The next meeting of the NJCWG is May 5, 2007

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm

AGENDA

2:30 - Lesson
This month will dig into some good pieces of writing to discover what exactly makes each piece worthy of publication. We will also work on writing in active voice.

ALSO
~ The sister of an aspiring writer, who recently passed away, has generously offered to our group her sister's numerous writing books. She will bring them to our meeting and anyone who is interested in the books may take them as their own.

~ The winners of our DeClutter Your Writing, DeClutter Your Life question and answer contest will receive their autographed copies of Too Much Stuff: De-cluttering Your Heart And Home by Kathryn Porter.

3:30 - Critiques

REMINDER - June 2, 2007
June brings our next Writing Workshop
Be on time (2:30) and bring writing implements, paper and the beverage of your choice.
I'll provide other refreshments.

Latest Column

Comfort Cafe just posted my latest column - Searching. To read the column go to: Comfort Cafe - Espresso for the Heart - Searching by Louise Bergmann DuMont.

NYC Course of a Life Time - Bargin Price

From Editor - Terry Whalin
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Louise,

It’s Terry Whalin here, writing with an exciting announcement ...

The organizers of BookExpo America 2007 have persuaded my friend Mark Victor Hansen (co-founder of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series) to teach a special seminar on the cutting-edge – and proven -- ways to sell books.

Mark is one of – if not THE – most knowledgeable people on what it takes to sell books these days. After all, he and his co-founder, Jack Canfield, have sold more than 100 million copies of Chicken Soup, a feat that’s earned them a spot in the “Guinness Book of World Records”!
That’s why I thought you’d want to know about this incredible (and affordable) opportunity to learn from the master.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Announcing Mega Book New York Get the Full Story Here: http://www.markvictorhansen.com/cmd.php?Clk=1879832
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mega Book New York is a special 1-day “crash course” in book marketing. Just like Mark’s full-blown 3-day conference, Mega Book Marketing University, Mega Book New York features a world-class faculty of best-selling authors and leading book marketing strategists:

> > > MARK VICTOR HANSEN ... co-founder of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series and “The One-Minute Millionaire,” will reveal the formula he used to climb from bankruptcy to the helm of one of the publishing industry’s most successful empires.

> > > LARRY KIRSCHBAUM ... former Chairman and CEO of the Time-Warner Book Group and Publishers Weekly’s 2005 “Publishing's Person of the Year,” will explain how to find the right publisher ... and how to play an active role in getting your book marketed properly

> > > ALEX MANDOSSIAN ... world-famous Internet marketer and creator of the revolutionary Virtual Book Tour™, will show you how to sell thousands of books in a single day to a global audience ... without ever leaving home.

> > > BRENDON BURCHARD ... life coach, author and change expert, will spell out how to use nonprofit and corporate partnerships and promotions to build a platform, spread your message, pay for marketing expenses, and net free publicity.

> > > RICK FRISHMAN ... the most respected book publicity expert in America, will help you understand the exciting world of PR and media -- and show you how to get booked on top shows faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

> > > TOM ANTION ... a premier Internet marketer, will share little-known, but easy-to-use Internet and sales techniques to use email, blogging, blooking and websites to sell tens -- if not hundreds -- of thousands of dollars of books each month.

Read more about what you’ll learn from Mark’s world-class faculty here: http://www.markvictorhansen.com/cmd.php?Clk=1879832

> > > Live Q&A With Agents and Publishers < < <
> > > It’s Easy to Register < < <

Register online using Mark’s secure electronic registration form http://www.markvictorhansen.com/cmd.php?Clk=1879832
To your publishing success, Terry Whalin Attend Mega Book New York “The One-Day Crash Course in Cutting-Edge Book Marketing Strategies For Authors, Publishers and Agents” May 31, 2007

Reserve your seat now at http://www.markvictorhansen.com/cmd.php?Clk=1879832

Prayer Request #2

A former member of the NJCWG (Jeff Schicke) moved to Texas after he got married. Here is his prayer request.

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

To beloved family & friends,

As many of you know, we have been in the process of adopting a young girl (Sarah Joy) from China. We have had to put it off earlier because we had moved from New Jersey and had to get reestablished in Texas with housing and jobs. Well, we no sooner were able to restart the process than the Chinese government (no doubt with the devil's help) threw us for a loop. They have decided to change the minimum marriage length for couples who have a spouse who has been divorced at one time (Kim was, despite her desire to stay married to her husband) to 5 years. That means over 2 more years for us. We've already invested so much time and effort and money into this; now we'll have to start all over.

But we know God is in control, and He still has Sarah Joy in His heart. He also has not led us to give up on our dream for her. The adoption agency we're pursuing her through, America World, is asking as many people as possible to do an Esther fast April 23 (yes, I realize I'm getting this out late) through April 25. Just as Esther and the Jews prayed and fasted (successfully) for the deliverance of their people who were about to be slaughtered, so we ask you to pray and fast in whatever way God leads you for Sarah's deliverance (and for the deliverance of other Chinese babies, mostly girls, who would otherwise be destined for a life of obscurity, prostitution, and who knows what else).

Also, please get as many other people on board to join in this most important effort. The policy change is supposed to take place May 1. But it doesn't have to.

God bless you and thank you all.

In His powerful, redeeming, rescuing love,

Jeff & Kim Schicke

Prayer Request #1

Carmen Leal, Author of WriterSpeaker.Com

Prayer Request
Many of those in the NJCWG have heard me mention my writing colleague & friend, Carmen Leal. She is an amazing person who who lives passionately and leaves her mark on everyone she meets. A Hawiann native, she recently moved back to Hawaii. Her son is 23 and graduating from the University of Hawaii next month. He had a heart attack on Friday while she was out of town. Please pray for healing and for wise medical intervention.

National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day

A bit of information for all you chocolate lovers...

April 21 - National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day!!!

For more information about really cool national holidays, go to:
http://www.brownielocks.com/april.html

Too Much Stuff - Answer 6

Answer #6 - Too Much Clutter

From Sue

Question: My husband is a packrat. I would be glad to get rid of a LOT of stuff, but he and I end up fighting every time I want to get rid of something. How do I get him to see that this makes our life so much harder and that taking care of his stuff often keeps me from doing the one thing I really want to do – write?

Answer: When I first started de-cluttering, my husband was a little apprehensive about getting rid of items that belonged to him or items which we shared joint ownership. Sometimes it takes time for our spouses to join the de-cluttering bandwagon, but with a little prayer and patience, it can happen. Here are some ideas you might find helpful:

* Ask him to help you de-clutter your stuff (not his) by dropping off items at donation centers.
* Share with him the specific benefits (such as increased energy, reduced stress, improved memory, etc.) you have experienced by letting go of things.
* Explain to him how your job becomes easier without the clutter in the way.
* When he does part with items belonging to him, thank him and let him know you appreciate it.
* Let him catch you in the act of de-cluttering so that he will learn from your example.

Also, determine your part as an enabler. I know firsthand that it’s easy to think that we are not part of the problem. While we can’t change others, we can change ourselves. Here are some questions to help you consider your role in this issue:

* Are you taking care of items belonging to your husband that he should be responsible for?
* How do you contribute to your husband’s clutter by purchasing material gifts for him on his birthday, holidays, or other occasions?
* Do you encourage him to buy more stuff as the supportive wife (especially when things he likes are on sale)?
* Might he perceive that his belongings are being singled out as clutter when you still have a large amount of collections that you keep?
* How might the way you communicate your desire for him to de-clutter discourage him from letting go of stuff?

De-cluttering is contagious. As your husband experiences the benefits from you downsizing your own stuff, he will be more willing to part with a few of his things. It’s a process. Don’t expect him to move at your rate. Celebrate progress—even the baby steps. In the mean time, focus on you. Continue to de-clutter your belongings. Do the best you can with what you have. And enjoy the journey.

Too Much Stuff - Answer 5

Answer #5 - Too Much Clutter

From Louise

Question: I live in houseful of men. How can I get them to keep the bathroom reasonably clean?

Answer: Do you have more than one bathroom in the home? If so, consider designating one as the men’s bathroom. Let them know that they will be responsible for cleaning it. Provide them with supplies and even offer a quick cleaning lesson.

If allotting the males in your home their own bathroom isn’t an option, here’s some things you can do to make life easier for you:

* Keep wet wipes near the commode so individuals can wipe any splash that missed the target. Communicate your expectations of how and when to use the wet wipes. Place a trash basket nearby as well. Make it easy for them.
* If clothes are left on the floor, create a “home repo hamper.” Buy a hamper that looks different from the ones you use now. Toss any clothes they leave on the floor into the hamper. Don’t worry about sorting clothes because you are not going to wash them. Let the men take responsibility for their own things.
* Hire a housekeeper just for the bathroom. I once thought housekeepers were only for the rich, but there are people who work as housekeepers who charge reasonable fees. Pay the housekeeper out of the boys’ allowances and bill the men who are employed for their share.

Too Much Stuff - Answer 4

Answer #4 - Too Much Clutter

From Rachel

Question: I would love to make my house easier to clean (more time for writing, less time to clean). I work at a full-time job, volunteer at our church, write in my "spare" time – all the while trying to keep after my house. I can't implement every trick in the book so I'm asking for only one. Give me one thing that will make my house easier to care for on a day-to-day basis.

Answer: Rachel, I love this “keep it simple” style question. The answer in one word is simplify. I do this by de-cluttering. Take a plastic grocery bag and walk around the house looking for clutter. Fill the bag and toss it in the trash. It’s quick and it’s easy.

Of course, there are many different ways to simplify, but you asked for only one. I’m sure you can think of lots of other ways to simplify your life to make housekeeping easier.

Next NJCWG Meeting

The next meeting of the NJCWG is May 5, 2007

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm

At this meeting a number of great things will be taking place.

1. The sister of an aspiring writer, who recently passed away, has generously offered to our group her sister's numerous writing books. She will bring them to our meeting and anyone who is interested in the books may take them as their own.

2. The winners of our DeClutter Your Writing, DeClutter Your Life question and answer contest will receive their autographed copies of Too Much Stuff: De-cluttering Your Heart And Home by Kathryn Porter.

3. We will be reviewing our Active and Passive Language Skills in preparation for our upcoming workshop session in June.

Writing Op - Together

TOGETHER

Shalom Publishers
1251 Virginia Ave.
Harrisonburg VA 22802

Web site: www.churchoutreach.com

About TOGETHER
Format: Tabloid covering religion and inspiration for a nonchurched audience.
Frequency: Quarterly

"Together is is directed as an outreach publication to those who are not currently involved in a church; therefore, we need general inspirational articles that tell stories of personal change, especially around faith issues. Also, stories that will assist our readers in dealing with the many stresses and trials of everday life--family, financial, career, community.

Key To This Market: "We aim for articles that are well written, understandable, challenging (not the same old thing you've read elsewhere); that stimulate readers to dig a little deeper, but not too deep with academic or technical language; that are interesting and fitting for our theological perspective (Christian), but are not preachy or overly patriotic. No mentions of smoking, drinking, cursing, etc."

Freelance Facts
90% freelance written
Established: 1980
Circulation: 50,000
Pays on publication.
Publishes manuscript 6-12 months after acceptance.
Byline given.

Rights purchased:
First rights
Electronic rights
Editorial lead time 6-9 months.
Submit seasonal material 6 months in advance.

Accepts queries by: Mail & E-mail

Accepts simultaneous submissions
Accepts previously published submissions
Responds in 2 months to queries.
Responds in 4 months to manuscripts.
Click here for sample copy
Sample copy available at website.
Click here for manuscript guidelines

Nonfiction
Needs:
Essays
General Interest
How-To
Humor
Inspirational
Interview/Profile
Personal Experience (testimony)
Religious

Does Not Want: No pet stories. "We have limited room for stories about illness, dying, or grief, but we do use them occasionally. We publish in March, June, September, and December, so holidays that occur in other months are not usually the subject of articles."

Buys 16 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Query with or without published clips or send complete manuscript.
Length: 500–1,200 words.
Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Photos:
State availability of photos with submission.

Writing Op - Woman International

WOMAN INTERNATIONAL
Emblem Media LLC
9768 Belladonna Dr.
San Raman CA 94582

Phone: (925)336-9252
Fax: (603)794-5923
E-mail: editorinchief@womanintl.com
Web site: www.womanintl.com

Contact: Siara Nazir, editor-in-chief.

About WOMAN INTERNATIONAL
Format: Magazine covering Asian women, ethnic women, women's fashion, beauty, health, relationships, celebrity.
Frequency: Quarterly

"Slant towards community activity, spirituality, and emphasis on womanhood rather than ethnicity."

Freelance Facts
100% freelance written
Established: 2005
Circulation: 15,000
Pays on publication.
Publishes manuscript 4-5 months after acceptance.
Byline given.
Offers $25 kill fee.

Rights purchased:
First rights
Electronic rights
 Editorial lead time 3 months.
 Submit seasonal material 3-4 months in advance.

Accepts queries by: Mail, E-mail, Fax

Accepts simultaneous submissions
Accepts previously published submissions
Responds in 2 weeks to queries.
Sample copy for $3, SAE and 7 First-Class stamps.
Writer's guidelines available at website.
NONFICTION
Needs:
Book excerpts
Essays
Exposé
General Interest
How-To
Humor
Inspirational
Interview/Profile
New Product
Personal Experience
Photo Feature
Travel
women's causes

Does Not Want: Does not material not in line with our demographics.
Buys 1-2 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Query with published clips.
Length: 500–700 words.
Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Photos:
State availability of photos with submission.

Reviews:
GIF/JPEG files

Photos Require:
Captions
Identification of subjects
Model Releases
Buys one-time rights
Offers no additional payment for photos accepted with ms.

Columns & Departments:
Columns open to freelancers: He Said, She Said (all Asians quotes, funny, humor), 10-15 words each quote/6-8 quotes total; Events International (international women's events), 300 words; Just Did It (Asian women who have success), 500 words; Cover Profile (profile of a celebrity of Asian descent), 500-700 words.
Buys 1-2 columns/year.
Submission method: Query with published clips
Pays 10¢/word.

Fiction:
Buys 3 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Query with published clips.
Length: 500–700 words.
Pays 10¢/word.

Fillers
Needs:
Facts
Gags to be illustrated by cartoonist
Short Humor
Buys 20-25 fillers/year.
Length: 15–20 words.

Tips: "Just e-mail us, follow up with a phone call, and check back after 2 weeks."

Sandy Cove Christian Writers Conference

Coming this October - the Sandy Cove Christian Writers Conference. Plenty of time to save up enough to attend this fantastic conference!!!
Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Jeannette Scott and Sandy Cove

Just a heads-up that the most awesome writers conference is coming up again in October. I wanted to remind you now, so you can plan. I recommend registering in the next several months. Last year, we had a record-setting attendance and nearly sold-out!

Check out the details at: http://www.sandycove.org/docs/writers.php

There are also TWO great add-on workshops this year:

AuthorizeMe, a hands-on book proposal workshop taught by Sharon Norris Elliot. Back by popular demand, this eight-hour seminar will teach you how to organize and present your book in a way that will get attention.

AND,

Communicating to Change Lives, taught by Jim Watkins. Jim writes, "After teaching at fifty-plus writers conferences, I realized that the mechanics and marketing of writing was well covered, but no one taught a class on the manner in which we can actually change lives with our writing and speaking."

If you are anything like me, (on a tight budget, and thinking 'gee I just couldn't do that') do yourself, and your call to write, a big favor and start tucking away a little cash over the next few months so you won't feel strapped by conference time! It's only $100 to register, with the rest not due until Sept. 1. Dollar for dollar, compared to other writer's conferences, I don't think you can get a better setting, more intimate environment, and incredible workshops anywhere else! And note, the cost is inclusive of your lodging, meals, and the conference.

But the most impressive thing to me, is how bathed in prayer it is. You are sure to have an intimate touch from Our Father, and a perfect setting to "be still, and know that I am God."

Sure, I may be the Marketing Director for the conference. But that's only because I am SO PASSIONATE ABOUT IT. It has influenced me so profoundly over the years, that I am devoted to sharing it with other writers so they can be blessed too!

And I think you'll find that all of our faculty and committee have that same spirit and approachability. They are passionate about pouring into others who love our craft. Everyone wants to help others move forward in their call to communicate.

If you haven't experienced it yet, make this the year to come see for yourself that it's true. And as you move forward as a writer, you will be inspired to pay it forward, too.

If you have any questions not addressed at the link, let me know, I'm happy to help.

You're sure to make new friends at Sandy Cove. But hey, why not bring a friend or two to share the experience with you.

God bless you,

Jeannette Scott
www.AScribetoHim.com
"Telling the story, provoking response."

Christian Writers Cruise to Alaska!

Here is a note from a friend of mine at WinePress Publishing.
Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Christian Writers’ Group:

As a group leader you understand the importance of connecting authors with one another and with industry professionals. That’s why NCWA sponsors special events such as the 2007 Northwest Christian Writer’s Alaskan Cruise.

Please pass this announcement on to the members of your writers’ group. Encourage members to join us for a fantastic week of writing, networking, and sight seeing, August 26 – Sept 2, 2007. This is NCWA’s third cruise and each time we have had new authors published for the first time. We look forward to seeing the fruit of this voyage.

We will sail on the new luxury liner Norwegian Pearl through the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and wonderful ports of call. While on the cruise, find out ways you can do projects with your group to encourage writing and bring in extra funds. What a great way to write off a dream vacation, meet authors and editors, improve your writing skills, and relax all at the same time!

Keynote speaker: Bestselling author, James Scott Bell
Workshop leaders: Lin Johnson, editor, The Christian Communicator & The Advance Christian Writer. Nick Harrison, editor, Harvest House Publishers

Sign up soon—Norwegian is holding our prices until April 24th. After that the rates go up and our prime rooms go back on the market. Conferees can put down a deposit now and final payment is not due until May 29th.

Check the website for details of the workshops and events and to register.

http://www.nwchristianwriters.org/default.asp?id=9611

Questions? Email: events@nwchristianwriters.org

Hope to sail with you in August!

Carla Williams
NCWA Special Event Coordinator
Co-sponsored by WinePress Publishing Group www.winepressgroup.com


The WinePress Group Your Partner In Quality
PO Box 428, Enumclaw, WA 98022 • Phone: 360-802-9758 • Fax: 360-802-9992

The Writer Mag - Short Story Contest

The Writer Short Story Contest
Prizes: $1,000, first place; $300, second place; $200, third place.

The first-place entry, along with the finalist judge's comments, will be published in The Writer magazine. All three winning entries will be posted on The Writer Web site, http://www.writermag.com.

Entry fee$10 per entry, payable to The Writer. Payments must be in U.S. funds drawn from a U.S. bank.DeadlinePostmarked by June 30, 2007.
Rules
1. Submit two (2) copies of your story. Entries must be submitted with an official entry form, available at the website. Place the title only (not your name) on each page of the story.
2. All entries must be original and previously unpublished in a book, nationally distributed periodical or Web-based magazine. Entries must be in English and submitted by the author, who must be at least 18 years old.
3. Entries should not exceed 2,000 words. No explicit sex or violence.
4. Entries must be double-spaced in standard 10- to 12-point type, and each page must be consecutively numbered. Please paperclip pages together; do not staple or enclose in covers or binders.
5. A $10 nonrefundable entry fee, payable to The Writer, must accompany each entry. Please do not send cash in the mail. Entries will not be returned, so be sure to keep a copy for your records. We are unable to acknowledge entries.
6. One person may submit more than one entry, but each entry must be accompanied by a $10 entry fee. No simultaneous submissions are allowed.
7. Winners will be notified by Sept. 30, 2007.
8. Family members and employees of The Writer and its affiliates are not eligible to enter the contest.

How to submit
Download the entry form (at the website). To request a form by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Guidelines, c/o The Writer, P.O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612. Send two (2) copies of your story, along with the completed entry form or cover page and total entry fee ($10 per entry). Payment must accompany all entries. Address entries to: Short Story Contest, The Writer, P.O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612.

Right Writing - Terry Whalin

Terry Whalin has a wonderful writers website ( http://www.right-writing.com/ ). It has information on everything from writing the nonfiction book to children's short stories. Terry also sends out a fantastic newsleter that I beleieve every writer (new or accomplished) should subscribe to. You can get this newsletter by going to his website and clicking on the subscribe button.

Terry also has a GREAT writers blog - The Writing Life. It would be worth your time to check that out as well.

Sinclair Lewis Quote

Sinclair Lewis

SINCLAIR LEWIS ON MAKING A LIVING AS A WRITER
"What the young writer of today should contemplate is a dual profession, and incidentally, it would be the best thing in the world for his tortured creativeness to be forced to touch some nonliterary world, forced to remember what saner folk are daily up to. Let the young Balzac or Byron not only wear his elbows shiny at his desk, but let him with equal assiduity learn another and slightly more lucrative calling. But I would like him to keep out of advertising, journalism and the teaching of literature, if possible, because they are too much akin to writing. No let him become a doctor or a grocer, a mail-flying aviator, a farmer or a bacteriologist, a priest or a communist agitator, and the two professions together, he may make a living."
From The Writer, September 1936

Randy Ingermanson

Here's an article on conference-going tips reprinted with permission from Randall Ingermanson's Advanced Fiction writing e-zine. Randy Ingermanson ("the Snowflake guy") is a physicist turned novelist. If you haven't read his novel Oxygen you really are missing a great read.
Louise Bergmann DuMont

Facilitator of the NJCWG

How To Have a Great Conference

Are you going to a writing conference this year? I hope you'll be able to. Writing conferences can be expensive, humiliating, and discouraging, but they can also change your life. My career began to blossom when I committed to going to at least one major writing conference every year. I know many writers who can say the same.

The problem is that writing conferences can also go horribly, frightfully, abysmally wrong. In this article,
I'd like to talk about a few things you can do to have a good conference and a few things you can avoid so as to NOT have a bad conference.

Here are some DOs and some DON'Ts:

1) DO set your expectations based on where you are in your writing career.

* Are you a "freshman" or "sophomore" writer? Then you shouldn't be expecting to sell a book at the conference or get an agent. You should be expecting to learn as much as possible about the publishing industry, to learn more about the craft of writing, and to make some friends. Those are doable goals for "freshmen" or "sophomores."

* Are you a "junior" writer? Then you still can't expect to sell your book, but you CAN expect to get some valuable feedback from editors or agents. You might possibly even find an agent who'd like to represent you. And you can expect to make new friends.

* Are you a "senior" writer?" Then it's very reasonable to see some real excitement among the editors and agents over your book. "Seniors" are pretty rare, and editors and agents are looking for them. You might not sell your book at the conference, but it's likely you'll get some requests to send in your proposal or manuscript. And you might well land an agent on the spot. Or not. Your mileage may vary.

* Are you published already? Then your goal might be to make new contacts with editors and agents. Or you might pitch book ideas. Or both. It depends on you, but you know that by now.

If you're not sure what stage you're at in your career, check out this page on my web site:
http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/talks/roadmap/index.php

2) DON'T try to cheat the system.

I once went to a weekend writing conference at San Diego State University. About 700 writers attended, so it was a big conference! The rules said that you could submit at most 5 pages of your work to a single editor. That was designed to keep the work load down for the editors and agents.

One writer at the conference decided to get around this restriction by submitting 30 packets -- each with 5 pages in it -- all to the SAME editor! Think that endeared the writer to the editor? Nope, it just irritated the bejeebers out of him.

3) DO be nice to everybody.

There is just no good reason to be rude to other people. Those other writers next to you are NOT your competition. They really aren't. If you let them, they'll be your friends, your coaches, your mentors, your cheerleaders, and your shoulder to cry on. And you'll be the same for them.

Want to know who your competition is?

It's you. The one person most likely to keep you from succeeding in your career is yourself. You probably think too highly of yourself OR you think too little of yourself. Sometimes you need other people to tell you that you really aren't Stephen King. And sometimes you need other people to tell you that you aren't kitty litter.

So be nice to other writers. That is the one thing you can do to make your conference stupendously wonderful. I'm assuming you already know to be nice to editors and agents. In fact, you might get carried away, so that brings us to the next DON'T . . .

4) DON'T freak out in the presence of famous editors, agents, and writers.

Look, famous people are a lot like you. I can pretty much guarantee they use the exact same technique you do to put on their pants in the morning.

No doubt when you put on your pants, you toss them up twelve feet in the air, do a triple back-flip with a full twist, plunge your legs into the pants at the peak of your trajectory, and then land lightly on your feet with the pants zipped, ready to go meet the day.

Famous people do that too. So don't freak when you meet them. They're just like you. It's OK to fawn a little, but freaking out is just a no-no.

5) DO expect the unexpected.

No writing conference I've ever been to has gone the way I expected. So I've learned to just go with the flow, try to meet people, set some reasonable goals, have fun, and be ready for anything.

Probably the most fun I ever had at a conference was the infamous "Shaving Babbitt" incident. I had that conference all planned out. It went exactly the opposite of what I had planned. By all rights, it should have been the most humiliating thing that ever happened to me. I loved every minute of it.

I could tell you more, but that's enough for now. To review:
* Set reasonable expectations
* Don't try to cheat the system
* Be nice to everybody
* Don't freak out with famous folks
* Expect the unexpected

Oh yeah, and . . . have fun!

Publisher, Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine
http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com

Conference Scholarship Opportunity

I have the opportunity to recommend one person for a 50% scholarship ($167) to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference ~ May 16-19, 2007. I need to have my recommendation to the committee no later than April 12 so let me know ASAP if you are interested in pursuing this.

If you accept the scholarship, you would still be responsible for the other half of the registration fee (due by April 16), transportation to and from the conference, and your lodging which includes meals and runs $44 - $112 a night depending on whether you to stay in Mt. Ypsilon or Wind River.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
Facilitator of the NJCWG

Writing Op - SpiritLed Writer

From Lisa Crayton, Editor of the SpiritLed Writer

~~~ WRITE FOR US! ~~~

SPIRIT-LED WRITER needs writing-related articles and fillers (including book reviews, conference reports and devotionals). We also seek how-to articles on the business side of writing, and writing for children. Check out the guidelines
and query today.
http://www.spiritledwriter.com/guidelines.html

Yes, we're a paying market, and we accept reprints.