Next Meeting - NEW Writing Info

At our next meeting I'll begin teaching some of what I learned during my Comprehensive Sessions with Angela Hunt at Glorieta. I've got some amazing information that you won't want to miss. This is applicable whether you are writing fiction or fact.
Next Meeting - November 28

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS
Note: I will need an RSVP in regard to our Christmas Party. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our - December 12, 2005 meeting. The cost will be approximately $30.00/person for a full buffet at Il Palazo, Wanaque, NJ. 6:00 pm

Call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

AMERICAN BABY MAGAZINE
For Expectant and New Parents
Meredith Corp.
125 Park Ave.
16th Floor
New York NY 10017
Phone: (212)557-6600
Fax: (212)445-1345
Website: www.americanbaby.com
Contact: Sarah Jones, assistant editor

Magazine covering health, medical and childcare concerns for expectant and new parents, particularly those having their first child or those whose child is between the ages of birth and 2 years old. Mothers are the primary readers, but fathers' issues are equally important.

Frequency: Monthly
Editor's Note: Prefers to work with published/established writers; works with a small
number of new/unpublished writers each year.
Freelance Facts: 70% freelance written
Established: 1938 Circulation: 2,000,000
Publishes manuscript 6 months after acceptance.
Byline given. Offers 25% kill fee.
First North American serial rights
Editorial lead time 5 months.
Submit seasonal material 6 months in advance.

Accepts queries by:Mail
Accepts simultaneous submissions
Accepts previously published submissions
Responds in 3 months to queries.
Responds in 3 months to manuscripts.
Sample copy for 9 x 12 SAE with 6 first-class stamps.
Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE.
Does Not Want: "No `hearts and flowers' or fantasy pieces."
Buys 60 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Query with or without published clips or send complete manuscript
Length: 1,000–2,000 words.
Pays $750-1,200 for assigned articles; $600-800 for unsolicited articles. Pays the expenses of writers on assignment.
Pays: $200–1,000 for columns.

"Get to know our style by thoroughly reading a recent issue of the magazine. Don't send something we recently published. Our readers want to feel connected to other parents, both to share experiences and to learn from one another. They want eassurance that the problems they are facing are solvable and not uncommon. They want to keep up with the latest issues affecting their new family, particularly health and
medical news, but they don't have a lot of spare time to read. We forgo the theoretical approach to offer quick-to-read, hands-on information that can be put to
use immediately. A simple, straightforward, clear approach is mandatory."

Vista Print 25% Discount

Here is my link to hook you up with a 25% discount on Vista Print products:
http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=987879718423

Hope this helps some of you out.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Vista Print Offers

I just signed up for the "refer a friend" program at vista print. I will receive a link that you can use (if you've never ordered from Vista Print before) and this special link will give you 25% off on any Vista Print product. If you can't wait for that, check out the links below. These are Vista Print's current offers. Click on any of the links to go directly to their website.

If you want me to refer you to Vista Print, just drop me an email.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

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

10 Holiday Cards - Regularly Start at $7.99
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2006 Calendar Magnets - 10 Reg. $12.99
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Note Cards - Regularly Start at $7.99
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Return Address Labels - Regularly $7.99
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Business Card Magnets - Regularly $12.99
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Invitations - Regularly Start at $7.99
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100 Postcards - Regularly $24.99
NOW $18.74
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140 Family Caricature Return Address Labels - Regularly $7.99
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Limited Time Only
Offer Expires November 22, 2005

Glorieta - More, Good News

Fellow Authors and CLASS graduates, Louise Bergmann DuMont (left)
& Kathy Pride (right) author of Winning the Drug War At Home

Just received an email from Marita Littauer (Director of the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference). I've officially been invited to teach two classes at Glorieta next year! What an awsome blessing. Praying that some of you will be able to join me there. Start saving for it now. It's worth every penny!

Louise Bergmann DuMont

Free Flash Drives for NJCWG Members

NJCWG members who come to Monday's Meeting (11/14/05) will get a small bonus-gift. I recently received about a dozen flash drives (small computer memory-store cards) that can be attached to your key chain. The memory isn't huge but hey, its free right? The first to arrive at the meeting will be the lucky receipients.

See you Monday!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Monday - NJCWG Meeting

Authors, Brandily Collins and Louise Bergmann DuMont

Monday, November 14, 2005
NJCWG Meeting

6:15-7:00 Chat Time
7:00-8:00 Lesson
We will also be reviewing some of what happened at the Glorieta Conference (be prepared for a VERY interesting time) and we'll discuss what you can do to prepare for one of the big conferences -- and publication.
8:00-9:00 Critiques

Up Coming Meetings & Events
2005
November
Meetings
11/14/05
11/28/05
December
12/12 - Christmas Party - More Info to Come
12/26 - NO MEETING - Holiday Break

2006
January
1/9
1/23
February
2/13
2/27
March
2/13 - NO MEETING - Louise at Mentor Clinic
2/27

Researching Your Nonfiction Article for Children

The Spirit Led Writer has an excellent article on researching your nonfiction article for children by Mary Ann L. Diorio, Ph.D.
http://spiritledwriter.com/aug2005/research.htm

Comfort Café, a new online magazine devoted entirely to women, is looking for stories of God's comfort and provision in the midst of suffering or trials. Specifically, we are looking for stories on the following topics: addiction, abuse, depression, abortion, chronic illness, alcoholism, death, divorce, loss of a child, and disability. Additional topics will also be considered. A Comfort Café story should offer hope, help, and healing, allowing readers to see, and experience, the reality of God's love and provision in our lives. Along with your story, please include one or two resources where readers can find practical help, including books, Web sites, and other ministries.

Please visit http://www.comfortcafe.net before submitting your story.

Manuscripts should be 800-1,200 words and written in first-person narrative. Please include a short bio (100 words or less). We request one-time, electronic rights only. Send manuscripts electronically to mary@comfortcafe.net.

We are unable to pay for submissions at this time. However, your byline, along with a short bio and a link to your site will be posted.

Thank you.
Mary J. Yerkes

Average Length of Fiction

Here are some approximate guidelines for story lengths.

Micro-Fiction
up to 100 words
This is a very abbreviated story. It is difficult to write, and even harder to write well, but the markets for micro fiction are becoming increasingly popular in recent times.

Flash Fiction
100 - 1,000 words
This is the type of short-short story you would expect to find in a glossy magazine, often used to fill one page of quick romance or quick humor.

Short Story
1,000 - 7,500 words
This is the 'regular' short story.It is usually found in periodicals or anthology collections.

Novellette
7,500 - 20,000 words
Often a novellette is difficult to sell. It is too long for most publishers to in a magazine, yet too short for a novel. Generally, authors will piece together three or four novellette-length works into a compilation novel. Popular for Christmas stories.

Novella
20,000 - 50,000 words
Too short for most print publishers but almost perfect for the electronic publishing. The online audience doesn't have the time or the patience to sit through a 100,000 word novel. Also acceptable length for a short work of non-fiction.

Novel
50,000 -110,000
Most print publishers prefer around 70,000 words for a first novel. Any piece of fiction climbing over the 110,000 word mark tends to give editors some pause. They need to be sure they can produce a product that won't over-extend their budget. They also know that the market now has a short attention span.

Epics and Sequels
Over 110,000 words
If you are a first time author, don’t even think about this length. Consider where you could either condense the story to only include relevant details, or lengthen it create a sequel, or even a trilogy.

Writing Op - Anthologies

June Cotner, author of GRACES and BEDSIDE PRAYERS, is seeking prayers and poems for two Christian anthologies to be published by Warner Faith, a division of Warner Books. The first book is Miracles of Motherhood: Prayers and Poems for a New Mother. Chapters include Pregnancy, Birth, New Babies, Babyhood, Toddlerhood, Christenings, Reflections, and Inspiration. The purpose of the book is to provide insight, joy, and support for new moms. The second book is To Have and to Hold: Prayers, Poems, and Blessings for Newlyweds. Chapters include: Prayers, Blessings, and Toasts (including pieces that could be used at a wedding); Daily Life, Expectations, Romance, Intimacy, Reflections, and Inspiration. The purpose of the book is to provide newlyweds with an uplifting, enriching, and joyful reading experience that will celebrate the beginning of their lifetime journey.

Terms: $25 + one complimentary copy of the book for each selection published for nonexclusive rights.
Short prose pieces can be submitted; reprints are OK.
Submission date closes December 15, 2005.
More details at: www.JuneCotner.com

November is National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month -- www.nanowrimo.com - which essentially challenges one to write a 50,000 novel in 30 days, from November 1 to November 30. Watch Peg Phifer's progress (http://www.wordsmithshoppe.com/) on her home page. She's even placed a word-o-meter there to chart her daily count.

Writing Op - His Forever

Call for Stories! How did you become a Christian? Share your story! James Stuart Bell, editor and compiler of several Cup of Comfort titles, has developed the idea for a new book with Adams Media. Adams Media, publisher of the Everything series and the Cup of Comfort and Small Miracles titles, is compiling an anthology of about 50 stories for a new book, His Forever: Real People Coming to Jesus.

Every born-again Christian has a conversion story, but yours is unique. You’ve probably shared it dozens of times before, but maybe you’ve never written it down. Here is the perfect opportunity! Write a story 1,000–2,000 words long telling of the moment when you surrendered your life to Jesus. If your story is published, not only will you receive a $50 prize, but you will also share your testimony with hundreds of readers, inspiring them, encouraging them, reaffirming their faith, and bringing them closer to Jesus.

For full submission guidelines, writing tips, and terms and conditions, visit our Web site, www.adamsmedia.com, and click on Call for Stories. Submit your story by e-mail to HisForeverStory@yahoo.com (include your name, mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, story word count, and story title). The special extended deadline for submissions is December 5, 2005.

Writing Op - Women

From Women Speak
We at Women Speak are currently looking for Women Inspirational Writers to share their stories with others. Please visit our website at http://www.womenspeak.net. Please pass this information to other women in your writing groups. Thanks and God Bless, Antionette, 404-513-8995, RichmondCWW@aol.com.

Contest - Poetry - Writer's Digest

Writer's Digest Poetry Awards. We’re pleased to announce the only Writer’s Digest competition exclusively for poets! Regardless of style—rhyming, free verse, haiku and more—if your poems are 32 lines or fewer, we want them all.
Entry Deadline: Tuesday, December 20, 2005.
Prizes
First Place: $500; Second Place: $250; Third Place: $100; Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25; Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer's Digest Books.
Complete rules: http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/poetry/index.asp

Upcoming Writers' Conferences

Florida Christian Writers Conference, Christian Retreat Conference Center, Bradenton, FL. March 2-5, 2006

The 2006 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, SOLD OUT!

The 2006 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, April 7-11, 2006, Mt. Hermon, CA. (near San Jose)

The Susquehanna Valley Writers Workshop, near Selinsgrove, PA, Saturday, April 8, 2006

The 2006 ASJA Writers Conference, Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York, NY. April 28-30, 2006.

Cecil Murphey, One Day Writers' Conference, Ringwood, NJ, Cecil Murphey, May 13, 2006

The Colorado Christian Writers Conference, May 17-20, 2006. Estes Park, CO.

2006 Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, May 21-26, 2006. Ridgecrest, NC. (near Asheville)

Write! Canada, Guelph, Ontario. June 15-17, 2006

Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, Date to be determined (usually August), Philadelphia. PA.

5th Annual ACFW Conference, September 21-24, 2006. Dallas, TX.

Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference & Retreat: October 1-5, 2006, North East, MD.

Glorieta - More!

Photo taken by Louise Bergmann DuMont
at the Glorieta Conference Center,
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Still soaring from my great experience at the Glorieta Christian Writers' Conference. I've posted a number of photos and some commentary on my website. Here is a direct link. http://www.louisedumont.com/glorieta.html

I'm looking forward to shareing more with everyone at the next meeting.
(Monday, November 14)

Louise Bermann DuMont
NJCWG Facilitator

Glorieta - Maude's Story

GLORIETA...Maude's Story:

Louise Bergmann DuMont, Ann Lefevre and I spent an exciting, yet intense week high in the mountains of New Mexico with several hundred like-minded people, giving glory to God, pitching writing projects and learning to hone our craft. We had opportunities to network with writers of every genre, publishers, editors and agents. At the conclusion of the conference the three of us spent a few hours in Santa Fe, admiring the earthy adobe-like structures, enjoying spicy South-Western food, and exploring little shops that enticed us with their wares: turquoise, exquisite hand-made leather boots, Indian pottery, terra cotta folk-art storytellers, etc.

I wish I could tell you that an enthusiastic publisher snapped up my poetry manuscript and offered me a contract on the spot, but that didn't happen. Publisher after publisher said "no" to poetry. Some offered a few alternative suggestions, which I'll keep in mind. One young publisher did ask for my query letter and promised to get back to me after Christmas, so there is a faint glimmer of hope on the horizon. In the meantime, my next step will be to prayerfully send queries to publishers listed in the market guide. I know God has a plan.

A DIVINE APPOINTMENT:

During the conference, Heather Gemmen, author of "Startling Beauty," had the opportunity to share her testimony during one of the general sessions. It was the story of a young woman who became pregnant as the result of rape. She bore the child and she and her husband decided to raise her. Ten years later the marriage ended in divorce. Heather's story was one of anger, brokenness, healing and restoration. Heather eventually married again, this time to a man who loves her more than she has ever been loved. At the conclusion of the message she told us she had been injured as a child in an automobile accident. The car caught fire. She was burned, scarred and lost two fingers of her right hand. But God even worked something beautiful out of that. The next thing the author did was to leave the microphone, walk to the grand piano, sit down and play a beautiful contemporary hymn. Deeply moved, I bought her novel to read on the plane on the way home. This was highly unusual because since becoming Born Again, twenty-six years ago, I have not read a novel. Instead, I read my Bible, books about Christian living, poetry and books about poetry.

Well, aboard the plane, a very attractive woman, bound for her home in Germany, sat beside me. Surprisingly, we began to chat like close friends. A few minutes into the conversation she confided that she had been raped. I told her I had purchased a book for myself at Glorieta, but that it was absolutely clear that God had me buy it for her. I reached into my carry-on, pulled out the book and gave it to her. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She talked about her life, and diverse New Age experiences, such as sweat lodge, drumming and mountain-peak encounters with spirits of deceased loved ones. I, in turn, shared my story and personal awesome experiences that have resulted from walking closely with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She said she could see I am happy, even though I, too, went through painful circumstances. My countenance was radiant, she said, with a faith that obviously works for me. My new friend asked me to write something personal in the book and to include a prayer for her, which I was glad to do. When the plane landed we hugged each other warmly and promised to keep in touch.

Maude Carolan

Writing Op - Women Speak

Women Speak is currently looking for Women Inspirational Writers to share their stories with others. Visit their website at www.womenspeak.net and pass this information to other women in your writing group.
You can Contact: Antionette at 404-513-8995

Glorieta-After

Glorieta Christian Writers' Conference
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Many of the NJCWG members have already contacted me asking how my trip to New Mexico went. The answer is, well, it was -- WOW!!

Having Maude & Ann as roommates was terrific. There is nothing like sharing a great experience with good friends.

The confernece itself was everything I hoped for... and more. Some authors were teaching, others simply attended classes, and many who were on staff took advantage of the classes during their their off times. We were just one big happy family

For my comprehensive classes I took the fiction track. Angela Hunt (author of over 70 novels) taught these classes. I learned SO much. She made each class not only understandable but fun. What a blessing. Of course I bought the recorded CD's of the sessions so we'll be listening it during our NJCWG classes at some point. I also managed to buy about a dozen other classes (sigh). It seemed that when I took a class I just couldn't part with it so I HAD to take it with me!

If the classes were the only good thing about Glorieta it would have been enough ... but there was so much more. The worship was amazing. The presense of God filled that place with every lifted hand. The devotions each morning and each evening were done by noted authors and each person made their time on stage into an offering to God. I bought a number of those CD's as well. James Scott Bell, NYTimes best selling author and columnist for Writers Digest, (http://www.jamesscottbell.com/index.html) was one of those who spoke to us through a devotional. He's one amazing man. Brandilyn Collins (http://www.brandilyncollins.com/) was there as were the Cheetah Chicks, Tonya & Nancy (http://tonyanancy.blogspot.com/). Now there are some girls who know how to have fun! Kathy Pride (http://www.tapestryministry.com/) a new author that is really going places fast was such a blessing to me. You must check out her website! Nancy Anderson (she was on the Montel Willimas show) was an other author who just blew me away (http://nancycanderson.com/) with her genuine love, amazing message and heart for new authors. I don't want to leave the guys out of my list. John Thuman (http://www.lifewaylink.com/templates/con14gl/default.asp?id=26963) was a great influence on me this past week. We had a number of opportunites to talk and he and I shared coffee at the Chuck Wagon the evening that The Writers View met for a photo op. Oh! I almost forgot! I had a few nice chats, up-close and personal, with my agent, Janet Kobobel Grant (http://www.janetgrant.com/index.html). That was really special. She's a West Coast agent and I'm an East Coast author. She's been my agent for a few years but this is only the second time we've met in person!

Now I haven't even gotten to tell you about all the editors, publishers, and up and coming authors I met. It was a week I will not soon forget. LOTS of details will be forthcoming at our next NJCWG meeting. You won't want to miss it -- Monday, November 14!!!

Lots of pictures will be on the blog soon too. Just keep checking it out!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
Facilitator, NJCWG

Glorieta-Before

Glorieta Conference Center, 20 miles east of Santa Fe

Hi! Louise here...
I will be leaving for the Glorieta writers' conference in New Mexico early tomorrow morning. This blog will likely not have any new content until after I return (early in November). Please be patient and check back at that time. Hope to see many of you at the next meeting of the NJCWG on 11/14/05.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com
www.louisedumont.com

Writing Op - Apples of Gold

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Peg Phifer of Word Smith Writer
http://wordsmithshoppe.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Apples of Gold - Pictures of Silver

Word Smith Writer is accepting submissions for this new feature. Devotionals, reflections, prayers, food for thought...limited only by your heart to share. If it is writing-related, great! But it does not have to be. However, it must be non-controversial and Biblically sound. It can be thought-provoking, a gentle "warm fuzzy," "slice-of-life" observations...even a short Bible study.

Quoted Scripture must show book, chapter and verse, and reflect the version cited: i.e. [KJV] [NKJV] [NIV] [LB] [AMP] [MSG] etc.

Strictly limited to 200 words maximum, excluding title and byline. Your name only will be shown. If you have a website you wish to link, it will be embedded in your name. It may seem strange, but it has happened...anonymous submissions will be rejected.

Submission must be sent in the body of an email. Attachments will not be opened. All submissions will be considered, but only those selected will be acknowledged. These will be notified in advance to being featured in The Wordsmith Writer.

This is a non-paying market at the present time, but, God willing, I hope that will soon change.
To submit, go to: words@wordsmithshoppe.com

NJCWG Meeting - Tonight

Some members at a recent meeting of the
North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG)

MEETING - TONIGHT
Monday, October 24, 2005
6:15-7:00 pm - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 pm - Lesson
Our lesson-time tonight will take a different direction. I'd like input from those of you who attend the NJCWG - A Reason to Write Conference. I'd also like to share with you some of the things that Maude, Ann & I have done to prepare for the Glorieta conference (I leave Wed-10/26 and return Mon-10/31).
8:00-9:00 pm - Critques

Up Coming Meetings & Events
2005
November
Meetings
11/14/05
11/28/05
December
12/12 - Christmas Party - More Info to Come
12/26 - NO MEETING - Holiday Break

2006
January
1/9
1/23
February
2/13
2/27
March
2/13 - NO MEETING - Louise at Mentor Clinic
2/27

Industry News

Seems there is a LOT of movement within the CBA lately--and more to come. When one editor moves, a ripple effect takes place. Others move to fill the empty spots and it keeps going until newcomers are pulled in and things quiet down. For now, here are the hotspots:

--Gary Terashita left Broadman & Holman for Warner Faith. His B&H position remains open.
--Anne Goldsmith left Tyndale for Warner Faith. Her Tyndale position remains open.
--Jeff Gerke left Realms and Siloam (Strang Communications) for NavPress.
--Linda Holland filled Jeff Gerke's position at Strang Communications.
--The editorial department of Zonderkidz was disbanded, with Amy DeVries being shifted to the Bible division (I'm assuming to work on children's Bibles), Robin Crouch was released, and Bruce Neffer continues to produce Zonderkidz books.
--Tom Dean has been moved into marketing from Inspirio, the gift book imprint for Zondervan. His editorial position remains open.
--Jenny Baumgartner has left Westbow. Her position remains open.
--Barb Sherrill at Harvest House shifted to marketing director from editorial director. The editorial position remains open.

Next Meeting - NJCWG

Some members at a recent meeting of the
North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG)

NEXT MEETING
Monday, October 24, 2005
6:15-7:00 pm - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 pm - Lesson
8:00-9:00 pm - Critques

2005
November
Meetings
11/14/05
11/28/05
December
12/12 - Christmas Party - More Info to Come
12/26 - NO MEETING - Holiday Break

2006
January
1/9
1/23
February
2/13
2/27
March
2/13 - NO MEETING - Louise at Mentor Clinic
2/27

Writing Op - Christian Gift Book

Wanted: Recipes, stories and devotionals in regard to afternoon or high tea, to be published in a Christian gift book. If you have a good family recipe for sandwiches, cookies, sauces, snacks, scones, etc. please send to Christina Slike, cladachbooks@aol.com, by December 31, 2005.

All contributors with published entries will receive a copy of the book. Christina Slike.

CLADACH Publishing, P.O. Box 336144 Greeley, CO 80633. http://www.cladach.com/

Writing Op - Reverent Submissions Journal

Reverent Submissions Journal, a new theme-based quarterly journal is accepting submissions for the February 2006 issue.

Deadline: December 29, 2005
Theme for the February: Love

Christian-focused articles – fiction, non-fiction, poetry, devotional, inspirational, etc. – are welcomed with complete manuscript up to 600 words. Please include a short bio and all contact information. Manuscripts will not be returned. We reserve the right to edit and will notify you should this be necessary. Payment will be two free copies of the issue of the Journal in which your work appears.

Manuscripts should be in MS Word for Windows or .rtf text file format. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please submit via email as attachment to reverentsubmissions@comcast.net with “submission” in the subject line or as hard copy via U.S. mail to: Reverent Submissions, 908 N 30th St, Renton, WA 98056, with “submission” in lower left corner of envelope.

Tyndale & President Bush

TYNDALE TO PUBLISH BUSH PHOTO BOOK
Tyndale House Publishers was picked by the Presidential Inaugural Committee to publish George W. Bush: Portrait of a Leader, a collection of full-color photographs from the first four years of his presidency. The book also features selected quotes and a reprinting of his 2005 inaugural address. It releases Nov. 1.

Google Legal Suit

AUTHORS GUILD FILES SUIT AGAINST GOOGLE.
The Authors Guild filed a class action lawsuit against Google, contending its plan to digitize copyrighted books without permission constitutes copyright infringement. The Assoc. of American Publishers issued a statement supporting the lawsuit.

CBA Marketplace Lists

CBA’S OCTOBER CHRISTIAN MARKETPLACE LISTS
The new October best-seller and category top-seller lists—based on August sales—are now online at http://www.cbaonline.org/TrackingLists/BSLHome.jsp

Blink Again Sudden Fiction from the Upper Midwest http://www.spoutpress.com/news.html
Spout Press seeks submissions of very short fiction, 1,200 words or less, for the upcoming anthology Blink Again: Sudden Fiction from the Upper Midwest.

Authors must reside in the following states to be eligible: MN, WI, IA, ND and SD. Blink Again is the sequel to Blink, our first anthology of sudden fiction by thirty-seven writers, including Jim Northrup, Jonis Agee, Jim Heynen, Alison McGhee, Sheila O'Connor and Jenny Lock.
Payment will be in copies of the book.DEADLINE: Stories must be postmarked by December 01, 2005.Send up to 4 submissions to: Spout Press Blink Again Submissions, P.O. Box 581067, Minneapolis, MN 55458-1067

Contests, Contests, Contests

4th Annual Stickman Review Fiction Contest
Deadline November 1, 2005
We welcome all mainstream and experimental literary fiction. We are very unlikely to consider genre fiction (Westerns, Romance, Horror, Science-Fiction, Mystery, etc.), unless the story transcends the typical requirements of that genre. 8000 words or less.1st Prize: $250; 2nd Prize: $50Email: fiction@stickmanreview.com
Guidelines http://www.stickmanreview.com/fictioncontest.html

15th Annual Acton Essay Competition.
Deadline: November 15, 2005.
Open to all seminarians, undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students studying religion, theology, philosophy or related fields are encouraged to enter, regardless of religious denomination or affiliation.
1,000-1,500 words
Theme: The human person, by virtue of being created imago Dei, is an independent being, individually unique, rational, the subject of moral agency, a co-creator, and inherently social. Accordingly, human persons possess intrinsic value and dignity, implying certain rights and duties with respect to the recognition and protection of the dignity of themselves and other persons. These truths about the human person's dignity are known through divine revelation, but are also discernible through reason.
Previously published work may not be entered.
1st Prize: $2,000; 2nd Prize: $1,000; 3rd Prize: $500
Entry by mail only including application form on web site.
Address: Lord Acton Essay Contest, The Acton Institute, 161 Ottawa NW, Suite 301, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Email: awards@acton.org
Info and Entry form: http://www.acton.org/programs/students/essay/

2005 Angel Horses Story Contest.
Deadline: November 15, 2005
Creative Non-fiction
2,000 words or less.
The Angel Animals Network (AAN) is accepting story submissions about horses who have performed exceptional acts of compassion, protection, healing, courage, or have been part of a miraculous or mystical experience. Stories must be original, based on real horses, people, and events. Preference will be given to emotionally evocative and well-written creative nonfiction stories. Please, do not submit journalistic articles, profiles, testimonials, essays, or fiction for this contest.
1st Prize: $250; Five 2nd Prizes: $25 each
Angel Animals Network, PO Box 26354, Minneapolis, MN 55426
Email: angelanimals@aol.com
URL: http://www.angelanimals.net/awardshorses.html

The Robert Olen Butler Fiction Prize
http://heh.pl/&2pR
Del Sol Press announces the Robert Olen Butler Fiction Prize for the best short story, either published (in a periodical) or unpublished
2000-8000 words
The top ten finalist stories will be published in book form in Spring 2006. Finalists will be invited to submit book-length manuscripts for consideration by Del Sol Press.
Winner Receives: A $1,200 honorarium, paid in February 2006, publication in a Spring 2006 Del Sol Press anthology, a brief introduction by the judge, and 20 copies of the anthology that features their story.
Deadline (postmark): November 1, 2005.
Stories must be between 2000 and 8000 words.
$16.00 contest fee for the first story (includes a copy of the anthology when it is published if you send a 8x10" SASE with $4.50 to cover printing and postage)

"The only reason for being a professional writer is that you can't help it."
~~ Leo Rosten

E-Courses - Word Smith Writer

E-Courses

Word Smith Writer recently wrapped up a six-week course with Janice Thompson on Creative Writing. These lessons have been archived on the Word Smith Yahoo groups page and can be accessed if you join the group. How do you do that? It's easy. Just subscribe to the Word Smith Newsletter.

Subscription Instructions:
Click on the link below. Fill in the easy (only eight lines) form. When it asks how you heard about Word Smith Writer, use the drop down list to chose Referal/Friend. The next question asks who that friend is, write Louise DuMont - word.worker@verizon.net (you must put both my name and that email address or it won't count). Everything attributed to my name will go to the NJCWG. After that you simply click subscribe. Your email box will not be filled with hundreds of emails. You only get only one newsletter per month.
http://wordsmithshoppe.com/memberdrive.htm

Once you've signed up, the lessons can be found under "Files" on the left-hand column.

I am really excited about these courses. It is a great new way to help writers. E-Courses are a more "hands-on" class than the one-hour chat classes. I sincerely hope you'll consider taking part in future events.

Writing Op - Casa Kids

CasaKids is the new (Spanish) kids' book line of Casa Creación. The stories will focus on the Spirit-filled life for children and how kids can have a relationship with Jesus from an early age. "We start from the view that there is not any kind of 'junior Holy Spirit' for kids. They don't have to wait to grow up to experience and apply the Bible's teachings in their lives," noted Pat Matuszak, children's editor for CasaKids. "Each adventure story will empower children in the areas of prayer, health, diversity, self-esteem and the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus," Matuszak said. "While there are many wonderful Christian children's books already out there, these stories will be distinct in that their emphasis will be on children experiencing God, rather than learning principles about God. There is a great thirst for spiritual things in the hearts of children today, and we want them to know that God wants to satisfy that need in a way that nothing else can." website: www.casakidsbooks

Location:
600 Rinehart Road
Lake Mary, FL 32746

Contact:
Phone: (407) 333-0600
Fax: (407) 333-7100

Writing Op - New Man Mag

New Man Magazine
Introduced: 1994
Frequency: Published 6 times per year
Publisher: Stephen Strang
Associate Publisher: Marcos Perez
Editor: Robert Andrescik
Assistant Editor: Jonathon Heide
Assistant Editor: Lorie Munizzi
website: http://www.newmanmag.com/

Writers' Guidelines
For Men On a Mission

Our Purpose

"Helping men to develop Christ-centered perspectives that will transform their lives, their families and their worlds."

Our History

With a circulation exceeding 100,000, New Man is America’s #1 magazine for Christian men.

From 1994 to 1997, we had the honor of serving as the official magazine of Promise Keepers. While we no longer serve with the organization in that capacity, we continue to work side-by-side in ministry to men.

Additionally, we have formed key relationships with other ministries working to reach and disciple men, including Kenny Luck’s "Every Man" Ministry, Patrick Morley's Man in the Mirror, the National Coalition of Men’s Ministries and more.

Our Content

New Man is about spiritual transformation. The magazine is aimed at "men on a mission" (not a specific demographic, but a TYPE of man). These are men who are passionate about God and want more of Him in their lives. Men who crave adventure, take risks and pursue truth. Men who realize that an adventure with the Creator doesn’t begin and end on Sunday morning, but everywhere, everyday!

Each issue, we profile "men on a mission"- church leaders, professional athletes, businessmen and entertainers- completed by Christ, these men are transforming their lives, their families and their worlds. Plus, we offer biblical perspectives from today's Christian leaders, and tons of candid and practical, not predictable, advice about marriage, parenting, work, health and fitness, sex, God and faith.

New Man challenges men to apply biblical teaching to every area of their lives. It is bold, in-your-face and benefit-oriented in approach. Never boring, but always relevant and Christ-centered.

New Man is described like this: Practical. Candid. Entertaining. Radical. Masculine. Gritty. Key topics of interest include: spiritual growth, evangelism, discipleship, risk taking, leadership, integrity, physical fitness, stewardship, sex, marriage and family, faith and entertainment, sports, thrill and adventure, relationships.

Here are the types of articles most likely to be published:

• Profiles With Teaching Points: Stories that will equip readers with Christ-centered perspectives and help them to grow spiritually. These should be more than historical recaps of an individual’s life. We should learn about them, AND, we should learn from them.

• Transformation Stories: Men who have experienced 2 Corinthians 5:17: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new man; the old has gone, the new has come!"

• Men’s Ministry Reports: Profiling church and parachurch ministries presenting a creative, and credible, offer of the Gospel to men.

• Trends: Investigative reports on issues affecting men today. Informing and equipping Christian men to engage the world with a biblical response.

• Spiritual Growth: Biblical perspectives on men’s issues that are practical, but not predictable.

• Faith and Risk: Stories about men who take risks, defy convention and face ridicule for God's glory.

We do not publish fiction, sermons or poetry.

Our Procedures

* New Man magazine does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Articles are developed in-house and written by free-lance writers with whom we have worked in the past. Those who would like to be considered for future assignments can send writing samples and article ideas to the address below (e-mail preferred). Please study the magazine before submitting article ideas.

* If you are a publicist looking to pitch story ideas or products for possible review in New Man, please send your materials to the address below. Please know that we consider everything sent to us. Follow-up phone calls are not necessary.

* We buy ALL RIGHTS.

Write to us at New Man magazine, 600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746, e-mail us at newman@strang.com, or call us at 407-333-0600.

Cecil "Cec" Murphey's Mentoring Clinic

Just a few of Cecil Murphey's many wonderful books.

I'm so excited and I want to share my good news with all of you. I was recently offered the opportunity of a lifetime! In March of 2006 I will be attending Cec's mentoring clinic, held in Yorktown, VA. Nearly every moment between now and March will be used to prepare my manuscript for that event. Please join me in prayer that God will use this clinic to prepare me for the next step in writing for Him.

I happen to have met Yvonne (the hostess of this event) when she submitted portions of her devoational to me for critique a few years ago. She is a cancer survior and has become a most blessed friend.

There are just a few spots left for this particular clinic (Cec takes no more than 10 writers per clinic). Please pray to see if God is call YOU to attend this event.

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YORKTOWN, VIRGINIA INTENSIVE MENTORING CLINIC
March 15-18, 2006

INSTRUCTOR: CECIL MURPHEY
Author of 100 books
Winner of Silver Angel Award 2004 and 2005

· Clinic is limited to ten writers
· Intense, daily work on your manuscript
· Clinic starts with dinner on Wednesday at 6:00 P.M.
· Classes from 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
· One-on-one consultations with Cecil Murphey

Cost -- $450 if paid 30 days or more in advance (otherwise $500)
Make check payable to Living Enterprises
Includes clinic, dinner on Wed evening and lunch Thur through Sat

Mail check to: Yvonne Ortega, PO Box 955, Yorktown, VA 23692

Location of Clinic: Yvonne’s home-Street address & directions to follow payment in full

Accomodations:
Yorktown Motor Lodge (1-800-950-4003)
8829 George Washington Memorial Highway
Yorktown, VA 23692
www.yorktownmotorlodge.com
Only $64.95 for single or double
10% discount off these rates when you mention the Mentoring Clinic

All rooms have free coffeemaker, microwave, refrigerator,
hair dryer, iron, ironing board, clock radio, and free cable TV

*****Required: Laptop, Flash Drive, & Manuscript*****

Writing Op - Touched by the Hand of God

I recently got the email below. I don't know anything more about this site or this person but thought some of this blog's readers might want to check it out.

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I’m writing to tell you about a Web site that you might be interested in: http://www.touchedbythehandofgod.com

This is a site where people share stories of how God has opened doors, hearts and minds for them in remarkable ways, at just the right time and place. These are firsthand reports from everyday people of God’s loving grace at work in our lives. You could even call them reality stories that give God the glory.

I started the site just about a year ago and continue to be awestruck by the powerful, inspiring examples of how God so perfectly leads and blesses us! (And, of course, the stories on the site represent the tiniest fraction of such examples.) Stories come from all over, some as far away as New Zealand. The Dallas Morning News selected it as Website of the Week last spring and other news publications have featured it, too.

I hope you’ll forward this message to the Group, as well as friends, family and church members, so they can surf around the site and be blessed by what they read. Moreover, I invite everyone to submit a story for publication on the site. Sharing a story doesn’t take very long to do, it can reach more hearts and souls than we can imagine, and its impact can be everlasting! (Guidelines can be found by clicking on the “Share a story” link located on the left-hand side of each page. Learn more about how the site came to be via the “Our story” link.)

I realize that some of you are published authors. BTW, I occasionally arrange with authors to feature on the site an appropriate excerpt from their previously published inspirational stories or essays — with proper © notices, permissions, credits, etc. and even the url for their own site. Coming up late this month is such a feature from Kali Schnieders’ “Truffles from Heaven.” This arrangement enables the author’s message to reach more hearts and minds. If interested, just let me know. But, of course, one does not have to be published elsewhere to share a story with TOUCHED BY THE HAND OF GOD.

Thank you so much for your consideration. May you all be uplifted and motivated by the stories of God’s grace.

In Christ,
Ms. Barrett Batson

Wanted: Recipes, stories and devotionals in regard to afternoon or high tea, to be published in a Christian gift book. If you have a good family recipe for sandwiches, cookies, sauces, snacks, scones, etc. please send to Christina Slike, cladachbooks@aol.com, by December 31, 2005. All contributors with published entries will receive a copy of the book.

Christina Slike. CLADACH Publishing, P.O. Box 336144 Greeley, CO 80633. http://www.cladach.com/

Quotable Quote

"The only reason for being a professional writer is that you can't help it."

-- Leo Rosten

GREAT WRITER's RESOURCE

The Word Smith Writer membership drive is now underway and its goal is to reach 1,000 subscribers by December 31, 2005. For each referal put in under my (Louise DuMont) name, the NJCWG gets one entry in a drawing. The person who gets the most subscribers between now and the end of the year wins a Gift Basket worth over $80. If the NJCWG wins, that basket will be shared with those who subscribed at the next meeting. The gift basket will include: the 2006 Christian Writer's Market Guide from Sally Stuart; a copy of Terry Whalin's "Book Proposals That Sell"; a copy of Carmen Leal's "You Can Market Your Book" plus a CD of "Pinches of Salt, Prisms of Light" - a beautiful selection of music; and some other delicious goodies to warm any writers heart. Peggy Phifer (Word Smith Writer owner and editor) is not finished collecting things for this basket so I have little doubt it is going to be an amazing gift. C'mon, folks...let's sign up for this newsletter!

By the way, the best part is not winning the basket -- its what you get in the newsletter! Word Smith Writer ezine is filled with marketing information, contests, writing hints and helps and so much more. Peggy does a grand job so check it out!

How do you subscribe? Click on the link below. Fill in the easy (only eight lines) form. When it asks how you heard about Word Smith Writer, use the drop down list to chose Referal/Friend. The next question asks who that friend is, write Louise DuMont - word.worker@verizon.net (you must put both my name and that email address or it won't count). Everything attributed to my name will go to the NJCWG. After that you simply click subscribe. Your email box will not be filled with hundreds of emails. You only get only one newsletter per month. This is a GREAT resource -- so what are you waiting for! Subscribe now!

For details go to

http://wordsmithshoppe.com/memberdrive.htm

Thanks,

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG