NJCWG: November 2005

Monday, November 28, 2005

Meeting Tonight - Lesson-Plot Structure

The last official NJCWG meeting for 2005 is tonight !!!

Monday, November 21, 2005
6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

LESSON
Tonight I will start lessons (contined in 2006) on story structure and plotting. We will use Angela Hunt's Story Skeleton as our base. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, you won't want to miss these classes.

NJCWG Christmas Party

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS

Topic of our Christmas Writing Event -- Snow.
Rules: You must incorporate the words Winter and/or Snow in your manuscript. It may only be one page long (single spaced). We read our pieces outloud at the Christmas party. No critques -- only an evening of fun.

AN OFFICIAL RSVP IS NECESSARY.

Place: Il Palazo, 600 Ringwood Ave, Wanaque, NJ
Date: Monday, December 12, 2005
Time: 6:00 pm
Cost: $30.00 per person - for a wonderful buffet

I must get a headcount of those who will attend our Christmas Party. I am NOT sending out individual invitations. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our regular meeting.

You must call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending. So far only TWO persons who emailed me.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Blessed Thanksgiving

I want to wish each of you a blessed Thanksgiving. I am thankful for so many things -- among them: the NJCWG, the many Christian writers I've come to know and the many readers who share their love for my writing.

After you celebrate this holiday of thanks, remember to jot down your experiences and your thoughts. This is also a great opportunity to share your faith with friends and family. Let them know who it is you thank for your blessings and who you depend on when things get you down.

I am also going to my readers a favor. While many of us look forward to spending holidays with family and friends there are those, who not by choice, spend this time alone or in situations not of their choosing. Foster kids are separated from parents who can't properly care for them, relatives fear for those serving overseas and single parents fret over a limited income and security for their children. Then there are incarcerated inmates, the homeless, those in hospitals & nursing homes and the mentally ill. Let us not forget these and others who don't share a picturesque holiday when we pray.

Take this one step further. Make a phone call to the widow or single mom in your church. Send a note of encouragement to your great-aunt or your grandfather who lives alone. Make a commitment to serve food at a soup kitchen -- not on Thanksgiving -- but during the summer months when they are short staffed or in the cold winter months when others conveniently forget the needs of those less fortunate.

I pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving -- but I also ask you to go out and bless someone else with what our Lord has blessed you.

NOTE: I will not be posting for the next few days but please feel free to drop me an email if you plan to attend the NJCWG Christmas Party (Dec 12).

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Contest, Fiction - Highlights Magazine

WRITING CONTEST

Highlights for Children is sponsoring its 27th Annual Fiction Contest. Entries should explore the true spirit of holiday celebrations. All entries must be postmarked between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2006. Three prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded. Entrants must be at least 16 years old. Stories may be any length up to 800 words. Stories for beginning readers should not exceed 500 words. Work from both published and unpublished authors is welcome, though submissions must be previously unpublished. The three winning entries will be announced in June 2006 and will be published by Highlights.

For more information, visit the contest Web site:
http://www.highlights.com/custserv/customerservicecontent2main.jsp?iContentID=1584&iCategoryID=203&CCNavIDs=3,203

Quotable Quotes

A story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way, and it takes every word in the story to say what the meaning is.
~Flannery O'Connor

In short stories, it is better to say not enough than to say too much, because I don't know why!
~ Chekhov in 1888

Monday, November 21, 2005

NJCWG Members -- Christmas Party

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS

Topic of our Christmas Writing Event -- Snow.
Rules: You must incorporate the words Winter and/or Snow in your manuscript. It may only be one page long (single spaced). We read our pieces outloud at the Christmas party. No critques -- only an evening of fun.

AN OFFICIAL RSVP IS NECESSARY. So far, only Maude Carolan and Ann Crediford have responded. Everyone is welcome.

Place: Il Palazo, 600 Ringwood Ave, Wanaque, NJ
Date: Monday, December 12, 2005
Time: 6:00 pm
Cost: $30.00 per person - for a wonderful buffet

I must get a headcount of those who will attend our Christmas Party. I am NOT sending out individual invitations. Please email me if you (and a spouse or friend) will attend. Our Christmas Party takes the place of our regular meeting.

You must call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending. So far only TWO persons who emailed me.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Market News

‘NARNIA’ NEWS. In collaboration with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media) film release Dec. 9, Just Read, Florida! is implementing a statewide event featuring grade-level-specific contests to promote literacy among public, private, and homeschool grades 3-12. The Orlando Sentinel reported Disney-MGM Studios announced a Dec. 9 opening of a new attraction called “Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The 15-minute walk-through attraction begins with visitors stepping into a giant wardrobe for a behind-the-scenes look at the film.

ECPA CHANGES GOLD MEDALLION AWARDS. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Assoc. announced its Gold Medallion awards program will change radically, cutting award categories from 20 to six, dropping one of two judging rounds, rating books differently, and awarding the top-rated title the Jordon Book of the Year award. An awards name change will be announced early in 2006.

CBA’S NOVEMBER CHRISTIAN MARKETPLACE LISTS ONLINE. The new November best-seller and category top-seller lists—based on September sales—are now online at http://www.cbaonline.org/TrackingLists/BSLHome.js

NELSON LAUNCHES NCV BIBLE FOR GEN XY. Nelson Bibles (Nelson) will launch a major promotion of the newly revised New Century Version Bible translation to 18- to 34-year-olds. Plans include a Web site, www.myfaithandlife.com, nline promotions, innovative products, and a series of public service announcements created in partnership with the Bible League airing on TV and radio stations in early 2006. In February, the first full-length NCV audio Bible will release.

Writing Op - Lion, Witch & Wardrobe Articles for CBN.COM

CBN.com is looking for submissions for a soon-to-be- released 'Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe' section. We are looking for articles, book excerpts, or interviews. All submissions should be between 750 to 1000 words -- though some excerpts or interviews can be divided into parts if they are longer.
All submissions should be as text documents (Word or the equivalent) and they should be sent via e-mail to Craig von Buseck -- craig.vonbuseck@cbn.org.
Please call Craig with any questions at (757) 226-3557.

Contest - Glimmer Train

Glimmer Train's Winter Fiction Open.
Deadline: January 15, 2006

Open to all writers, all themes, subjects, and lengths. Your entries must be your own, original, entirely unpublished stories. Multiple entries are okay, but, please, no simultaneous submissions.

First-place winner receives $2,000, publication in Glimmer Train Stories, and 20 copies of the issue in which it is published.
Second- and third-place winners receive $1,000/$600, respectively, and acknowledgement in that issue.

To submit your stories, go to our site, www.glimmertrainpress.org, log in, and click on FICTION OPEN.
Entry Fee (payable by VISA or MC) is $15 per story.
Entries will be accepted through January 15th. Winners will be called by April 10th. Top 25 list will be emailed to all participants by that date. Please let your email provider (ISP) know that you want emails from glimmertrainpress.com and glimmertrain.com so we can reach you.

Susan and Linda

Contest - Poetry - The Country Mouse

The Country Mouse Contest, - for Poetry. Deadline: November 30, 2005
50 lines or less, though there are no restrictions on theme or style.
$500, 1st Prize; $250 2nd prize, $100, 3rd.
Accepts electronic entry.
Mailto:submissions@poetrycmouse.com
http://www.poetrycmouse.com/contest.html

Vista Print- FREE Business Cards

Vist print is once again offering FREE business cards.
http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/studio.aspx?icparts=yes&cfs=-1&pf_id=064&combo_id=4383&combo1=1025.92.2.11287112871370&gallery_id=53&category_id=46660&GP=11/21/2005%2011:36:53%20AM

They are also offering 75% off their premium business cards
http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/gallery.aspx?g=9&category_id=0&page_ref=1

Sunday, November 20, 2005

NJCWG Christmas Party

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS
I must get a headcount of those who will attend our NJCWG Christmas Party. I am NOT sending out individual invitations this year. 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, 600 Ringwood Ave, Wanaque, NJ. 6:00 pm.

You must call me or email me to confirm your RSVP and the number attending. So far I only have ONE person who emailed me.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Writing Op - Fountain Penn Ink & Danalita

I don't know anything about these publications but I received this request from a Christian on one of my Christian writing lists. Thought I'd pass it along.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Our company is launching two magazines in 2006: 'FountainPenn Ink' (writing & film) and 'Danalita' (High-end Fashion).

We need contributing writers, journalists and interviewers to submit articles for both magazines.

Please submit a letter of interest to: editor@selfpublishnews.com

Danielle-Kim Davis
VP/Marketing Dir.
www.selfpublishnews.com
'Affordable Book Promotion'

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

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

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

Sunday, November 13, 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

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

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.

Sunday, November 06, 2005

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

Friday, November 04, 2005

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

Thursday, November 03, 2005

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

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

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