have an opportunity for a column, a short or even a feature story!
Sorry to say you already missed National Hollerin' Contest Day (June 16), National Juggling Day (June 13), National Applesauce Cake Day (June 4) and Natonal Yo-Yo Day (June 6). But don't panic until tomorrow (National Panic Day -- June 18).

I'm sure most of you know that this coming Sunday is Father's Day, but I'll venture to say that most of you don't know about these other June holidays:

REMAINING WACKY JUNE HOLIDAYS
18 Go Fishing Day
18 International Panic Day (OH NO... I forgot to buy my sister a card for this!!!!)
18 National Splurge Day (Oh yeah!! )
19 World Sauntering Day
20 Ice Cream Soda Day (Chocolate Sodas Anyone?)
21 Finally Summer Day (How many days until fall???)22 National Chocolate Eclair Day (Another chocolate story waiting to happen!!!)
23 National Pink Day (I'm going with fushia!)
24 Mid Summer Day
24 Swim a Lap Day (To wear off all those eclairs...)
25 Log Cabin Day
26 Beauticians's Day (Does your beutician know about this?)
26 National Forgiveness Day (This should be EVERY DAY. I see an article in this one! Do you?)
27 Paul Bunyon Day (Celebrate this in a "big" way.)
28 Insurance Awareness Day (Now who do you think invented this one!?!)
28 National Columnist's Day (Why not take a columnist to lunch??)
29 Camera Day
29 Waffle Iron Day (I know what I'm having for breakfast this morning. I think I'll put some chocolate chips in them -- to go with my latest article!)
30 Meteor Day

If you are the sort who can't stand for your holiday to end, you can revel in June's monthly celebrations of the following:

JUNE IS:

  • Aquarium Month
  • Candy Month
  • Dairy Month
  • Fight the Filthy Fly Month
  • National Fresh Fruit and Vegtables Month
  • Rose Month
  • Trukey Lovers Month

For more Wacky Holidays go to: http://http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/index.htm


Now get WRITING!

Thursday, June 16, 2005


"What I had to face, the very bitter lesson that everyone who wants to write has got to learn, was that a thing may in itself be the finest piece of writing one has ever done, and yet have absolutely no place in the manuscript one hopes to publish."
--Thomas Wolfe

Writing Op - Writers' Digest



The following was posted in the 6/14/05 Writers Digest online newsletter. For those of you who don't receive it, the magazine is interested in "spiritual" writers. See below:

--------------
YOUR TWO CENTS
We want to know what you think. Tell us about some of your favorite contemporary spiritual writers (authors who specialize in works dealing with faith). How does their writing affect you? We could feature your response in an upcoming WD special publication, Spiritual Writing. Please send your responses with "Spiritual Writers" in the subject line to writersdig@fwpubs.com.

NJCWG Picnic


NJCWG SUMMER PICNIC
Monday, June 27, 2005
NO MEETING THAT NIGHT
See previous post for details.
RSVP on or before 06/17/05

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS

A few members (with and without families) have signed up for our picnic. Tomorrow is the last day to let us know that you want to come. It looks like we're going to have a wonderful time! Don't be shy. Even you are one of our newer members I guarantee you will enjoy your self at this summer social event.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

PRESS RELEASE - A Reason to Write


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2005

NJCWG – A Reason to Write
The Conference that is Affordable, Informative and Writer Friendly

RINGWOOD, New Jersey
October 8, 2005 The North Jersey Christian Writers’ Group (NJCWG) is sponsoring A REASON TO WRITE, a one-day Christian writers’ conference and workshop, on Saturday, October 8, 2005 from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM at the Ringwood Baptist Church, 30 Carletondale Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456.

We present a conference that is affordable, informative and writer friendly. Registration is only $30.00 per person and includes: a full day of classes, material packet, a variety of free publications and writers guidelines, access to the NJCWG Writers' Blog, a continental breakfast and a buffet luncheon. Our instructors and staff offer something for every level of expertise and experience. Are you toying with writing for publication? Do you want to hone your existing skills? Would you like to expand into new genres? If so, this is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss.

Louise Bergmann DuMont, facilitator of the NJCWG and Director of A REASON TO WRITE, is quoted as saying:


“Writers’ conferences are exciting and a vital part of every author’s game plan. With today’s busy schedules and tight finances, the NJCWG wants to offer the tri-state writers easy access to an affordable, informative and first-timer friendly inspirational conference. A staff of skilled speakers will present sessions for both aspiring writers and accomplished authors. We are looking forward to an excellent turn-out and hope individuals will register early to secure their place.”
SPEAKERS & STAFF:
Maude Carolan - Noted New Jersey poet and author. Maude facilitates the Paper, Pen & Praise ministry and publishes an inspirational poetry e-letter, "Searching For The One My Heart Loves." She is a three-time finalist in the national Allen Ginsberg Poetry Contest and her poems have appeared in numerous national publications.
Louise Bergmann DuMont - Author & Speaker whose recent titles include: Grace by the Cup: A Break From the Daily Grind & Faith-Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement to Sweeten Your Day.
Dr. Valeria Lovelace - Founder and president of Media Transformations 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 - Acclaimed author of Can of Worms and other novels for middle readers (HarperCollins). She is a produced screenwriter (having worked for Disney, Fox, and Showtime) and is 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.
Rebeca Seitz - Founder and President of Glass Road Public Relations, Nashville, TN. 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.
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.
Julianne Weston - Jewelz (as she is known) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and has studied in various independent acting, writing and directing classes under some of the best in the business. She is a creative writer, playwright, director and stage producer and serves as the president of the Righteous Acts Drama Ministry. She is also the founder and president of Jewelz Weston Productions.
For more information, to receive a brochure or to register for the conference call our Registration Coordinator, Nancy Baker at 973-263-5529 or email Nancy at: flyingswan@optonline.net
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG & Director, A Reason To Write

PO Box 36
Ringwood, NJ 07456
551-427-3794
Web: www.louisedumont.com
Blog: www.njcwg.blogspot.com
Email: word.worker@verizon.net
###

Brilliant, Not Boring, Nonfiction



Brilliant, Not Boring, Nonfiction
Presented by Louise Bergmann DuMont
At the NJCWG – 6/13/05

PITCH A NEW IDEA
I am often asked where a person can get a handle on the up-and-coming trends. Here are a few ideas.
1. Attend the professional level sessions held at writers' conferences - sometimes called roundtable discussions. Here editors, publishers and agents discuss reader opinions, contracts, hot topics, new styles of writing, and convergence formats.
2. Read "Letters to the Editor" and find out what people are outraged about. They usually react to a development or new trend that they are uncomfortable with. Find out what it is and follow up on it.
3. Read specialty periodicals from time to time. The tighter the focus, the more alert the publication may be to moves and changes in their specific area.
4. Pick the brains of experts. If you go to the doctor or dentist or your family attorney, ask them about new developments in their field, radical changes, breakthrough products or recent seminars they've attended. (Sometimes they will overlap. A surgeon can tell you about the increase in plastic surgeries, and a lawyer can tell you about the increase in lawsuits against surgeons when promises of rejuvenation don't happened.)

PITCH AN OLD IDEA IN A NEW WAY
5. Again, roundtable discussions may alert you to new styles of writing and convergence formats.
6. Watch TV & Read the Headlines - if your agent won't look at another story about a young girl who wants an abortion against her parent's wishes, why not pick up on a story in the headlines to give the abortion issue a new slant. What about the peri-menopausal woman who gets an abortion against the wishes of her three grown children?

BE AN EXPERT
7. In what areas do you feel you have some expertise? People always want to read details not generalities. If you are an expert in something, there will be a depth and flavor to your writing that is not there for someone else.
8. "But I'm not an expert on anything!" If that is your lament, don't fret. You can become an expert your favorite subject by simply putting in a few study hours. Choose a topic that you love (note that coffee & chocolate are already taken). Purchase a few file folders and begin collecting articles, internet sites, and anything else connected with your topic. Join yahoo & google groups that share information about your topic. Speak up! Let others know that YOU know your stuff. Soon, individuals will be emailing you for more info about the topic and you can start a column, a blog or a website that will tout your expertise. Now you have a platform on which to speak, teach and write. Easy as sucking on a chocolate Popsicle!

WRITE TIGHT & SMART
9. I can't say this enough times… learn to write tight. Today's readers don't have the time to weed through long paragraphs. Get to the action or the point quickly.
10. Don't belittle your reader. It is true that repeating something helps the reader to remember it, but repetition does not have to be boring. When you must repeat your point, say it using different words, a new tone or a fresh anecdote.

WRITE CREATIVE NONFICTION
11. Use anecdotes and personal experiences to lead into an idea or to solidify your point. There is enough dry information in the world to fill the Grand Canyon ten times over. Make your manuscript different - make it interesting!

Monday, June 13, 2005

JULY 11 - NJCWG


JULY 11, 2004 - NO NJCWG MEETING
That week our church will be hosting their Serengti Safari (VBS).

NJCWG Picnic


Last year, numerous members requested that we make the NJCWG Picnic an annual event.
This year, only one person signed up to attend.
Deadline to RSVP - Friday, June 10, 2005

Annual NJCWG Summer Picnic!

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 your family's chance to meet NJCWG members in a social setting.

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).

Sunday, June 12, 2005

NJCWG - Next Meeting Tomorrow


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

NOTE: We'll be meeting in a different room for this next meeting because the school's nursery school is having their "graduation." Go through the same large white double doors as usual. Instead of bearing left, simply go straight into the first classroom in the hallway. You'll see me in there.

Friday, June 10, 2005

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

Tuesday, June 07, 2005


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.

Monday, June 06, 2005

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!

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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.

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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.

Saturday, June 04, 2005

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.

Thursday, June 02, 2005

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

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

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.

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

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

Thursday, May 26, 2005

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

Monday, May 23, 2005

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.

Sunday, May 22, 2005



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

Friday, May 20, 2005

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

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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 .

Thursday, May 19, 2005

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.

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

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

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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

Monday, May 16, 2005

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.

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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.

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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.