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As Christians who write, we meet together to promote unity and fellowship, to encourage one another and to develop our skills as writers. We are a chapter of American Christian Writers, a national organization.

We meet at Grove Avenue Baptist Church, 1 block south of Patterson Avenue at 8701 Ridge Road, Richmond, VA 23229 in Room 211.

We typically meet on the third Sunday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Join us!


Click HERE for directions.


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Friday, August 18, 2006

Open Letter to Lin Johnson from Judi Reid

Dear Christians Who Write:

Here is a not Judi sent Lin on Editor Appreciation Day. It says more tha, "Thank you, Line." to me it shows a bond that developed at a writers conference you can't get anywhere else.

Judi, thanks for sharing.

Tom

Dear Lin,

Praying God's blessing

On Editors' Day

Especially for you

Who proclaims His Way.

I appreciate you and your encouragement.

At the ACW Conference in Richmond, VA. this year, you asked conferees to write one sentence expressing why they should receive a free book. My response was, "Because I did not have the courage to submit an application for the 'Persistence Award.'" Apparently, I would have been the only applicant...

You honored me as the first recipient. I chose Karla Downing's, 10 Lifesaving Principles for Women in Difficult Marriages. This is helping me with my own book, A Woman's Guide to the Effects of Pornography on Families. And, when I met with Judi Perry at CBA I was able to connect with her because of this specific book.

It gets even better, Lin. :) When I noticed a contest at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers' Conference, I determined (with your voice in the back of my mind) that this time I would not let fear and negative tapes deter me from applying I wrote a poem, submitted it in the non-published poet category, and won! This may be the only poem I ever submit, but, because of you I did it this time.

I just wanted you to know how far your encouragement has reached five months later. Thank you.

Love,

In Christ,

Judi Reid

JudiGReid@aol.com

Writing Opportunity

Request for Story Submissions

How would you like to honor your grandparents, build your writing resume, and get a little funny money all at the same time??

All serious writers are invited to submit original and true stories about grandfathers and grandmothers for a companion set of gift books to be published by J. Countryman Publishers (a division of Thomas Nelson). Books are scheduled to be released in early spring 2007.

Writing Guidelines:

Word Count = 500 - 1,750 words

Following is a writing opp from Laurel Brunvoll. Please DO NOT RESPOND TO ME WITH QUESTIONS, ETC. Instead, contact Laurel Brunvoll.

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All stories need to be the original work of the submitting author. These collections are a compilation of true stories. No fictional stories please. People's names within the story can be changed to protect an individual's privacy.

Each and every story must be written impeccably (from grammar usage to style and uniqueness). Less may be often be more. Each story needs to be charming and use humor appropriately. These stories need to make the heart smile (or chuckle or guffaw).

Book #1: "All My Bad Habits I Learned from Grandpa" - Stories that
Poke Fun in a nice way at how grandfathers can bend the rules and can
be a bit rascally or silly especially with grandchildren.

Book #2: "All My Good Habits I Learned from Grandma" - Stories that Poke Fun in a nice way at how grandmothers can do everything right and are so sweet especially with grandchildren.

Keep in mind the saying "Girls are spice and everything nice" and "Boys are snips and snails and puppy dog tails." This is a fun look at this generalization and how it plays out with grandfathers and grandmothers!

If your story is accepted for publication, you will receive:

$50.00 payment (payable after publication of book) Name acknowledgement (in table of contents and with story) Written, published legacy for your own grandparent(s)
Great item to mention on your writing resume DEADLINE: September 30, 2006

Please email stories to LSBI@comcast.net. You must include contact information (full name, mailing address, phone number and email address) with each submission. There is no limit in the number of stories you can submit. Please be prepared to sign a release form.

Acceptance is at the sole discretion of Laurel Brunvoll. Final decisions may be delayed depending upon the publishing schedule. You will receive email notification of the status of your story.

Looking for Marble Movers

Dear Christians Who Write:

This past spring I introduced a challenge to serious writiers to join a special group of Marble Movers. It is my goal to help 10 writers get published for pay by 12/2006. Six have joined and are working hard to accomplish this goal. I'll take more than 10. So far, one Marble Mover has sold an article that will be published next year.

Here is a note I received from Mary Moss:

Tom, I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement and challenge to you gave to us several months ago! I am moving marble like crazy and am beginning to be published on the web in various locations. I'm also finding myself boldly taking the first step - in offering to provide content -- and more often than not -- I'm told YES!

Thank you, thank you. And God Bless.

Mary Moss


If you are a dues-paying member I trust you are serious about writing. If both are true, why not consider making a more conserted effort toward getting an article published for pay before the year is out. Another writing op will follow this post.

In His Service,

Tom

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Writer's Digest Short Story Competition

The 7th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition is accepting entries! We're looking for fiction that's bold, brilliant ... but brief. Send us your best in 1,500 words or less. But don't be too long about it--the deadline is December 1, 2006.

The Grand-Prize winner will receive $3,000 (that's $2 -- or more -- per word).

For guidelines, prizes and to enter online, visit:
http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/shortshort/

Plus, the 1st- through 25th-place manuscripts will be printed in the 7th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection, published by Trafford Publishing.

Learn more about this special collection and to reserve your copy today:
http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/shortshort/

Congrats, Marti Berger!

Hi Tom,

I wrote and submitted a piece for (the call you put out a few weeks ago) Crystal Murray's book Good Morning Christian Writer, and it has been accepted for publishing! It is not a publish for pay but I believe it's a wonderful beginning of good things to come. Thanks for keeping us marble movers moving marbles.

In Christ Love,

Marti
marti.berger@comcast.net

Last Chance: River Writing Journey

Subj: LAST CHANCE: River Writing Journey
Date: Wednesday, August 9, 2006 5:39:44 PM

A handful of spaces remain in the seven-day custom river rafting/creative writing trip, which runs August 27-September 2 through Cataract Canyon of the Colorado River. The trip is open to women writers of all genres, and no experience (river running or writing) is necessary. Scholarships are still available.

The trip is a partnership with Sheri Griffith Expeditions, a Moab, Utah-based outfitter with 35 years rafting experience, specializing in rivers of the West. The trip through scenic canyons, calm waters and Class III-V rapids is guided by extensively trained and highly personable riverwomen who know this country and wish to share it.

In its January issue, O the Oprah Magazine spotlighted the journey as one of "Six Great All-girl Getaways" of the year. Lambert describes the course as a "free-flowing journaling workshop where insights into fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry are organically woven into each day's adventures." Guided canyon hikes, gourmet camp fare, one-on-one consultations with the instructor, $50 discount toward a 2007 Aspen Writers' Foundation workshop, and an autographed copy of Writing Down the River are special features of the trip.

"Something very magical happens on these trips," says Lambert. "The combination of women alone in the wilderness, writing and sharing, creates a unique atmosphere of trust and openness."

Lambert was described in Inside/Outside Southwest Magazine as one of the most notable women writers of the contemporary West. She was among 15 writers selected to contribute to Writing Down the River, and her books €” including the memoir In Search of Kinship and the novel Shifting Stars €” continue to draw high praise. She has facilitated over 100 workshops, readings and retreats, including more than a dozen river writing journeys.

Tuition for the River Writing Journey is $1499. The fee includes transportation from Moab to the river launch, professional guides, rafts, tents, cushy Paco sleeping pads, sleeping bags, all meals on the river, creative writing instruction and workshop materials. A limited number of partial tuition scholarships are still available.

More information is available from Jamie Abbott of the Aspen Writers' Foundation at 970.925.3122 ext. 3# and www.aspenwriters.org.

--
Jamie Abbott
Director of Programs
Aspen Writers' Foundation
110 E. Hallam, Suite No. 116
Aspen, CO 81611
tel: 970.925.3122
fax: 970.920.5700
http://www.aspenwriters.org/

Katrina Poem by Mary Moss Published

Check it out at: The poem I wrote in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has been published on line. You can read it by clicking on the link below: http://www.storycircle.org/katrina/

Mary Moss: MomPrays247@aol.com

August Meeting Notice

Richmond Christians Who Write

"Write the vision, and make it plain..." Hab. 2:2

12114 Walnut Hill Drive
Rockville, Virginia 23146
Telephone: 804-749-4050
FAX 804-749-4939

E-mail: RichmondCWW@aol.com
Blog: http://rcww.blogspot.com

Rev. Thomas C. Lacy
Founder - President

Barbara Baranowski
Membership

Marie Corso
Advisor

Michael Rew
Blog Master

August Meeting

Our next meeting will be August 20th, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Grove Avenue Baptist Church. NOTE: Enter the church through the rear entrance closest to the Parham Road side of the building. Upon entering, look for the elevator on your left. Go to the 2nd floor. Turn right when getting off the elevator, go to the end of the hall, turn right, go to the first door on the left past the water cooler.

Note: Look for change of meeting room in September at GABC!

We will go back to murch larger rooms on the first floor. Exact room numbers and location will be spelled out in the opning paragraph of our September meeting. We will all enjoy the expanded space.

August Program

Sherry Maxwell, Journalist and Poet will speak on Christian Poetry: Writing to reflect the heartbeat of God, Steps for Writing and Examples of Christian poems. You poets bring your poet friends.

Up Coming Meetings

NOTE we will meet on the 2nd Sunday, the 10th, to take advantage of Louise DuMont being in town to visit her family. She has agreed to do two workshops that Sunday afternoon. We will dispense with the 4:00 to 5:00 critique session. Many of you have told me how inspirational and helpful she has been on her previous visits.

We want to consider this format, the two one-hour workshops, quarterly instead of holding an annual fall weekend conference as in the past.

Please come to our meetings so we can get your feedback. We are here to serve you and have programs that meet your needs.

We will not have a December meeting, but something else just might happen in December. Keep your eye on your e-mail in box or mail box.

2006 Meeting Schedule

September 10 (2nd Sunday), October 15, November 19.

Normal Monthly Meeting Schedule

2:00-2:15 Sign In and Fellowship
2:15 Opening Prayer
2:15-2:45 Introductions and Announcements
2:45-3:45 Speaker or Workshop
3:45-4:00 Refreshments and Fellowship
4:00-4:55 Critique (Bring 20 copies, typed, double spaced)
4:55-5:00 Closing Prayer

Writing Conferences

Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference, October 1-4, 2006
Details: http://www.sandycovewriters.com/

Glorieta Christina Writers Conference, October 11-15, 2006
Details: http://www.glorietacwc.com/

Dues and Mailing Lists

Dues, in the amount of $10.00 will cover membership from August through December. They may be paid at our monthly meetings or mailed to:
Richmond Christians Who Write
12114 Walnut Hill Drive
Rockville, VA 23146.

See you on August 20th!

Tom

HURRY: FREE SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

Dear Christian writers' groups -

"Encourage each other to build each other up" 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (TLB) says.

I am convinced that encouragement is one of the most precious (and needed) gifts we can give each other. I seriously doubt I would have over 1,000 sales to Christian periodicals and eight published books without the encouragement I've received through the years from so many.

I want to keep passing that gift of encouragement on.

Thanks to gifts from several special friends I am able to offer three FULL scholarships to the August 10-12 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Each scholarship will cover the $285 registration fee and the $49 meal package for 7 meals at the conference. Travel and lodging are not included. (For complete conference info and to view our 8-page brochure visit www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia.)

Is there someone in your writer's group you feel God wants you to encourage through your personal recommendation that he or she be given a scholarship? As you pray about this, please consider the following:

- Is he committed to the Lord Jesus Christ and eager to serve the Lord through writing?
- Is he committed to becoming a craftsman of excellence?
- Is he an active member of your group?
- Do you believe his writing has the potential to impact many lives but that he is in need of the encouragement the conference will offer?

In 250 words or less tell us who you are recommending and why, based on the above criteria. Please include his contact info: USPS address, e-mail address, and phone number. Your recommendation needs to be received via e-mail no later than July 12. Before submitting your recommendation, please check with the individual to make certain he would be able to come.

On July 13 we will notify you and the person you recommended whether or not he has been chosen to receive a scholarship. Seven runners-up will receive a free copy of my book Write His Answer - A Bible Study for Christian Writers.

Father, I trust that You have already chosen the writers You want to encourage through these scholarships and through Write His Answer. Thank You in advance for what You're going to do in their lives. And thank You, Father, for the faithfulness of these group leaders. Bless them in special and unexpected ways.

In Christ - Marlene

Thursday, August 03, 2006

The Christian Writers View 2

Dear Christians Who Write:

I have been on an online e-mail group for years and have gained a lot of knowledge about the craft and the industry through net working this way. This is not a chat room, and as Judi points out you can pick what you want to read. I suggest it strongly.

Tom

Dear Tom,

I can't thank you enough for encouraging us to sign up for TWV2. (The Writer's View). It has connected me to serious writers, not-yet-sure writers and experts. The topics cover so many of the questions I've heard expressed in our meetings. Copyright, plagiarism, agents, proposals, conferences, etc. I have an option of reading the advice, deleting, or responding with my own experience or asking more questions. It's invaluable.

Please feel free to send this to your list. Maybe it will encourage others to reap the benefits as well. Twice a week provides a mini course on a relevant topic.

Love,
In Christ,
Judi
JudiGReid@aol.com

If you are an intermediate or beginning writer, check out TWV2 at The Christian Writers View 2. This is a new sister group designed for writers to take their writing career/ministry to the next level.

Call for Submissions: Good Morning Christian Writer

I am writing to inform you of a new project in the works that is already getting great feedback and which already has an interested publisher. If you are on the CLASServices e-mail list, or a few other lists where it has been posted, you may have seen this notice or even written for guidelines.

The project is currently titled, "Good Morning Christian Writer" and is planned to become a compilation of 366 daily devotions for Christian writers, each of which will be followed by a short writing exercise. The devotions will run from 150 to 250 words, and the exercises from 50 to 150 words. There are also plans for derivative works from the initial project.

The current deadline is September 30th, 2006, so if you are interested in contributing one or more submissions to the project, please send an e-mail to morningwriter@gmail.com and request the full guidelines. Feel free to tell me a little about yourself, or to include links to
your sites or other works, when you send your request.

I will be accepting multiple submissions and have sent out nearly 100 copies of the guidelines so far. Those who have already submitted something are saying they have already had a lot of fun with their creations, so this is your invitation to join them and have fun yourself. In addition to having fun and encouraging other Christian
writers, you will receive two contributor copies of the completed book.

One more thing ... I have created a blog for those interested to follow the progress of the book. Eventually, I plan to list the names and links of authors whose work has been accepted. The blog can be found at ... http://morningwriter.blogspot.com/ and I would love to get some feedback and comments on it as I walk you all through the experiences of this book.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from many of you.

Crystal A. Murray
Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

A writing group for women

Not to be sexist . . . I was introduced to this group by a friend. I joined recently and have purchased a facilitators guide in order to lead a group. I'm pursuing starting a group at the women's prison in Goochland. I'll keep you posted on my progress. This group is for women only. Sorry . . . Please share this link with the group:

Story Circle Network

Thanks,

Mary Moss: MomPrays24/7@aol.com