Local Writing Opportunity

Dear Christians Who Wirte:

I recently received the following writing op. Karen will be speaking to our group in January, but you might want to keep this in mind. She is interested in hearing your article ideas and will consider suggestions for periodic columns. Although these are non-paying opportunities, you can get your name before thousands of local readers. Your profit is building name recognition.

Tom

*****

Tom,

I'm the owner/developer of a new faith-based website in Richmond - SpotlightRichmond.com. We have a Faith & Values section on the site. We currently have an article on there by Stacy Hawkins Adams. Other Christian writers have submitted stories. We would welcome stories, poems, etc. from your members.

We officially launched at the end of September - had 92,000 hits in October. In early January, we are going to announce a Random Acts of Kindness Contest. National RAK week is Feb. 12-18. The idea is to localize that event - encouraging people to commit 3 RAK that week - pay it forward - we'll list everyone involved, share stories, give away lots of prizes - and compile a book of stories - which will be sold with 100% of proceeds going back into the community through charitable projects. Would welcome help with the book portion of this project especially.

Karen Hannon

Guideposts Books Looking for Stories

I'm trying to find writers who can submit clean, first-person stories of
miracles, large and small, for consideration in a book series we are currently publishing called When Miracles Happen. So far we have books on healing, God's care, prayer, and children. Future volumes already in the works are Miracles and Rescues, Miracles of Renewal, Miracles Everyday, Miracles and Mysterious Visitors, Miracles at Christmas and more.

When Miracles Happen Book Series
Series Editor

I'd be happy to answer any questions, and very much appreciate your help and
interest.

Sincerely,
David
----------
David Morris, Senior Editor
Guideposts Books and Inspirational Media
16 E. 34th Street, New York, NY 10016
ph: 212.251.8137, fax: 212.684.6089
Guideposts

Judi Reid, Marti Berger on Marble Moving

Dear Tom,

Isn't it wonderful when your writer's move marbles? I'm excited for Mary. And just a few minutes ago, I submitted my poem online, too, to Writer's Digest Poetry Contest. Wouldn't it be wonderful if one or both of us won? I hope some other poets submit their pieces from our group. It's a real thrill to follow through and at least try:) Thanks for the encouragement-all year long!

Love,

In Christ,

Judi Reid:)

*****

Congratulations Tom,

I'm so happy for you!

I have not lost my marbles, I just over committed myself this year and my marbles have come to a halt for the last month.

I do intend to get them moving again and I won't give up until I receive a publish for pay and when that day comes I'll still continue to move marbles. God Bless you, Tom for all your encouragement; I wouldn't have gotten this far without your help.

Have a wonderful Christ centered Christmas!

See you in the New Year.

In Christ Love,

Marti

Nancy Stevens Meets Goal as Marble Mover

Tom,

I have waited for the LONGEST time to be able to toot my horn, BUT now I am happy to say, I DID IT! PRAISE GOD! A local web developer hired me as a contractor and put me on his Advisory Board. What a great writing credit.

Part of my duties will be to create web content for his clients and make modifications to existing sites. Thanks to you and Yvonne for encouraging me to write and move marbles. I was published on the web today - meeting my goal of being published before 12-31-06. PRAISE GOD! It only took 45 years for me to get here. HAHA!

God Bless you all and trust me - if I can do it - ANYONE can!

Nancy Louise Stevens

Writer and Speaker
http://www.nancylouise.com/

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and pleasant to the bones. Pr 16:24 NIV

Tom's Tardy Toot

Dear Christians Who Write:

At our November meeting I shared that my testimony, "A Worthwhile Life", was published in the book, His Forever: Stories of Real People Finding Christ. I got my copy just prior to our November meeting, but I didn't tell everyone.

I entered a contest sponsored by Adams Media in December 2005. I found out last March I'd made the first cut, and in August I was informed the book would be published in November. After getting my complimentary copy of the book I got my $50.00 check. PTL. But I couldn't have done it without you!

An RCWW group critiqued my testimony. Tammy Belcher took a special interest in my project and gave further detailed critiquing and editing. The editor at Adams Media made several changes in the arrangement, but little editing of content. Thanks to Tammy and all that contributed to my getting this piece published. I pray my testimony will touch and change lives.

My appeal to you who are submitting and not getting published is that in the writing business no one does it alone. We need each other. And as we enter 2007 I am going to push (in love) for more critique groups and to expand our Marble Mover program. Congratulations to those Marble Movers who did get published for pay in 2006.

Pray for me as I pray for you.

In His Service,

Tom

Shenandoah Christian Writers Discuss Why We Write

This list came thanks to Kay Walsh of Shenandoah Christian Writers:

Reasons We Write

* It is a gift from God

* Relief from stress

* Words are my art and melody

* I enjoy it

* Without it, I feel empty

* To give hope to others

* It is a record and/or witness to my life

* Helps me see how God is at work in my life

* I have something worthwhile to say

* It's fun!

* Helps to prepare me to speak

* To share information

* It is a discipline

* I aspire to use the gift God has given

* To impact the lives of others

* To work through things

* I have stories to tell

* I like coming to the Shenandoah Writer's group so I have to write ;-)

Quote from Jen F.: "If you read what you want to write, you will write what people want to read."

Quote from Richard E.: "Your will, your words, my voice."

Quote from Donna S.: "When I read your article it was like eating desert."

(Quotes may not be exact, but pretty close ;-)

So have a Happy Reading and Writing New Year!

Writing Op: Chicken Soup for the Soul Series

The popular Chicken Soup for the Soul is calling for submissions to possible upcoming titles. Visit the main site for details and click on "Submit a Story" for more information. Accepted submissions receive payment. Download the following guidelines for further information as well.

Writer's Digest Poetry Contest

Dear Christians Who Write:

Although there is an entry fee for this contest, Writer's Digest is a reputable contest. However, read the guidelines completely to be sure you want to enter. We have some good poets in our group, so there it is reasonable that some of you can walk off with the prize money.

Tom

Dear Newsletter Subscriber:

We're pleased to announce the only WD competition exclusively for poets, the Writer's Digest Poetry Awards! Regardless of style--rhyming, free verse, haiku and more--if your poems are 32 lines or fewer, we want them all. Submit your entries by
the December 20, 2006 deadline ... and your words could be worth cold hard cash!

First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate to
Writer's Digest Books

Plus, the names and poem titles of all First- through Tenth-Place winners will be printed in the August issue of Writer's Digest, and all winners will receive a copy of the 2007 Poet's Market.

For guidelines and to enter online visit this link today!

Tips to Winning Writing Contests

Dear Christians Who Write:

This was passed along to me. As always, read the guidelines and contractual agreement you may be entering. Sorry to say, I'm not able to read all the detail that comes to me, but even if you do not enter any of these contests the information is good. Thanks to Mary Moss for sharing this information.

Tom

The 4th Margaret Reid Poetry Contest for Traditional Verse is now open. A total of $4,500 in cash prizes will be awarded. Please visit this site OR this site for full details.

Early entries will have an advantage. Why? I explain this in my book Write Ways to Win Writing Contests, but briefly:

1. Because of the fewer number of entries received daily, judges have far more time to read, consider, re-read, savor and think about particular entries.
   
2. In contests where there are two or more judges, ALL the judges will read ALL the early entries. This means that if one judge likes your work, that judge will go to bat for it even if the other judges are not as enthusiastic.
   
3. Often a poem takes time to germinate in a judge's mind. A first reading may seem to make little impression, but certain phrases, certain ideas, certain images lodge in the mind and are recalled long after seemingly more significant entries are forgotten. Every judge I know (including me) has wasted an enormous amount of time hunting through reject baskets, looking for particular poems that are suddenly recalled.
   
4. Most judges like to set standards and this is done quite early in a Contest. Tim Tyro may send in a poem called "A Lost Romance" which really appeals to the judges. Lots of other entries on this theme will follow, but the judges will measure all those entries against "A Lost Romance". Even if another entry is actually better in fact it will often be discarded because the judges will give "A Lost Romance" the benefit of familiarity and will tend to discount the freshness or the imagination present in a rival piece.
   

So you have a lot to gain by lodging entries early and not putting it off until the last few weeks.

On to other news. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the trade edition of Sailing in the Mist of Time: 50 Award-Winning Poems from the Margaret Reid Contest has been postponed to mid-2007. The present beautiful edition, however, will remain on direct sale at Lulu. The price is less than $10. Excellent value! Please use this link.

One of the reasons the trade edition has been postponed was the distributor's thought that the present book of 50 poems was not large enough for sale in the nation's bookstores. So we will add the winning poems from the now-judging Tom Howard Poetry Contest as well as the winning poems from this new Margaret Reid Contest. The distributor wants a big book, so he will get a big book!

This, however, could be the last time that traditional print publication is offered!

Regarding the Tom Howard Poetry Contest, your judges are hard at work, evaluating entries. Official results will be announced on February 15, 2007. However, if you have won a cash prize, you can expect to hear from us in the next month or so.

The Tom Howard Short Story and Essay Contest is now open. Please visit this link OR this link for full details. $3,200 in prizes, including a First Prize of $1,200. If you plan to enter, it's a good idea to take a look at our new Anthology entitled Watching Time. This newly published anthology of prize-winning stories and essays from recent Tom Howard Short Story Contests is now on sale at Amazon (and other book stores). The recommended retail price is $12.95, a bargain for a trade paperback of 208 pages containing no less than fifteen award-winning stories and essays. If you click on the link Watching Time above, it will take you straight to Amazon. (Of course you can also buy direct from the publisher at Lulu.com).

More Info On Marlene Bagnull Conference

This is a reprint of the original notice with follow-up info following:

Shenandoah Christian Writers Conference

Dear Christian Writers,

Our Shenandoah Christian Writers group will be sponsoring a conference featuring Marlene Bagwell in Harrisonburg Va. at Westside Baptist Church on March 9-10, 2007. Plans at this time include a Friday afternoon critique session followed by dinner and workshops. Saturday will include a full day of workshops.

Marlene wrote the Bible Study for Christian writers called Write His Answer. She also sponsors national conferences in Philadelphia, Penn. and Colorado every year. She has spent a great deal of time learning from, as well as teaching, many famous Christian authors. A book table will be featured.

What a great gift to give or receive for Christmas!

More details to come!

Grace and Peace,

Kay

Early Bird Registration:

The "early bird" price before Jan. 31, 2007 will be $60. The regular registration will be $70. The price will go up after that, but I have forgotten the specifics. This will include a group critiquing session with Marlene on Friday afternoon. A pizza and salad dinner on Friday evening. Friday evening sessions with Marlene. On Sat., there will be a continental breakfast and box lunch. Sessions with Marlene speaking will go all day, ending at 5 pm.

Marlene will be bringing boxes and boxes of free materials.

Keep an eye open for more details.

Kay

November 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

November 7, 2006

NOVEMBER MONTHLY MEETING


Our next meeting will be November 19th, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Grove Avenue Baptist Church. NOTE: Enter the church through the rear entrance closest to the Ridge Road side of the building. Upon entering, look for the first hallway on your right. Go into the first room on your left: Room 166.

Write More Impactful Articles for Publication

Learn how to target your articles for specific markets, focus your writing to connect with your audience, and evoke the senses in every aspect of your article.

The November meeting of Richmond Christians Who Write will feature RCWW members Cheryl Black and Becky Gray who recently attended the Sandy Cove Christian Writer's Conference.

Cheryl and Becky will lead two interactive sessions for the group, "Adding the Senses to Your Writing" (2:45-3:45) and "Getting Your Message Across" (4:00-5:00).

Bring a non-fiction article you've been working on and plan to apply new techniques to help move you closer to publication.

Another November Writers Workshop

On Tuesday, November 28th at 7PM, Author Stacy Hawkins Adams will be visiting Glen Allen Library to discuss "Writing Inspirational Fiction in a Mainstream World." This will be followed by a book signing. You can get additional info by calling 756-7523.

2006 Meeting Schedule

No December Meeting. Our next meeting will be January 21, 2007.

Regular 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

Dues

Dues, in the amount of $20.00 will cover membership from January through December 2007. 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 November 19th!

Tom

Article and Resosurce from Pete Mallett

Hey Tom,

I don't know why I didn't mention this to you sooner. I let several people know about it, but somehow I don't think I passed it on to you.

I have an article on a web site called, will write 4 food. The writing is called, "Story Sparklers", and it is about a third of the way down in the list on the main page. The article would probably interest your group because it directly relates to writing and creativity.

The site is run by Christy Barritt and some other Virginia writers. It is not a paying market for articles. If you provide your address, however, you will receive a large size of your favorite candy bar. As Christy put it, "After all this is will write for food!" It is a great site for information, tips, and testimony.

Have a great day,

Peter D. Mallett

Author Stacy Hawkins Adams - Nov 28th

Hi Tom,

I have some information you might want to share with our group. On Tuesday, November 28th at 7PM, Author Stacy Hawkins Adams will be visiting Glen Allen Library to discuss Writing Inspirational Fiction in a Mainstream World, this will be followed by a book signing. Even though it falls on a Tuesday it sounds like something we all might want to do together. I have all intentions of attending, regardless. You can get additional info by calling 756-7523.

God Bless you,

Marti

Congrats to Barbara Baranowski & Writing Ops

Hi Tom,

I do so much writing for Good News Mission that I forget to pass on good news about articles. I do so only to keep others motivated to write.

This month I have an article on two ezines: VictoryHerald.com and Richmond.com. Both are slated to be out isometime in November. God alone gets the glory for this. I want to remind others to that both places are hungry for our articles. Keep writing for Him.

Barbara Baranowski

Reid Reaps Rewards

Dear Marble Movers:

Some time back Judi told me she had enetered a poetry contest. She said it was the first poem she had written, and she won the contest. Judi said a part of her prize was a $75 discount on a writers conference (I believe). It did not register with me at the time that this was the same as being paid for writing. (Duh!)

Therefore, Judi is our third Marble Mover to publish for pay before 12/31/2006.

Sorry, Judi, for the delayed acknowledgement of accomplishing your goal as a Marble Mover.

God bless.

Tom

Shenandoah Christian Writers Conference

Dear Christian Writers,

Our Shenandoah Christian Writers group will be sponsoring a conference featuring Marlene Bagwell in Harrisonburg Va. at Westside Baptist Church on March 9-10, 2007. Plans at this time include a Friday afternoon critique session followed by dinner and workshops. Saturday will include a full day of workshops.

Marlene wrote the Bible Study for Christian writers called Write His Answer. She also sponsors national conferences in Philadelphia, Penn. and Colorado every year. She has spent a great deal of time learning from, as well as teaching, many famous Christian authors. A book table will be featured.

What a great gift to give or receive for Christmas!

More details to come!

Grace and Peace,

Kay


"Owe no one anything but love, for this fulfills the law."
Romans 13:8

Writer's Digest Poetry Awards Call for Entries

We're pleased to announce the only WD competition exclusively for poets, the Writer's Digest Poetry Awards! Regardless of style--rhyming, free verse, haiku and more--if your poems are 32 lines or fewer, we want them all. Submit your entries by the December 20, 2006 deadline ... and your words could be worth cold hard cash!

First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate to
Writer's Digest Books

Plus, the names and poem titles of all First- through Tenth-Place winners will be printed in the August issue of Writer's Digest, and all winners will receive a copy of the 2007 Poet's Market.

For guidelines and to enter online, visit today!

Writer's Digest Popular Fiction Awards Calls for Entries

The WD Popular Fiction Awards

Don't miss this short story competition from Writer's Digest! You can compete and win in all five categories--just make sure your entries are 4,000 words or fewer and we receive them by the November 1, 2006 deadline.

Enter the contest and your fantastic fiction could bring home these big prizes:

GRAND PRIZE: $2,500 cash, $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books, plus a manuscript critique and marketing advice from a Writer's Digest editor or advisory board member.

FIRST PRIZE: The First-Place Winner in each category receives $500 cash, $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books, plus a manuscript critique and marketing advice from a Writer's Digest editor or advisory board member.

HONORABLE MENTION: All Honorable Mentions will receive promotion in Writer's Digest and the 2007 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market.

Don't wait--visit for guidelines and to enter today!

Coming Soon: Independent Publishing House

Dear Christians Who Write:

I picked this notice up from Christian Writers Group, on online group I've been in since 1998. But like everything else, check the information out thoroughly.

Tom

Subj: [CWG] Following a Dream
Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2006 6:25:16 PM
From:
To: CWG@yahoogroups.com

I have been lurking on this loop for quite a while, as I'm working on a number of projects. There is one I'd like to announce in case anyone might be interested.

An idea has been nagging at me for quite a while now, and after much prayer, I've finally decided this is the direction the Lord is leading me in. I'm going to establish a small, independent publishing house that specializes in the work of excellent writers who for one reason or another haven't had success breaking into the market, are having trouble getting another contract, or whose work falls outside
the scope of traditional publishing. At first I'm going to concentrate on fiction, but I may eventually include nonfiction works as well.

My aim is to overcome some of the major drawbacks that are inherent in both traditional publishing and self-publishing by creating a different paradigm. I want to give authors more control over what, when, and how they publish and help them to find the right niche markets for them as well as be able to access bookstores, libraries, and other traditional markets.

Actually, this really isn't as crazy a dream as it seems. I have eleven years of experience as an editor at a traditional publishing house, where I have access to designers, artists, and co-workers with much more experience in the business than I have. And as we all know, the Internet provides a multitude of resources, from networking to printing to marketing and beyond. It truly has revolutionized the way
we do business today and is steadily evolving. Incredible opportunities are opening up for all sorts of businesses, and I feel as if the time is ripe to get moving with something like this.

If any of this sounds interesting, I'm making the process public--and hopefully entertaining. Please go to publishingdream. hopefull hopeful follow along as I develop this idea step by step and hopefully turn it into reality. I'm discovering other authors out there with the same dream, and I'm hoping we can band together to make this a reality. I welcome your comments, ideas, and advice.

Blessings,
Joan

J. M. Hochstetler
lighting the past...and leading you home...

The American Patriot Series. Amid war's ruin and loss of war, two lovers fight to build a legacy of love, hope, faith--and freedom!
Book 1, Daughter of Liberty
Book 2, Native Son, July 2005

Cec Murphey in Richmond October 16-18

Dear Christians Who Write:

Cec Murpher, top writer in the Christian Booksellers Assoc. will receive an Honorary Doctrate from Richmond Virginia Seminary, 2318 Cedar Street, Richmond, VA on Monday the 16th and will teach writing classes there on the 18th and 19th. The cost of the two day sessions is $150.00. If you are interesed in attending any or all of these events, let me know promptly. Details are written below:

Subj: RE: Cec Murphey
Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2006 2:50:07 PM
From:
To: RevTCL@aol.com

Hi Tom,
If you go to our website (www.rvs.edu) there is a copy of our newsletter. It has all of the information in it. The information about the workshop is as follows:

Writing for Publication is the title. Session will be held Tuesday October 17 and Wednesday Oct 18; time of session: 9am-12pm, 1:30pm-4:30pm, 6pm-9pm both days.

Blessings,

Dr. Leonard D. Smith

Early Notice for October Meeting

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: mailto:RichmondCWW@aol.com
Blog: http://rcww.blogspot.com/

Rev. Thomas C. Lacy
Founder - President

Barbara Baranowski
Membership

Marie Corso
Advisor

Michael Rew
Blog Master


September 25, 2006

EARLY NOTICE for OCTOBER MEETING

Instead of our regular Sunday afternoon meeting, RCWW will host our First Annual Family Covered Dish Dinner, Saturday, October 14, 2006, 5:30 PM at Winn's Baptist Church, 12320 Winn's Church Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059. (Take the Montpelier Exit off Rte. 295 (Rte. 33), pass Tyson Chicken, turn right on Rte. 660 (Winn's Church Road) go approx. 2 miles. The church will be on your left.)

In order to properly provide for all who will attend, you must R.S.V.P. by calling Tom Lacy, 749-4050 or e-mailing RevTCL@aol.com. DO NOT CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE.

Yvonne Ortage, cancer survivor, musician, speaker and author, will share her story of surviving cancer and how this led to writing her book, Hope for the Journey through Cancer (Revell 2007). As a writer you will want to hear how this all came together, and your family will want to hear her faith testimony. This promises to to be an evening of good food and great Christian fellowship you will not want to miss!

Your committee needs help setting up the dining room, setting out the food, preparing the beverages and putting things back in place. Please call me if you can help with these details. Thank you.

Look forward to seeing you and meeting your family on October 14th.

You may want to promote this event through your church bulletin or newsletter:

Richmond Christians Who Write Invites to attend their:

First Annual Family Covered Dish Dinner, Saturday, October 14, 2006, 5:30 PM at Winn's Baptist Church, 12320 Winn's Church Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059. (Take the Montpelier Exit off Rte. 295 (Rte. 33), pass Tyson Chicken, turn right on Rte. 660 (Winn's Church Road) go approx. 2 miles. The church will be on your left.)

R.S.V.P. by calling Tom Lacy, 749-4050 or e-mailing RevTVL@aol.com. DO NOT CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE.

Yvonne Ortage, cancer survivor, musician, speaker and author, will share her story of surviving cancer and how this led to writing her book, Hope for the Journey through Cancer (Revell 2007). As a writer you will want to hear how this all came together, and your family will want to hear her faith testimony. This promises to to be an evening of good food and great Christian fellowship you will not want to miss!

Writers Retreat November 2006

Date: November 10-11, 2006

Time: Friday, November 10, 2006 starting at 7:30 P.M. and ending on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 3:00 P.M.

Place: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Purpose: This retreat is for serious writers and/or speakers who want to be in the center of God's will and long to spend a weekend seeking God's best for their lives.

Speaker: Craig von Buseck, the Marketing and Ministries Director of CBN.com and author of the book, Seven Keys to Hearing God's Voice, Hensley Publishing 2003

Craig will teach from his book and tie it to our call as Christian writers and/or speakers. He will lead us in praise & worship. Craig is an ordained minister, an adjunct professor at Regent University, and a worship leader.

We are blessed beyond description to have this godly man be our retreat speaker. Craig has been on staff at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference, the Write-to-Publish Conference, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

Take a look at his Web site to learn more about this wonderful man of God.

Recommendation: I cannot say enough about Craig's book, Seven Keys to Hearing God's Voice. I bought the book at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and it has blessed my daily life in ways I never dreamed of.

R SVP: Please let me know as soon as possible if you plan to attend and mail your check to me. * The retreat is limited to 12 people.

Accommodations: There are several motels in the area. We will eat breakfast and lunch together on Saturday at the beach house where the retreat will be.

Cost: The cost of the retreat is $40 which includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Make the check out to Yvonne Ortega and mail it to me at PO Box 955; Yorktown, VA 23692. No refunds after October 30, 2006.

Directions: I will send directions later to those who are going. Be sure to send me your e-mail addy, so I can send you the directions.

Love & Prayers,

Yvonne Ortega
Inspirational Speaker

Author, Hope for the Journey through Cancer, Revell 2007

Blog post about devotionals...

Note from blog master, Michael Rew: I read this blog post from The Writing Life by Terry Whalin...a blog I highly recommend...and thought it appropriate to read in anticipation of this Sunday's RCWW meeting in which writing devotionals will be discussed.

Writer's Digest Poetry Awards

From Writer's Digest:

We're pleased to announce the only WD competition exclusively for poets, the Writer's Digest Poetry Awards! Regardless of style--rhyming, free verse, haiku and more--if your poems are 32 lines or fewer, we want them all. Submit your entries by
the December 20, 2006 deadline ... and your words could be worth cold hard cash!

First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate to Writer's Digest Books

Plus, the names and poem titles of all First- through Tenth-Place winners will be printed in the August issue of Writer's Digest, and all winners will receive a copy of the 2007 Poet's Market.

For guidelines and to enter online visit today!

Mary Moss Article at Richmond.com

Richmond.com posted this submission from Mary Moss:

God's Wonder Woman

[] Divinely Designed
Mary Moss
http://www.momprays.com/
for daily devotions
http://www.divinelydesigned.etsy.com/
for gifts and decorative items

Marble Mover Mary Moss Makes Money!

Dear Christians Who Write:

Here is another success story. Yes, we're Christians who write, but there just might be a writing market for you in the secular market.

Tom

I'm so excited. My internet adventures paid off -- I contacted a guy on craigslist.com who wanted someone to write web content for his web site. Turned out it is for an on-line bra shop (can you imagine a better assignment!?) bra-shop.com. He sent me topics with key words and asked me to send him a write-up on two topics of my choice.

I just got a response from him: Great work! And fast... I wasn't expecting anything till at least a few days later. This is fantastic. My write-ups will soon replace his current content.

I'll be paid $10 per page - and he would like 20 pages! WOW! Praise God.

TOM - THERE IS AN ARTICLE FOR PAY ABOUT TO BE WRITTEN ON HOW I GOT THIS JOB! Mission accomplished for Marble Mover #2!

[] Divinely Designed
Mary Moss
http://www.momprays.com/
for daily devotions
http://www.divinelydesigned.etsy.com/
for gifts and decorative items

Early September Meeting!

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: mailto: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 31, 2007

SEPTEMBER: NEW MEETING ROOM and EARLY MEETING DATE:

Our next meeting will be September 10th, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Grove Avenue Baptist Church. NOTE: Enter the church through the rear entrance closest to the Ridge Road side of the building. Upon entering, look for the first hallway on your right. Go into the first room on your left: Room 166.

We will alter our meeting format for September. Instead of holding a critique session between 4:00 and 5:00, we will have Louis DuMont teach two workshops. Here are the two classes she'll be teaching followed by her BIO.

CLASS 1: WRITING DEVOTIONS: 101

Writing devotionals is a good way for new and accomplished writers to gain publishing credits. Good devotionals are not easy to write. Louise explains how to best use anecdotes, avoid preachy language, and apply sensory images to connect with the reader. She also outlines the basic format of a devotional, defines its function, and offers key advice that will help an author serve God's people through devotional writing.

CLASS 2: KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE / WRITE TO MARKET

Using recent periodicals, Louise shows writers how to focus on a publication's specific audience by analyzing its editorials, advertisements and overall appearance. Following a brief lecture, small groups work on evaluating periodicals using the techniques taught in class. This is a hands-on workshop.

BIO: Louise Bergmann DuMont, is the author of two books Grace by the Cup: A Break from the Daily Grind (Revell) and Faith-Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement to Sweeten Your Day (Revell). She includes among her loves and many interests; her precious family, Biblical archeology, gifted/learning-disabled children and fiction/fantasy writing. Louise's current project is a book for brides and grooms tentatively titled: If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For It.

Up Coming Event: We're Going to Have a Party (Covered Dish)

A committee of RCWW volunteers are planning for our First Annual RCWW Covered Dish Family Dinner to he held Saturday, October 14th at Winn's Baptist Church.

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 September 10!

Tom

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.

====

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

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

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

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

Marble Mover Moves Ahead

Dear Christians Who Write:

Send a note of congratualtions to Becky Gray: rbanksgray@aol.com

Becky has helped me accomplish the first part of my goal, and now I have advanced my goal to helping all my Marble Movers to get published for pay this year. I'm looking for 10, but will take as many as want to be involved. Currently there are six participating in this project.

If you have never been published for pay, you can join my faithful group of Marble Movers who are getting very serious about their writing.

Tom

<<
Tom, please share this success with our fellow marble movers.

I am so humbled to share that my article, "High Tide," will be published by Standard Publishing in September 2007 in "When God Steps In: Stories of Everyday Grace", a compilation book of stories of God's intervention in our lives. Bonnie Bruno serves as the editor and has been a joy to work with. This honor does not come with a paycheck, however, it is a significant step for me toward my goal (and each of our goal) to be paid for my writing by the end of the year.

I could not have done this without you and my fellow marble movers. Cheryl, Ann, Laurie and Mary critiqued my article during our first meeting and made a difference I cannot even measure. Their feedback and prayers took my article to a new level of professionalism and inspiration.

I look forward to reading many more of these celebration emails from all of the marble movers. As you said recently, let's keep writing till Jesus comes again! Amen.

Becky

Link to Massive Number Contests

Thanks to Mary Moss for pointing this out:

http://www.proofpositive.com/contests/writecontests.php

Verbatim Editing (Paid Service)

I charge $40 per hour for my editing services. I have spoken to your group at least once and have offered to do it again if you are interested to know what an editor does, or if you'd like a truncated version of my three hour workshop on self publishing. I have lots of local folks who might recommend me. Typically, I read a ms three times in order to catch everything. I do not edit poetry. Hope this helps. I have no idea who the folks mentioned below are. Three years ago I started the Richmond chapter of the Virginia Writers Club. We now have about 50 members. You are all welcome to our monthly meetings. We meet on the third Wed evening at 6:30 pm at Westover Hills Public Library, about 7 blocks beyond the southern end of the Boulevard Bridge over the James River. Come join us. Charlie Finley


Charlie Finley (please do not send large attachments)
Verbatim Editing
1011 East Main St., Suite LL90
Richmond, VA 23219
804-648-0357 phone and fax
charfinley@mindspring.com

International War Veterans' Poetry Archives

International War Veterans' Poetry Archives accepts poetry about war, from any perspective, from veterans and non-veterans.

Tom Toots His Own Horn!

I received word that my 2000+ word personal testimony was accepted for the book, His Forever, to be published by Adams Media this December.

I want to say thanks to those who helped me critique my (awful) testimony during one of our regualr monthly meeting and put me on track.

I want to give special thanks to Tammy Belcher to worked my testimony over thoroughly.

I couldn't have done it without you.

Tom

Writer's Digest Popular Fiction Contest

Visit this site for details:
http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/popfiction/

Deadline: November 1, 2006

July Meeting Notice and Scholarship Contest

"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

July 8, 2006

CONTEST: FREE SCHOLARSHIP to PHILADELPHIA WRITERS CONFERENCE
Details as the end of this meeting notice!

July Meeting

Our next meeting will be July 16th, 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.

The July meeting will be a Q & A Session. A couple of weeks ago I asked you to send in some questions so we could be prepared to give you the best answers we can. Several of you responded. But we want to hear from more of you. The sooner you get me your questions the better that answers will be. Remember, there are no dumb questions; there are only unanswered questions.

Planning Committee Meeting Held June 17th

Over the past couple of years I've called on a few RCWW members for suggestions and to help me with planning programs and meetings. We met on June 17th. Barbara Baranowski hosted the meeting, and fed us a fine meal. Cheryl Black, Emily Corbin, Marie Corso, Martha Kalichman and I attended this very productive meeting. In fact, our July and September meeting formats were suggested as trials to see if they benefit the group. More on the September meeting immediately below.

Up Coming Meetings

As discussed in our planning committee meeting, we want to gear more meetings to meet the needs of our poets. It has been realized that it is difficult to critique poetry, but we can have more sessions teaching various aspects on the craft of poetry -- how to and how not to.

Sherry Maxwell will be teaching a session on poetry at our August meeting. Pray for her as she prepares for this vital session. You poets bring your poet friends.

Following the suggestion in our committee meeting, our September meeting will be a two session workshop. 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 quarterly instead of holding an annual fall weekend conference as we have 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

August 20, 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: www.sandycovewriters.com

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

Dues and Mailing Lists

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

Check out our Blog! See you on July 16th. Bring a friend!

Tom Lacy

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

Literary Magazine Resource

Here is a good resource, but like everything else, check things out thoroughly and ask questions if you need answers.

http://www.zeroland.co.nz/literature_journals.html

Greater Philly Conference Scholarships

Dear Christian writers' group leader -

"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 http://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, email address, and phone number. Your recommendation needs to be received via email 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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Marlene Bagnull, Litt.D., Director
Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference - August 10-12, 2006
Colorado Christian Writers Conference - May 16-19, 2007
316 Blanchard Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 ~ 610-626-6833
mbagnull@aol.com ~ writehisanswer.com

Encouraging & equipping you to write about a God who is real,
who is reachable, and who changes lives!

Local Writing Classes

The Writing Life

Explore creative writing in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Through writing exercises and critiques, participants will try out their poetic and story-telling voices. The instructor is prepared to tailor the course according to participants' individual interest - her focus is on clarifying for each individual writer in the course what living the writing life means.

This class is not being offered for the summer session. If interested in taking it in the future, please call 804-261-6200. We will advise you when the next class will be offered.

NEW! The Writing Life II
Instructor: Lee Bloxom

This course will feature writing exercises and discussions on the writing life. It may be taken as a continuation of the first session, but attendance at the first session is not required.

This class is not being offered for the summer session. If interested in taking it in the future, please call 804-261-6200. We will advise you when the next class will be offered.

NEW! The Basics of Fiction
A day of discussion and writing exercises with a focus on the elements of fiction, including plot, character, dialogue, detail and point of view. Participants will end the day with plenty of new material for potential stories, as well as a better understanding of the elements that pull a story together.

This class is not being offered for the summer session. If interested in taking it in the future, please call 804-261-6200. We will advise you when the next class will be offered.

NEW! Creative Nonfiction: Writing from Life
Writing from factual experience, nonfiction writers use story-telling and poetic techniques that leave readers hungry for more. Through discussion and writing exercises, participants will leave the workshop with a better understanding of creative nonfiction and with new material for their own work.

This class is not being offered for the summer session. If interested in taking it in the future, please call 804-261-6200. We will advise you when the next class will be offered.

Writing Op from Louise Dumont

Dear Christians Who Write:

Louise has spoken to our group several times in the last few years.

Dear Colleagues

My latest WIP is tentatively titled, *If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For It*. For this project I will need newlyweds, and soon-to-be brides and grooms to fill out my questionnaire. I am particularly looking for humorous, poignant and unusual ways in which you or your groom participated in planning the wedding. I would also like to know how and when husbands began taking on the role of spiritual leader of the household -- the more detailed and descriptive the anecdotes the better.

Please pass this invitation on to other applicable persons.

Brief Book Description:
Today's groom is not afraid to order quiche tartlets for his reception or display a daisy boutonniere on his tux. Most couples are footing more than a third of their own wedding bill. Grooms both want and need to participate in the decision-making. If a Tux Could Talk: The Men Who Help Plan Their Weddings, and the Women Who Love Them For It reflects the changing role of a groom. Unlike many other groom guides, this book also addresses a young man's Godly desire to become the spiritual leader of the home, even as he values the talents and strengths of his bride.

More information can be found at the North Jersey Christian Writers Group blog. You may also email me about it at louisedumont@gmail.com.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
http://www.louisedumont.com/

Share your old books

Dear Christians Who Write:

Here is a pass-along from mary moss. One word of caution, if you join either of these programs be certain all personal information is removed from the books or magazines you share. As a former jail chaplian I know of cases where inmates (and other undesireables) made personal contact with individuals circumventing the channel set up by the organization supporting the project. I am not saying this will happen, but i am saying remove all personal information that could lead someone back to you as a participant. I have not checked out any of this info.

<<
Books for Soldiers is an organization that allows military personnel to make requests in an online forum, for books they would like to have. Books can be sent directly to them. Because items are being sent to military personnel, a notarized application is required and must be mailed to address provided prior to your making a donation. A bit of work, but a worthy cause.

Books Behind Bars is a regularly updated site the posts requests from prison libraries. Needs range from law dictionaries to Spanish-language novels. Looks like a pretty straight-forward process.

We're getting ready to purge our library at home and at church and I think it's rather timely that I came across information on these two sites in a magazine this afternoon.

Mary Moss
Divinely Designed
http://www.momprays.com/
for devotions
http://www.divinelydesigned.etsy.com/
for hand crafted decorative items

Three Writing Opportunities

I have permission to share these writing ops with RCWW members. If you have questions contact Charlotte Holt: cjholt@kingwoodcable.net

<< Three Writing Opportunities:



Trusting Him for Life After Divorce - a compilation of 1500 word testimonies. The stories should reflect the faithfulness, mercy, love, compassion and power of God through and after divorce. Tell your story for His glory! Help others in their time of heartache.



Trusting Him With Your Addicted Child - a compilation of 1500 word testimonies. Stories of parents with former, or presently, addicted children. Show how God sustained or sustains you. Let's encourage other parents in this situation with our own victories by God's power.



Deadline for the above two is August 15.



Keeping your Cool In the Midst of Medical Madness - a compilation of 2500 word stories by patients and health care providers. Tell your story of 'Medical Madness'.

Show how you kept your witness, good name, integrity, and peace in a hair-raising story of medical attention (or inattention). Let's encourage others to maintain, or adopt, a Christian witness in these stressful times.



The deadline is December 20, 2006.



For all submission, write in Times New Roman 12 and double space.

If your story is used, you will receive a book + discounts when the book is published. For further information, please contact Charlotte Holt at cjholt@kingwoodcable.net. For more information regarding Charlotte go to www.publishedauthors.net/charlotteholt.



Publishers are looking at proposals for these books. Please send you stories.



Thanks,

Charlotte Holt >>

June Meeting Notice: Reply Requested

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

June 3, 2006

Dear Christians Who Write:

NOTE: We will meet on the second Sunday to avoid meeting Father's Day, June 18th.
ALSO NOTE: Due to my error, the May Meeting Notice did not go out to the e-mail list, therefore, I am repeating the program I had planned for May.

June Meeting

Our next meeting will be June 11th, 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.

At last, I've found a kind of poetry I can write. Follow the instructions below and bring your best effort to read and discuss at our June meeting.

(This idea is from Tami Filbrant's article "Cultural Identity" in POTATO HILL POETRY, Vol. 4, No. 4.)

Notice how the poet eloquently evokes her culture, her roots, her experiences through vivid sensory imagery. Try your had at a vivid poem showing where YOU are from, in every sense of the word: geographically, physically (your family), emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
Think of childhood memories of tastes, smells, sounds, colors, textures -- think of the people in your life and their favorite sayings, of special toys and animals in your life, of family stories, of special friends and secrets, of vacations and holidays, of school, of games and songs, etc. Let your vivid specifics create a sense of the whole of your life, the whole of YOU.
Example:

WHERE I'M FROM
I am from clothespins,
from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride,
I am from the dirt under the back porch.
(Black, glistening, it tasted like beets.)
I am from the forsythia bush
the Dutch elm
whose long-gone limbs I remember
as if they were my own.

I'm from fudge and eyeglasses,
from Imogene and Alafair
I'm from the know-it-alls
and pass-it-ons,
from Perk up! and Pipe down!
I'm from He restoreth my soul
with a cotton ball lamb
and ten verses I can say myself
I'm from Artemus and Billies' Branch,
fried corn and strong coffee.
From the finger my grandfather lost
to the anger,
the eye my father shut to keep his sight.

Under my bed was a dress box
spilling old pictures,
a sift of lost faces
to drift beneath my dreams.
I am from those moments--
snapped before I budded--
leaf-fall from the family tree.
- George Ella Lyon

I've already done mine. It was confusing at first, but then when it begins to flow it is hard to bring to a close. It has been deemed by some my best piece of writing. I'm looking forward to hearing what you write.

Planning Committee Meeting June 17th

Over the past couple of years I've called on a few RCWW members for suggestions and to help me with planning programs and meetings. We will be meting on June 17th. If you have suggestions for meetings, speakers, workshops or conferences, please let me hear from you. I am especially interested in getting your views on a fall writers conference as mentioned below.

2006 Meeting Schedule

July 16, August 20, September 17, October 13-14 RCWW, 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

NOTE: I am repeating the following from a previous Meeting Notice because no one gave me feedback. In one sense of the word, no answer is an answer. If you are not interested in RCWW holding an annual weekend writers conference, please take a moment to say, "Not interested." If you would like to see RCWW hold an annual writers conference, please take a moment to say, "Yes, I'm interested."
Our planning committee will be meeting June 17th. We need feedback to set our agenda.
Thank you.

In my March meeting notice I asked you to look for my letter about local writing conferences. (Sorry, but I didn't think it would take me this long to get back to you.) American Christian Writers (ACW), of which we are a chapter, has come to Richmond for the last seven years because of RCWW. This year the numbers were way down. Next year they will not come back to Richmond. Like any business, they have to make a profit to stay in business.
RCWW has held 4 fall conferences. We did not hold one in 2005 because the last two were not well attended. But I know conferences are vital to writers. And I know they are expensive to hold and expensive to attend.
A small local conference cannot afford to bring in top authors, editors, publishers and agents. So local conferences tend to be writing workshops focusing on learning the craft. We have locals wo are qualified to teach writing workshops, and I have called on the ones I know, and they have done a great job. But these local conferences have not been well attended. Even so, I have set aside the weekend of October 13-14 this year and October 19-20 in 2007 for holding conferences. I need your help in planning.
What features would you like included? What workshops would benefit you the most? Do you know local instructors, authors, editors and publishers I could contact? What would you be willing to do to help?
Obviously, I need prompt feed back. Let me hear from you soon.

Write-to-Publish Conference, June 7-10, 2006
Details: www.writetopublish.com

Sandy Cove Christian Writers' Conference, October 1-4, 2006
Details: www.sandycovewriters.com
Dues and Mailing Lists

Dues, in the amount of $20.00, are payable January through June and $10.00 July through December. They may be paid at our monthly meetings or mailed to: Richmond Christians Who Write, 12114 Walnut Hill Drive, Rockville, VA 23146.

Check out our Blog! See you on June 11th. Bring a friend!

Tom Lacy

5 Marbles Support/Reward Story

Dear Christians Who Write:

Currently six RCWW members have qualified for the Move 5 Marbles-a-day project. And I assure you from the weekly reports I receive, they are working hard and working well.

Cheryl Black informed me her husband went to an antique store and purchased 5 large marbles and presented them to her as a token of his support of her efforts to get one or more articles published this year for pay.

If you are a dues-paying member who has yet to qualify for this project, let me know what I can do to help.

Tom

Roger Bruner Reports from the Blue Ridge

From Roger Bruner: mailto:REB1946@msn.com (Roger is one of our newest members at RCWW.)

Greetings! Even before I make my to do list for today, I want to share a brief report on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference I attended this week.

This was my second year for attending the conference, but it proved even more worthwhile this year than last. And how it has grown! The 2005 conference had 200-plus participants; this year saw 400-plus! I heard someone say that the BRMCWC is now the fourth largest of its kind in the country.

There is no adequate way to describe the closeness and lack of competition among participants or the genuine interest, concern, and helpfulness shown by the faculty for each participant. The diversity was far greater than seen in many churches, and yet the feeling of family far greater.

And where else could I hang out with my two favorite contemporary Christian novelists, Al Gansky and Ray Blackston; have fifteen minute interviews with a number of editors and agents; attend relevant classes (two of my favorites had to do with preventing a "sagging middle" and keeping the tension alive); listen to such diverse inspirational addresses as the hilarious McNair Wilson about creativity and the tear-provoking Allison Bottke about her life up to initiating the GOD ALLOWS U-TURN series; share with, encourage, and be encouraged by our peers; and do a lot of good eating!

Anyone who wanted to could submit works to be critiqued at a minimum cost, and there was also a writing contest with awards given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places and honorable mention in probably 12-15 different categories. The highlight of the week was the presentation of awards for the contest winners after the Wednesday night banquet and faculty talent show.

And now that I've said all that...*drum roll*...

I won first place (well, tied for first) in the NOVEL category for my manuscript FOUND IN THE TRANSLATION and 3rd in lyrics!!!

Ask me if I got any sleep Wednesday night after that! *laughing*

While it's a wonderful feeling to be acknowledged by both peers and writing professionals, one of the greatest things about the BRMCWC is that--no matter who wins or loses "officially"--there is a feeling that we are all winners as long as we're using our talents for the advancement of God's kingdom!

Maybe next year some of you can plan on going. If you're serious about writing, you won't regret the investment of time and money, even if it means making a sacrifice to attend!

Best regards,

Roger

5 Marbles Poem: Gang of Five

Gang of Five

Each morn' upon awakening they're right up in my face
They steal my morning coffee and refuse to give me space
They tease and taunt and badger me, command instead of ask
They're rude and unforgiving and relentless in their task
They have me working overtime; depriving me of sleep
And mind-control they're using makes my own will hard to keep
I'm chased and overtaken then held captive in their grip
Till I swear them my allegiance and am joined in fellowship
It's beyond an oxymoron and it's hard to comprehend
But this ruthless gang of five has now become a faithful friend
They're a snare to my enjoyment and a weight unto my soul
And yet they also prod me on to stay persistent in my goal
As an oyster's pearl emerges through an irritant's pursuit
And pruning although painful does produce a better fruit
Once submitted to their discipline imagination flows
Ideas and concepts enter me and passion quickly grows
Then kissed and joined together, thoughts help words become alive
When the marble rules are utilized and counted one through five
The movement of each marble brings me closer to an end
For they count for time deposited and receive a dividend
Five steps towards my objective before the end of day
Makes my destination clear and keeps me focused on my way
The time and efforts minimal to bonuses I earn
So each morn' I now anticipate that "Gang of Five's" return!
~ by Marti Berger
Copyright May 9, 2006

Kevin Wayne Johnson, Give God the Glory Series

Friends of the Give God the Glory! book series:

On May 18th, book #5 in the multi-award winning Give God the Glory! series will be released at 2006 Book Expo America, African-American Book Pavilion, Washington, DC Convention Center. At this premiere, international book trade show, May 19-21, 2006 the book series will earn its eighth literary award - 2006 Christian Publisher of the Year - since the book series launched with its first release in the spring of 2001.

Through the end of this month, I am extending the 50% discount for pre-publication orders Your Role in Your Family. The price is only $4.00.

Book Summary:
A companion to book #4 in the series The Godly Family Life, this 56-page gift book is presented as a daily dose of Scripture to bring clarity to God's plan for His family. The role of the man, as husband and father, the role of the woman as wife and mother, and the role of the child - to obey and to honor their parents - are detailed through clear and concise exhortation by Christian author Kevin Wayne Johnson.

Genre(s): Religion/Christian Living/Gift/Family/Relationships
ISBN: 0-9705902-4-5 / 978-0-9705902-4-6
Trade Paperback / 56 pages Retail Price: $7.95 U.S. / $11.95 Canada

Dimensions: 5.5" x 6.5"
Publisher: Writing for the Lord Ministries
Distributor: Faithworks & Appalachian, a division of Send the Light, Ltd./INGRAM

To order, select quantity and mail checks/money orders to: 6400 Shannon Court, Clarksville, MD 21029.
(443) 535-0475

Thank you and God bless you!!
--
Kevin Wayne Johnson
Writing for the Lord Ministries
http://www.writingforthelord.com
Author, Give God the Glory! book series
TV Host, Give God the Glory! Web cast:
http://www.blacktvonline.com
http://GiveGodtheGlory.blogspot.com
(web log)
410-340-8633

Michael Rew Published Again!

Dear Friends,

Good news! A friend and minister, Ken Bennett, who visits my home fellowship from time to time, has self-published a new book, In the Mist of the Garden. Six of my sonnets were included. Ken has an international ministry, and he gives away his books, so quite a few people around the world could read my poems!

My latest letter to the editor was published this past Sunday. My version was edited down slightly, but to good effect, so I have included their edited version below.

Your Brother In Christ,

Michael Rew

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I write to protest a temporary suspension of gasoline taxes. I love tax cuts, but this cut at this time would end badly.

One proposal would cut taxes 18 cents per gallon. Such a steep drop in prices would goad drivers to drive more, which would increase demand - thereby raising gasoline prices. Then consumers and politicians would cry out ever the louder that oil companies are gouging.

Heightened consumer anger might lead to ill-advised remedies, such as the windfall profits tax, which would be passed on to consumers, or price controls, which would lead to shortages.

Any tax cut, too, would result in less revenue to build and maintain highways. Rest assured: Congress will spend money for highways come budget time. Deficit-spending would surpass levels in the past session. More debt will require more tax revenue in the future. Current debt levels and forecasts already could lead to tax hikes few of us can imagine.

Suspend environmental controls. Allow for domestic drilling and construction of new refineries. Eliminate the car tax so newer and more fuel-efficient vehicles will be purchased. But leave gasoline taxes alone.

Sincerely,

Michael Rew

The Comfort of a Mother's Soul

The Comfort of a Mother’s Touch

Twelve year old Charlie lay squirming in his bed. He turned to the left, but that wasn’t comfortable. He turned the other way, but he still couldn’t find the right spot. After 25 minutes of tossing and turning, he sat straight up in the bed. “That does it.” He said in exasperation. “I can’t do it. I will just have to lose the beat.”

He pulled back the covers, got out of the bed and crept down the hall to his parent’s room. The door was open. Just before he turned to walk in the room he heard, “Mommy, I can’t sleep. Can you tuck me in?”

Charlie barged into the room, and saw his 10 year old sister Mary standing in front their mom. “Aha. I caught you. I knew you couldn’t do it Mary. I knew you couldn’t make it one night without Mommy tucking you in.”

“I don’t care.” Replied Mary. “I didn’t want to bet anyway.”

“Well, you owe me $2.00.” Charlie grimaced.

“Charlie,” His mom, interrupting the sibling banter, said, “What are you doing up? It’s one hour past your bedtime. You’re usually sleeping by now.”

“Well...I decided to stay up to see if Mary would lose the bet.”

“Charlie, I don’t think that’s a good reason to stay up. Hurry back to bed while I tuck Mary in. We will discuss this bet of yours in the morning.”

Charlie didn’t move. He just stood there trying to figure out what to do next.

“Charlie,” His mom said, “go back to bed.”

“But. But.” Charlie mumbled. “I can’t.”

“Why not?” asked his mom.

“I need you to tuck me in, too.”

©2006 Cheryl Black

Marie Corso's new blog

Richmond Art and Soul

From time to time, I would take pictures or do something fun and then send the pictures and a description to several people, changing the words for each person.

No more! I am blogging my activities. I love to take pictures and uncover the beauty around here, so this is the perfect answer for me. Also, I can direct newcomers to some fun activities and give them directions, etc., about how to get there, or tell them what to expect when they do see the show, or whatever.

I have made a lot of mistakes setting it up and it is still not exactly right, but I will get it together before long.

Marie

ePodunk.com Research Site

Dear Christians Who Write:

Peter Mallet from Norfolk sent me this research web site to pass along to you.

<<
Hey Everyone,

I just found a site that's fun, but could be quite helpful in wrting. It may be especially, helpful to those wrting novels. It's called ePodunk.com.

What it allows you to do is pick a state, then you can search, cities, counties, airports, cemeteries, colleges, libraries, museums, local newspapers, populations, local traditions, and more. This could be quite helpful even if your actual city is fictional, but you want the area you're creating to be realistic, I imagine being able to read local papers would be helpful even in creating believable characters. If you want to set it in a real area, why set it in a familiar area when you could set it in Onslow County, North Carolina? Of course it depends on the story. There are hundreds of other ways this could be useful, but since I know you are all creative I'll leave them up to you.

God Bless, Pete

Peter D. Mallett

Tidewater Christian Writers Forum >>

Mary's on a roll!

Tom, just wanted to thank you again for motivating me to get busy!

This week I've submitted four poems and two short stories to a total of three contests.

I'll also be submitting at least one entry in Writer's Digest after the critique group meets.

You continue to bless us all with your leadership and Christian service.

Divinely Designed
Mary Moss
www.momprays.com
for daily devotions
www.divinelydesigned.etsy.com
for gifts and decorative items