After the Proposal

After my son proposed to Amanda (at the Solid Rock Camp where they work), he took her to Amanda's Restuarant in Hobokan to celebrate. 

I've been neglectful of updating the NJCWG blog this week -- but for good reason. Timothy Robert DuMont and Amanda Joan Lillis got engaged this week (yeah!!!) and I was blessed to be a small part of the process (I got to be the go-fer who ran his errands to prepare for the big event - grin).

Next Mtg NJCWG

Next Meeting of the NJCWG
Monay, August 14, 2006

NOTE: The Ringwood Christian School is redoing their floors before the school year starts o we may be meeitng in a different room. Please follow the signs on the door. They will direct you to the room where we are meeting.

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Rd
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

LESSON TIME: We will continue working on how to get F-R-E-S-H ideas and how to work a stories in a way that takes a N-E-W approach.

BRING: One a list of at least three ideas that you might like to work on for publication.

Writing Op - Anthology

Here is a message from a fellow author. This is an EXCELLENT opportunity for publication!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please, please, please! Those of you out there with a story for Trusting Him for Life After Divorce or Trusting Him with Your Addicted Child, get them to me. I need more stories. The deadline is set for August 15 - just a few days away. For questions or guidelines, please email me.

Charlotte Holt
cjholt@kingwoodcable.net
www.publishedauthors.net/charlotteholt

Writing Op - Travel Newsletter

A travel newsletter I subscribe to has requested regular submissions from writers who live in several locations as well as those who travel frequently. Here's the link:
http://www.logueit.com/writers.html

Conference - Glorieta

October 11-15, 2006
(Near Santa Fe, NM)

For all the details - CLICK HERE

A Special Note From Louise: The Glorieta Christian Writers Conference has the best line-up I've seen in a long time. This event will be the highlight of 2006 for its attendees. I am pleased to announce that I will be on staff at Glorieta this year. There was a "glitch" in the system and it seems that my bio and class description got deleted from the website - but it should be back up within a few days.

For those of you who want to get serious about writing and getting published - THIS is the conference for you. If there is any question in your mind about the level of your skills, check out the Comprehensive Class called Get Published Now! This is something new that CLASS staffers are trying out. I can't imagine a better way to get expert mentoring and teaching from some of the best in the business.

If you feel God is calling you to do this - please check it out before all of the slots are filled. Many churches support their aspiring writers with scholarships (but you must ask for the help) and I know that Glorieta offers a number of scholarships to those who've proven their dedication.

If God is calling, dare you hold back ?

Comprehensive Classes for 2006

The Truth is Stronger Than Fiction - Terry Whalin

Terry Whalin is the Fiction Acquisitions Editor at Howard Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster. Besides Terry's love for fiction, for many years he has been a prolific nonfiction writer and editor. Terry's nonfiction writing has appeared in more than 50 magazines like Marriage Partnership, Writer's Digest, and The Writer. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including his Running On Ice, The Overcoming Faith of Vonetta Flowers (New Hope Publishers) or Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success (Write Now Publications). Terry is on the board of directors of The American Society of Journalists and Authors, the leading nonfiction writers group in the nation. To encourage writers of nonfiction and fiction, Terry is the creator of Right-Writing.com at: http://www.right-writing.com. Also he blogs about his life as a writer and editor at: http://www.thewritinglife.ws Terry and his wife, Christine, live in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Writing for Kids: The Best of the Best - Gwen Ellis

Gwen Ellis is owner of Seaside Creative Services, Inc. In this role, she writes books, screenplays, edits, concepts products, and consults. She has worked as a magazine editor, book editor, children's acquisitions editor, writer, and consultant. While at Zondervan she was the editor of a little book called God Bless America. The book was on the New York Times and three other best seller's lists for eleven weeks.

Becoming a Writer: Putting Your Passion Into Print - Sean Fowlds

Sean Fowlds is a professional journalist and speaker. He was the long-time book editor at Christian Retailing before founding his own editorial service called Lightpost Communications. Some of his notable clients include the Associated Press, Publishers Weekly, and Thomas Nelson Publishers. During his more than 17 years of experience working with business corporations and non-profit organizations, Sean has written more than 700 articles and made more than 700 speeches to date.

Bulding Your Web Presence - Krisann Blair

Krisann Blair has been a successful Internet entrepreneur since 1998. As creator and owner of www.ChristmasOrganizing.com, Krisann has successfully grown her web presence throughout the years and now receives 800 to 2000 unique hits EACH DAY, top listings in Google, Yahoo! and other search engines. Krisann also writes and publishes a monthly online newsletter to over 2500 subscribers and runs a Yahoo! Discussion group of over 1300. Her online presence has also enabled her to be "found" online and contacted by media such as ABC, FoxNews, Entrepreneur, Newsweek, USA Today, Rutgers News Service, Balance Magazine, Women's World, and others. In addition to running her Christmas Organizing web site, Krisann and her husband Ashley, own S.P.I.D.E.R. Services which dedicated to helping churches, individuals and small businesses with Simple Printing, Internet Development and Entrepreneur Resource Services.

AuthorizeMe - Sharon Norris Elliott

Sharon Norris Elliott is a published author of dozens of magazine articles and devotions, and several books including What? Teenagers in the Bible? and Living A Milk and Honey Life: Letting Go of what's Holding you Back. She is a professional educator and editor, magazine columnist, and conference speaker. Sharon is CEO of two companies: AuthorizeMe and Milk & Honey Life Retreats. She is also a sought-after instructor at major Christian writers' conferences nationwide.

Your Professional Persona - Betty Southard & "Team"

Betty Southard is the author of 3 books and the contributor to many compilations. She is a speaker, Bible Study author/ teacher, and a staff member for CLASS. She is a graduate of Fuller Seminary, Minister of Caring for the Hour of Power and actively involved in ministry at the Crystal Cathedral.

Get Published Now! - "Team"

Do you feel called to write, but question your skills? Have you wished for someone who could really help you with your work? Then this class is for you! Limited to 24 attendees, all participants in this class will get hands on help and will be published! All students will submit a writing project in advance to be developed in the class and have professional writer assigned as a mentor--1 mentor for every 2 students--for the class time. On day one, some of the GCWC editorial team will teach how to tighten up your writing, then you and your mentor will work on your submitted piece. The next day, the editorial team will teach how to brighten up your writing and mentors will help implement the techniques. On day three, Craig Von Buseck will teach writing for the internet and then students, with the help of their mentor, will rework their piece to fit CBN.com's guidelines. The last day, Mary Lou Redding for the Upper Room will address writing for the Upper Room and the writings will be modified to be publishable in the Upper Room. At the conclusion of the class each student will have three publishable pieces: the original "article," a piece for CBN and a devotion for the Upper Room. Each piece from this class will be considered for publication in the Upper Room, will be published on CBN.com and will be included in a special compilation book to be published with all the students' projects, to be delivered at each students home two weeks following the class. Each student will receive 25 copies of the book and may order additional copies. A $133.44 surcharge will be added to the regular registration fee for this class. Students must apply in advance and be approved. (CLICK HERE for Get Published Now Writer's Guidelines)

Conference - Sandy Cove

A Note From Louise: The Sandy Cove Conference was the first writers conference I ever attended. It is the perfect conference for writers just starting out because it has wonderful teaching and a number of editors, agents and publishers. That said, it is considered a mid-sized conference and is not quite as overwhelming as the huge Florida Christian Writers Conference, Mt Hermon Conference or Glorieta Conference. If you've never been to writers conference before, this might a good choice for you. It is within easy driving of North Jersey and the accomodations are reasonable and very comfortable.

Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference
October 1-4, 2006
Take your writing to the next level.
Take the Word to the world.

• Refine your writing and speaking skills
• Be mentored by editors and professional writers
• Network with editors and professional writers
• Expand your vision of how God can use you
• Enjoy His presence on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in Northeast, Maryland.

Join us for one (or both) of two life-changing events: The Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference and Student X-treme Training Tuesday

Plus separate "Authorize Me" seminar on Saturday with Sharon Norris Elliott

Mystery Writers

Here is a GREAT website for mystery writers. They try to keep track of as many of the websites related to mystery, crime, and suspense literature as possible. http://www.cluelass.com/

When you get to the site, be sure to click on The Mysterious Home Page link. Also great stuff.

Writer Site

Here is an interesting site I stumbled upon. This has writing info and some "fun" writing stuff as well.
http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/

This section has a number of writing opportunities I haven't seen before. I am not endorsing them, just pointing them out. You'll have to verify whether they are on the up-and-up yourself.

http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/fun.htm

SpiritLed Writer Articles

The Spirit Led Writer site has some great new articles on line. Check them out!

Grant Writing for Beginners
Thinking of Hiring an Editor?
Poetry Potpourri
Writers Devotional: The Perfect Gift?
8 Ways to Encourage Children to Write
Conference Review: Write-to-Publish Conference
Conference Review: Book Expo America
Reaching the Woman in 27A
Polishing Your Prose
Nuggets for Personal Journaling
... and so much more.

Comfort Cafe - Latest Column

My latest Espresso for the Heart column hit the Comfort Cafe
http://comfortcafe.net/?page_id=287

Writing Op - Seeds of the Season

A Message From Fellow Writer
-- April Boyer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello friends,
Just to give you time to think about it, I will publishing new content for my website by September 30 . Note the contest opportunity below. If you want to promote your work, or touch or encourage someone , you can send me your stories for use on the Featured or Seeds pages. Send writing relate articles for use on the Writing Desk, creative ideas for the Your Turn page, and short-short stories, funnies, or easy activities and recipes by and for children. For my favorite Kitchen Page, I can use your friendly-visit-over-tea short stories or poems like Notes From Home, Nature Notes, short Tea Recipes, short Garden Tips or Household Hints, personal funny church or family occurences, etc.
Dont forget to send your Writer's Group info (full or consistent calendar only), book, music or speaking promotions. If you have a great link to share, I'm sure our friends will appreciate that too.

~~~~~~~~
CONTEST!

~~~~~~~~

WIN A FREE DEVOTINAL BOOK
For The Best Entry out of ten. Your choice from 4 selections. Send your short-short funny or heart-warming story behind a favorite recipe. Your story will be published on the "Kitchen" page http://aprilboyer.com with your own credit line and bio for the Sept. 30-issue. Only ten emailed entries will be considered by Sept. 1 Please send your work in the body of your email - NOT as an attachment.
Consider:

A funny mishap
A remarkable or miraculous event
A heart-stopping moment
A heart-warming reunion
An invasion from nature
A recipe gone wrong
A child's wise words
A moment with God

April Boyer
"Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will."

NEW Christian Humor Writers Group

Introducing The Christian Humor Writers Group!

This new group is an offshoot of an private little chat group was formed several years ago by a handful of humor writers who met at a conference and formed a quick friendship. We've had so many requests from people interested in joining us on our merry lark that we've created a public group, and you're invited to join!

This discussion group is for Christians of all denominations involved or seeking to be involved in the religious or mainstream humor industry - including essayists, authors, speakers, comics, greeting card writers, cartoonists, editors, etc.

This is a casual group designed primarily for networking but also to encourage and educate in a light-hearted manner. Periodic discussion topics and writing prompts will keep the conversation flowing and allow members to talk about topics like joke writing, humor markets, idea generating, approaching humor from a faith perspective, adding humor to your writing, and more. Members are encouraged to share writing opportunities, conferences, writing tips and more.

For more information or to join, visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Christian_Humor_Writers/.
(Note: If you are not already a member, you may have to join yahoo - this is free)
To see some writing samples from CHW members, visit our blog at www.christianhumorwriters.com.
Many thanks!
Joanne Brokaw
www.christianhumorwriters.com

Top 100 Freelance Markets

Top 100 Freelance Markets from Writers Digest

Click on a market to view its details. Or browse the listings.

1. Parade
2. Art & Antiques
3. Family Circle Magazine
4. Bloomberg Wealth Manager
5. Attaché Magazine
6. Guideposts for Kids on the Web
7. Community College Week
8. The Old Farmer's Almanac
9. Child
10. Air & Space Smithsonian
11. Remedy
12. Golf For Women
13. Mother Jones
14. Hilton Head Monthly
15. Travel + Leisure
16. American Profile
17. Golf Tips
18. Wired
19. Outside
20. Condé Nast Bride's
21. Islands
22. New Jersey Monthly
23. Salt Water Sportsman
24. Scouting
25. Stamats Meetings Media
26. Muscle Mag International
27. Smithsonian
28. Vim & Vigor
29. Guide
30. Sew News
31. These Days
32. Hemispheres
33. Alaska
34. Evansville Living
35. Let's Live Magazine
36. Metropolis
37. The Lutheran Digest
38. Friendly Exchange
39. Book
40. Heartland USA
41. Canadian Geographic
42. Notre Dame Magazine
43. The Chronicle of the Horse
44. Luxury Golf Homes & Resorts
45. Yankee
46. Bassmaster
47. California Homes
48. Writer's Digest
49. Offshore
50. American Health & Fitness
51. MyBusiness Magazine
52. Charlotte Magazine
53. Voyageur
54. The Upper Room
55. Sport Diver
56. Delicious Living!
57. FW: The Art of Living
58. Nights Publications
59. Speedway Illustrated
60. Yoga Journal
61. Family Motor Coaching
62. The Fisherman
63. Balloon Life
64. Orange Coast
65. Oxygen!
66. Utah Business
67. AmericanStyle Magazine
68. OnEarth
69. Request Magazine
70. Points North
71. Star Date
72. AAA Midwest Traveler
73. Big Apple Parent/Queens Parent/Westchester Parent
74. Blue Ridge Business Journal
75. The World & I
76. Kansas!
77. Proceedings
78. ComputorEdge
79. Progressive Populist
80. Victorian Homes
81. Vermont Business Magazine
82. Good Old Days
83. My Daily Visitor
84. The Horse
85. Automobile Quarterly
86. Alaska Business Monthly
87. Lost Treasure
88. Northern Ohio Live
89. Rhode Island Monthly
90. Adventure Cyclist
91. Diversity: Career Opportunities & Insights
92. The Outdoors Magazine
93. Rock & Gem
94. Decorative Artist's Workbook
95. Antique Trader
96. Adirondack Life
97. Toy Cars & Models
98. Coast to Coast Magazine
99. Michigan Out-of-Doors
100. Wisconsin Outdoor Journal

Industry Info

Literary Agent, Janet Kobobel Grant
Books & Such Agency

Big news!
My agent, Janet Kobobel Grant, just got quoted on bloomberg.com and was told that the would appear in Publishers Weekly!

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aFZKuWjSOYmE&refer=home

Writing Op - Parenting Media Websites

Check out the writers guidelines for iParenting Media.
iParenting.com is an award-winning network of family-oriented Web sites owned by iParenting Media, the leading producer of parenting information. One of their excellent magazines is Family Energy: http://familyenergy.com/writers.php
Writers Guidelines: http://iparenting.com/guidelines.php

Hand-Out #2 - NJCWG 7/24/06

Here is hand-out #2 from the NJCWG 7/24/06 meeting.

~~~~~

Fine Tuning Your Pitch

~~~~~

1. Keep It Simple
An elevator pitch is short – very short. In the time it takes to get from the first floor to the third floor, you should be able to introduce yourself, offer a sincere compliment and give your pitch. All of this should be done without breaking a sweat or running out of breath.

2. Know who you are talking to and use their name.

3. Ask permission to pitch your idea.
If they say “no” ask if you can send them an email with your idea. If they say “no” again (maybe they aren’t taking new clients or just don’t like elevators) thank them for their time and move on.

4. Make sure to give your name
I knew one lady who gave her elevator pitch to an editor – literally in an elevator. She was so nervous that when she was done and the doors to elevator opened, she leapt out and disappeared into the crowd. There was one problem, the editor really liked her idea but she never said her name so he didn’t know how to get in touch with her. ALWAYS introduce yourself (briefly) before giving your pitch.

5. Offer a compliment or tell them where and/or why you recognize them.
Obviously if you are interested in certain editors, publishers or agents you will have done your homework and know something about them. Know what they look like (use the internet), read things that they’ve written. Listen to tapes/CD’s from conferences where they’ve spoken. Get to know their style and their MO (mode of operation).

6. Be prepared to give your whole spiel in about 30 seconds.
You want to leave time for a question or two and for contact information.

7. Don’t forget to offer the title of your piece.
Many people forget to say the title of their work. If the editor forgets everything else, hopefully the title will stick in their head (make a good one). If you have a website or blog they will be able to find you again even if they don’t know your name and they lost your business card.

8. If they show any interest at all, close the deal.
Make sure you set a specific day (and time) to call them and repeat the information. If they ask you send them a proposal or manuscript, repeat that this is what you will do. Then DO it – right away – not months later.

9. Always thank them for their time and consideration – but don’t gush. This is a business deal, you are not the big lottery winner and this is not a marriage proposal.

The Write Stuff Boot Camp!

The WriteStuff Writers' "BOOT CAMP"

Maneuvering the Manuscript and Publishing Trenches!

The Missouri Historical Society
Emerson Center
St. Louis, Missouri

Join the WriteStuff Writers' in St. Louis and experience hands-on professional workshops to help you take your creative work to a higher and more successful level!

Presented by publishing industry professionals, the fun and interactive sessions explore the complex elements of writing, editing, marketing and publishing from the trenches up!

Special Guest! A presentation in the Writer's Studio with motivational speaker, Appalachian Trail Blazer and author, Jean Deeds (There are Mountains to Climb). You won't want to miss her incredible story of walking the Appalachian Trail alone!

WriteStuff Writers' Conferences supports the mission of Ambassadors for Children, a not-for-profit global volunteer organization providing humanitarian aid to children in need around the world.

Other Boot Camp breakout workshops include:
Two Minds — One Story
Writing with a partner: how the elements of support, discipline and give and take all come into play when you write with a partner. This workshop presents a roadmap that will lead to a clear understanding of how to make it work and how to get started!
Web Sites and Blogging!
Simple explanations from a professional Webmaster on how to:
Create your own Web site
Use search engines and make them work for you
Sell your books and promote your name through the Internet
Understand the world of personal blogging
Understanding the Gray Areas of Publishing
Whether considering a traditional, vanity or print on demand publisher, you need to understand your options and what to expect. Publishing has changed—so learn what will work best for you!
Exploring the Writer's Market!
Six Things You Need to Know Before Approaching an Agent or a Publisher!
Learn why ninety-five percent of query letters and unsolicited manuscripts go into the rejection pile. If you're just starting to look for an agent or have become frustrated with unanswered queries and e-mails, you won't want to miss this workshop taught by a literary agent!
And More!
Click here to explore all of the Boot Camp breakout sessions and to reserve your seat today!

Contest - Writers Digest 2006 Short Story Contest

The Writer's Digest 7th Annual Short Short Story Competition
We're looking for fiction that's bold, brilliant...but brief. Send us your best in 1,500 words or fewer.But don't be too long about it—the deadline is Friday, December 01, 2006.
PRIZESFirst Place: $3,000Second Place: $1,500Third Place: $500Fourth Through Tenth Place: $100Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer's Digest Books
* The First-Place winner has the option of a FREE "Best Seller Publishing Package" from Trafford Publishing.
* The names and story titles of the First-through Tenth-Place winners will be printed in the June 2007 Writer's Digest, and winners will receive the 2007 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market.
The 7th Annual Writer's Digest SHORT SHORT STORY COMPETITION COLLECTION Sponsored by Trafford
The 1st- through 25th-place manuscripts will be printed in a special competition collection, published by Trafford Publishing. Use the entry form to order your copy or purchase a copy online using a credit card. Order now to receive the 50%-off, pre-publication special price. (Publication date: May, 2007. You are not required to purchase the collection to enter the competition.)
For entrants paying with a credit card, we will accept manuscripts submitted online.
The Rules
1. The competition is open to manuscripts of 1,500 words or fewer. Entries outside the word limitation will be disregarded. Type the word count on the first page of your entry along with your name, address, phone number and email address.
2. The entry fee is $12 per manuscript. You may enter as many manuscripts as you wish. You may send one check (in U.S. funds) and one entry form for all entries. If you are submitting your entry via regular mail, you may send one check (in U.S. funds) and one entry form for all entries.
3. All entries must be in English, original, unpublished, and not submitted elsewhere until the winners are announced. Writer's Digest reserves the one-time publication rights to the 1st-t through 25th-place winning entries to be published in a Writer's Digest publication.
4. If you are submitting your entry via regular mail, all entries must be typewritten and double-spaced on one side of 8-1/2 x 11 or A4 white paper. Manuscripts will not be returned.
5. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, December 01, 2006.
6. Winners will be notified by February 9, 2007. If you have not been contacted by this date, you may assume that your entry is not a finalist and may be marketed elsewhere.
7. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard with your entry if you want to be notified of its receipt. We cannot notify you personally of your story's status before the winners are announced. If entering online, you will receive a confirmation email for each entry you submit.
8. Winners' names will appear in the June 2007 issue of Writer's Digest magazine. Afterwards, their names and story titles will be posted at http://www.writersdigest.com/.
9. The following are not permitted to enter the competition: employees of F+W Publications, Inc., and their immediate families and Writer's Digest contributing editors and correspondents as listed on the masthead.
Privacy PromiseOccasionally we make portions of our customer list available to other companies so they may contact you about products and services that may be of interest to you. If you prefer we withhold your name, simply send a note with your name, address and the competition name to: List Manager, F+W Publications, 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236.
A message from our Competition Collection sponsor:
Trafford Publishing is proud to sponsor the 7th annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection. We love helping make author's dreams come true. In fact, since 1995 Trafford Publishing has helped more than 5,000 authors publish over 7,000 new titles around the world. If your short story is part of a book or you have a separate manuscript you want to publish we welcome you to visit our website or give us a call—we'll even send you a free guide which explains how publishing your book is easier than you might think.
We wish you all the best with your contest submission.
http://trafford.com/1587toll-free: 1-888-232-4444 ext 1587
Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition Online Entry Form
Writer's Digest Short Short Story Printable Entry Form

Writing Op - GUD Mag

"Stop me. Make me linger over the image. Break my heart. Make me angry. Inspire me to write a story, a letter. Show me something I've seen before, but open my eyes to it." Editor of Gud Magazine

If you think you've got what it takes, send Gud your finest. Don't expect feedback -- not going to happen. And PLEASE, read the guidelines. Electronic submissions, print and e-versions, paying semi-pro rates. http://www.gudmagazine.com/