The New Jersey Children’s Writer’s Guild

If you want to write fiction that inspires and encourages, join Paula Morrow and Kristi Holl for “Sharing our Hope: Writing for Religious and Inspirational Markets.” This Highlights Foundation workshop will be held at The Barn, outside of Honesdale, PA, May 30 through June 2.

Paula has been involved with children’s literature all her life. She was a long-time editor of children’s books and magazines at Cricket Magazine Group and Cricket Books. She currently has an independent editing service and is an instructor with the Institute of Children’s Literature.

Kristi is a children’s choice award-winning author, and has written 42 books for children, and much more. She taught writing for children and teens for the Institute of Children’s Literature for twenty-five years.

To secure your spot, or for more information, contact Jo Lloyd at 570-253-1192, e-mail jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org, or request an application online.

To view more 2012 Founders Workshops, which take place near Honesdale, Pennsylvania, please visit www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Just a friendly reminder to our NJCWG members that voting for the BookRemarks contest ends January 31, 2013 at midnight EST.  Please take a moment to vote for your favorite story and enable some lucky member to attend BookExpo or a writer’s workshop.

Your vote should be sent to both Danielle and Sheila.

Thank you for your support!

http://www.thebookdoctors.com/

To learn how you can enter the 2013 Tomie dePaola Illustrator’s Award competition, visit the following link: Tomie dePaola Illustration Contest

The competition is open to SCBWI members, and the winning illustration (to be shared at the SCBWI winter conference) will be chosen by Tomie himself.

Good luck!

This fall the Bridgewater Library is hosting a slew of wonderful events for writers of all ages. From panels and workshops featuring an array of local authors to a night of networking with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, these events are a great way for writers to learn more about their craft and mingle with fellow writers.

For more information, visit the Bridgewater Library website http://www.sclsnj.org. All events are FREE! Registration is required. Call 908.526.4016 x105 or email Samantha Gale at sgale@sclibnj.org.

Tuesday October 23, 2012
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Learn more about the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. Join newly appointed Regional Advisor Leeza Hernandez as she talks about SCBWI and how this group can work for you. Stay after the event for networking and light refreshments.

Saturday November 3, 2012
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

So you’ve finished the writing your book/story, or have you? What (if any) revision work needs doing? Where can you go for feedback? How will you know when it’s ready to send out, and where should you try first? Join New Jersey Authors, Jon Gibbs (moderator); Danielle Ackley-McPhail; Mike McPhail; Alice Dinizo; Kate Lutter and Chris Redding, for a fun, informative discussion on getting published in today’s market, and find out why typing ‘THE END’ is really just the beginning.

Tuesday November 6, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

There are many choices on the path to publishing your novel, how do you know which one is right for you?

You’ve finished your novel, but how do you get published? Join a panel of local authors as they discuss their personal experiences in becoming published and share their tips and secrets on breaking into the publishing world.

Join us for a panel discussion and Q & A featuring local authors.

Wednesday November 28, 2012
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

You have the finished manuscript, but how do you craft that perfect pitch or query letter to catch the eye and ear of an agent or publisher? Join local authors for a discussion and workshop on their experiences breaking into the publishing world. You will work in small groups with the published authors to write your own pitch.

Happy writing!

Dear NJCWG members,

All members of The New Jersey Children’s Writer’s Guild have “author” status on our website and are able to post items of interest, articles, photos, etc., to our blog.  In order to post, simply click on “my profile” under the membership section (to the upper right hand side of the home page).  You may have to log-in first.  This will take you to your profile page where in the upper right hand corner of that page you will see a posting option.  Just click-on to that and you’re ready to go!

You can then “preview” your post and finally press “publish.”

Please know that inappropriate content will be deleted and could result in “authorship” privileges being revoked.

I’m looking forward to reading your posts!

A reminder that our BookRemarks contest is coming up.  Please review the rules below.  The deadline to submit is 10pm December 31, 2012.  Winners will receive the following prizes:  $300 first place, $150 2nd place, $75 3rd place, subject to number of participants as described below.  Good luck!

• Limit of one submission per participant.
• Prize will be awarded ONLY IF 3 or more submissions are received by the deadline date.  1 prize if 3 participants, 2 prizes if 4 part., 3 prizes if 5 or more part.
• Submissions must be based on the theme:  “No You Can’t”
• 1,000 word limit (not including title)
• Participants must vote on all submissions, but cannot vote for themselves
• Ties will be determined by Dainelle Ray
• Prize money must be used to attend BEA or a professional writer’s conference or literary workshop in 2013.
• Winners will be interviewed by Sheila Wright or her representative following attendance at the winner’s chosen event; this interview will be published on the NJCWG website and FaceBook page.
• Members must be in good standing to enter.
• Submissions must be sent to Sheila and Danielle.
• You must vote no later than 10pm EST on January 31, 2013
• Winner(s) will be announced at the February meeting of NJCWG
• Acceptable submission formats include: poems, synopsis of longer story, complete story, first chapter(s) of story.
• Contest void where prohibited by law (contestants must be at least 18 years of age and legal residents of the USA).