Writing Op - Highway News

HIGHWAY NEWS (a magazine for Christian truckers)
Transport For Christ
1525 River Rd.
Marietta PA 17547
Phone: (717)426-9977
Fax: (717)426-9980
E-Mail: tfcio@transportforchrist.org
Website: www.transportforchrist.org
Contact: Jennifer Landis, editor

About HIGHWAY NEWS: "We publish human interest stories, testimonials, and teachings that have a foundation in Biblical/Christian values. Since truck drivers and their families are our primary readers, we publish works that they will find edifying and helpful."

Editor's Note: Does not pay writers.
Freelance Facts:
50% freelance written
Established: 1950
Circulation: 35,000
Publishes manuscript 1 year after acceptance.
Byline sometimes given.
Rights purchased: First rights
Submit seasonal material 9 months in advance.
Accepts queries by: Mail, Email, Fax
Accepts simultaneous submissions
Accepts previously published submissions
Responds in 2 weeks to queries.
Responds in 2 months to manuscripts.
Sample copy free.
Writer's guidelines by e-mail (editor@transportforchrist.org)

Nonfiction:
Needs: Essays, General Interest, Humor, Inspirational, Interview/Profile, Personal Experience, Photo Feature, Religious, Trucking
Does Not Want: No sermons full of personal opinions.
Buys 20-25 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 600–1,200 words.
Pays in contributor copies.
Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Photos: Send photos with submission.
Reviews: Prints, GIF/JPEG files,
Photos Require: Captions, Identification of subjects, Model Releases
Buys one-time rights
Does not pay for photos.

Columns & Departments: Columns open to freelancers: From the Road (stories by truckers on the road); Ladies' Corner (stories for truckers' wives), both 600 words. Send complete manuscript

Fiction: "We use very little fiction."
Needs: Humorous, Religious, Slice-of-life Vignettes
Does Not Want: No romance or fantasy.
Buys 1 or fewer manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 600–1,200 words.

Writing Op - Volunteerist

Volunteerist - (http://www.volunteerist.org/magazine/guidelines.html)
Story ideas submitted via query letter are welcome at The Volunteerist. All queries should be sent via email to query@volunteerist.org. No postal mail queries please.

Manuscripts that have not been preceded by a written query will neither be considered nor returned. We are not responsible for the return or loss of, or for damage to, unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork, or any other unsolicited materials.

A general familiarity with what The Volunteerist has published in the past is the best guide to our needs and preferences.

No payment is offered for our “Voices” guest column. Other sections pay between 50 cents and one dollar per word depending on writer's experience. The editor may request copies of published clips prior to granting an assignment.

Send questions, comments, and queries to query@volunteerist.org.

Writing Op - HowStuffWorks Website

HowStuffWorks Website (http://www.howstuffworks.com/)

If you are interested in writing for HowStuffWorks, we would love to see your résumé and some samples of your work. Please keep in mind, however, that we receive a high volume of e-mail from interested writers, but work with only a small group of freelance contributors. In other words, we are highly selective.

Above all, we are looking for authors who exhibit exceptional writing and research ability. Authors should also be able to:

* understand complex subjects and break them down for a general audience
* contribute entirely original, previously unpublished work
* finish assignments in a timely manner (no more than a month from assignment to completion)
* adapt to the HowStuffWorks voice and article structure

HowStuffWorks does not accept unsolicited articles. Please only send samples of previous writing. If we decide to try you out as a writer, we will give you an article assignment. If we decide to accept your submission, we will pay you for the article. All work is work for hire.

If you are interested in writing for HowStuffWorks, e-mail your résumé and writing samples to Authors@HowStuffWorks.com.

Poetry Contest - The Writer's Online Poetry Spotlight

You are invited to submit a poem to The Writer's Online Poetry Spotlight! Award-winning poets Kay Day, Kim Addonizio, Alfred Nicol and Claudia Grinnell will critique selected poems online.

The critique will include suggestions as well as comments citing the poem's strengths. Guest poets will address form, poetic devices, sound, sensory elements and style, and will offer purely constructive comments.

If your entry is selected for critique, you will receive a one-year subscription to The Writer.
The best Spotlight poem posted on The Writer Web site in 2006 will receive $100!

Click here for more details and the submission guidelines:
http://www.writermag.com/wrt/default.aspx?c=a&id=2823

Writing Op - U.S. Catholic

U.S. CATHOLIC
Claretian Publications
205 W. Monroe St.
Chicago IL 60606
Phone: (312)236-7782
Fax: (312)236-8207
E-Mail: editors@uscatholic.org
Website: www.uscatholic.org

Editor: Fr. John Molyneux, CMF.
Managing Editor: Heidi Schlumpf.
Executive Editor: Meinrad Scherer-Emunds.
Contact: Fran Hurst, editorial assistant

About U.S. CATHOLIC: Magazine covering Roman Catholic spirituality. "U.S. Catholic is dedicated to the belief that it makes a difference whether you're Catholic. We invite and help our readers explore the wisdom of their faith tradition and apply their faith to the challenges of the 21st century."

Frequency: Monthly
Editor's Note: Please include SASE with written ms.
Freelance Facts:
100% freelance written
Established: 1935
Circulation: 40,000
Pays on acceptance
Publishes manuscript 2-3 months after acceptance.
Byline given.
Rights purchased: All rights
Editorial lead time 8 months.
Submit seasonal material 6 months in advance.
Accepts queries by: Mail, E-mail, Fax, Phone
Responds in 1 month to queries.
Responds in 2 months to manuscripts.
Sample copy for large SASE.
Guidelines by e-mail or on website.
Nonfiction:
Needs:
Essays
Inspirational
Opinion
Personal Experience
Religious
Buys 100 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 2,500–3,500 words.
Pays $250-600.
Sometimes pays the expenses of writers on assignment.
Photos:
State availability of photos with submission.
Columns & Departments:
Pays: $250–600 for columns.
Fiction:
Contact: Maureen Abood, literary editor
Needs:
Ethnic
Mainstream
Religious
Slice-of-life Vignettes
Buys 4-6 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Length: 2,500–3,000 words.
Pays: $300 for fiction.
Poetry:
Contact: Maureen Abood, literary editor
Needs:
Free Verse
Does Not Want: "No light verse."
Buys 12 poems/year.
Submit maximum 5 poems.
Length: 50 lines.
Pays: $75.

Writing Op - Dragons, Knights & Angels

Here is market you may not have heard of. Please check their writers guidelines as indicated.

DRAGONS, KNIGHTS, AND ANGELS: THE MAGAINZE OF CHRISTIAN FANTASY AND SCIENCE
Fiction: 5461 W. 4605 S., West Valley City UT 84120
Email: dkamagazine@quixnet.net
Website: www.dkamagazine.com
Nondenominational
Family friendly magazine of Christian fantasy and science fiction.
Monthly ezine; 600 hits/mo
80% unsolicited freelance
Petry: Accepts 12/yr
Tips: Submissions are only accepted during designated reading periods listed on the website. Submissions sent at other times will be rejected

NJCWG - Next Meeting

Next Meeting of the NJCWG
Monday, February 13, 2006
Ringwood Baptist Church
6:15-7:00 Chat Time
7:00-8:00 More... help with Show Vs. Tell
9:00-9:00 Critiques

Writing Op - Take-Home-Papers - Courage

Courage
Take-Home-Papers

Courage is looking for well-written sotries that show the truth about God (related to the weekly Sunday school less) as it comes to bear in the lives of children today. They especially need stories for boys,l or stories that have both boy and girl characters.

At the webite below you can access specific writers guidelines:

http://www.rbpstore.org/about/writefor.cfm

Writing Op - Take-Home-Paper for Children - Adventures

ADVENTURES
6401 The Paseo Blvd.
Kansas City MO 64131-1213
Phone: (816)333-7000
Fax: (816)333-4439
E-Mail: acallison@nazarene.org

Contact: Andrea Callison
About ADVENTURES: Published by Adventures for children ages 6-8. Correlates to the weekly Sunday school lesson.

FREELANCE FACTS
Columns & Departments:
75% freelance written
Pays on publication
Publishes manuscript 1 year after acceptance.
Rights purchased: All rights
Accepts queries by: Mail, Fax
Responds in 2 months to queries.
Sample copy for #10 SASE.
Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE.

Columns open to freelancers: Fiction and Nonfiction Stories, 250 words, Pays $25; Rebus Stories, 125-150 words, Pays $25; Interesting Facts/Trivia, 100-125 words, Pays $15; Recipes & Crafts, Pays $15; Activities, Pays $15.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript

Fiction:
Accepts life application stories that show early elementary children dealing with the issues related to the Bible story, Bible Truth, or lesson goals. Children may interact with friends, family, or other individuals in the stories. Make characters and events realistic. Avoid placing characters in a perfect world or depicting spiritually precocious children.
Length: 250 words.
Pays: $25 for fiction.

Poetry:
Short, fun, easy-to-understand, age-appropriate poetry that correlates with the Bible story, Bible Truth, or lesson goals is welcome. "We prefer rhythmic, pattern poems, but will accept free verse if reads smoothly out loud."
Length: 4–8 lines.
25¢/line, min. $2

Writing Op - In Touch Mag

In Touch Magazine

Freelance authors wishing to contribute their work to the In Touch magazine should adhere to our writer’s guidelines. Be sure to study several issues of In Touch magazine to understand our tone, approach, and topics of interest. Archived articles are available at www.intouch.org.

Mission
In Touch magazine strives to inspire, encourage, educate, and change lives by communicating God’s Truth, and connect people to God’s work through In Touch Ministries.

Editorial Content
Effective writing for In Touch magazine presents biblical truth in a practical and approachable manner. We desire to publish articles with take-away value—helpful hints, available resources, or principles our readers can integrate into their lives. Except in rare cases, articles are written in first or third person. Writers should not assume reader’s familiarity with Christian terminology.

Since In Touch is a ministry-affiliated magazine, our readers expect articles to adhere to sound biblical theology and agree with the teachings of Dr. Charles Stanley.

Second Story (1,600 words) A feature article with a Christian principle. A wide range of topics is permissible.

Mighty In Spirit (1,200 words) An exegetical treatment of a Bible character who demonstrates faith in or dependence upon God. Application to today should be clearly made.

By Faith (800 or 1,200 words) An article that showcases inspirational stories of Christians demonstrating God’s influence in their lives.

Solving Problems God’s Way (800 or 1,200 words) These articles identify problems or situations to which most of our readership can relate. Solutions should be both practical and biblically sound.

Family Room (800 words) This category deals with issues affecting children from infancy through college. Parenting and other family issues are appropriate topics. Scriptural principles should be included.

We do not publish news or external source sermons.

Query Submission
In Touch magazine does not accept unsolicited manuscripts for publication. Freelance writers may submit a query of one typed page/400 words which includes:

* the section of the magazine for which the article is intended
* a working title
* a tentative outline or detailed summary
* expected length and proposed completion date
* the author’s qualifications to write the piece

Queries may be submitted to the attention of the Associate Editor by e-mail to writers@intouch.org or to the following postal address.

In Touch magazine
3836 DeKalb Technology Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30340

Mailed queries must include an SASE for reply. We do not accept simultaneous queries. Please allow 6 – 8 weeks for response.

Query Acceptance
If your query is accepted, we will invite you to submit your article on speculation. A properly formatted manuscript will be

* typed
* double-spaced
* numbered
* printed on only one side of the paper.
* In the top right corner of the first page, please include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and the word count of the document.

We prefer Bible references from the New American Standard Bible. If using another version, please cite the version with each reference. Re-titling or editing for length or content may be requested of the author or performed by the editors at their discretion. Again, please allow 6 – 8 weeks for a response.

Payment
Payment is made only if the manuscript is accepted. Editors reserve the right to reject any manuscript at any stage. The current rate is 30-35 cents per word for first rights. We do not accept reprints at this time.

Picture Book Info

I just found this WONDERFUL website http://picturingbooks.imaginarylands.org/using/using.html
It has tons of information as well as picture books as examples.
If you have any interest in writing pictures books you MUST check this out !

Resourses - The Writer Newsletter - FREE

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What's more, our FREE newsletter is a great way to stay up-to-date on announcements from the magazine. You don't need to subscribe to the magazine to get this FREE bi-weekly newsletter. And your e-mail address is safe with us; we won't sell it, give it away, or otherwise violate your privacy. You'll also have access to the free areas of our forums when you register. You'll be able to create topic discussions, reply to other users, and share your opinion on a variety of writing subjects. The forums provide an interactive way to learn about an array of writing topics from finding time to write to discussions related to the business of freelance writing.

Register for The Writer's FREE bi-weekly newsletter and forums!

POETRY NEWS
From Maude Carolan

7th Annual Photo, Art & Poetry Exhibition
March 10, 11 & 12, 2006
Sponsored by the St. Catherine of Bologna - Patron of the Arts Assoc.
Place: St. Catherine of Bologna Parish Center, 112 Erskine Road, Ringwood, NJ

For information, applications and guidelines, go to: www.saintcatherinephotoart.com
or call David J. Nocera, exhibition coordinator at (973) 962-0563

Writing Op - Tahi Mag

This recently came to me from Kimberlie Clark

I am looking for artists, writers, (all genres) poets, illustrators who want to promote their work in the Tahi magazine (Great Exposure) on MSN The Arts Have It.
http://www.theartshaveit.com/

There will be a Poetry contest coming up for Balentines and I will post more about that later. If interested contact Bella admin@theartshaveit.com or me proud_momof22000@yahoo.com.

Thanks
Kimberlie

WorkOut - Show, Don't Tell

YOUR TURN TO TRY

Using the information presented in my last two blogger posts, try your hand at turning these TELLING phrases into examples of SHOWING.

TELLING:

flying flag
cheap wine
hot chocolate
deadly weapon
old woman
cold weather

EXAMPLE

Telling: flying flag

Showing: the flag flapped like the wings of sea gull

MORE PRACTICE

Rewrite these TELLING paragraphs, using the SHOWING technique..

Use these questions to help you see what you should change.
Do I care about the characters?

What can I do to make my readers know and care about the characters?

What words are too vague?

Are there like/as comparisons that would help me convey the thought better?

Can I use dialogue to enrich the story?

Is this a visual passage?

What needs to be done to create word pictures in the reader’s mind?

PARAGRAPH 1

George was hot. Sweat poured off his brow and soaked his shirt. Being a farmer is not the life for me, he thought.

PARAGRAPH 2
The car was traveling about 70 mph when it hit the old oak. The man inside the car miraculously survived, too drunk to even notice that his car was now unrecognizable.

PARAGRAPH 3
Andrew was mad. Really mad. He was so mad he wanted to hit something – and hit it hard. Unfortunately for him, the next person to enter the room was the police sergeant.

If you would like to share what you've written with me, you can email me (Louise Bergmann DuMont) at njcwg.dumont@gmail.com I will critique your attempts ONLY if you request that I do so -- but I promise to read them all.

Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord is My Banner) Exodus 17:8-16

Louise Bergmann DuMont

Facilitator, NJCWG

njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

www.louisedumont.com

www.cafemochlight.blogspot.com

Part 2-Show, Don't Tell Handouts

Here is the first handout from last night's meeting where we discussed the directive:

Show, Don't Tell

I've included instructions and three examples. If you have any questions, drop me an email. As always, I'm available to NJCWG members private discussions. All you need to do is pick up the tab for coffee at the Ringwood Diner (smile).

Please note that these handouts are in preparation for our 2/27/06 Writers' Workshop

~~~~~~~~~~

HANDOUT #2

~~~~~~~~~~

Show, Don’t Tell
Workshop Preparation
by Louise Bergmann DuMont
1/23/06

POINTS TO PONDER

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

TELL to quickly move past something.
SHOW to pause and draw attention to something.
If you want to get your character to a new location, or you need to let your reader know facts pertinent to a coming event – TELL.
If a scene is significant to the plot, is easily portrayed by action or reveals something important about a character – SHOW.

Use comparisons and analogies (like or as) to bring life to dry descriptions.
Instead of Saying: The boy took of his clothes quickly.
Say: The boy shed his clothes like a boy on the banks of the Mississippi in August.
Instead of Saying: There were some shiney coins.
Say: The coins glittered by the light of the slots as if they were the jewels in a queen’s crown.
Instead of Saying: The woman had a beautiful voice.
Say: The woman's voice rose like a lark in love.

Use strong nouns and active verbs.
Instead of Saying: the cloth was rough
Say: the coarse fabric tore at her skin
Instead of Saying: she took a cool drink of water
Say: the cool water brought new life to her parched throat
Instead of Saying: her pretty new clothes
Say: her fashionable silks drew the attention of every woman in the room

Part 1-Show, Don't Tell Handouts

Here is the first handout from last night's meeting where we discussed the directive:

Show, Don't Tell

I've included instructions and three examples. If you have any questions, drop me an email. As always, I'm available to NJCWG members private discussions. All you need to do is pick up the tab for coffee at the Ringwood Diner (smile).

Please note that these handouts are in preparation for our 2/27/06 Writers' Workshop

~~~~~~~~~~

HANDOUT #1

~~~~~~~~~~

Show, Don’t Tell
Workshop Preparation
by Louise Bergmann DuMont
1/23/06

One of the first things an agent or editor will tell a new writer is, “You must Show me the action, Don’t Tell me what happens.” But what does Show, Don’t Tell really mean? How do you achieve this? First you must understand what Show, Don’t Tell is – and what it is not.

1. Both SHOW & TELL can be descriptive but SHOWING creates a mental picture in your readers mind. TELLING only gives the reader information. Descriptive TELLING simply gives the reader more information.
2. SHOWING involves your reader in the story. It does this by evoking feelings and by getting them to think for themselves and draw their own conclusions. TELLING gives the reader information about the character’s feelings without drawing the reader in.
3. SHOWING helps the writer avoid preachy writing. You don’t TELL a reader what to think or how to act. You simply SHOW them the events and allow them draw their own conclusion – based on your illustration.
4. SHOWING recognizes that the reader is smart enough to “get the point” that you are trying to make. TELLING conveys that you believe the reader is not smart enough to understand your intent. You ‘bang the reader over the head’ with your text.
5. SHOWING uses strong nouns and active verbs. TELLING is more likely to use adjectives and adverbs.

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

EXAMPLE 1
Turn a ‘telling’ statement into narrative that draws the reader into the story.

TELLING
Dani was angry – too angry. She feared that her tone and body language would alienate her sister. She took a deep breath and tried to relax before continuing the discussion.

MORE DESCRIPTIVE – BUT STILL TELLING
Dani was angry and it showed on her face and in her mannerisms. She found herself waggling a finger in the face of her sister, much the way her mother used to. Dani knew that she had to calm down so she relaxed her stance, and for the moment, tucked both hands into her jean pockets.

SHOWING
As Dani’s words fell from her tongue, she caught a glimpse of herself in the hall mirror. One hand sat firmly on her hip while the other waggled a commanding index finger in her sister’s face. Despite the trim figure and waves of chestnut hair that fell to her shoulders, the reflection she saw was one of an evil witch. She forced the muscles in her face to relax and, for the moment at least, she stuffed both hands into her jean pockets.

EXAMPLE 2
Turn a ‘telling’ statement into narrative that allows the reader to know your characters and experience their situations.

TELLING
The old man’s joints ached terribly as he hurried to meet his grand daughter at the other side of the mall.

MORE DESCRIPTIVE – BUT STILL TELLING
The old man’s joints ached as he walked the length of the mall. Each step was evident on his face. He hobbled forward, his steps slow, his movements awkward, but he walked with purpose – eager to hold his grand daughter in his arms once again.

SHOWING
Ancient lines on the old man’s face deepened with each determined step. His bent back forced the weight of his frame onto gnarled white knuckles that clutched an antiquated walking stick. A small child with smooth pink skin escaped the grasp of her mother and scampered across his path like a baby bunny. Anticipation roped his heart as images of his grand daughter played in his mind. The man tried to smile at the pursuant young mother but the event forced his right foot to turn painfully inward. His mouth twisted along with his foot, deflecting the smile and replacing it with an anguished mask. The next step he took was slower but no less determined to meet his grand daughter.

EXAMPLE 3
Turn a ‘telling’ statement into dialogue that adds realism, energy and “pop” to your writing.

TELLING
Dani and her ward, 16-year-old Samantha, fought vehemently regarding Sam’s recent decision to cut class. When Dani told her sister that she was grounded and that she would need to get a tutor to bring up her grades, Samantha was less than appreciative.

MORE DESCRIPTIVE – BUT STILL TELLING
Dani didn’t know whether she should be happy or sad that her sister Samantha had been offered only an in-school suspension for cutting class. Since their parents’ death, Dani had taken charge of raising Sam. She loved her sister but it seemed they hardly knew each other anymore. Money was tight and now she would have to hire a tutor to get Sam’s grades up. It was hard to watch her sister spiral ever downward. Dani’s own emotional state didn’t provide the resources her sister needed and now she’d have to watch Sam even more closely. What happened to the young girl Dani remembered? Was there hope for Sam? For their sisterly relationship?

SHOWING
“Sam, you know I love you but…” Dani held back a grimace as ‘that thing’ once again thrashed about in her stomach. “It’s getting harder to trust you. The school said you’ll only get one day of in-school suspension. They’re going to be lenient this time, but the next time...” Her words trailed off. Could she assume there would be a next time? She tried again.
“If it happens again, they’ll have to suspend you.”
Sam’s fingers played with a loose thread that hung from a button on her sweater. Her eyes focused on the task, seemingly fascinated by something no obvious to her older sister.
Forcing her hands deeper in her pockets, Dani chewed nervously on her lip. Was she getting through? She had to get through.
“The school said you can’t make up the test you missed when you cut. Since you’re almost failing that class I’ll have to hire a tutor to make sure the rest of your grades bring up your average. You’re obviously grounded until things turn around and… ”
Dani froze mid sentence. A smile had appeared on Samantha’s face. It was not the innocent childhood smile Dani remembered from years past. This smile reminded her of the wicked witch of the west after she captured poor little Toto. The hair on Dani’s forearms rose and tickled her skin. She yanked her hands out of her pockets, placed them on opposing sides and began rubbing her arms as if to ward off a chill. When Samantha spoke her words fell like ice water on Dani’s burdened shoulders.
“That’s what it’s all about isn’t it. Money. First I can’t have a few bucks to go to the movies with my friends. Now, you’re mad because you have to pay for a tutor.” Ugly bits of spittle flew through the air and burned Dani’s arm with their malice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Telling can also be described as portraying the character and action from the point of view of the storyteller or omniscient narrator. Telling is the easy way out for the writer but it sidesteps emotion and dramatic tension. Telling takes the story out of scene. Writing in scene is different from describing a scene. Writing in scene combines character and action. This usually includes dialogue and your character’s inner thoughts. The following will help you stay in scene and show instead of tell.
1. Point of view means you are inside your main character’s head, heart and gut—you are seeing the world through the eyes of your character.
2. Dialogue is one of the fastest ways to show a scene. Everyone talks. Everyone can write dialogue.
3. Action can be as simple as a disagreement between two characters.
4. Flashback (used sparingly) can help you find out what makes the character tick. Go back into a scene from the past that informs the present. When you are writing flashback, you are in that moment.
5. Name your characters. Sometimes this takes a while but make sure you get just the right name. Katherine (with a K) may become the character that Catherine (with a C) or Katie or Cathy could never become. Knowing who your character is will help you and your reader become a part of the story.

Contest - First Novel

FROM: Jennifer Cardine

I came across this contest and thought you might be interested for your blog. It's the second one listed, the Paul Zindel First Novel Award.

From the website: Hyperion Books for Children and Jump at the Sun are proud to announce the fifth annual Paul Zindel First Novel Award. The award is given annually to the winner(s) of a competition for a work of contemporary fiction set in the United States that reflects the diverse ethnic and cultural heritage of our country. The prize is a book contract on the publisher's standard form, covering world rights including but not limited to hardcover, paperback, e-book and audio book editions with an advance against royalties of $7500 and a $1500 cash prize. The prize is not redeemable for cash or transferable; and no substitution is allowed.

http://www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com/contests.asp#zindel

MEETING TONIGHT - "ON"

Tonight's Meeting is ON

The weather report says that it should clear up later today. If anything, there will be rain, not snow or ice. So... the NJCWG meeting for tonight is ON.

North Jersey Christian Writers' Group Meeting
TONIGHT - 1/23/05
6:15-7:00 Chat Time - If you have specific writing questions, this is where you get answers. If you have a new project and you need a listening ear to work out the details, ask your fellow writers during Chat Time. If you received your first check, submitted your first manuscript or received your first rejection -- Chat Time is where you can go to brainstorm, brag, beg or breakdown - so long as it is writing related, we'll listen.
7:00-8:00 TeachingTopic: SHOW, DON'T TELL
8:00-9:00 Critiques - We have a number of critiques to go through tonight.

Show, Don't Tell
On Monday, 1/23/06 (tonight) we will offer the first of a two part lesson (Part 2 takes place on 2/13/06). Use the skills you learn here to prepare for our first 2006 NJCWG Workshop Session.

IMPORTANT NOTE: No matter how many times you've been published or how skilled you've become with words you still need to refine the skills you've acquired. You won't want to miss the Show Vs Tell lessons and our upcoming workshop session.

ALSO TO BE DISCUSSED TONIGHT:
I've narrowed down the topics for Cecil Murphey's one day writers' workshop (May 13, 2006) -- but I still want to hear your opinions. Tonight will be your last chance to let me know what classes you want him to offer.

NJCWG Workshop Session
Monday, 2/27/05
Ringwood Baptist Church
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
(No chat time, No critques)
Bring paper, writing implements, any notes you feel would be helpful and a good imagination.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
551-427-3794

Meeting - 1/23/05

Regarding our meeting of 1/23/05 - the weather is supposed to be pretty bad tonight and tomorrow. Please check this blog again tomorrow to see if the meeting is canceled.
I ALWAYS post cancellations on the blog.

IF the meeting is cancelled, the topic of discussion (show vs tell) will be taken up at our first meeting in February.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG