Tuesday, November 04, 2008
FWA Ancient City Newsletter for November 2008
Hello Ancient City Writers,
Our next meeting: Saturday, November 15th
Location: The Main Library in downtown St. Augustine (1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.)
* Please try to arrive by 10:00 so that everyone will have time to check in, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and get seated in time for us to begin at 10:15.
Meeting / Speaker: 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
ACC/FWA Chapter once again welcomes Sandra McDonald. A very powerful and imaginative speaker, Sandra will speak on November 15, on the topic of Implied Author/Implied Reader. Sandra states that "these are two characters that every writer must consider, whether working in fiction, non-fiction or poetry, in addition to all the protagonists, antagonists, sidekicks, romantic interests and other characters running around in the author's head. Who are these implied people, and how do you work them to your best advantage?"
Our next meeting: Saturday, November 15th
Location: The Main Library in downtown St. Augustine (1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.)
* Please try to arrive by 10:00 so that everyone will have time to check in, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and get seated in time for us to begin at 10:15.
Meeting / Speaker: 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
ACC/FWA Chapter once again welcomes Sandra McDonald. A very powerful and imaginative speaker, Sandra will speak on November 15, on the topic of Implied Author/Implied Reader. Sandra states that "these are two characters that every writer must consider, whether working in fiction, non-fiction or poetry, in addition to all the protagonists, antagonists, sidekicks, romantic interests and other characters running around in the author's head. Who are these implied people, and how do you work them to your best advantage?"
Sandra McDonald is the author of three science fiction novels and over twenty published short stories in the fields of mystery, romance and speculative fiction. Her work has been nominated for honors such as the Tiptree Award and Compton Crook award, and her most recent paperback was listed as a bestseller in Entertainment Weekly and Locus magazine. She holds a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine and currently teaches college composition.
Critique Group Sessions: 11:45 – 1:00
If you’re not already part of a critique group and wish to join one, please contact the proper critique group coordinator to be added to their mailing list (each name contains a hyperlink to their email address):
Jeff Swesky Fiction Critique Group Coordinator
Jack Owen Non-fiction Critique Group Coordinator
Dana Gregory Poetry Critique Group Coordinator
December 6th Event (in place of December 20th meeting)
Critique Group Sessions: 11:45 – 1:00
If you’re not already part of a critique group and wish to join one, please contact the proper critique group coordinator to be added to their mailing list (each name contains a hyperlink to their email address):
Jeff Swesky Fiction Critique Group Coordinator
Jack Owen Non-fiction Critique Group Coordinator
Dana Gregory Poetry Critique Group Coordinator
December 6th Event (in place of December 20th meeting)
In lieu of a December 20th meeting, which is cutting pretty close to Christmas, we will be hosting a special event on December 6th at the main library instead.
WRITING THE SALABLE NOVEL will be the topic of the panel discussion taking place Saturday, December 6, at the Main Library, St. Augustine. Presented by the FWA and the Friends of the Main Library, the event begins at 10:15am. Participating authors include: Nancy Haddock who will talk about writing paranormal mystery romance; William Kerr (retired USN), will speak on suspense/thrillers; and Arliss Ryan will discuss historical novels.
The panel will be followed by a reception for the authors including book sales and signings. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Main Library. All book sales will benefit the Friends of the Main Library. The library is located at 1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.
More information regarding the authors follows:
More information regarding the authors follows:
NANCY HADDOCK debut novel, La Vida Vampire, launched a new series from Berkley, and was released in April 2008 to rave reviews, including a 4 1/2 star Top Pick from Romantic Times BookReviews magazine. Her second book, Last Vampire Standing is slated for release on May, 2009. She is currently at work on a third book in the series as well as two other paranormal mystery romance concepts, a time travel romance set in the Regency period, and a romantic comedy.
WILLIAM KERR is the author of six suspense/thriller novels featuring Matt Berkeley, a former Navy Special Warfare officer, who heads up security functions for an archaeological organization that is funded by the government. To create his protagonist, Kerr draws upon various commands he held during his 25-year Naval career. Books include: Path of the Golden Dragon, a NY Times paperback bestseller; Death’s Bright Angel, Best Mystery/Suspense Novel, FWA Palm Awards; Judgment Call; and Mark of the Devil, scheduled for February 2009 release. His current book, Deadly Logic, is represented by the Writers Literary Agency, Inc.
ARLISS RYAN’s first novel, The Kingsley House, was published by St. Martin’s Press and by Reader’s Digest Select Editions. A work of historical fiction, The Kingsley House is a family saga based on the actual house built by Ryan’s ancestor Nathan Kingsley in Michigan in 1843. The house is now preserved in Greenmead Historical Village near Detroit. Ryan’s second novel, How (Not) To Have A Perfect Wedding, published by Sourcebooks, is a social satire about a society wedding in one of the famous Gilded Age mansions in Newport, RI. Her recently completed third novel set in Shakespeare’s England is represented by Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc.
New Releases!!
Electrifying Romances by Elizabeth SinclairAvailable now at http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.barnesandnobel.com/
A great Christmas present for the avid romance reader!
ANGEL UNAWARE
Medallion Press -- December 2008
ISBN# 978-193383631- 7
Dora is one of the most inept angels heaven has ever had the misfortune to employ in the Celestial Maintenance Department. She's sent to Earth for the three weeks prior to Christmas to help a mortal family and must return to Heaven on Christmas Eve. During that time, she must help a man find his faith in family again and his ability to trust in love and help a little girl become a child again and get past the guilt she feels for the death of her parents. In doing so, Dora finds more than just a challenge to her questionable angel skills. She looses her wings, gains mortality, finds her family, and discovers love and hope for a future she's only dreamed of.
BURNING SECRETS
Silhouette Romantic Suspense -- January 2009
ISBN# 978-0-373-27616- 5
Jesse Kingston needs to find out why his best friend, Paul Jackson, a decorated, trained forest ranger, walked into a wall of fire that meant certain death. Karen Ellis, four months pregnant with Paul Jackson’s baby knows only that her baby’s father perished in a wildfire. That’s not the man she knew and loved, and she needs to know more, and only Jesse can help her. When Karen finally meets Jesse, she realizes that the love she thought she felt for Paul is nothing in comparison to what she’s feeling for this brooding man who distances himself from those who love him–including her. Together they search the Adirondack Mountains for the answers, but in their quest for answers they risk their lives, that of her unborn child, and the inevitable destruction of a new and fragile love.
Calendar of Writing Events:
November 14th – 16th, 2008
THE 7th ANNUAL FLORIDA WRITERS CONFERENCE is scheduled for November 14 - 16, 2008 at the Marriott Resort in Lake Mary, Florida.
Join the heart of Florida’s writing community at the Lake Mary Marriott, for the biggest and most exciting 3-day event FWA has ever presented. "We’ve reached the tipping point this year,” says Chrissy Jackson, vice president of FWA and chair of the conference. “A minimum of 300 attendees has drawn the best faculty we’ve ever had — and I just know that faculty is going to drive attendance even higher.”
Calendar of Writing Events:
November 14th – 16th, 2008
THE 7th ANNUAL FLORIDA WRITERS CONFERENCE is scheduled for November 14 - 16, 2008 at the Marriott Resort in Lake Mary, Florida.
Join the heart of Florida’s writing community at the Lake Mary Marriott, for the biggest and most exciting 3-day event FWA has ever presented. "We’ve reached the tipping point this year,” says Chrissy Jackson, vice president of FWA and chair of the conference. “A minimum of 300 attendees has drawn the best faculty we’ve ever had — and I just know that faculty is going to drive attendance even higher.”
Fourteen experienced agents, publishers and writing mentors will be coming from all over the country to offer thirty information-packed sessions over three days — in a three-track plan tailored for full-time pros, serious hobbyists and determined beginners.
Learn how to improve your writing skills, package your work for selling and go on to make the sale — in special one-on-one meetings with the faculty. Get to know those things that no books on creating and selling your work ever could teach you.
It’s going to be a hard work, hard play get-together like none Florida has ever seen — a chance for end-of-the-day meetings with your kind of serious writers in an environment that will help you make friends and create common bonds for years to come.
You’ll also get the chance to show off your best work and see the best work of other Florida writers, as well:
Saturday night, November 15th, is the annual Royal Palm Literary Awards dinner. As you know, the Royal Palm is the premier awards contest for all of Florida, and this year there are more categories in fiction and nonfiction and separate genres than ever before. The contest closes
August 1, so climb on the internet and go to http://www.floridawriters.net/ to get the rules and enter your prize work for all to read and praise.
Make your reservation now. (For hotel reservations, call 1-899 380-7724 and ask for the FWA discount rate. First come, first serve.)
P.S. We’ll be giving away an unbelievable number of door prizes worth from $10 to over $500 in value. The Silent Auction to fund our new Florida Writers Foundation in its fight against illiteracy will feature dozens of items ranging from autographed bestsellers to packages of Disney World and Sea World passes worth $400 dollars each. A chance to get your Christmas shopping done in a flash! Sponsors and donors are still sending items so fast we can hardly keep up, so look for more news on the door prizes and silent auction items in our next email.
Writers Residency in Louisville, Kentucky
Spalding University’s four-semester, brief-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing combines superb instruction with unparalleled flexibility. At the beginning of each semester, students and faculty work together at a 10-day residency (in Louisville or abroad), after which they return home to correspond one-on-one through an exchange of 5 packets between the student and the faculty mentor for the rest of the semester. Study fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, writing for children and young adults, screenwriting, or playwriting.
Writers Residency in Louisville, Kentucky
Spalding University’s four-semester, brief-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing combines superb instruction with unparalleled flexibility. At the beginning of each semester, students and faculty work together at a 10-day residency (in Louisville or abroad), after which they return home to correspond one-on-one through an exchange of 5 packets between the student and the faculty mentor for the rest of the semester. Study fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, writing for children and young adults, screenwriting, or playwriting.
Request brochure FA35 by email: http://mailcenter3.comcast.net/wmc/v/wm/490E70510009670F000061B022165499769C97059C0A999C?cmd=ComposeTo&adr=mfa%40spalding%2Eedu&sid=c0, by phone: (800) 896-8941, ext 2423, or see our website: www.spalding.edu/mfa.
February 9th, 2009
The Pet Socialite, Inc. Presents: The First Business of Pet Writing Conference
Excitement is in the air for the pet writing community as they celebrate an entire day devoted to their craft. The Business of Pet Writing Conference, the first of its kind, provides a unique forum for pet writers and publishing professionals to meet. Held at the Radisson Martinique hotel in New York City, the inaugural event coincides with the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Beginning at 8:30 am on Saturday, February 9th, pet writers will spend the day rubbing elbows with publishing insiders. Valuable information will be shared teaching pet writers how to effectively present their work to the publishing community and the public at large. Participating writers will also have the rare opportunity to meet with editors and agents on a one to one basis. To top the day off, they will enjoy a very special appearance by David Frei, the long standing co-host of the Westminster show.
The lineup at The Business of Pet Writing Conference is a virtual who’s who of publishing including editors from Barron’s Educational Series, Bowtie Press/Kennel Club Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Quirk Books, Storey Publishing, TFH Publications, AKC Gazette/Family Dog, Dog Fancy, Wiley, agents and more.
Dick Donahue, senior editor at Publishers Weekly, will kick off the day with a keynote speech: Pet Book Selling and Publishing. Paul Aiken, Executive Director of The Authors Guild will talk on the subject, Negotiations and Book Contracts.
As for the important issues of image facing pet writers and writing, Rick Frishman, founder of Planned Television Arts, will talk about: Handling Book Publicity.
Susan Canavan, senior editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will speak about: Tips for Having A Successful Relationship with an Editor while Maura Teitelbum, of Abrams Artist Agency will present: How to Find the Right Literary Agent
Last but not least, Beth Adelman, president of Adelman Editorial Services will share her expertise on: Writing Better Book Proposals.
But that’s not all that’s going on during The Business of Pet Writing Conference. In addition to the aforementioned sessions, a research and trends panel will contribute their specialized knowledge to the day. The panel includes representatives from such esteemed organizations as: the American Animal Hospital Association, American Kennel Club, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Automobile Association of America, Pet Food Institute, and the National Animal Supplement Council and others.
“The response has been so tremendous for our conference that we expect the roster of presenters to grow,” said Charlotte Reed, international pet expert, author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Etiquette and proprietor of The Pet Socialite, Inc. “We are so thrilled to produce the event and know it’s the first of many to come.”
The cost of the conference is $150.00.
For more information about The Business of Pet Writing Conference, contact: The Pet Socialite, Inc. PO Box 389, New York, NY 10013. Email: info@petwritingconference.com. Phone: 212-631-3648. Fax: 888-492-3452.
Writing Contests/Opportunities:
Writing Opportunites at Palatka Daily News:
Looking for Feature Story ideas for their LIVING section which is published on Fridays. "...is a celebration of home and leisure." This might include remodeling, decorating tips, homemade crafts, cooking, entertainment ideas, collections or hobbies that would be of interest to readers.
Send to:Palatka Daily News, Attn: Trisha Murphy (Putnam Living) at PO Box 777 Palatka, FL 32178
GOT POETRY?
Area poets invited to submit original work to be published in the Currents section on Saturdays. Published as space permits and in no particular order. Should include writers name and daytime phone number for verification. Must be typed.
Send to Palatka Daily News, Attn: CURRENTS POETRY at PO Box 777, Palatka, FL 32178
February 9th, 2009
The Pet Socialite, Inc. Presents: The First Business of Pet Writing Conference
Excitement is in the air for the pet writing community as they celebrate an entire day devoted to their craft. The Business of Pet Writing Conference, the first of its kind, provides a unique forum for pet writers and publishing professionals to meet. Held at the Radisson Martinique hotel in New York City, the inaugural event coincides with the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Beginning at 8:30 am on Saturday, February 9th, pet writers will spend the day rubbing elbows with publishing insiders. Valuable information will be shared teaching pet writers how to effectively present their work to the publishing community and the public at large. Participating writers will also have the rare opportunity to meet with editors and agents on a one to one basis. To top the day off, they will enjoy a very special appearance by David Frei, the long standing co-host of the Westminster show.
The lineup at The Business of Pet Writing Conference is a virtual who’s who of publishing including editors from Barron’s Educational Series, Bowtie Press/Kennel Club Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Quirk Books, Storey Publishing, TFH Publications, AKC Gazette/Family Dog, Dog Fancy, Wiley, agents and more.
Dick Donahue, senior editor at Publishers Weekly, will kick off the day with a keynote speech: Pet Book Selling and Publishing. Paul Aiken, Executive Director of The Authors Guild will talk on the subject, Negotiations and Book Contracts.
As for the important issues of image facing pet writers and writing, Rick Frishman, founder of Planned Television Arts, will talk about: Handling Book Publicity.
Susan Canavan, senior editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will speak about: Tips for Having A Successful Relationship with an Editor while Maura Teitelbum, of Abrams Artist Agency will present: How to Find the Right Literary Agent
Last but not least, Beth Adelman, president of Adelman Editorial Services will share her expertise on: Writing Better Book Proposals.
But that’s not all that’s going on during The Business of Pet Writing Conference. In addition to the aforementioned sessions, a research and trends panel will contribute their specialized knowledge to the day. The panel includes representatives from such esteemed organizations as: the American Animal Hospital Association, American Kennel Club, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Automobile Association of America, Pet Food Institute, and the National Animal Supplement Council and others.
“The response has been so tremendous for our conference that we expect the roster of presenters to grow,” said Charlotte Reed, international pet expert, author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Etiquette and proprietor of The Pet Socialite, Inc. “We are so thrilled to produce the event and know it’s the first of many to come.”
The cost of the conference is $150.00.
For more information about The Business of Pet Writing Conference, contact: The Pet Socialite, Inc. PO Box 389, New York, NY 10013. Email: info@petwritingconference.com. Phone: 212-631-3648. Fax: 888-492-3452.
Writing Contests/Opportunities:
Writing Opportunites at Palatka Daily News:
Looking for Feature Story ideas for their LIVING section which is published on Fridays. "...is a celebration of home and leisure." This might include remodeling, decorating tips, homemade crafts, cooking, entertainment ideas, collections or hobbies that would be of interest to readers.
Send to:Palatka Daily News, Attn: Trisha Murphy (Putnam Living) at PO Box 777 Palatka, FL 32178
GOT POETRY?
Area poets invited to submit original work to be published in the Currents section on Saturdays. Published as space permits and in no particular order. Should include writers name and daytime phone number for verification. Must be typed.
Send to Palatka Daily News, Attn: CURRENTS POETRY at PO Box 777, Palatka, FL 32178
Oceanview Publishing’s Short Story Contest:
Oceanview Publishing is running a short story contest with
no entry fees and cash prizes:
http://www.oceanviewpub.com/Contest.htm
Stories must be between 1000 and 5000 words. No young adult, children’s, or poetry. Submissions must be in Word’s .doc files. The judges are well known and reputable. The deadline is Nov 17, 2008.
Best First Crime Novel Competition
Oceanview Publishing is running a short story contest with
no entry fees and cash prizes:
http://www.oceanviewpub.com/Contest.htm
Stories must be between 1000 and 5000 words. No young adult, children’s, or poetry. Submissions must be in Word’s .doc files. The judges are well known and reputable. The deadline is Nov 17, 2008.
Best First Crime Novel Competition
Rules for the 2009 St. Martin’s Minotaur/ Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition:
http://us.macmillan.com/Content.aspx?publisher=smpminotaur&id=4933#bestcrime
The 9th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition:
The 9th 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, 2008.
The Grand-Prize winner will receive $3,000 (that's $2—or more—per word). For guidelines, prizes and to enter online, click here.
The 2008 Book Festivals – Call for Entries
The website below has links for submissions to various book festivals including the 2008 New England Book Festival and the 2008 DIY Book Festival. The grand prize for both festivals is $1500 cash plus flight to the awards ceremony.
The New England Book Festival will consider non-fiction, fiction, biography/autobiography, children's books, teenage, how-to, cookbooks, science fiction, audio/spoken word, photography, art, poetry and spiritual works published on or after Jan. 1, 2000. All entries must be in English.
The DIY Book Festival will consider self-published or independent publisher non-fiction, fiction, biography/autobiography, children's books, teenage, how-to, cookbooks, science fiction, audio/spoken word, photography, art, comics, 'zines, fan fiction, poetry and e-books published on or after Jan. 1, 2006. All entries must be in English and have been self-published or issued by an independent publishing house.
The DIY Book Festival will consider self-published or independent publisher non-fiction, fiction, biography/autobiography, children's books, teenage, how-to, cookbooks, science fiction, audio/spoken word, photography, art, comics, 'zines, fan fiction, poetry and e-books published on or after Jan. 1, 2006. All entries must be in English and have been self-published or issued by an independent publishing house.
For more information including rules, deadlines, and submission guidelines, visit:
http://www.diyconvention.com/
The 4th Annual Writer's Digest Poetry Awards
We are now accepting entries for the 4th Annual Writer's Digest Poetry Awards. Whether you write rhyming poetry, free verse or haiku—as long as your poems are 32 lines or fewer, we want them all! 1st place: $500 / Second Place: $250 / Third Place: $100 Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25 Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer's Digest Books. New this year: The 1st- through 50th-place poems will be printed in a special competition collection, published by Lulu.com.Winners' names will appear in the August 2009 issue of Writer's Digest.
Gulf Coast Writer’s Association 2009 Anthology
Greetings from Gulf Coast Writer's Association!
We are writing to announce a Call for Submissions of short fiction to our second GCWA anthology. There is no entry fee. GCWA will pay $25.00 (or two free copies) to contributors whose work is selected for one-time publication rights -- all rights revert to authors upon publication.
Stories must be set in The South and clearly capture a southern tone. Themes might include: coming-of-age, family relationships, fitting in, social life (in its many facets), dreams/aspirations. We will also consider previously published stories that meet this criteria. Deadline for submissions is March 15, 2009.
Please share this information with members and friends. Interested writers will find all the information they need to submit at: http://www.blogger.com/
We are eager to include voices from many southern states in this collection!
Thank you very much and all best to our fellow writers!
Dixon Hearne, Co-Editor
GCWA
See you all at the next meeting and keep writing,
Jeff Swesky
Ancient City Chapter Blog: http://fwaancientcity.blogspot.com/
Greetings from Gulf Coast Writer's Association!
We are writing to announce a Call for Submissions of short fiction to our second GCWA anthology. There is no entry fee. GCWA will pay $25.00 (or two free copies) to contributors whose work is selected for one-time publication rights -- all rights revert to authors upon publication.
Stories must be set in The South and clearly capture a southern tone. Themes might include: coming-of-age, family relationships, fitting in, social life (in its many facets), dreams/aspirations. We will also consider previously published stories that meet this criteria. Deadline for submissions is March 15, 2009.
Please share this information with members and friends. Interested writers will find all the information they need to submit at: http://www.blogger.com/
We are eager to include voices from many southern states in this collection!
Thank you very much and all best to our fellow writers!
Dixon Hearne, Co-Editor
GCWA
See you all at the next meeting and keep writing,
Jeff Swesky
Ancient City Chapter Blog: http://fwaancientcity.blogspot.com/
