Richmond Christians Who Write

2009-11-03T10:43:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN WRITERS RETREAT
OFFERED BY PUBLISHED AUTHOR LINK &

WILLIAMSBURG CHRISTIAN RETREAT CENTER

JOANNE LIGGAN, EVENT COORDINATOR

An event for Christians who write, not necessarily writers
who write Christian material.
Non-Christians are welcome with the understanding
there will be prayer and discussion in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ and no offensive material will be tolerated.

If you have questions concerning the definition of
offensive material, please contact Joanne Liggan by e-mail at

jliggan@verizon.net.

DATE: February 19 - 21 (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday)

LOCATION: Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center;
9275 Barnes Road; Toano, VA 23168

COST: $175/person Includes: Lodging for 2 nights Meals from
Friday evening through Sunday morning

Workshops/Discussions/Devotions to encourage and stimulate writers

Fellowship with other writers and Christians

(Anyone living in Williamsburg, and therefore not requiring lodging,
the cost is $95 for meals and attending daily events.)

EMAIL jliggan@verizon.net for a registration form!

First Friday Inspirational Book Club-November 6

2009-11-02T10:19:00.001-08:00

*** You are invited to****
First Friday Inspirational Book Club
at
Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream
(3600 Forest Hill Avenue)
This Friday November 6th
10:00 A.M.
(in the small room)
for sharing and discussing
Me and My Big Mouth
by
Joyce Meyer

RCWW Christian Writer’s Conference - Saturday, October 17, 2009

2009-10-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

RCWW Christian Writer’s Conference -

Saturday, October 17th

with Karen Whiting

Karen is a freelance author of ten books for women, families, and children, with three more contracted. Her writing experience includes more than 400 magazine articles, over 100 puppet scripts, and writing columns for magazines and newspapers. She wrote for Focus on the Family’s Parenting magazines until they ceased publication in 2009 and wrote for Charisma’s Children’s church programs for two years, until the sale of the division. She writes a time management column for Enrichment Magazine and is a writer with Suite101. Karen loves helping aspiring writers get published and led a productive critique group in Miami for ten years.

AGENDA:

9:15-9:30am Registration

9:30-10:00am Welcome/ Prayer/ Introduction

10:00-10:50am
Is Your Idea Write: Elements needed to make articles,
books, devotions, and even poems saleable

10:50-11:00am Break

11:00-11:50pm
Queries/Proposals/Pitches that sell:
Elements of each, presentation, standing out in the slush pile

11:50-1:00pm Lunch

1:00-1:50pm
Avoiding the Writers Cemetery: Avoiding pitfalls that keep you
from getting published, Setting goals that work

1:50-2:00pm Break

2:00-2:50pm
Basics of Good Writing: Active versus passive voice,
Effective focus or thesis statements, and Self-Editing

2:50-3:30
Questions, Book selling/signing,
Door Prizes and Good-byes

3 SEPTEMBER WRITING CONTESTS

2009-08-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

3 SEPTEMBER WRITING CONTESTS

WritersMarket.com lists more than 900 contests & awards. Here are three that have September deadlines:
•
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest offers more than 40 awards with the top prize being $10,000 for an essay on the philosophic ideas of Ayn Rand. The prize is open to high school seniors and college undergraduate and graduate students. Deadline is September 17.
•

Lena-Miles Wever Todd Poetry Series is open to unpublished collections of poetry with a first place prize of publication and $1,000. The deadline is actually to have your submission postmarked by October 1 (though that's close enough to September to count).
•
Robert Watson Literary Prizes offers prizes in both fiction and poetry. First place for each is $500. Winners will also receive publication in The Greensboro Review. Deadline is September 15 (postmarked).

Log in (or sign up) to WritersMarket.com to have access to more than 6,000 listings for contests, book publishers, magazines, and more at WritersMarket.com.

Here's a link to review some FAQ's about WritersMarket.com

The WritersMarket.com team has updated:

23 market listings in the past 7 days.
77 market listings in the past 30 days.

August RCWW Meeting Notice

2009-08-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

TWO SESSIONS SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009

2:45-3:45: Katy Pistole: Writing as Worship
4:00-5:00: Katy Pistole: The Long Parable & Basic Writing Tips

Katy Pistole is an award-winning author whose favorite topics are horses and brokenness. The Lord has repeatedly used horses in her life to reveal His Truth about surrender, unconditional love, and Life. Katy in turn loves to share through words written and spoken. You can find out more about The Sonrise Farm Series at www.thepalominobook.com . You may also visit www.katypistole.com to discover more about Katy.

First Friday Book Club

2009-08-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

You are invited to First Friday Inspirational Book Club
at Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream
( 3600 Forest Hill Avenue)
This Friday
August 7th
10:00A.M.
In small room
Healing of Memories
(Prayer and Confession steps to Inner Healing)
by
Dennis and Matthew Linn

Contact Susan Herring at herringfishes@verizon.net if you need further details.

Looking ahead... Date change...Thursday ,September 3rd
Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman by Anne Ortlund
October meeting will be first Friday, October 2nd.Choose one of two books...both will be discussed.
1) 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphy 2) 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese

Sizzling Summer Series - Trademark and Copyright

2009-07-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Law Offices of Cheryl L. Black
PRESS RELEASE
July/29/2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cheryl L Black

Sizzling Summer Series
Teleconferences on Hot Issues
Affecting Trademark and Copyright Owners

Glen Allen, Virginia - Call in every Thursday at 12:30PM (EST) in the month of August to hear 30-minute informative presentations on trademark and copyright issues. Attorney Cheryl L. Black, 18-year veteran in the area of intellectual property law, will enlighten listeners on trademark protection and infringement, publishing agreements, tips for maintaining federal trademark registrations, and how the fair use doctrine applies on the internet. There is no registration fee. Visit our blog to sign up for one or all of the following teleconferences.

Safeguard Your Trademarks: They're More Valuable than You Realize (August 6, 2009)

Demystifying Publishing Agreements: Negotiating a Book Contract from the Writer's Perspective (August 13, 2009)

Tips for Obtaining and Maintaining a Federal Trademark Registration: Common Pitfalls to Avoid Before and After Filing (August 20, 2009)

When it's Fair to Use: Clarifyng the Copyright Fair Use Doctrine for Internet Users (August 27, 2009)

The Law Offices of Cheryl L. Black handle trademark counseling, searching, prosecution, licensing, and maintenance. Domain name registration and enforcement. Copyright counseling, registration, and licensing. Publishing contracts and negotiations. We represent individuals and businesses and assist law firms and corporations as a service provider for the intellectual property needs of their clients and organizations.

Law Office of Cheryl L. Black 4860 Cox Road Suite 200 Glen Allen VA 23060

The AuthorizeMe Seminar

2009-07-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

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

Please e-mail Sharon Elliott, AuthorizeMe founder and CEO, with your intention to attend at AuthorizeMe@sbcglobal.net

. We need a minimum number of attendees, so I need to hear from you right away. Please let me know you’re coming by August 6th.

(Send your intention to attend. Registration for the seminar is handled directly through www.AuthorizeMe.net and will begin in late August.)

Here are the AuthorizeMe particulars:

Price includes an overnight stay, 3 meals, and seminar tuition.

Dates: October 1 – 2, 2010
¨ Single occupancy = $375 per person
¨ Double occupancy = $325 per person (must have your own roommate)
¨ Triple occupancy = $295 per person ( “ “ “ “ roommates)
¨ Quad occupancy = $275 per person ( “ “ “ “ “ )

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

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

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

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings

2009-07-26T05:57:00.000-07:00

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings
101 Stories of Gratitude, Fortitude, and Silver Linings

This follow-on book to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough People continues Chicken Soup for the Soul's focus on inspiration and hope in these difficult times. These inspirational stories remind us that each day holds something to be thankful for -- whether it is having the sun shine or having food on the table. Power outages and storms, health scares and illnesses, job woes and financial insecurities, housing challenges and family worries test us all. But there is always a silver lining. The simple pleasures of family, home, health, and inexpensive good times are described.

We are looking for true stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words. Stories can be serious or humorous, or both. They should not have been previously published by Chicken Soup for the Soul or other major publications.

Here are a few suggested topics:

How you count your blessings or express your gratitude
What made you realize that your life is good and that you are grateful
Silver linings that you have discovered in the midst of challenging events
What is really valuable in your life
Major life changes or events for which you are grateful
How you spread the message of gratitude to your family and friends
The joy of simple pleasures
The unexpected benefits of health challenges or other life changes

This book is in the process of being completed and will go to the printer in September for publication in October! It is a featured Chicken Soup for the Soul title for Christmas 2009. The deadline for submissions is soon, so if you can submit quickly you have a better chance than normal of being chosen.

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO http://chickensoupfhttp://chihttp://chhttp://chickenshttp:/

DEADLINE IS MONDAY AUGUST 3rd. THANK YOU!

RCWW JULY MEETING

2009-07-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

TWO SESSIONS ON JULY 19:

2:45 to 3:45: Martha Young: "Grammar and Writing"

4:00 TO 5:00: Martha Young: “A Hands-on Session”

Speaker Bio:

Martha Young works for the English Language Program at VCU and is both a Teacher Mentor Coordinator and language teacher frequently teaching Writing. She has been in English As a Second Language with an MA TESL for more than 15 years. Prior to that she was in Elementary Education.

Mrs. Young has lived in Oklahoma, Minnesota, Kentucky, Bermuda, Washington DC and Thailand. She has traveled to Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Macau, Ireland, England, Spain, France, Germany, Austria and most recently to Turkey. When not moving or traveling, Martha delights in learning from the international students at VCU, in poetry that's accessible, and talking about international politics and religion Her other interests include her 2 children and their interests, cooking good food, conflict analysis and resolution, music and neuro-linguistics.

Remaining 2009 Schedule:
Sunday, August 16;
Sunday, September 20;
Friday night & Saturday, October 16-17*;
Saturday, November 14 (2nd Saturday) 4th Annual Family Dinner.
No meeting in December.

Writing Short Fiction For Anthologies

2009-07-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

by Lee Masterson

One of the best ways to get your creative ideas flowing is tosearch through calls for submissions into anthologies. Anthologies are generally collections of short stories based around a central theme.

While the pay rate for fiction published in anthologies is generally not high, there are many advantages to writing for these compilation markets.

1. You have a new published credit to add to your portfolio.

2. You can stimulate your own creativity by reading through the submission guidelines of anthologies that interest you.

3. You have the opportunity to break out of writer's block bywriting something short on a topic created by someone else.

4. You can learn to hone your writing skills by mastering the shortstory.

5. You are able to show a future novel editor that you're able to write.

6. You get that unique warm-fuzzy-proud feeling of being able to hold the completed book in your hand once it's published.

7. You might actually receive a check for a few extra dollars!

There are plenty more reasons why writing for anthologies can behugely beneficial for all writers, but these are the main ones that came to mind. Now we've looked into why writing and submittingshort fiction to these markets can be a good thing, what happens ifthe story you write isn't accepted?

Potentially, any anthology editor is going to receive severalhundred submissions for a book that can only hold 20 or 25 stories.

How can you increase your chances of getting your story accepted?

Let's look into some things you should remember when you're dealingwith anthology editors.

Theme
The object of most anthology collections is to compile severalstories that revolve around a central theme or genre. Most editorsare very thorough about telling writers exactly what kind of storythey want to see. They usually make a huge mention of the thingsthey don't like or things they won't accept too. Keep those limitations in mind when it comes time to write.When you're browsing through lists of anthology markets, try tostick to themes or genres that you enjoy or that you feel you couldwork for you.

Light a Spark
As you read through each set of guidelines, you'll notice that somejust won't appeal to you, however there will be others that light abit of a spark within the creative part of your mind. Write downthe first idea that comes to you surrounding those particularguidelines and then see if there's room to expand on that idea.

Think Outside the Box
Always keep in mind that the most obvious idea that pops into yourhead is very likely to be the similar to every other submissionthat editor will receive. Take a careful look at your original ideaand see where you can add a unique twist or if you can approach thesituation from a fresh angle.The more unusual or unexpected your story line is, the more chanceyou have of making your tale stick in the editor's mind.

Submit Early
Most anthology listings have a clear deadline by which yoursubmission needs to reach the editor's desk. Many writers tend toleave their submissions until the last possible moment. If youimagine several hundred submissions landing on that editor's deskwithin a couple of days, how focused do you think that poor editoris going to be after reading through them all?

If you can get your story submitted early then you have a much bigger chance of the editor reading it with fresh eyes without the distraction of all those other submissions.

Submit!
It's surprising how many writers create beautiful stories and thencan't find the courage to submit them to a market. Be brave andsend your story out the door!

Finding Anthology Markets
There are plenty of sites offering anthology listings. One of thebiggest genre anthology listings is www.ralan.com/antho/index.htm .

Do a simple search on any search engine and you'll be sure to findplenty of places offering submission guidelines for these under-rated markets.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lee Masterson is a freelance writer from South Australia. She isalso the editor of Fiction Factor - an online magazine for writers, offering tips and advice on getting published, articles to improveyour writing skills, heaps of writer's resources and much more.http://www.fictionfactor.com

ID:ad09701

For many more articles check out Writing 101http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/writing.htm

Utmost Christian Writer Poetry Contest

2009-07-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

Utmost Christian Writer is sponsoring a poetry contest. This contest allows poems posted on the internet to be included as "unpublished." Still need to read the rules carefully, though!

1. This contest is open only to Christians. It is open to all Christians. You do not need to be a member of Utmost Christian Writers to enter this contest, but you must be a Christian believer.

2. Send up to five (5) poems with your entry fees to: Utmost Christian Writers Poetry Contest, 121 Morin Maze, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6K 1V1 (Do not send entries by email.)

Make your check payable to: Utmost Christian Writers (You have the option of paying by cash, check, international money order or on-line: see Rule #8). Please note that your poetic entries must be sent to us by regular postal mail—with an official entry form—even if you pay your fees by Internet.

FIRST PRIZE: $500.00
SECOND PRIZE: $300.00
THIRD PRIZE: $200.00
HON. MENTIONS (7): $100.00 each
BEST RHYMING POEM: $200.00
BEST TRADITIONAL RHYMING POEM: $100.00
(Christian theme required for this prize only)

Here's the link for more details: http://www.utmostchristianwriters.com/poetry-contest/poetry-contest-rules.php

RCWW October Writers Conference

2009-07-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendar now for the RCWW October Writers Conference October 16 & 17!

The October conference has yet to be finalized, but set aside Friday evening the 16th and Saturday the 17th. We’ll fill in the details in the weeks to come. Be prepared by being prayed up! Get the word out!

Invite fellow church members to join our group.

I've Got a Story to Tell - Wednesday, July 1

2009-06-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Spotlight on "I've Got a Story to Tell" conference

www.blogtalkradio.com/leadershiplessons

Leadership Lessons with Life Coach and Consultant Dr. Milondra Coleman provides listeners with thought-provoking action-inspiring tips and strategies that propel them to new heights in their areas of leadership

First Friday Book Club

2009-06-28T04:04:00.000-07:00

First Friday Book Club at Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream Meets
( 3600 Forest Hill Avenue )
This Thursday, July 2nd
because of the holiday weekend
10:00 A.M. in the small room

Join us for discussion of
Tramp for The Lord
Sequel to The Hiding Place
by
Corrie Ten Boom

Excerpt from the book:
The story begins where The Hiding Place ended...
This is Corrie Ten Boom's story beginning where her profoundly moving bestseller ended,taking us on a uniquely thrilling tour to the nearest and farthest corners of the earth. She is a modest and simple woman who has seen and known a world few others could imagine; a survivor of Hitler's worst concentration camps and one of the most remarkable evangelists of our time.

Miracles do happen. Corrie Ten Boom's life is living proof. From her near-destitute days in postwar New York to heart-stopping adventures in Africa, let her be your once-in-a-lifetime guide on a world wide trip that could only have been planned by God.

For further information, email Susan Herring at herringfishes@verizon.net or call her at 272-1124.

Crossroads Book Club will meet in August on Friday, August 7th

For those who cannot be with us this Thursday, the book of the month for August

Healing of Memories
(Prayer and Confession
Steps to Inner Healing)
by
Dennis and Matthew Linn

THREE SESSIONS MAY 17, 2009

2009-05-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

This month we will be blessed with three sessions!

2:45 to 3:45: Mary Moss: Setting Up and Maintaining a Blog.
Blogging is more than posting your own writing. Blogging allows dialog with people you can develop as followers and potential purchasers of your books and articles.

4:00 TO 4:15: Rebekah Robb: Testimony: Christian v/s Secular Writing Groups

4:15 to 5:00: Tom Lacy: Dos and Don’ts for Beginner and Aspiring Writers. Tom will present a list of dos and don’ts gleaned from some of today's top Christian authors.

MARBLE MOVERS MAKE MONEY

In 2007 I introduced the marble Movers program. It was not original with me although I have been a goal setter for years. I read about it in The Christian Communicator and passed it along to the group. Seven members who had never been published reached the Marble Movers goal of being published for pay in six months or less. Quite an accomplishment, I’d say.

If you’d like to learn how to set reachable goals in writing, and other areas of your personal life, let me hear from you soon. I’m always looking for more Marble Movers to encourage.

2009 Meeting Schedule
June 14 (2nd Sunday to avoid meeting on Father’s Day); July 19; August 16; September 20; Friday night & Saturday, October 16-17*; Saturday, November 14 (2nd Saturday) 4th Annual Family Dinner. No meeting in December.

June 3-6, 2009
Open the Door to Getting Your Work Published at the Write to Publish Conference, Chicago Area
www.abounding.org

August 6-8, 2009Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference www.writehisanswer.com/

*RCWW October Writers Conference

The October conference has yet to be finalized, but set aside Friday evening the 16th and Saturday the 17th. We’ll fill in the details in the weeks to come. Be prepared by being prayed up!Get the word out!

Invite fellow church members to join our group. Here is an easy way to do it. Contact your church office and ask if they will run a notice in the church bulletin the week before our meeting. Ask them, if they publish a monthly news letter, to allow us a small space to notify their members of our meeting.

If they will do this, send me your church contact person and I will get the notices to them according to their publishing schedule.

Recently, by the end of each year, we have a paid membership of about fifty. Through our April meeting we have 35 members. We need/want more -- not for the sake of numbers -- we need them to share their skills/talents with us so we will all be better witnesses for the Kingdom!

APRIL MEETING NOTICE

2009-04-07T18:42:00.000-07:00

April 19th - Yvonne Ortega, author and speaker, will hold a two-part workshop on self editing.

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Join us!

MARCH MEETING NOTICE

2009-03-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

TWO SESSIONS MARCH 15, 2009: See Bios Below.

2:45 to 3:45: Jennifer Erin Valent, Character Development

4:00 to 5:00: Nina Wells, Kingdom Publishing Group, Inc.

2009 Meeting Schedule

April 19; May 17; June 14 (2nd Sunday to avoid meeting on Father’s Day); July 19; August 16; September 20;

Friday night & Saturday, October 16-17*;

Saturday, November 14 (2nd Saturday) 4th Annual Family Dinner. No meeting in December.

April 19th - Yvonne Ortega, author and speaker, will hold a two-part workshop on self editing.

June 3-6, 2009 Open the Door to Getting Your Work Published at the Write to Publish Conference, Chicago Area http://www.abounding.org/

*RCWW October Writers Conference
The October conference has yet to be finalized, but set aside Friday evening the 16th and Saturday the 17th. We’ll fill in the details in the weeks to come. Be prepared by being prayed up!

DUES: Annual dues are $25. Visitors are welcomed but are asked to pay dues at the second meeting they attend. Pay at the march meeting or mailed to: Richmond Christians Who Write, 12114 Walnut Hill Dr., Rockville, VA 23146.

REFRESHMENTS:This is a vital time for networking. If we save time between 2:15 and 2:45 it will be added to our refreshment and fellowship time. Make a new writer friend. Talk to people you do not know.

We look forward to seeing you March 15th. Bring a friend and help them develop their writing skills and career.

In His Service,

Tom Lacy
Rebekah Robb
Co-directors ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Speakers Bios:
Jennifer Erin Valent is the 2007 winner of the Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest. A lifelong resident of the South, her surroundings help to color the scenes and characters she writes. When not penning novels, she works as a nanny and freelance writer in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia.

Nina Wells: Kingdom Publishing Group, Inc. is purposed to educate, inspire, and motivate Christians to publish, produce and promote work that exemplifies and glorifies God. We believe that the creative arts are gifts from God, "The Creator," and as such, we have been called to serve as a conduit to assist you in getting your God inspired work out to the world.

Kingdom Publishing Group, Inc. consists of a dynamic network of individuals who engage, and offer expertise, in the process of proclaiming the Gospel. As such, we encourage, support, and celebrate all who offer their gift..., first to God, and, in turn, to others.

We offer a full range of book publishing, music production, and marketing & promotional services, and a host of outreach and community service initiatives that serve to support the arts. In fulfilling this vision, we have become the area’s leading publisher of Christian books; producer of Christian music; and promoter of inspirational visual and performing arts.

Spread the Word 2009 Two-day Conference

2009-03-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

Fruitbearer Women's Conference #2

March 13-14, 2009

The Inn at Canal Square, Lewes, DE

This year's conference is in the form of a retreat.
Our keynote speaker, Gloria Adams,
author of Time Management God's Way

Contact: Info@fruitbearer.com

For information about please visit our web site Writing Conference information page:

http://www.writersinthemarketplace.org/writingconference.html

Speakers include Terry Whalin, author of Book Proposals That Sell and Media and Presentation Coach Linda Goldfarb

FEBRUARY 15, 2009 - RCWW MEETING

2009-02-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

SIGN IN AND FELLOWSHIP FROM 2:00 TO 2:15. OPENING PRAYER 2:15. See you there!

TWO SESSIONS SESSIONS FEBRUARY 15, 2009: See Bios Below.

2:45 to 3:45: Barbara Baranowski and Martha Kalichman will walk you through the process they followed in self publishing.

4:00 to 5:00: Robyn Williams is a publicist for the WinePress Group. Robyn finds it a joy to help writers share their stories.

2009 Meeting Schedule

March 15, April 19, May 17, June 14 (2nd Sunday to avoid meeting on Father’s Day), July 19, August 16, September 20, Friday night & Saturday, October 16-17,* Saturday, November 14 (2nd Saturday) 4th Annual Family Dinner. No meeting in December.

Speakers Bios:

Barbara Baranowski is an educator and inspirational writer, helping
her father self publish, Understanding the Times.

Martha Kalichman, author of Reaching for Answers to Crohn’s Disease, is a registered nurse, graduating from Norfolk General Hospital School of Nursing. For many years she has diligently researched health issues that have affected her husband and two children.

Robyn Williams serves as a publicist for the WinePress Group. She has experience working with media organizations such as TV and radio stations, newspapers and bookstores to schedule interviews and events, aides in promoting the heart and message behind each author's book.

Best Unpublished Novel Contest Deadline Approaching

2008-12-29T15:06:00.000-08:00

James River Writers and Richmond Magazine
are partnering to present
Third Annual Best Unpublished Novel Contest.

Do you have what it takes to be a published author?

Deadline (postmark): Thursday, January 15, 2009

Entry fee: $25. Checks should be made out to James River Writers.

PRIZES: First prize: $500, publication of an excerpt in Richmond magazine, a ticket to the 2009 James River Writers conference, and feedback from a JRW board member. Two finalists will each receive $200.

Entries: Submit the first 50 pages of your manuscript by Jan. 15, 2009 (postmark deadline) to

Richmond magazine
Best Unpublished Novel Contest
2201 W. Broad St., Suite 105
Richmond, VA 23220

Full manuscripts will be requested later if the submission passes the first round of judging. Please do not submit duplicates of manuscripts entered in previous years.

Rules of the road: Entries must not include the author's name or will be disqualified. Each submission must have a cover sheet with the author's name, contact information and the novel's title. Each page of the manuscript must have the title in the upper left corner, page numbers in the upper right, double-spaced, one-inch margins, Times New Roman or Arial font, size 12. Limit of two submissions per writer @ $25 per submission. This is a fiction contest. Richmond magazine writers and other employees, and JRW employees and board members cannot enter. To submit an entry, the author must be a resident of Virginia, a student at a Virginia college or university, or a member of JRW. The winner will be published in the July 2009 issue of the magazine. Submissions will be returned only if accompanied by a SASE. All submissions will receive comments from a professional writer.

Link to original post HERE.

RCWW MEETINGS = PAID WRITING ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2 MEMBERS!

2008-12-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

PRAISE THE LORD!!!! I received my first paid assignment to write seven daily devotionals for Light from the Word, a daily devotional published by Wesleyan Publishing House!

I thank RCWW again because, I received the information through the group!!! Be encouraged my brothers and sisters---my greatest writing victories lately have come at discouraging times when I wanted to set my writing on a shelf. (I got several rejections prior to this.) Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Please pray for me in writing these devotionals. My prayer is that God would inspire and direct my writing so that the readers know and serve Him more.
Laurie Vines: oneway2heaven@verizon.net

I too celebrate with Laurie; I too have received a paid assignment for Light from the Word, and I also found this information through RCWW. Special thanks to Rebekah for bringing back all those opportunities from her writers conference. This is my 2nd paid assignment, the 1st I also got from Rebekah and RCWW.

What a blessing this group is to writers! Thank you, and Merry Christmas to all.

Kelly Combs
www.chattykelly.blogspot.com
www.kellycombs.com

What Are Your 2009 Writing Resolutions?

2008-12-08T18:05:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. Time to start thinking about your writing resolutions for 2009! That's right, we're less than a month away from a brand new year.

What are your 2009 writing resolutions? Click here to go straight to the forum post (after you've logged in or signed up). Be sure to include your name and I may highlight your answer along with a link to the thread in a future issue of the newsletter.

Maximizing Your Web Presence, Take a Survey and a Reminder

2008-12-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

This month's issues of WM.com offers these great tips for how to maximize your internet presence using networks and online communities.

How to Make a Friend:
-Click on another person's profile.
-Under the person's profile pic, there should be an Add Friend button.
-Click on the Add Friend button.
-Once you do this, a friend request will go to the person's community home page, where he or she will approve or deny the friend request.
-There are many reasons a person might deny a friend request, but the most common may be that the person doesn't know you and/or thinks you could potentially be a spammer. So to improve your chances of having your friend request approved, you could send a message introducing yourself. (Of course, if you're already friends with someone, it's still a good idea to send a message from time-to-time to just be friendly.)

How to Send a Message:
-Click on another person's profile.
-Under the person's profile pic, there should be a Send Message button.
-Click on the Send Message button.
-Type in a subject in the subject line and type a message in the Your Message box.
-Once you're happy with your message, click the Send Message button.

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VABOOK-NEWS

2008-12-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

Hello from VABook-News!

It's time to get a glimpse of who'll be coming to the Virginia Festival of the Book in March. Early signers news below, and a new ticketed event announced with Adriana Trigiani and David Baldacci.

Also, don't miss our "Mixed Bag Challenge"--15 weeks of questions and your answer/comments. The weekly prize is one of our Festival shopping bags, and every entry is eligible for the grand prize. See more below.

Enjoy!

Kevin McFadden
Assoc. Program Director, VABook!

*Contents:*
I.	VABook! 2009 Announces Early Signers
II.	Just Announced: Trigiani and Baldacci Event
III.	The Mixed Bag: 15 Weeks of Bookish Challenges
IV.	Festival Bags--Take Home the Savings

VABook! 2009 Announces Early Signers

The Virginia Festival of the Book is pleased to announce a selection of “early signers”—those who have committed to appear in its 15^th anniversary celebration of books and literacy, March 18-22, 2009.

Fiction luminaries include John Grisham (The Associate), Stephen L. Carter (Emperor of Ocean Park, Palace Council), Mary Doria Russell (Dreamers of the Day), Jean Hanff Korelitz (Admission), Alan Cheuse (To Catch the Lightning), Katherine Neville (The Fire), and emerging writers like Virginia Literary Award winner Helon Habila (Measuring Time) and New South novelist Inman Majors (The Millionaires).

For vampire fans, the Festival is featuring two well-known genre writers Kim Harrison (White Witch, Black Curse), Mario Acevedo (Jailbait Zombie) and recovering pop culture critic Eric Nuzum (The Dead Travel Fast: Stalking Vampires from Nosferatu to Count Chocula).

Launching poetry books at the Festival will be Rita Dove (Sonata Mulattica) and Gregory Orr (How Beautiful the Beloved). Irish poet Paul Muldoon (Horse Latitudes) and Australian poet laureate Kevin Hart (Night Music) will read, as will a host of poets with Virginia ties: John Casteen (Free Union), Michael Chitwood (Spill), Ted Genoways (Anna, Washing), Sarah Kennedy (Home Remedies), Debra Nystrom (Bad River Road), R.T. Smith (Outlaw Style), and Lisa Russ Spaar (Satin Cash).

Virginia Civil Rights icon John A. Stokes will return to the Festival with his young adult book Students on Strike. Featured photographers will include Sam Abell (The Life of a Photograph) and Robert Llewellyn (Remarkable Trees of Virginia).

Writers with Charlottesville connections include constitutional lawyer John Whitehead (The Change Manifesto), memoirist Peach Friedman (Diary of an Exercise Addict), science historian Eric Vettel (Biotech: The Countercultural Origins of an Industry), New York Times crossword puzzle creator Arthur Schulman (Websterisms: A Collection of Words and Definitions Set Forth by the Founding Father of American English), and public health professor Jeff Goldsmith (The Long Baby Boom).

Participant information and programs will be on the site soon, as details are confirmed.

Just Announced: Trigiani and Baldacci Event

Wine & Words with Adriana and David

Thursday, March 19, 4 - 6 p.m.

Enoteca ($50)

It's la dolce vita with Adriana Trigiani (Very Valentine) and David Baldacci (Divine Justice). Enjoy an assortment of Italian meats, cheeses, grapes, olives, and a glass of wine at this intimate engagement followed by remarks and a booksigning by two of Virginia's best-loved and bestselling authors.

This event will make a great gift for the book lover you know, hosted at Enoteca wine & panini bar on the Downtown Mall. Order tickets online here.

The Mixed Bag: 15 Weeks of Bookish Challenges

We've got just 15 weeks til the Virginia Festival of the Book. What better way to get in the mood for our milestone anniversary than a related challenge question each week. The weekly winner with the most clever, creative, or funny answer gets a free Festival shopping bag (stuffed with great coupons, see below) and every entrant will have a chance to win two tickets to the Trigiani-Baldacci reception on Thursday, March 19 (see above). Take the Mixed Bag Challenge!

Enter by adding a comment to our Mixed Bag Challenge blog. We'll collect these comments week by week and enlist special judges for each challenge. We're giving our newsletter readers a head-start, the first two challenges are below:

The first challenge is live now on the site:

1. What do you love about the Virginia Festival of the Book in 15 words? (Answer online here.)

Sneak Peak for next week:

2. What's your "Martha Stewart" idea for getting the most use out of a Festival shopping bag? (Will post 12/10/08)

Festival Bags--Take Home the Savings

The Virginia Festival of the Book, in partnership with Federal Realty/Barracks Road Shopping Center, have produced 15th anniversary bags, perfect for carrying your favorite books, groceries or anything else!

The bags, made from recycled materials, are on sale for $10 and include more than $200 in free coupons for stores at Barracks Road Shopping Center. You can get your money back in savings on the same shopping trip! Proceeds support VABook!

The 15th Anniversary bags are now available at:

Chimney Corner (434-295-1044)

Blue Ridge Mountain Sports (434-977-4400)

Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters (434-977-1415)

Plow & Hearth (after January 2009 only, 434-977-3707)

Coupons inside are good at the following Barracks Road stores: Origins, Chimney Corner, Rebecca's Natural Food, Smoothie King, Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters, Tara Thai, HotCakes, The Virginia Shop, Oil & Vinegar, and Plow & Hearth.

Richmond Christians Who Write

First Friday Inspirational Book Club-November 6

RCWW Christian Writer’s Conference - Saturday, October 17, 2009

3 SEPTEMBER WRITING CONTESTS

August RCWW Meeting Notice

First Friday Book Club

Sizzling Summer Series - Trademark and Copyright

The AuthorizeMe Seminar

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings

RCWW JULY MEETING

Writing Short Fiction For Anthologies

Utmost Christian Writer Poetry Contest

RCWW October Writers Conference

I've Got a Story to Tell - Wednesday, July 1

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 Spotlight on "I've Got a Story to Tell" conference www.blogtalkradio.com/leadershiplessons

First Friday Book Club

THREE SESSIONS MAY 17, 2009

APRIL MEETING NOTICE

MARCH MEETING NOTICE

Spread the Word 2009 Two-day Conference

FEBRUARY 15, 2009 - RCWW MEETING

Best Unpublished Novel Contest Deadline Approaching

RCWW MEETINGS = PAID WRITING ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2 MEMBERS!

What Are Your 2009 Writing Resolutions?

Maximizing Your Web Presence, Take a Survey and a Reminder

VABOOK-NEWS

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Spotlight on "I've Got a Story to Tell" conference

www.blogtalkradio.com/leadershiplessons