NJCWG News

Two of our members won recognition at St. Catherine of Bologna's Annual Photography, Art & Poetry Exhibition in Ringwood this weekend.

• Kathy Rupff won the Spirituality Award for her poem, "Your Love Heals Me." Additionally, she won the Judge's Choice Art Award for her painting, Transformation, and first place in Art-Mixed Media for her collage, Aslan. Her work can be viewed at www.kathleenrupff.com. 

• Maude Carolan Pych won the Judge's Choice Award for her Purim poem, "Queen Esther, Brave & Beautiful." Read her poem here.

Maude's recently published book of poems Wonderhoods is now available. Ordering information can be found on her website.

Susan Panzica's young adult allegory, The Quest, has just been published and will soon be available on her website at susanpanzica.com.

APRIL MEETING CHANGE: We will meet on the 14th - the second Saturday, not the usual first Saturday of the month. Time & location are the same but we will meet on the second floor (enter door closest to the parking lot). 

Meeting this Saturday

March 4, 10 am - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

in the Barn (red building to the right after entering)

Saturday's topic:

GENRE

Image compliments of edla519michellemoulton.weebly.com

Genres are comfortable and challenging. They carry freedom and limitations. Join the conversation about stretching our areas of expertise. Please bring a recent copy of The Christian Writers Market Guide, if possible, and at least one suggestion for submission to a periodical, contest, or anthology (other than Chicken Soup). 

Seasoned writers and writing hopefuls are all welcome.

Hope to see you Saturday,
Barbara
barbarahigbyhope.com

February's Focus Point

The Point Is… In a Nutshell… Finally…

Today we will talk about aphorisms, those clever statements that speak volumes with a modicum of words. I had fun looking through New Testament letters to discover the use of what can be considered aphorisms, though I never thought of it that way before. They are not the author’s last words but fall near the ends of the letters and concisely summarize what the writer had more fully explained earlier. This is what I found:

“Finally, …rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.” (2 Cor 13:11)

“Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” (Gal. 6:17)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” (Eph. 6:10-11)

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.” (Phil. 3:1)

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)

“Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” (1 Thess. 4:1)

“Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.” (2 Thess. 3:1)

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Pet. 3:8)

Take home thought: Be concise, clever and creative to present a memorable nugget of inspiration.

Story Callout

Heaven Sightings

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 to Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters.  I am now compiling a story volume for Bethany House Publishers with a working title of Heaven Sightings: Angels, Miracles, and Glimpses of the Afterlife.  In the past six “supernatural story” volumes I have compiled the focus has been on events and circumstances that had a supernatural element demonstrating God’s power.  In this volume I want you, the writer, to share how there are actually real slices of heaven in this life.  It’s not the wonderful natural phenomena we experience but the supernatural happenings that take place from time to time as God so designates. Heaven really does touch earth, as alluded to in one of my earlier titles.  Heaven plants itself here in the form of miracles, angels, and even near-death experiences.  We find it also displayed in dramatic healings and gigantic answers to prayer where nothing else can account for it.  This volume will contain a rich mixture of these stories.  I am especially looking forward to experiences of heaven itself, primarily found in near-death encounters with angels and the afterlife. 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. We will have a rolling due date for the manuscript until we receive our quota of stories but would appreciate your submission within a month of receiving this email.  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, at supernaturalstories2@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 For updates you can also join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/993320770756877/

Meeting this Saturday

February 3, 10 am - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff

in the Barn (red building on your right as you enter)

Saturday's focus:

The Point Is… In a Nutshell… Finally…

Image compliments of Zazzle.com

How aphorisms add clarity, define purpose, and assist memory.

aph·o·rism \ˈa-fə-ˌri-zəm 

Bring one or two writing samples, such as a blog post, for our discussion of aphorisms and their value.

Our group encourages experienced and novice writers. You are invited to check it out and see if it's a fit for your needs. 

I hope to see you Saturday,

Barbara barbarahigbyhope.com

January's Focus Point

Joy in Writing

When I was a child I learned the secret of joy in the form of an anagram—J-O-Y: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. But long before it was contrived as a cute anagram, Jesus spoke it as profound truth. Quoting from Deuteronomy, He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This sure-formula for joy in life, also gives us joy in writing.

God first. Every creative thought, sudden illumination, and golden truth we discover is not original, but comes from God. It is His call, His gift, His message, and His inspiration that speaks to our hearts and draws us to our keyboards. When we are mindful of that, we are focused, motivated and energized—we have purpose that transcends personal recognition, a meaningful hobby, or hopes of a paycheck.

Secondly, think of others. How often are we reminded to think “reader first?” If we’re not writing for readers, we can simply journal. Journaling is easy, communicating is work, but love for others will incite us to action. It will propel us to take the time and make the effort to write, and write well for the benefit of our readers.

The third aspect of the equation is you. The fulfillment, satisfaction and—yes—joy that is ours when God is first and others are second cannot be found any other way. When I put myself first, I never have enough, am not good enough, and can’t be satisfied. The biblical order is the way to fulfillment.

When I respond to God’s inspiration and use His gifts to bless my readers, I experience joy in writing.

Take home thought: When it comes to writing, glorifying God is my reason, enriching others is my goal, and joy is my reward. 

Need inspiration? Find it this Saturday!

Kick off 2018 with a dose of writing inspiration at NJCWG's first meeting of the year.

January 6, 10:00-noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

in the Barn (red building on the right as you enter)

Saturday's Focus: The Joy in Writing

We will share our writing goals for 2018 and discuss the hindrances that hold us back, as well as the joy that propels us forward.

Published and novice writers are invited. Find encouragement for your writing endeavors.  

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

Image compliments of thepreachersword.com

Writing Inspiration at Christmas

A blessed Christmas to all our readers! May God's written Word enrich your lives as writers who write for Him. We hope to see you in 2018. Our first meeting is January 6. You will find the Focus Point from our December meeting below. 

Blessings, 

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

The Power of Words

Luke's account of the angels' appearance to the shepherds is familiar, but let's look at it from a writer's perspective. What was the point of the angels' visit? They came to pro-claim that the Messiah was born, but note the progression of their message (Luke 2:8-15):

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Although the angels arrived on the hillside with an important announcement, they first gave the shepherds a moment to focus with their first words, "Do not be afraid.” They had the shepherds’ attention but needed to prepare them to listen. In fiction we may throw our readers right into the story, but nonfiction needs heart preparation.

The angels still didn’t make their announcement; they stated their purpose—"I bring you good news...” In our writing readers like to know where they’re headed, why they’re reading this piece. They need additional preparation.

Finally, the announcement was made,"A Savior has been born to you.” Once the shepherds were prepared, the angels told them the heart of the matter, followed by a simple explanation. As writers, when we introduce our theme it should be simple and straightforward.

The angels conclude with details, which are also a teaser. "You will find a baby…lying in a manger.” They don’t tell the shepherds what to do, but entice them to discover the truth for themselves. The result is action:

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." (v15)

Isn't that the goal of our writing? We offer our readers hope, encouragement, and information with the hope they will make it theirs and take action.

Take away: Just as God is gentle with us, be gentle with your readers. Patiently prepare a path of understanding that whets their appetite for more and, hopefully, inspires action.

Photo compliments of endoftheage.blogspot.com

Check it out!

To pre-order the 2018 Christian Writer Market Guide for $18 postage paid, click here. Deadline Dec. 20. 2017.












Tidbits from Saturday's meeting:

• You may be surprised by this Grammar quiz  from TheWriteLife.com
• Here's the infographic of 25 Tips:

25 Tips to Tighten Your Copy:

Source: https://thewritelife.com/grammar-quiz/

Saturday Brunch Meeting

Saturday, December 2, 10a-12p

Expect to enjoy a delicious brunch that will include our usual writing fare:

• A Focus Point
• A writing exercise 
• Time for critiques

Regular members, if you did not yet RSVP, please email Susan at njcwgroup@gmail.com and tell her what you're bringing. Guests, you are welcome! We're eager to meet you. Last month's Focus Point is below.

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

Just Do It

During an advertising agency meeting in 1988, Nike coined the slogan JUST DO IT. According to Wikipedia, “one of the campaign's objectives was to target all Americans regardless of age, gender or physical fitness level which led to Nike becoming worn as a fashion statement, not just as fitness gear. (Nearly 80% of Nike’s running shoes are not worn for their intended purpose.) In other words, you don’t have to be a pro to play.

I suggest that the “It” we’re supposed to “just do” is whatever is in your heart to do. Don’t think about perfection or scoring or fans, just put on the sneakers and play. You don’t need to be on a court or a field, JUST DO IT.

In writing, we don’t need to be professional, perfect or popular; we just need to do it—we need to write. Sure, it’s more fun with the roar of a crowd, but we can’t let silence rob us of the joy of using our gift. We write for the pleasure of the Giver of that gift.

I told you about my disappointment when the editor who wanted to see “everything” I write told me he was now too busy to consider new authors. I thought my book was a shoo-in and now I felt like a failure—until I realized I didn’t fail God. I did what He put on my heart to do, I wrote H-O-P-E for the Journey. I succeeded.

However, the silence that meets me at my keyboard these days is discouraging. The only way to continue writing is to JUST DO IT—because it is mine to do. I write for the Creator, not the crowd.

I want to echo the words of the servant in Matthew 25:20, “Master, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.” Our talents, financial and spiritual, will only increase with investment.

Take home thought: 2 Timothy 1:6-7, “Fan into flame the gift of God… For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Write, and write some more.

Dec. 2nd meeting - Annual Christmas Brunch

Christmas Brunch

Sat. Dec. 2

10 am  - 12 noon

At our next NJCWG meeting, we will hold our annual brunch. 

As always, we look forward to breaking bread together 

as we continue along on our writing journeys. 

Please rsvp by Tues, Nov. 28.

To rsvp: click REPLY or email: njcwgroup@gmail.com. 

And please indicate in your reply if you are bringing a brunch item. 

If you can indicate what item, so much the better! 

If you are new to the group or just not able to bring something, 

please come anyway! 

Looking forward to seeing you on the 2nd! 

Meeting this Saturday

November 4, 10 a.m. - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

in the Barn (red building on the right as you enter)

 Saturday's Focus:

How to be a Writer

There is only one way to become a writer and we'll talk about it this Saturday. Whether you're a novice or already published, 

we welcome you to join the discussion.

Hope to see you there!

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

October's Focus Point

First of All, “Why?”

Let’s talk about why we write in general and then, in our workshop time, focus on the specific why of our current project. Understanding our why provides motivation for writing, but also gives us a connection with readers, agents and publishers.

Face Forward

Jesus said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). He was talking about following Him as a disciple, but He was also stating a life principle. One cannot move forward when looking back. We move in the direction we face. Lack of focus slows us down and the “plow” we’re pushing will veer or stall.

I confess that I can be found looking up, down and all around during my writing time. There is no lack of distractions, even writing distractions—other topics I want to write about, research that becomes a rabbit trail, sources that I get lost in.

When the day is over, I find it easy to fudge my writing progress. What did you do today, Barbara?

I worked on my book.

What exactly did you work on?

Well, I tried to flesh out an outline, considered title options, thought about anecdotes.

In other words, I played all around it, but never zeroed in. I didn’t plow one straight row because I forgot why I was writing.

I need to remind myself why I'm writing, be honest with myself and stop looking around, set a clear goal for the day, get my thoughts on paper, and plow forward—which is today’s take-away. 

Take home thought: Remember why you're writing. Stop looking around. Set a clear goal. Get your thoughts on paper. Plow forward.  

Meeting this Saturday

October 7, 10 a.m. - noon

 Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

in the Barn (red building on the right when you enter)

 Saturday's Focus: Face Forward

Image courtesy of sqlmag.com

Whether an experienced writer or a novice, you will find encouragement and camaraderie at our meetings. Visit and see if NJCWG is a fit for you. 

Members, come prepared to pitch your book, article or blog, prioritizing your why. See the Simon Sinek video and read September's Focus Point below. If you bring pages for critique, please review the guidelines on our website. 

Hope to see you Saturday,

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

September’s Focus Point

First of All, “Why?”

Why do we write? In general and, specifically, why this book, blog or article? Defining our why reveals our motivation but also becomes a connecting point with readers, agents and publishers.  

Jean Matthew Hall* tells the story of swinging in the back yard with her grandson. He wanted to go higher & higher—to touch the clouds. Of course, they didn’t touch the clouds, but in Jean’s words, “It sure was fun trying. It was exhilarating.”

She later realized that she does the same thing with writing—stretching herself, straining to become a better writer and to attain publication. Not satisfied with merely writing her thoughts in a private journal, her heart shouts, “Higher, God. I want to go higher—to touch the clouds with you, Lord!”

Then she wonders why—why does she want to touch the clouds? Why do we?

Jean asks, “Is it that seed of creativity God planted in my heart before I was born? Is it some innate unrest I have? Is it pride? Do I have a burning message to spread? Or, is it God’s Holy Spirit urging me upward?

“I suspect it is a mixture of all these things. But mostly, it’s because I want my life to have a wider circle of influence... I want to impact as many people as I can for Christ in my lifetime and beyond.

“Writing… is one way I can do that. It is one way I can reach for the clouds. And even if I don’t touch them it is fun trying. It is exhilarating to stretch myself and use the gifts that God has placed within me. It adds beauty and joy to my life and… that makes writing and rewriting worth the extra effort.”

In Job we read, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life” and “…it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding” (33:4 and 32:8).

We write because God has breathed life and understanding into us. As Christian writers uniquely made and individually called, our personal why is the motivation for what we are writing. Our mouths speak and pens write out of the fullness of our hearts.

Take away thought: Remember your why. Let your Spirit-breathed calling, gifts and inspiration be the impetus for your writing.

* Jean Matthew Hall

Hear about identifying your why with Simon Sinek.

Writing Opportunity

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Best Advice I Ever Heard Have you ever read a Chicken Soup for the Soul story that had a wonderful piece of advice in it that made a difference in your life? Have you ever watched a movie or read an article that really had an impact on you that you haven't been able to forget? Do you have a friend or family member who gave you some advice that you didn't necessarily want to hear but really needed to hear that stuck with you and directed you to make positive changes in your life? We are looking for stories that contain a great piece of advice that you were given or advice that you gave to someone else. Whether the advice is about a little thing that improved your everyday life, or major epiphanies that can change a life completely, we want to hear about them and how they made a difference. Here are some topics we can suggest but there are many more that we know you can think of:   • Career choices or changes   • Personal relationships — family or friends   • Parenting   • School   • Travel   • Moving to a new place   • Buying or selling your house   • Setting priorities   • Health and fitness   • Finances   • Taking chances   • Co-dependence and tough love   • Following your passion   • Taking risks   • Trying new things   • Simplifying your life   • Using gratitude   • Forgiving someone... or yourself Please remember we no longer publish "as told to" stories. Write your story in the first person. Do not ghostwrite a story for someone else unless you list that person as the author. If a story was previously published, we will probably not use it unless it ran in a small circulation venue. Let us know where the story was previously published in the "Comments" section of the submission form. All stories should be true — we do not publish fiction — and should be no longer than 1,200 words. If your story was already published in a past Chicken Soup for the Soul book, please do not submit it. We will not publish it again. If you submitted your story for one of our previous books and we did not publish it, please feel free to submit it to this book if you think it will fit. That way we will be sure it is considered for this new edition. If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 complimentary copies of your book. You retain the copyright for your story and you retain the rights to resell it or self-publish it. You have a better chance of your story being accepted if you submit early. Later submissions often duplicate earlier ones that have already won high grades from our readers. So please remember, the early bird gets the worm! The deadline date for story and poem submissions is FEBRUARY 28, 2018. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE "SUBMIT YOUR STORY" SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE.

Meeting this Saturday

September's focus: 

Determining the why - of our current project and/or blog -

will motivate us and affect our pitches and proposals.

September 9, 10 a.m. - noon

 Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

in the Barn (red building on the right when you enter) 

NOTE: We will meet on the second floor this month - 

enter the door closest to the main parking lot.

Whether an experienced writer or a novice, you will find encouragement and camaraderie at our meetings. Visit us and see if NJCWG is a fit for you. 

Members, come prepared to share your summer progress (or discouragements) and fall goals. If you bring pages for critique, please review the guidelines on our website. 

Hope to see you Saturday,

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com