May Meeting Details

Reminder, this Saturday, May 7, we will meet from 10am to noon at different location:   

Cornerstone Christian Church

495 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff

(In the Barn, the red building on the right when you turn into the driveway)

DIRECTIONS

Saturday's meeting topic is Show, Don't Tell

Please come equipped for a writing exercise.

If you want work critiqued, please adhere to the critique guidelines on our web page. The guidelines include the following: your name, 2 pages, double-spaced. 

Last month Katie Sweeting shared an outstanding presentation,

Research for Writers.

You may access her notes HERE

Hope to see you there as we encourage one another to write for Him,

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

Note: Change of Venue for May

May 7, 2016

10 am - noon

This month we're meeting in the Barn at

Cornerstone Christian Church

495 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff

(The red building on the right when you turn into the driveway)

directions here

Hope to see you there!

April's Focus Point:

Knowledge

Good, interesting writing requires a balance between passion and knowledge. If we write from emotion, our words may not be accurate, but if we only convey knowledge, our writing may not be palatable. Passion writing is fun and I hope our first drafts are infused with passion. Informative writing is work and I hope our edited copy adds knowledge to our passion.

Our passion drives us, but our knowledge qualifies us. The Apostle Paul wrote something similar in Romans 15:14. He said that knowledge is what makes us competent to instruct one another: “I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.”

Peter integrated the balance of passion and knowledge in 1 Peter 3:15 when he wrote, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have...” Giving an answer (and writing a book) includes 1) the willingness of our spirit that does not hold back but is ready and eager to speak and 2) the understanding and knowledge that equips us to adequately present our case.

Knowledge without passion can be dry, but passion without knowledge is dangerous. This is especially true in areas with which we are familiar and quickly make assumptions.

Take away thought: “The discerning heart seeks knowledge….” (Prov. 15:14), When you write, make sure your passion is coupled with knowledge.

April Meeting

Our April meeting is this Saturday,

April 2, 10 a.m. til noon

Member Katie Sweeting will present the importance and methods of Research, drawing from her personal and professional experience.

Location and critique guidelines can be found at njcwg.blogspot.com

The following is the Focus Point of our March meeting (which was actually February 27).

Clarity

Pitch is a concise, nutshell description of a writing project. The benefit of a pitch is that it clarifies our project so others can understand what it's about, but there is a personal benefit as well - pitch clarifies our purpose.

Take a look at the word clarity. It is defined as the quality of being easily understood, of being clear. Synonyms include: apparent, understandable, comprehensible, plain.

I usually have a swirl of thoughts, feelings, ideas and plans spiraling through my heart and head. I need to calm myself and look deeply so I can clarify my purpose and focus. Just what are my goals, aspirations, intentions, dreams and objectives in this project? Most importantly, what is God’s purpose in inspiring me to write this piece?

Proverbs 20:5 reads, “The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” While this is speaking of someone drawing out the purposes of someone else’s heart, the same can be true of understanding what is in our own hearts. If we want clarity of direction and purpose we need to draw them out so we can chart a clear course.

Most Christian writers are familiar with Habakkuk 2:2: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” Before a herald runs with it, it needs to be plain enough for me to run with it. According to Proverbs 14:8, “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways….” Prudence to seek God's purpose and wisdom and draw out my thoughts and bring them into focus, frees me to run with my words.

Take away thought: I will seek clarity by taking time for reflection to understand God’s heart and my own heart in the piece I’m writing and in the life I’m living. 

Story Callout Opportunity

Quick reminder - our monthly meeting is THIS Sat. 2/27 @ 10 am. 
Our meeting is about "pitch":  

• Please prepare a pitch for a current project (even if it's not a book), whether it's in progress or still a dream. Part of our discussion will include how a pitch can focus our writing and thereby help us in the process.

Here's an article that explains a little about "pitch" (vs. press release): 
http://bit.ly/1LOinNd


Below are two opportunities to publish for Moments from Grace Publishing:

Moments Submissions should be sent to: Yvonne Lehman Story callout from Yvonne Lehman: I'm now accepting submissions for two new Moments books to be released in 2016 and 2017. These are compilations of 50 stories by 40+ authors in each book, published by Grace Publishing Already in print are Divine Moments, Spoken Moments, Precious, Precocious Moments,and Christmas Moments (2014 and 2015). The variety of approaches to the themes for past books has been really inspiring. Some long, some short, some humorous, others serious. There is no compensation (except publication and joy!). Authors get one free copy and discount on orders. Royalties go to Samaritan's Purse. We always make a presentation of authors of Moments books at the May Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Submissions come in quickly, so you might want to hurry! First acceptable 50 will be accepted. These are true stories of events, experiences, lessons learned, etc. Articles range from 500-2000+ words. Content is the key! Christmas Moments Book #3 - articles about the true meaning of Christmas - Christmas experiences, meaningful or touching stories about Christmas - similar to Christmas Moments Books #1 and 2. Deadline March 15, 2016. Loving Moments - personal love stories; love for children, parents, animals, etc.; and/or love for God, His love for us, etc. Deadline May 31, 2016. Contributors should put Loving Moments or Christmas Moments Book #3 in subject line and send to yvonnelehman3@gmail.com.

New Meeting Date

Our next two meetings: February 27 and April 2

Due to several schedule conflicts in March, 

we will meet February 27, 10a - 12p. 

The topic: pitch

• Please prepare a pitch for a current project (even if it's not a book), whether it's in progress or still a dream. Part of our discussion will include how a pitch can focus our writing and thereby help us in the process.

• Time will be allotted for critiques. Please follow the guidelines at njcwg.blogspot.com. I encourage you to bring a sample of your work.

• On April 2nd, Katie Sweeting will present on the topic of research. (And if you're thinking that research isn't doesn't apply to what you're writing, you're wrong :)

• Below is the focus point of the February 6 meeting. 

Be blessed as you write for Him, Barbara

February Focus: Mindfulness

I just finished reading the book of Joshua. It was stimulating - inspiring - to read of challenges met and battles won. Who doesn’t like to hear about victory taken over an enemy? I gleaned a lot of warfare wisdom as I read through the book and now offer one of the nuggets as it relates to us as writers. It is the need for mindfulness.

A lack of productivity and discipline in our writing is rarely due to an outright refusal to work. We don't willfully resist writing, it's just that we’re not mindful of our craft. Mindful means: watchful, aware, alert, attentive, careful. 

In Joshua, the words “be careful” were spoken to or by him five times, often in conjunction with the admonition to be strong and courageous. They were spoken in an atmosphere of victory and success, which tells me that it is easy to become lax during times of accomplishment.

Last month I felt good about identifying and sharing my writing goals at our meeting - I suspect that you did too. But this month, I’m warning each of us to be mindful of the goals we set. Let’s not allow them to remain words on paper. Let’s be careful to intentionally work toward those goals, 

• to be watchful of our time 
• to be aware of creativity and time robbers
• to be alert to opportunities
• to be mindful of our intentions
• to be attentive to our craft and calling.

Joshua’s closing words include these: “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left”(Joshua 23:6). Let us be very strong and careful to do what God has put on our hearts, without turning to one side or the other, mindful of the task before us. 

Take away thought: Be careful. Live, and write, mindfully and intentionally.

Feb. Meeting - this Saturday

Date: Sat., Feb. 6
Time: 10a - 12p
Place: High Mountain Church
              681 HighMountain Rd., No. Haledon, NJ


This month's meeting will focus on self-publishing:

• Why you should self-publish
• When you shouldn't self-publish
• Types of self-publishing
• Steps to take 
• Mistakes to avoid
• Testimonies from self-published authors
• Q & A

If time allows, we will have critiques. Please follow critique guidelines on the sidebar of our website: www.njcwg.blogspot.com. 

Story Callout - Miraculous Answers to Prayer

Hello writing friends,

Here is an opportunity to submit a story to a James Stuart Bell compilation: 

Miraculous Answers to Prayer

Send submissions to email address below. Do not reply to this email. From James Stuart Bell: You may recall my role as editor for story collections such as: A Cup of Comfort, Extraordinary Answers to Prayer, Love is a Verb, and a number of books related toAngels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters.  I am now compiling a story volume for Bethany House Publishers with a working title of Miraculous Answers to Prayer.  Jesus said in Matthew 21:22, “And whatever you ask in prayer you will receive, if you have faith.”  I’m sure you’ve had numerous wonderful answers to prayer in your Christian life.  What I’m seeking is the story of perhaps your most amazing answer to prayer that would show unmistakable evidence of God supernatural power and presence in an overwhelming, if not impossible, situation. You need to demonstrate the link between the given prayer or prayers and the miraculous consequences to follow.  As with the other three volumes in this series if there are heavenly encounters or supernatural presences, so much the better.  The main test is that if prayer hadn’t been part of the equation there would be no human or natural possibility of the incredible outcome. We’ll consider original, unpublished stories of up to 2,000 words and they must be at least 1,000 words.  The stories should have a creative title, an attention-grabbing introduction, main body with a conflict or challenge, and a clear, satisfying resolution.  They need to be descriptive, rooted in time and place, with a realistic portrayal of the characters involved. They also need to be substantive stories rather than mere testimonies or teachings, and the focus should not be just on the supernatural realm alone, but rather the spiritual lesson learned.  Please include a personal biography of 30 words or less at the end of each manuscript. Due date for the manuscript is January 31, 2016. Please send your manuscript attached to the e-mail rather than pasting text in the email window.  Send your manuscript in normal manuscript formatting in Times New Roman, 12-point, with your full contact information--name, address, phone number, and e-mail address at the top of the first page.  We are offering a one-time fee of $50 for stories 1,500 words and over, and $25 for stories under that word count.                           We will send you contracts upon the publisher’s acceptance and would need them back promptly.  Payment will be made after all contracts have been received.  Please direct all inquiries and manuscript submissions to my colleague, Jeanette Littleton, atsupernaturalstories2@earthlink.net.  If this e-mail has been forwarded to you, and you can’t submit to this call, but would like to hear about other editorial needs as they arise, please send us your e-mail address and we’ll add you to our notification list. Blessings to you and yours, James Stuart Bell

2016 = 365 Opportunities

Calendar from printablecalendars.com

As writers, I trust we’ve set writing goals for 2016. Even though we have 365 days to accomplish them, I find that goals are tricky things. It seems that we either set them too low or too high, depending on our mood. It’s hard to find a balance between underachieving and being unrealistically aggressive. Low goals allow us to meander through our days without stress, but also without satisfaction. High goals can be equally dissatisfying when they are unattainable and thereby frustrate us.

A helpful goal-setting acronym is S.M.A.R.T. goals, meaning goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. This is a useful guide to follow, but I want to suggest another component of goal-setting - one that is critical, but often ignored. It is simply to move our focus away from what we want to accomplish and ask God what He wants to do through us. 

While it's good to set goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely, let’s hold those goals loosely. If God points us down another path or asks us to redirect our energies, let’s do so willingly. Psalm 37:5-6 offers us His wisdom for goal-setting:

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

As we work toward our goals for 2016, let’s commit our way to the Lord and trust in Him. He will do what the verses say and make our righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of our cause like the noonday sun. He will use us for the benefit of His kingdom in ways we could not anticipate.

Take home thought: I will set my goals prayerfully, committing my way to God, trusting that He will cause me to shine in righteousness.

This is the meditation from the January 2, 2016, meeting. 

Reminding you to write for Him, Barbara