Next Meeting

Please check previous posts for some interesting writing ops and other writing information...

Next meeting of the NJCWG: Saturday, 2:30, August 1, 2009

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Looking forward to seeing you all again after our brief summer hiatus.

Comedy!

Those of you who are interested in comedy might enjoy The American Bridget Jones's Diary blog published by an up and coming comic - Chris Falcon:

http://andtheplotthickenz.blogspot.com/

AuthorizeMe Seminar

Dear Writers:

The AuthorizeMe Seminar is ready to launch you into your publishing future for the fourth year in a row at Sandy Cove Christian Conference Center. Immediately following the new Arts & Communicators Spiritual Retreat, you’ll have 9 hours of coaching instruction helping you get your book idea out of your head, down onto paper, completely outlined, and into a professional book proposal format.

Please e-mail Sharon Elliott, AuthorizeMe founder and CEO, with your intention to attend at AuthorizeMe@sbcglobal.net. We need a minimum number of attendees, so I need to hear from you right away. Please let me know you’re coming by August 6th.
(Send your intention to attend. Registration for the seminar is handled directly through http://www.authorizeme.net/ and will begin in late August.)

Here are the AuthorizeMe particulars:
Price includes an overnight stay, 3 meals, and seminar tuition.
Dates: October 1 – 2, 2010
¨ Single occupancy = $375 per person
¨ Double occupancy = $325 per person (must have your own roommate)
¨ Triple occupancy = $295 per person ( “ “ “ “ roommates)
¨ Quad occupancy = $275 per person ( “ “ “ “ “ )

****************************

And don’t forget the new Arts & Communicators Spiritual Retreat - Ignite the Passion of your heart September 28-30, 2009 - A Unique Writer’s Retreat
http://www.sandycove.org/arts/
New affordable two day format
with the option of adding a third day for additional content.

Retreat rates begin at $258 per person (quad occupancy) and include 2 nights lodging, all meals, sessions, specialty tracks and activities. ($269 triple, $289 double, $299 single)
Three night package: Single $449 / Double $434 / Triple $404 / Quad $387
Register for the retreat directly with Sandy Cove.

Contracts & Writing Ops

Hi everyone. Hope you are having a great summer. I sure am.

1) Please check out the last few posts on this blog if you are looking for some interesting writing opportunities.
2) I would like to extend my sincerest congratuations to Susan Panzica who has won a full scholarship to the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference - August 6-8, 2009. (http://www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia/)

The next meeting of NJCWG is on Saturday, August 1, 2008, 2:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Facilitator, NJCWG
Louise Bergmann DuMont

Writers Digest Fiction Contest

Writer's Digest Popular Fiction Awards
http://www.writersdigest.com/popularfictionawards
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Short Story Competition from Writer's Digest

Compete and Win in All 5 Categories!

* Romance
* Mystery/Crime Fiction
* Science Fiction/Fantasy
* Thriller/Suspense
* Horror

The Grand Prize-Winner will receive $2,500 cash, $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books and the 2010 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market.

Entry Deadline: Monday, November 02, 2009.

For entrants paying with a credit card, we will accept manuscripts submitted online.

Entry Fee: All entries are $15.00 each

Writing Op

Writing Op From Guideposts
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seeking Manuscripts

Dear Valued Writer,
We are now in phase two of the Incredible Power of Prayer series and I welcome you to join us. Guideposts is launching a series of 12 books on various aspects of prayer and how people from every walk of life have been transformed through God's response to their prayers. These books will be available by mail only, sent monthly as part of a book series promotion.

You may have contributed to the first three titles in this series (Praying from the Heart, The Healing Touch, and Expecting Miracles) or perhaps to my Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, or Love Is a Verb brands. Or perhaps I'm contacting you for the first time. Whatever the case, I eagerly seek your participation in this next phase of prayer volumes.

Book four, From Tragedy to Triumph, deals with the pervasive issues related to our trials, hardships, and suffering in life, whether physical, emotional, relational, financial, etc. The focus should not be so much on the trials or the stress they cause, but on how the power of prayer eliminated or helped you deal with these trials. What lessons did prayer teach you through these ordeals and how did God use them for good for your life or others?

Book five, Refreshed by the Spirit, focuses on prayers we send to God when we are spiritually dry; when situations might be okay but we don't feel His presence; or during a dark night of the soul when life is difficult. The fault may be our own because we're not walking with the Lord, or He may seem distant because of struggles in our lives. As we continually pray for His presence, suddenly things change and we are refreshed and filled with his reassurance, peace, and joy. How did God visit you in a new way that caused praise and thanksgiving and may have even changed your life?

Book six, Love and Forgiveness, deals with relationships that have been strained or broken due to offenses against us, or our own faults. When we pray for love for those who mistreat us and pray for the willingness to seek restitution and restoration we regain our families and friends and change the hearts of our enemies. How was prayer the determining factor in a renewed love, forgiveness, and eventual restoration of relationships?

We would be pleased to consider as many stories for these three volumes as you wish to submit. We'll look at stories of up to 2,000 words and prefer that they 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, compelling personal experience stories with a realistic portrayal of the people involved. They need to be stories rather than testimonies, Christian living articles, and shouldn't focus on mere feelings or mental states.

Most important, they need to revolve around prayer itself and not the circumstances of the story. These are themed books but the purpose is to convince the reader of the power of prayer in these situations.

We prefer original stories but you may also submit previously published stories that you have full rights for and are not currently in print with a major publisher. We pay $25 fo stories under 1200 words, and $50 for stories over 1200 words. You may retain the right to publish the stories in magazines and in books with less than national distribution and not carried in nationwide bookstores.

We are accepting manuscripts for all three volumes until December 15, but the sooner you submit the better your chance of acceptance. We will notify you by February and send you a permission form if your story is a finalist for any of these volumes.

Please send your manuscript attached to the e-mail rather than pasting text in the email
Window. Feel free to send your manuscript in normal manuscript formatting, with your full contact information—name, address, phone number, email address—and whether you're offering First Rights or Reprint Rights at the top of each manuscript. Please include a biography of 30 words or less at the end of each manuscript.

Please direct all inquiries and manuscript submissions to my colleague, Jeanette Littleton, at incredibleprayers@earthlink.net. If this email 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 email address and we'll add you to our notification list. Also please pass this along to any writing or praying friends who might be interested.

Blessing to you and yours,

Jim

James Stuart Bell
Compiler, Guideposts Incredible Prayer series

Incredible Prayers
A Guideposts Series
with James Stuart Bell

NJCWG PICNIC

NOTE: This picnic is on RAIN OR SHINE... Inside or Out. Don't miss it! Hope to see you there.

The June (6/6/09) meeting of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group will take place at Marilyn Gardullo's home. Instead of the usual agenda we will be hosting our Annual NJCWG Picnic. A special thanks to Marilyn for offering her beautiful home for this event.

Where: Due to limited parking around Marilyn's house, meet in the Ringwood Baptist Church parking lot cnd car pool over (only minutes away).

When: June 4, 2009 - Rain or Shine -- 2:30 at the church - we'll head over no later than 2:45. If you find you'll be late, call me for directions - Louise DuMont, Cell: 551-427-3794.

What to Bring: Bring a covered dish to share with the group.

ALSO Bring: A short story to be read out loud to the group.

Story Topic: The Best Summer Vacation -- EVER!!! I know you may be tempted to write about something else (or use an old piece you've already written) - but please don't. Take this opportunity to write something fresh and creative. Your story can be fiction, nonfiction, or anything in between. BUT, keep the story to ONE side, ONE page. It isn't that we don't enjoy longer pieces, but time is limited and everyone should to get a chance to read.

Hope that all of you can make it. I know I'm looking forward to some great fun and fellowship.

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

SPECIAL NOTE: There will be NO July Meeting (7/5/09) of the NJCWG due to the Independance Day Holiday.

May Meeting of the NJCWG

Yes, the NJCWG is meeting this Saturday
May 2, 2009
2:30
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Rd
Ringwood, NJ 07456

... and YES, I am a grandmother

Jocelyn Grace DuMont
Born 3/8/09, 5:17 p.m.
7 lbs 4 oz
20 inches long

Writing Opportunity

James Scott Bell

James Scott Bell is looking for freelance contributions for his new books. Wouldn't it be great if a number of our members were selected for publication in these books? Why don't YOU give it a try? See below

Louise DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Writer,

I’d like to invite you to be part of an exciting new series that Guideposts is sponsoring: The Incredible Power of Prayer.

You may have contributed to one or more of my story volumes in A Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, or Love is a Verb. Great! I’d love to hear from you whether you’re a previous associate or have not yet submitted anything to my projects.

Prayer is the heartbeat of the Christian life and is an amazing gift from God to us. A prayer in faith can spur God’s heart to “move mountains” on our behalf. The incredible power of prayer can accomplish miracles that go far beyond anything we humans can accomplish on our own.

Guideposts reaches millions of Americans with their upbeat message of God empowering us. And now, Guideposts is launching a series of 12 books on various aspects of prayer and how people from every walk of life have been transformed through God’s responses. These books will be mailed monthly as part of a book club promotion, and will be exclusive to this readership.

I am now collecting submissions for the first three books in the series and would welcome as many stories as you wish to submit. The first volume is Praying from the Heart and covers God answering our deeply felt prayers of great passion, sincerity, and trust. These prayers may be repentant, express deep gratitude, or describe desperate cries that lay bare a person’s deepest needs.

The second volume, The Healing Touch, deals with stories about prayers that lead to physical, spiritual, relational, or emotional healing. They may involve relationships that don’t resolve perfectly, but bring a closer relationship with God and a new sense of purpose and greater ability.

The third volume, Expecting Miracles, includes personal experience stories about audacious prayers with powerful answers. This is where the need is great and God responds extraordinarily. The answers don’t need to be purely supernatural; God can work in mysterious ways using all kinds of means.

Submissions can be up to 2000 words. Each story should have a creative title, an attention-grabbing lead, main body explaining a conflict or challenge, and a resolution. These need to be descriptive and compelling personal experience stories—not simply testimonies. We prefer original stories but you may also submit previously published stories. The payment is $25 for stories under 1000 words, and $50 for longer stories. You may retain the rights to publish the stories in magazines and books with smaller distribution sources.

We are accepting manuscripts from now until at least June 15 for the first three volumes. We’ll announce the finalists for the first volume around October 15.
Please include on each manuscript—not in headers or simply in the e-mail—your name, contact information (address, phone, e-mail, rights offered) and a bio of up to 30 words. Please attach to the e-mail rather than pasting text in the body.

Please direct all inquiries and manuscript submissions to my colleague, Jeanette Littleton at IncrediblePrayers@earthlink.net. And please feel free to let others know about this project. If this e-mail has been forwarded to you, and you can’t submit to this call, but would like to be notified about other editorial needs as they arise, please send us your e-mail address and we’ll add you to our notification list (we do not sell or distribute these e-mail addresses).

Blessings to you and yours,

Jim

James Stuart Bell
Compiler, Guideposts Prayer series

JSB/jgl

Guest Speaker - Chris Sagona

Hi everyone. I have GREAT treat for you. Our own Chris Sagona will teach a class on writing news at our next meeting. You will NOT want to miss this.

~~~~~~~~~~

Bio - Chris Sagona

Chris Sagona is an American journalist and the winner of the 2005 Society of Professional Journalists' Award for Best Feature Writing. She also won the 2004 Awbery Award for Excellence in Journalism for Distinguished Public Service and the New Jersey Press Association Awards for First Amendment Writing. She also won the 2006 Deadline Reporting Award from the NJ Press Association.
Author of the book, Park Ridge, by Arcadia Publishing Sagona is also a Board Member of the Pascack History Project.
She was Managing Editor of Community Life for two years, crime beat reporter and Religion Editor at The Montclair Times, and a journalist for North Jersey Media Group, with her work appearing in the Herald News and The Record. She also did photography for publications including the Herald News.
Sagona moved to television in 2006, as Associate Producer, then Assignment Editor, for News 12. She is currently Foreign News Assignment Editor for Fox News Channel and does online reporting for FoxNews.com out of New York City.
~~~~~~~~~

The next meeting of NJCWG is on Saturday, March 7, 2008, 2:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Note: I have a few copies of Sally Stuart's 2009 Christian Market Guide left. This year they retail for $34.99 per copy. Your copy, if purchased through me, will cost $21.00. If you want one, bring your money to the meeting. They will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.

Blessings,

Louise DuMont

Gifted Hands 2/8/09

Ben Carson

A Message From Cecil Murphey


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

Greetings friends,

Don't forget to watch GIFTED HANDS tomorrow night at 8 p.m (Eastern time) on TNT

Here's a blurb from the movie Web site ---

A frustrated young boy with problems in school overcomes the obstacles in his life to become a world-renowned neurosurgeon in the new TNT Original movie GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY. This uplifting and inspirational JOHNSON & JOHNSON SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION® stars Oscar® winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) and two-time NAACP Image Award winner Kimberly Elise (The Great Debaters, The Manchurian Candidate). It is based on the true story of Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, whose lifelong journey led him to become director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, a best-selling author and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The movie premieres Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), exclusively on TNT.

More information about the movie can be found at this link: http://www.tnt.tv/movies/movietitle/?oid=44656

Books are available for purchase through your local bookstores, online, or by contacting Twila Belk at twilabelk@mchsi.com.

Sincerely,

Twila Belk (for Cec Murphey)

Next Meeting & Market Guide

Hi everyone. The next meeting of NJCWG is on Saturday, February 7, 2008, 2:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

AND my ten copies of the Sally Stuart's 2009 Christian Market Guide have arrived. This year they retail for $34.99. Your copy, if purchased through me, will cost $21.00. I have only ten copies, so bring your money to the meeting if you want one. They will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. I'll do a quick run down on how to use the guide at the meeting.

Questions? Call Louise 551-427-3794 or 973-926-9267.

Blessings,

Louise

2009 - Jan Meeting of the NJCWG

1) Have you made the commitment to follow Christ's plan for your life?
2) Does this include His call to write?
3) If you feel the call to write, do you write every day?
4) Do you write what, when and how He instructs you to write?
5) Are you only flirting with writing, or are you ready for a serious commitment?

We will discuss these topics and more at the first meeting of the NJCWG in 2009 on Saturday, January 3. Don't forget to bring your critques.

NJCWG
Saturday, January 3, 2008
2:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Questions? Call Louise 551-427-3794 or 973-926-9267.

Thanksgiving Note

Here are a few writing prompts for the Holiday weekend:
1) Write a letter to God thanking Him for one specific blessing you received this past year.
2) Write a letter to one person who influenced you for the better - tell them what they did for you and why you are a better person for it.
3) Write a letter to one person forgiving them for a past grievance.
4) Write a letter to one person asking for forgiveness - for something you've done or said that may have offended them.
5) Write out five blessings in you life - expand each to include who God used to bring that blessing about.

• Please note that there will be NO December meeting of the NJCWG. I apologize for this, but it could not be helped (read previous blog-note).
• FYI - the Ringwood Library is sponsoring a new critique group - the second session begins Thursday evening, Dec 6 at 7:00 p.m.
  

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Louise Bergmann DuMont

Dec Cancelation... and more

I'm sorry to say that I have to cancel the December meeting of the NJCWG. Tim, my son, is hosting a Sr. High youth retreat that weekend. The mother of one of his primary speakers has been very ill (a tumor on her heart). This speaker now won't be able to make the retreat and Tim needs me to step in on the afternoon of Sat, Dec 6 to help him.

I know you all look forward to our meeting but we will meet again on Saturday January 3, 2009.

On a happier note, if you want to see some of Tim & Amanda's wedding photos (and a whole bunch of others), you can go to the DuMont family blog at: http://www.dumontfamily.blogspot.com/

Blessings,
Louise

November Meeting

The next meeting of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group is here!

Where: Ringwood Baptist Church, 30 Caroletondale Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456

When: November 1, 2008 -- 2:30

Bring the items you critiqued and bring a piece you've written (one page, double spaced, with your name & address at the top).

See you Saturday!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Yes - NJCWG Meets in October

Yes, the NJCWG IS meeting in October - finally...

Saturday, October 4, 2008
2:30 p.m.
Ringwood Baptist Church
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Our topic of discussion:
Finding Your Writing Voice

Hope to see you there!

NJCWG SEPT MEETING CANCELED

SEPTEMBER NJCWG MEETING CANCELED
So sorry, but I think we are going to cancel our NJCWG meeting for tomorrow 9/6/08. With Hurricane Hanna coming in (the worst to hit late tomorrow afternoon) I think it would be best to just wait one more month before we meet.

Hope to see you in October!

Louise Bergmann DuMont

September Meeting of the NJCWG

Timothy & Amanda DuMont
July 11, 2008


We ARE having a NJCWG meeting this September

Next Meeting of the NJCWG
September 6, 2008
Ringwood Baptist Church
Ringwood, NJ
2:30 p.m.

... and YES, I am bringing wedding pictures (grin).
See you there.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG

BEWARE ....

I am both embarased and distressed to tell you all that my website has been taken over by a porn group. Please do NOT go to www. louisedumont .com

My sincerest apologies if any of you recently tried to go to my website. My husband is trying his best to take back what was mine but they are asking a large sum of money to turn over the site name.

On a much happier note, my son's wedding was WONDERFUL !!! They should be returning from their honeymoon tonight.

Our next meeting will NOT be in August -- we are taking a summer break and will return to our regular meetings in September.

Hope to see you all there. Have a most blessed summer and KEEP WRITING!!!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
louisedumont@gmail.com
Facilitator of the NJCWG

www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com

No July & Aug Meetings

Wishing a Happy Summer Time to all our NJCWG Members!

PICNIC
Our June NJCWG picnic was a wonderful success. The weather was hot but gorgeous right up to the moment that I climbed back into my car. Then the heaven's opened up with a torrent of rain. God just wanted to let me know once again how good He was to allow us that beautiful afternoon.

REMINDER
There will be no NJCWG meetings for July & August. My son's wedding, vacations and numerous other summer activities have led me to believe that we need to take this break. We will resume our meetings on their regular schedule on September 6, 2008.

DO CHECK THE BLOG REGULARLY THIS SUMMER.
Because we suspended meeting for July & August, I will share writing opportunites, conference information, and other writing related topics on the blog during that time. I also have some pictures that Marilyn took at the picnic and I'll post them as soon as I get the chance - probably after the July 4th holiday.

Blessing to you all. Have a safe and happy summer. And KEEP WRITING!!!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, North Jersey Christian Writers Group

ERROR IN ADDRESS

Please note that the address posted for Marily Gardullo was NOT correct in the previous blog

The correct address is:
Marilyn Gardullo
319 Cupsaw Drive
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Marilyn's Phone: 973-962-4893
Louise's Cell: 551-427-3794

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NJCWG June Picnic
Saturday June 7, 2008
4:00 p.m.
Instead of our usual meeting, we will be having a picnic at Marilyn's home. Everyone should bring a dish to share (potluck style) and everyone should bring their SUMMER story (see below). If you have any questions, please feel free to call me or call Marilyn.Marilyn Gardullo 319 Cupsaw DriveRingwood, NJ 07456(973) 962-4893

SUMMER Story: There will be no critiques. Everyone should bring a short written piece (no more than one page, double spaced) entitled SUMMER. We will read these out loud. This is just for fun ladies and gentlemen, so don't tie yourself all up in knots worrying about the presentation.

July
Saturday July 5, 2008
NO MEETING
This is right before my son's wedding and I will need every second to get things ready.

August Meeting
(be sure to ALWAYS check the blog before you come)
Saturday August 2, 2008
2:30-5:00
We will resume our regular meeting schedule.Ringwood Baptist Church, 30 Carletondale Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456

NJCWG Picnic - TIME

Duh....

Please note that in my previous poste I failed to mention that the NJCWG picnic will not be at our "usual" time of 2:30 -- it will be at 4:00 PM.

See my previous post for the rest of the details. :-) Any questions??? Email me at louisedumont@gmail.com


Louise

NJCWG - June/July Meetings

Hope everyone in the NJCWG is getting lots writing done during this beautiful spring weather.

Here are a few special events and things to note about upcoming meetings:

SPECIAL June Meeting
Saturday June 7, 2008
Instead of our usual meeting, we will be having a picnic at Marilyn's home.
Everyone should bring a dish to share (potluck style) and everyone should bring their SUMMER story (see below). If you have any questions, please feel free to call me or call Marilyn.
Marilyn Gardullo
19 Cupsaw Drive
Ringwood, NJ 07456
(973) 962-4893
SUMMER Story: There will be no critiques. Everyone should bring a short written piece (no more than one page, double spaced) entitled SUMMER. We will read these out loud. They may be poignant, humorous, adventurous or 'whatever' ... but they should all be entertaining. This is just for fun ladies and gentlemen, so don't tie yourself all up in knots worrying about the presentation.

July Meeting
Saturday July 5, 2008
NO MEETING
This is right before my son's wedding and I will need every second to get things ready. :-)

August Meeting
Saturday August 2, 2008
2:30-5:00
We will resume our regular meeting schedule.
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

NJCWG Writers Workshop

Reminder!
This Saturday, April 5, 2008 the NJCWG will host a Writer's Workshop for its NJCWG members. Please try to arrive on time (2:30 p.m.). Bring pens, pencils, paper and your most vivid imaginations.

NJCWG
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
2:30 p.m.

Facilitator
Louise Bergmann DuMont

JCWG - Saturday, March 1, 2008

YES, we are having a meeting today (Saturday March 1, 2008), despite the snow.

We will be doing something unique today. I have been asked to be a judge for the Genesis Writers Contest --- and you will see some behind the scenes tips on what judges (and editors) look for in your writing.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Writing Op - YouthMinistry.Com

For those of you who have children, work with youth or have worked with youth ministries in the past -- here is a great writing opportunity!

Go to: youthministry.com (contributions).

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Next Meeting of the NJCWG

Well, I broke my foot about a week ago. It has three hairline fractures. The good news is that it is my left foot (so I can still drive) and there isn't any real pain.

If you know anything at all about the facilitator of the NJCWG, you know that keeping me in one place is going to be tough a best -- more likely impossible (she said smiling through gritted teeth). I have an "elastic" bandage over my foot and a walking boot over that (see above picture) -- so YES, we are meeting for our monthly writer's group on March 1, 2008.

Pray for me regarding my attitude. This could have been a LOT worse, but I find myself getting grumpy because I can't go places as fast, as far, or as often as I'd like. I really don't WANT to be crabby -- just seems this is bringing out the worst in me. I remember praying for patience AND for some down-time (God has a sense of humor) . Of course God answered my prayer -- but not exactly the WAY I wanted Him to (the facilitator said this as she delicately hoisted her huge booted leg onto her office desk and adjusted it's velcro straps for some semblance comfort).

Looking forward to our next meeting (grin).

North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG)
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Saturday, March 1, 2008
2:30 p.m.

Writing Op For Pet Lovers

A writing op for all you pet lovers!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New York Times best-selling authors Dr. Marty Becker (of "Good Morning America") and Gina Spadafori are working on a new book series for the publisher of the "Chicken Soup" books. Looking for writers (you don't have to be a professional, or even published before) with inspirational stories on dogs, cats and horses. Also looking for great photographs. Payment for all published submissions.

Deadline for submissions is March 15, with the books coming out in the fall.

Here's where to go for information on how to get stories and pictures in the books:

http://theultimatepetlover.com/

--

Thanks!

Gina

Gina Spadafori
PetConnection.com
DogCars.com
theultimatepetlover.com

ACFW Genesis Contest

Sushi for One by Camy Tang

I recently accepted Camy Tang's invitation to judge the ACFW 2008 GENESIS CONTEST

The 2008 ACFW Genesis contest is open to ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) members unpublished in adult or young adult fiction in the last seven years (no published fiction print or electronic works of 20,000 words or more). Authors of non-fiction or library bound fiction dissertations are eligible.

This is an excellent organization and very worthy contest. Use the links above to check out both the organization and the contest.

And I've read Camy excellent novel, Sushi for One. Definitely worth the read. Her next book Only Uni is due out this February.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

February Meeting of the NJCWG

I am looking forward to the February meeting of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group. I hope you are as well! Sally Stuart's Christian Writers Market Guide arrived last week. I will distribute them to members who ordered them at our February meeting. Our lesson time will be spent learning how to use the book to our best advantage.

Saturday, February 2, 2008
2:30 pm
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ


Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
http://www.louisedumont.com/

1st 2008 NJCWG Meeting

Get creative!
WRITE!

First meeting of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group for 2008

Saturday, January 5, 2008
2:30 pm
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ

Happy New Year!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
http://www.louisedumont.com/

Writing Op

Msg From Jim Watkins from the Wesleyan Publishing House
`````````````````````
Help! Don't you just love it when editors beg!
I'm in NEED of short articles and anecdotes with Christian message (250 words).
I'm also DESPERATE for humor with a Christian message or thought (250-300 words).
SEND THEM TO wphsubmissions@yahoo.com and include the article right in the email body (NO ATTACHMENTS).
Thanks!

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well" (3 John 2).
Jim Watkins
Author-Editor-Speaker-Threat to Society
http://www.jameswatkins.com/
_______________________________________
COMMUNICATE TO CHANGE LIVES (Wesleyan Publishing House) is now available.
Visit site above to learn more about this life changing book!

Press Release - Pecan Tree Publishing

PECAN TREE PUBLISHING
2221 Adams Street Suite 8 ~ Hollywood, FL 33020
WWW.PECANTREEPRESS.COM ~ Info@pecantreepress.com
P: 877-207-2442 F: 954-272-7041

For Immediate Release: 12-8-07

South Florida-based Publishing House Launches

Quarterly Christian Literary Journal

(Hollywood, FL) Celebrating the prominence of Christian literature in the current literary marketplace, Pecan Tree Publishing has announced plans for the first edition of a quarterly Christian literary journal. Parables Magazine will feature short Christian fiction from authors around the world. Co-publisher/Creative Director Craig Stafford says, “Parables is designed to offer quality stories with positive themes and images, that will evangelize as well as enrich the lives of spiritual people.”

Content of the magazine will also include original artwork from Christian artists, devotionals and words of inspiration from Parables‘ editorial staff including authors E. Claudette Freeman, Carol Watson and Stafford. The first issue of Parables Magazine is scheduled for release in March 2008. Pecan Tree Publishing is now accepting story and art submissions for the premier issue and forthcoming issues. Stories submitted must be between 2500 and 5000 words, must be the author’s original work and a letter stating ownerships must be included and must espouse Christian beliefs and doctrines. The genre is Christian fiction, therefore personal testimonies not written in that format, should not be submitted. Work may be of a suspense, romantic, urban or other fiction nature. Art submissions must show positive, uplifting imagery and celebrate Christian beliefs and doctrines. Work must be the artist’s original work and a letter verifying ownership must be included.

Stafford says, “we believe there is a bounty of good Christian writers out there who are looking for a reliable, quality and professional platform to get exposure. Parables Magazine is that platform and Pecan Tree Publishing is glad that God chose us to present it.”

Art and story submissions for the premier issue must be received by January 28, 2008. All submissions may be made via email to info@pecantreepress.com or may be mailed to: PARABLES SUBMISSIONS, PO BOX 470697, Miami, Fl 33247. Those submissions not selected for the premiere edition will be held for consideration for future issues. Authors and artists making submissions should include a professional, quality headshot and an one paragraph biography. Artists submissions should be in jpeg, gif or PDF format and must be at least 350 dpi for quality printing. For submission questions or advertising inquiries, Parables Magazine may be reached at 877-207-2442.

Promised Links - Merry Christmas

The December meeting of the NJCWG was a real blessing to me! Every single member of this group has been a blessing to me this past year.

Now, here are two things I promised to send the group via the blog.

1) a link to my latest column at the www.comfortcafe.net
http://comfortcafe.net/?p=613

2) You can read back issues of my column at my personal blog
http://www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com/

3) a link to vista print's free (250) business cards.
www.vistaprint.com

I pray that each of you will have a most blessed Christmas!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Christian Market Guide Order

Sally Stuart's 2008 Christian Market Guide hits the books shelves in January. If you are a Christian writer you really MUST have a copy of this book AND it now with a CD-ROM!

This book contains complete information on book publishers, periodicals, specialty and foreign markets, newspapers, writing contests, editorial services, conferences, literary agents, and more. 640 pages, softcover with CD-ROM. Publisher - Waterbrook.

"An essential reference for anyone seeking to be published in the Christian community,"---Midwest Book Review.

A Note From Louise: Those of you who have been members of the NJCWG for a while know that I have a standing order with Sally (Stewart) for a dozen Christian Market Guides each year. Becuase my standing order was placed many years ago, I get an unbelieveable price. I sell these books to members of our group for a mere $21.00. That covers the cost of the book and bulk shipping. Please note that I do not make any money on these books. I pay for the dozen books and try to sell them at cost so that any new writer will have the wonderful market information that this book supplies.

The retail price of the 2008 Christian Market Guide is $34.99 (you can probably get a copy online for about $26.00 but then you'd still have to pay for shipping. That means that buying this book from me would save you around $10.00.

Since our group is small, I'm a little concerned that I will once again end up with copies that I must pay for but can't sell. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this book please let me know as soon as possible. If you have writing friends who want a copy, please feel free to ask for more than one copy. If I don't get enough people to request copies, I'm going to have to cancel my standing order. Unforntunately, I can no longer afford to pay for the books only to donate them to various libraries. Agian, let me know as soon as possible if you would like a copy.

NJCWG December Meeting

Wishing you all a most blessed celebration
of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

YES - The NJCWG will be hosting a December Meeting.

In the past, our December meeting has been a time fellowship and we did not have an actual "meeting". The financial constraints of the membership as well as timing did not allow us to host this year's event at a resturant as we have in the past. I will, however, bring some refreshments to our meeting and if anyone would like to contribute to the festivities, please feel free to do so (email me to let me know what you are bringing - louisedumont@gmail.com ).

I am putting our usual teaching session on hold for one month. The topic of this month's teaching will be: Holiday Articles and Stories -- How to Get Seasonal Materials Published.

Saturday, December 1, 2007
2:30-5:00
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

JANUARY MEETING - 1/5/2008
Our teaching session will continue with the "secrets" offered by Janet Orr in her book, No More Rejections. This Saturday's we will continue studying Passage 3 (Secrets 11-15). This includes information about supporting characters. It will help you portray your supporting cast in ways that enliven the overall plot and enhance the portrayal of your protagonist.

Out of Business

FYI - The following periodicals have gone out of business:
Christian Library Journal
Church Educator
Home-Based Mom: Audiozine
Hope for Women
Horizons (Canada)
TranscendMag.com

Writing Op - Vista

James Watkins, Editor, Vista

VISTA SEEKS SUBMISSIONS
Jim Watkins is new editor at Vista, and is looking for submissions of nonfiction and fiction (500-550 words), and humor pieces (250-300 words). Submissions can be on any subject related to Christian growth. In the past this publication was not open to freelance submissions.

Vista, PO Box 50434, Indianapolis IN 46250. Jim's e-mail is jim@jameswatkins.com.

Poetry - Writers Digest Poetry Contest

WRITER'S DIGEST POETRY AWARDS

December 20, 2007 is the deadline for the Writer's Digest Poetry Awards! If your poem is less than 32 lines it is eligible.
First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth - Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh - Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate to Writer's Digest Books

First- Tenth-Place winners will have their names and the title of their poem printed in an upcoming issue of Writer's Digest.

All winners will receive a copy of the 2008 Poet's Market.
Details on Website: www.writersdigest.com/contests/poetry.

Poetry - Writers Digest Poetry Contest

WRITER'S DIGEST POETRY AWARDS

December 20, 2007 is the deadline for the Writer's Digest Poetry Awards! If your poem is less than 32 lines it is eligible.
First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth - Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh - Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate to Writer's Digest Books

First- Tenth-Place winners will have their names and the title of their poem printed in an upcoming issue of Writer's Digest.

All winners will receive a copy of the 2008 Poet's Market.
Details on Website: www.writersdigest.com/contests/poetry.

November MEETING of the NJCWG
Saturday
November 3, 2007
2:30-5:00

Our teaching session will continue with the "secrets" offered by Janet Orr in her book, No More Rejections.

This Saturday's we will review Passage 3 (Secrets 11-15)
This includes information about supporting characters. It will help you portray your supporting cast in ways that enliven the overall plot and enhance the portrayal of your protagonist.

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG

WritersMarket.Com

http://www.writersmarket.com/ is a GREAT place to find markets for your writing. Check it out.

Writing Op - Seeds in Season

A writing colleague of mine, April Boyer, is looking for "kitchen" and "autumn" stories for her Seeds in Season online magazine. Check out this writing opportunity and tell April "Louise sent you."

http://aprilboyer.com/

48 Hours Mystery - Date Change

NEW DATE - NEW TIME
Saturday
October 20, 2007
10:00 p.m. EST

A message from Kent,

Well... 48 Hours Mystery! featuring our family's story has been moved once more, and will now be aired on Saturday, October 20 at 10:00 eastern time, and NOT on the 13th, as previously reported. Please correct your calendars to reflect this change. Sorry about the confusion, but they are trying for the largest potential audience, and there was a conflict with a local election in New Orleans which caused the first change, but that has been cleared up. Since the 20th was always the best option, now that the conflict with the election has been cleared up (the coverage will be over by the time the program aired) they are going back to it. Again, the program will be on CBS. Check your local listings.

This means that I will be out of town for the showing, but hopefully I will get a chance to see it while in New Mexico. This may be best. It will be hard to watch, but the Christian message of forgiveness is still the center piece. If it isn't too much trouble for somebody to record it I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

Kent

Writer Conferences

Here are a few upcoming Writer Conferences. Most are Christian conferences - I've indicated those that are not.

October 19-20, 2007. American Christian Writers Anaheim Conference (Jim Bell and
Steve Laube among the workshop instructors). http://www.acfw.com/conference/

October 17-21, 2007, Glorieta Christian Writers Conference, (Near Santa Fe, NM).
More info: http://www.classervices.com/CS_Glorieta_Conf.html

October 20, 2007. Oregon Christian Writers Fall One-Day Conference at Multnomah
Bible College, Portland, Oregon. More info:
http://www.oregonchristianwriters.org/calendar.htm

October 29-November 1, 2007. 2007 Fall Mentoring Clinic for Christian Writers at
Mt Hermon. More info: http://www.mounthermon.org/writersclinic/

March 14-18, 2008. Spring Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon. Debbie
Macomber and Jerry B Jenkins. More info: http://www.mounthermon.org/writers/

April 3-5, 2008. 2008 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop in Dayton, Ohio.
More info: http://www.humorwriters.org/2008SpeakerBios.html (Secular)

April 17-19, 2008. Delaware Christian Writers Conference. Newark, Delaware. More
here: http://www.delawarechristianwritersconference.com/

May 2-3, 2008. Northwest Christian Writers Renewal (formerly SPU Writers
Renewal). Northshore Baptist Church in Bothell, Washington. Cec Murphey will
keynote. Editorial reps include Mick Silva, Waterbrook; Don Pape, Cook; and
Jesse Florea, Focus on the Family magazines.

May 2-3, 2008. Antelope Valley Christian Writers' Conference. More info: www.avwriters.com

May 14-17, 2008. Colorado Christian Writer's Conference. More info coming soon
to http://www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado/

July 13-17, 2008. International Christian Retail Show. Orange County Convention
Center, Orlando, FL. More info: http://www.christianretailshow.com/

Next Meeting of the NJCWG

PLEASE READ MESSAGES POSTED PREVIOUS TO THIS MESSAGE. I POSTED SOME WRITING OP'S AND A FEW OTHER IMPORTANT NOTICES.

Our teaching session will continue with the "Secrets" offered by Janet Orr in her book, No More Rejections.

MEETING
Saturday
October 6, 2007
2:30-5:00
This week we will be working on characterization!

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG

Special Important Message

A friend who I met at Glorieta last year will be on 48 Hours Mystery! It is a story that Satan wanted to use to destroy but God used to His glory.

Here is the info. I beg your prayers for this man full of grace and mercy. This is one show you don't want to miss.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Message from Kent

Just got the word. The CBS show 48 Hours Mystery! which features the story of my wife and son's murder, and my other son's subsequent trial - and how God used this tragedy to bring about great good - will be aired a week earlier than expected. It will now be shown Saturday, October 13. Check your listings for the airing time - 10:00 p.m. eastern, 9:00 central.

Please pray every day that this program would reach millions with the story of God's grace.

Please pray that this program be a powerful a message for God's promises of forgiveness, unconditional love, and how He gives us the strength to do hard things when we trust him. I have a great hope that it will be used by God for this. They have titled it "Faith of a Father", so that is a good sign. Before agreeing to let them interview me their producer agreed in writing that the final, as-aired program would include the Christian message of salvation (why a relationship with Jesus was necessary to get into heaven), and the amazing story of how He gave me the ability to forgive everyone as I lay in the hospital that first night with my own near fatal wound. This forgiveness was given to a faceless stranger, long before I found out that my son was who I was actually forgiving.

While I don't trust the news media at all, and am aware that they could bend what I have said to whatever agenda they might have, I don't believe that is what this producer has in mind, and besides, God doesn't want us to stay safely on the sidelines of life. I don't think that is what the armor of God is for. So if they choose to twist things to make the silly Christian dad look like a fool, they can do it, but at least I will have been faithful. I believe we are in a culture war for our country, and wars are not won without taking risks and boldly entering the fight. So I am again asking for everyone's prayers, specifically that the program would be used in a great way to spread God's messages across America. And, yes, I hope that the national exposure will benefit my hopes for a book, but Janet will tell you that I have already been blessed financially and that I wrote it for the right reasons, so my request isn't as self serving as it may look.

Hope everyone will watch it, and that we will all be pleased with the results.

Yours and His,

Kent Whitaker

ps I just thought of something else. I am going to include a link to a story that came out last Thursday about a hearing for the young man who actually shot us all. He had pleaded guilty to a reduced sentence (from Capital Murder Life in Prison to First Degree Murder), and I was given the opportunity of making a victim impact statement once the proceedings were complete. Although there were 5 television camera crews in the room, and still photographers, the judge would not let them film my statement. This link takes you to the ABC Houston affiliate, Channel 13, and one of their reports. There is a link inside the story which takes you to my full statement, if you care to read it.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5665662

New Column Posted

To read my latest column (Cafe Chocolate) you can go to http://comfortcafe.net/?p=564

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author of Faith Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement to Sweeten Your Day

SpiritLed Writer - Online Now

New issue of the SpiritLed Writer is online.
www.spiritledwriter.com

Writing Op - Woman's World

WOMAN'S WORLD
Bauer Publishing Co.
270 Sylvan Ave.
Englewood Cliffs NJ 07632

Phone: (201)569-6699
Fax: (201)569-3584

Contact: Kathleen Fitzpatrick, senior editor
Johnene Granger, fiction editor

Tips: "The whole story should be sent when submitting fiction. Stories slanted for a particular holiday should be sent at least 6 months in advance."
About

Format: Magazine covering "human interest and service pieces of interest to family-oriented women across the nation. Woman's World is a women's service magazine. It offers a blend of fashion, food, parenting, beauty, and relationship features coupled with the true-life human interest stories."
Frequency: Weekly


"We publish short romances and mini-mysteries for all women, ages 18-68."

Editor's Note: Woman's World is not looking for freelancers to take assigments generated by the staff, but it will assign stories to writers who have made a successful pitch.
Freelance Facts

* Established: 1980
* Circulation: 1,625,779

* Pays on acceptance.
* Publishes manuscript 4 months after acceptance.


Rights purchased:

* for First North American Serial rights for 6 months.

Accepts queries by: Mail

* Responds in 6 weeks to queries.
* Responds in 2 months to manuscripts.
* Sample copy not available.
* Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE.

Nonfiction

Dramatic personal women's stories and articles on self-improvement, medicine, and health topics. Please specify "Real-Life Story" on envelope. Features include Emergency (real-life drama); My Story; Medical Miracle; Triumph; Courage; My Guardian Angel; Happy Ending (queries to Kathy Fitzpatrick). Also service stories on parenting, marriage, and work (queries to Irene Daria).

* Pays $500/1,000 words
* Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Fiction

Short story, romance, and mainstream of 1,100 words and mini-mysteries of 1,000 words. "Each of our stories has a light romantic theme and can be written from either a masculine or feminine point of view. Women characters may be single, married, or divorced. Plots must be fast moving with vivid dialogue and action. The problems and dilemmas inherent in them should be contemporary and realistic, handled with warmth and feeling. The stories must have a positive resolution." Specify "Fiction" on envelope. Always enclose SASE. Responds in 4 months. No phone or fax queries. Pays $1,000 for romances on acceptance for North American serial rights for 6 months. "The 1,000 word mini-mysteries may feature either a `whodunnit' or `howdunnit' theme. The mystery may revolve around anything from a theft to murder. However, we are not interested in sordid or grotesque crimes. Emphasis should be on intricacies of plot rather than gratuitous violence. The story must include a resolution that clearly states the villain is getting his or her come-uppance." Submit complete mss. Specify "Mini-Mystery" on envelope. Enclose SASE. No phone queries.

Contact: Johnene Granger, fiction editor

Needs:
* Mystery
* Romance (contemporary)

Does Not Want: Not interested in science fiction, fantasy, historical romance, or foreign locales. No explicit sex, graphic language, or seamy settings.

* Submission method: Send complete manuscript.
* Length: Romances--1,100 words; mysteries--1,000 words.
* Pays $1,000/romances; $500/mysteries