Lancaster Christian Writers December Meeting and NEWS

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

 

Are you as astounded as I to look up from your keyboard and discover that 2010 is almost over? I've got whiplash turning my head to catch it as it zipped by! We do have one more  LCW meeting this year.  If you can tear yourself away from holiday activities, do join us Saturday, December 18, 2010, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon. Sharing her newest title, Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise, and tips for both fiction and non-fiction writers will be Joyce Magnin, author of The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, chosen as one of the "Top 5 Best Christian Fiction Books of 2009" by Library Journal. Here is a perfect chance to pick up that final personally autographed Christmas gift for someone on your list! ALSO we will again be offering opportunity for LCW members to showcase their titles and/or craft items for Christmas shopping. So come meet Joyce Magnin and bring along checkbook or cash for your final Christmas shopping.

 

OTHER NEWS:

 

1) A special thanks to Hana Haatainen Caye, for her workshop at our November LCW workshop on making a  living with freelance writing and editing. Feedback from those there included 'one of the most practical workshops I've ever heard' and 'you really knocked it out of the ball-park with this one'. Despite twenty years as a writer'edit and fifteen books in print, I personally learned more new, practical tips for my own freelance writing career than I've ever done in the course of only ninety minutes. If you missed Hana, you have opportunity to pick her brain again, BECAUSE:

 

2) 2011 LCW Super Saturday Seminar: We have just confirmed the date of our 2011 one-day writers workshop for Saturday, March 19, 2011. Already we have a stellar lineup of speakers confirmed from fiction authors Tracy Higley, Wanda Dyson, fantasy author Alan Loewen, children's author Carol Wedeven to non-fiction authors like Terri Gillespie, Emily Chase, and Hana Haatainen Caye. We will have a poster ready to begin passing on by the end of the year. One thing we've learned this year is how reasonable the price is for this one-day event compared to any other writers events across Pennsylvania. So PLEASE consider how you can help us this year get news of this event out to writers who can profit from our 2011SSS. 

 

3) And one more writing opportunity has come to LCW: The publishers of Deep River Books has sent the following contest invitation tor Christian manuscripts to LCW members, top prize $1000! Info below. Let's see if an LCW member can take home this prize.

 

In this holiday season, let us use the words God has gifted us with as writers to remind a listening/reading world of the true reason for our rejoicing, our Creator stepping into  time and space, the greatest gift wrapped not in shiny paper, but human flesh, Emmanuel, God with us, Jesus Christ.

 

Blessings,

Jeanette Windle

Chapter President, Lancaster Christian Writers

http://www.lancasterchristianwriters.org/

http://www.jeanettewindle.com/

 

FROM DEEP RIVER BOOKS:I wanted to share with you an opportunity for the members of Lancaster Christian Writers.  Deep River Books is holding a contest for Christian manuscripts and a chance to win $1000.  Please read the press release below.  Feel free to call us if you have any questions at Bring It On! Communications (541) 549.1139. You will find all the rules at the Deep River website listed below.   

Sincerely,

Shelby Stafford
Bring It On! Communications



PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Rhonda Funk     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Email: mhtml:{34EC0C83-C718-4B55-909C-755E86E806A5}mid://00000114/!x-usc:mailto:rhonda@bringitoncommunications.com


Deep River Books Giving Away $1000 to The Best Christian Manuscript


Deep River Books, www.DeepRiverBooks.com  a full-service Christian partner publishing company, is looking for the next bestselling Christian book and they are offering a $1000 cash prize to the best manuscript submitted by an unpublished author.  Second and Third Place winners will receive $500 each.  A“Certificate of Merit” will be awarded to runner-up contestants whose manuscripts are of merit but do not win a cash prize.

If publishing your book idea has become a burning desire, then you owe it to yourself to check out Deep River Books and their Best New Manuscript Contest. 

The contest ends January 31, 2011, so hurry!

Deep River Books has published an array of best-selling Christian authors including Coach Bill McCartney (founder of Promise Keepers), Kimberly Cash Tate, John Claeys, Rosemary Trible, Sam Batterman, Ace and Bethany McKay, and many others. 

Mentoring new authors, DRB offers more than most publishers. With their top of the line design team, typesetters, editors, and publicity team, DRB products command attention. 

As one of our authors put it, "[Deep River Books] is the perfect place for talented but unknown authors to get a chance. If you can write and have a compelling story to tell or a significant message to put forth from a traditional values point of view, [Deep River Books] will give you the chance to get the exposure you deserve. If you are lucky enough to be selected, you will not be disappointed."  Michael Hayutin, author of Character Immunization- How to Raise Children Strong Enough to Resist Popular Culture

Right now, DRB is accepting unsolicited manuscripts in the following categories:
Inspirational books
Marriage, Family, and Parenting books
Christian Fiction (Adult and YA)
Christian Self Help/Counseling/Leadership Issues
Contemporary Issues from a Christian Values point of view

To enter the contest, go to www.DeepRiverBooks.com and click on the “Contest” bar for entry rules and more details.

Lancaster Christian Writers Welcomes Hana Haatainen Caye Tomorrow

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

 

A final reminder that we are meeting tomorrow, November 20, 2010, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens 9 AM). Award-winning guest freelance writer and editor Hana Haatainen Caye sharing a workshop entitled: "The Business of Writing: Ways to make money as a Freelance Writer." And of course do bring those critique pieces to share. 

 

We are also opening this meeting and December's (Awardwinning fiction author Joyce Mocerro will be sharing with us then!) for members to bring their published titles or holiday craft items to showcase for Christmas gifts. So do come planning to do some holiday browsing; sales will be cash or check only. 

 

OTHER LCW NEWS:

 

1. The devotional book God's Stories 6, to which many LCW members have contributed, is now available for sale. Editor Lou Good communicates that to pick up copies or to have them shipped, call 717.627.1996 at House to House Publications, 11 Toll Gate Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Gods Stories is also available at Berean Bookstores in New Holland and Lancaster.

 

2. A mother of teens has inquired about the possibility of an evening teen fiction critique group. A number of area teen writers have expressed interest. A meeting place is available, but a leader who can guide teens in plot, dialogue workshops and teach critiquing is needed. If you would be interested or know someone qualified who might, please let me know.

 

Until tomorrow,

Jeanette Windle

Chapter President, Lancaster Christian Writers

www.lancasterchristianwriters.org

www.jeanettewindle.com

Hana Haatainen Caye Visits LCW Saturday, November 20, 2010

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

I hope you have marked your calendar for our next LCW meeting Saturday, November 20, 2010, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon because we are privileged to have an outstanding guest speaker. Hana Haatainen Caye, a former Manheim resident, is an award-winning full-time writer and voice over talent living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her work has appeared in dozens of magazines, websites and anthologies. She leads Writers at Work, a monthly writing workshop where the list of publishing credits in the group is continually growing. “Because conservatives can be green, too,” Hana's passion is blogging as the Green Grandma (http://thegreengrandma.blogspot.com/), “where old-fashioned ways combine with 21st century common sense."

Hana will be addressing a subject that interests all of us as writers--just how she manages to earn a full-time living as a freelance writer and editor. She will be teaching a workshop entitled: "The Business of Writing: Ways to make money as a Freelance Writer". She shares of her topic, "Running a freelance writing business can be more profitable than you may think. In this workshop we will cover the various types of business and creative writing opportunities that exist for writers who see beyond their fiction and poetry and want to find a way to make a living, or simply earn some extra cash, through the written word."

IN OTHER NEWS:

1) Christmas Shopping for the LCW Family: Many of our group have published books, arts, and other crafts that make wonderful and affordable personalized Christmas gifts. The last two years we've allowed members to display their products at the December LCW meeting for member Christmas shopping. But this often allows little time, and many cannot make it to the Christmas meeting. SO this year we plan to open BOTH November and December meetings to display membership books and crafts. If you have such items that would make great Christmas shopping, bring them to either or both the November/December meeting. And plan to come prepared for some Christmas shopping. Please let me know if you want to display so I can round up enough tables!!

2) We still have opening for speakers for several LCW meetings after Christmas. If you have an idea for a speaker or a workshop yourself, please let me know.

3) Devotional speaker: If you would like to give a devotional for this month's meeting or lock in a future date, please drop me a line as well.

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
Chapter President, Lancaster Christian Writers
http://www.lancasterchristianwriters.org/
http://www.jeanettewindle.com/

LCW October Meeting This Saturday

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

A reminder that LCW's fall kickoff is this coming Saturday, October 16, 2010, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Award-winning novelist Jeanette Windle (yes, that's me!) will be leading an interactive workshop on Using the Six Senses Purposefully in bringing setting and story alive. Whether writing fiction or non-fiction, effective telling of the story is what transports your reader into the world you want to share. And this is done most effectively through the six senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, and that all-important sixth sense of the writer--emotion. Bring pen, paper and creativity because this will be a hands-on exercise.

OTHER LCW NEWSBITES:

1. Marlene Bagnull, director Greater Philly and Colorado Christian Writers Conferences, forwards LCW the following writing opportunities:

From GPCWC faculty member, Jeanette Littleton - "I wanted to remind you that we're looking for stories for #12 in the Guideposts Extraordinary Answers to Prayer series. The theme is "Desires of Your Heart" and we'd love to hear your stories about times God answered prayers beyond and above anything you hoped or dreamed as well as those times when he provided answers to prayer that weren't necessities, but still desires you had.  This theme is one of those fun ones that's actually kind of wide open to interpretation. We use stories of up to 2000 words. We pay $25 for up to 1200 words, and $50 for over 1200 words. We prefer attached mss. in Word--and please make sure your contact info. and a bio are on each submission (not just on the e-mail). We can use a limited number of reprints, so if you're submitting a reprint, please mark it accordingly. You can submit materials to me at this address (incredibleprayers@earthlink.net). Due date is Nov. 10. This week we're still looking at mss. for #11, In Times of Change, so feel free to go ahead and send something for that if you have it (you might go ahead and put #11 in your subject line; this will be a high-volume e-mail time and that will help me make sure it's not overlooked). Jim's working on details with another major Christian publisher for another compilation book (actually, he's working on several), so you'll receive guidelines for that when the details are worked out."

2. LCW member James Castellano, who walked away from GPCWC with a number of  non-fiction article contracts passes on the following:

Lucid Magazine. is an online publication looking for Christian articles on various subjects. More info is on website (http://www.blogger.com/) or email Merritt. They do not pay for articles, bit it is a very nice periodical. From Editor Merritt Johnston, "We are currently working on our November edition of Lucid, and we would love for you to contribute. Our deadline for this month is Friday, October 22.It is  http://www.blogger.com/. Don't forget that all articles need to be 1,000 words or less and are subject to editing for both content and space. Each submission must be accompanied by a brief author bio and pic as well as a brief written statement giving Lucid permission to use the content online (author will always be given writer’s credit)."

3. Also, a reminder that LCW's news blog, Lancaster Christian Writers Today, is up at http://www.lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/. It is linked to our recently updated website: http://www.lancasterchristianwriters.org/ (a huge thanks to our kindly webmaster, John Komancheck!). LCW news will be posted there on a regular basis.

Hoping to see you this Saturday!

Blessings,

Jeanette Windle

Chapter President, Lancaster Christian Writers

http://www.lancasterchristianwriters.org/

http://www.jeanettewindle.com/

September/October News

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

This fall's LCW kickoff with award-winning author Tracy Higley was such a blessing and learning experience for all who were able to attend. Thank you, Tracy, for your expert tips on bringing research to life on the page. And thank you, Lisa Betz, for your timely devotional on the power of story-telling. We continue to have a great lineup of speakers and learning opportunities throughout the coming months, so I hope you are marking LCW on your event calendar. Meetings will always be the 3rd Saturday of month unless there is a major conflict (as there was in September), in which case you will be notified well in advance. Here are some upcoming reasons to mark that calendar:

OCTOBER 16TH: Jeanette Windle (http://www.jeanettewindle.com/) will be leading an interactive workshop on Using the Six Senses Purposefully in bringing setting and story alive. Whether writing fiction or non-fiction, effective telling of the story is what transports your reader into the world you want to share. And this is done most effectively through the six senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, and that all-important sixth sense of the writer--emotion. Bring pen, paper and creativity because this will be a hands-on exercise.

NOVEMBER 20TH: From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hana Haatainen Caye is a rare breed among writers in that she makes a full-time living in freelance writing, editing, and voice over talent. Her work has appeared in dozens of magazines, websites and anthologies. Because conservatives can be green, too, Hana's new passion is blogging as the Green Grandma (http://thegreengrandma.blogspot.com), where old-fashioned ways combine with 21st century common sense. She will be sharing how you too as a writer can utilize personal initiative, talent, and savvy marketing to make a living at your craft.

DECEMBER 18TH: Joyce Magnin, author of The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, chosen as one of the "Top 5 Best Christian Fiction Books of 2009" by Library Journal, and co-author of non-fiction title, Linked to Someone in Pain, as well as other fiction novels and numerous magazine articles, will be offering a workshop this month, title and subject still to be determined.

OTHER LCW NEWSBITES:

1. We still have openings for speakers/workshops throughout the year, so if you have a suggestion for a speaker, please do let me know along with contact information. We also have openings if you would like to share a writer-relevant devotional (5-10 minutes) at the monthly meetings. Please contact me if you'd like to get on the calendar for this.

2. Our on-line peer critique program is off the ground in the fiction genre with enough signed up for two full groups. Scifi/Fantasy writer Ruth Morris is spearheading this, so if you are interested in joining in, email her directly at: rmm@paonline.com.  To this point we haven't had enough interest for a non-fiction on-line group. If you are interested in the latter, please let me know. The purpose is to permit 3-4 writers to exchange larger chunks of manuscript back and forth for peer critique than can be shared at an LCW meeting, committing to critiquing each other's material (3-4 chapters during the month). 

3. Also, a reminder that LCW's news blog, Lancaster Christian Writers Today, is up at www.lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com.  If you haven't yet become a follower, please do. LCW news will be posted there on a regular basis.

If anyone has any news or writing opportunities pertinent to LCW members, please do send them to me, and we will make sure they are shared with the group. And please do pass on LCW news and opportunities to friends, family, church members with interest in the writing craft.

Until October.

Blessings,

Jeanette Windle

Chapter President, Lancaster Christian Writers

http://www.lancasterchristianwriters.org/
http://www.jeanettewindle.com/

LCW Kickoff Saturday, Sept. 11th with Awardwinning Author Tracy Higley

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

A reminder that LCW's fall kickoff is this coming Saturday, September 11th, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Don't miss this opportunity to hear from and interact with award-winning author of the Seven Ancient Wonders series, Tracy Higley. Whether you are a fiction or non-fiction author, you won't want to miss the opportunity to learn the investigative techniques by which Tracy Higley wafts her readers to the City of the Dead in ancient Egypt, the Colossus of Rhodes, the rock city of Petra, Babylon's hanging gardens and much more so vividly I personally felt I'd hopped a time machine. Tracy will be bringing along her titles, so grab this opportunity to tuck away an autographed book or two for Christmas gifts (and read them first!). Admission is FREE, so please do pass on this wonderrful opportunity to anyone you know who might be interested.
We will also be giving time for small-group peer critique. If you are planning to participate, bring ten copies of material. Word count limit is 1500 words. Guidelines posted at www.lancasterchristianwriters.org. We'll look forward to seeing you Saturday.

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
Chapter President, Lancaster Christian Writers
http://www.lancasterchristianwriters.org/
http://www.jeanettewindle.com/

MORE LCW Family News

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

It was so much fun to run into one after another of LCW members last week at Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference--and to see some members picking up publishing opportunities. I had not expected to put out another update this month, but too much LCW in-house family news has come this way to wait. SO here we go:

1. Above all, don't forget to carve out Saturday, September 11th, for LCW's fall kick-off with awardwinning author of the Seven Wonders series Tracy Higley at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (doors open at 9). Her topic of investigative and historical research will be of interest for fiction and non-fiction writers alike. Please do forward this invitation to any interested writers you know.

2. On-line Peer Mentoring: Several have contacted me as per discussed on-line peer critique groups for longer manuscripts mentioned in the last LCW update. OTHERS I knew had asked to participate informed me when I asked that they hadn't read far enough down the LCW news update to notice the announcement. If you are among those who didn't see the announcement and are interested, PLEASE let me know within the next week or so. We'd like to have this organized by the Sept. kickoff. This would be a genre group no more than 4-5 who commit to reading and critiquing each other's writing during the month by email. One simply sends a few chapters out to the group, reads each others chapters, and emails back commentary.

3. We are simplifying the LCW website by linking it to a blog where regular news, writing opportunities, etc will be posted instead of a webmaster having to update the website on a regular basis. The blog, Lancaster Christian Writers Today is at: http://www.lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/. You will be able to check its updates any time through the LCW website. But please do take a moment to go to the blog and click on Follow. And if you have the techno-knowhow, consider linking it to your FaceBook page.

4. Congratulations to several LCW members who have had publication opportunities recently. James Castellano responded to an opportunity at Church Mouse Publications shared at Super Saturday, which accepted pieces from him, as did Lucid Magazine. Then at Greater Philly CWC, he shared articles with two magazines presented there, Enrichment and The Voice of Grace and Truth, and was accepted (one of the benefits of meeting personally with editors at writers conferences!).

Tom Burris had a short story "You Can Go Home Again" accepted for publication by Word Aflame Publications in "The Vision". And Tom and Yolanda Barbagallo's memoir, "Rescued: A True Story of Enduring Love" was featured in the TriCounty Record:

5. And speaking of getting published, LCW member Bill Heinrich shares the following opportunity :

Share what you believe: Examiner.com seeks ministers, religious teachers, freethinkers, or others who have in-depth experience in, and passion for, a particular religion or spirituality-related subject. Examiners are local insiders with writing skills who desire to share their knowledge with others. They are socially-conscious people in the community who desire to fulfill their inner calling and improve the lives of others. Examiners have their own page on our website complete with a photo and a bio which may also include links to their personal site. (go to Examiner.com for instructions on submitting).

See you soon!

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
Chapter President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Lancaster Christian Writers Summer News

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

No, LCW has not ceased to exist, nor have I personally disappeared off the face of the earth. But I have long last turned Veiled Freedom sequel, Freedom's Furnace, into Tyndale House Publishers and have emerged from my cave to discover the sun is still shining, the planet turning, and my in-box and mail are piled high.

All to say, please do mark your calendar for Lancaster Christian Writers' fall kickoff Saturday, Sept. 11th, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA 17543 at 9:30AM (registration beginning 9 AM) to hear from award-winning author and investigative journalist T. J. Higley.

Our speaker is worth slipping into your September schedule. T. L. (Tracy) Higley, author of the award-winning Seven Wonders series (check them out at www.tlhigley.com) is not only one of the finest Christian fiction authors I have personally read, but a researcher and investigative journalist extraordinaire. Her travels have led her to the ancient sites of which she writes. Her tips on investigative research and writing will be a privilege for fiction and non-fiction writers alike. I personally will be bringing my checkbook to pick up her latest release, set in Petra. SO PLAN TO COME. We'll have the final date to you as soon as possible.

LCW FAMILY NEWS:

1) Congratulations!! LCW members Tom and Yolanda Barbagallo's book, Rescued: A True Story of Enduring Love, has rolled off the press. Attached is a press release that tells how you can obtain it. Or they will be presenting it at LCW as well.
2) Fiction writer Joyce Magnin, author of The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, who spoke at our March 2009 Super Saturday, is offering the following to LCW members. If you are looking for individual mentoring, I highly recommend this opportunity: "My editor Barbara Scott and I are conducting a one-daywriting intensive on August 21 in Newtown Square, PA or Media, PA depending on the number of people we get. This is an awesome opportunity to spend the day with an acquiring editor. She is offering critiques and lessons for $159 per person including lunch. Folks can check out her blog for more information: www. therovingeditor.blogspot.com."

3) On-line Peer Mentoring: At our last several LCW meetings, a number have inquired about more in-depth peer critique groups for longer works-in-progress, which cannot be effectively covered in the once a month critique sessions. This has not worked in person to date just because it is so hard to get people together. A discussed alternative has been on-line groups, no more than 4-5 who commit to reading and critiquing each other's works during the month and sending commentary back, completely by email. This is a system with which I personally mentor literally around the planet. It can be very effective, especially for full fiction novels, and does not take a lot of time, simply because there is only so much one's peers can write in a month. One simply sends a few chapters out to the group, read each others chapters, and email back commentary. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF AN ON-LINE PEER CRITIQUE GROUP, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR INTEREST, PREFERRED E-ADDRESS, AND GENRE. The goal would be to put several fiction writers together, non-fiction, etc.

A final reminder that due to a small surplus that has built up in LCW accounts over these last three years, we will be suspending annual dues through the 2010 calendar year.

Looking forward to seeing you all in a few weeks.

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
Chapter President, Lancaster Christian Writers
http://www.lancasterchristianwriters.org/
www.jeanettewindle.com