Saturday, February 20, 2021

Here We Change Again!



Proving the accuracy of the quote in my last blog, we're making ANOTHER change. 

For twelve years we have faithfully met every week, critiquing and encouraging one another with great results -- our members birthed four new books into the world in 2020!

But a pandemic, job changes for some and work schedule changes for others, have played havoc with our meetings. So we took lessons from the lockdown--less is more; quality over quantity--and scaled down to  once a month. 

To avoid conflicts with other writer groups in the area, we have chosen to meet on the third Thursday.  

Check out what our members accomplished in 2020: 







Sunday, July 5, 2020

Opened and Regathered

"The only constant in life is change."

Heraclitus said this in the sixth century B.C and we've have been living it out daily twenty-five hundred years later.

Due to COVID-19, the church we meet at closed to in-person gatherings in late March and, instead of getting on Zoom, we chose to use the time to create and write. I hope everyone has had a productive four months.

In mid-May a small group of us tentatively gathered at a member's home and we've done that a few times since.

But today I got GREAT news--the church is re-opened for groups. So, starting this Thursday, July 23, at 7:00 p.m. we will meet at our HOME - Maranatha Church | 7550 Collins Rd | Jacksonville | 32244

What a crazy roller coaster ride 2020 has been thus far and we look forward to re-gathering, reading and sharing your experiences.

See you there!

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Home at Last

It has been a year (or two) of turmoil and change, but we are still here. Well, not the here where we used to be...the new here.

If you've been trying to find us, it's been quite the challenge. So, here's what happened.

After many years of meeting at the Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library on 103rd Street, they had a change in policy that only allowed groups to book a room twice a month.

Unwilling to limit our critique time, Joseph Mazerac graciously found us accommodations at his church. That was a great space for about three years. However, the digs were leased while they built their permanent quarters. Hmmm...kinda sounds like a pilgrimage in a strange land...


We excitedly watched their property being prepared and then the new building going up. But alas, at the end of the project forces merged to throw us into a period of wandering in the wilderness. The move in date kept getting pushed back (isn't that how these things always go?) and with Joe traveling for work, we weren't sure where the next meeting would be.

We spent a lot of evenings at Dunkin' Donuts--because they are the makers of manna.

Now we're excited to announce WE HAVE A PERMANENT HOME!
Visit us at: Maranatha Church of Jacksonville, 7550 Collins Road, Jacksonville, FL 32244

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Wednesday, June 1, 2016

What's New?

This year, in addition to our weekly critique sessions, we've been trying to educate ourselves once a month with videos, workshops and writing exercises

In April, Linda Wood Rondeau presented her workshop on Setting as a Character in preparation for a writing conference in Pennsylvania.  And in May, Joseph Mazerac shared insights he had gained while researching query letters. For our next learning opportunity, Jaye Cherie will bring in some writing exercises to stretch our creative muscles.

I wanted to share these with our online audience, but alas, I'm too techno-challenged to pull it off.  So, if you're interested in tapping into the brilliant minds of First Coast Christian Writers you'll just have to visit us in hot, sunny Florida with miles of sandy beaches and cool ocean breezes. I know, it's a sacrifice...

We aim to do the educational component on the third Thursday of the month, but you can email us at: Firstcoastchristianwriters@yahoo.com for confirmation and the topic. The other weeks of the month we do critiques. Bring about six copies of a 1000 words (or less) of your work in progress, double-spaced and line numbered or just listen in -- we promise not to bite!

Don't forget -- our new meeting location is:
See a bunch of Karate Kids? You're in the right spot!

Oakleaf Christian Fellowship
6195-7 Lake Gray Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32244






Tuesday, January 5, 2016

“I’m so excited! And I just can’t hide it!”

Oops, you caught me in the middle of a disco flashback. But hey, I am excited about a new year and new beginnings.

First, thanks to Joe Mazerac, we have a new meeting spot:
Oakleaf Christian Fellowship
6195-7 Lake Gray Blvd. 32244

Second, I’m looking forward to a lot of growth this year. We had several visitors in late summer and fall last year, and some we didn’t scare off! We’re really nice people. No, really. We only write about witches, dragons, murder and mayhem.

Third (because all good things come in threes), this is the year YOU are going to meet your personal goals. Whether it is writing one hour everyday or the huge milestone my friend accomplished – 10,000 words in a single day – we’re here as accountability partners. We share in your accomplishments and help you scale that wall when the going gets tough.

So, get excited – join us Thursday nights at 6:45.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Someone Stole My Year

Where has it gone? It seems only yesterday we were welcoming in 2015 and now we're watching as it slips away.



Week in and week out, we've read one another's books, cheered each other on to new accomplishments and shared new found knowledge. Now the year is drawing to a close -- have we finished that manuscript or completed those edits? Did we accomplish the goals we set at the beginning of the year?

In 2016 we'll be given new opportunities and there will be other changes as well. We've been meeting at the Webb Wesconnett Library on 103rd Street for several years, but due to a scheduling snafu (someone also stole my mind) we won't have the room the first quarter of 2016. So, starting Thursday, January 7, we'll have a new meeting place:

Oakleaf Christian Fellowship
6195-7 Lake Gray Blvd. 32244

Don't despair over what hasn't been done. Instead, take these final weeks of the year to create a plan to make writing a priority in 2016. And, include in that plan your critique group -- we look forward to seeing you.

Merry Christmas!


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

The Cost of Love and Sanity


The Cost of Love and Sanity, Jaye Cherie’s second book, hit shelves on January 14, 2014.

A member of First Coast Christian Writers since 2010, Cherie is by far our most prolific writer. She already has two more books written and is outlining a third. She recently held a personal NaNoWriMo producing 70,000 words in 31 days. See – that one day makes all the difference.

Cherie has also tackled the biggest hurdle authors face - marketing. She created a book trailer, arranged a blog tour and scheduled a book signing.

Discipline and commitment to her craft creates warm, funny and poignant tales of women struggling to balance the need for love and independence.

Meet Jaye Cherie between 12-2 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at:

Books A Million
9400 Atlantic Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32225

 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Black Friday Specials


We have a great group of writers. They’re funny, talented and productive. We spend every Thursday night enjoying a sampling of the works in progress from these wonderful artists. And they are artists. Not only do they write, but many members pursue other artistic outlets. Photography is a common denominator, as is drawing, animation and public speaking. Individually and collectively First Coast Christian Writers are awesome.

It would be selfish to keep all this awesomeness to ourselves so here are a few things our members are up to right now:

Writer and humorist, Danny Murphy, is offering Friday Freebies until December 6. Here’s a great opportunity to sample his humor and share it with your family and friends – think office gifts.

Want to help shape the direction and marketing plan for a novel? Jaye Cherie is holding a focus group on December 7. Space is limited, so get those RSVPs in quickly.

Christine Miller Ramey is featured in the devotional anthology, The Journey Home: Romans 15:24. It is currently available on Kindle for less than a dollar.

Looking for a Christmas tale to ring in the holiday season? Linda Wood Rondeau has three: A Christmas Prayer, Joy Comes to Dinsmore Street, and last year’s delightful romance, It Really is a Wonderful Life.

Enjoy drinking from this talent pool, and then make a New Year’s resolution to see your writing goals come to fruition.

Happy Holidays

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Schedules


Someone asked me today if I enjoyed the long weekend. What? There was a holiday?

I’m a stay-at-home daughter so doctor visits are the main event around my house. Days are broken into three important time periods: medication, lunch and sun downing. 

In the morning the day stretches out endlessly before me. I don’t have anything scheduled. I’ll get a lot of writing today as soon as I do the grocery shopping or wash the dishes or mow the lawn.

And, because I’m old, that activity wears me out. I rest for a minute or an hour. I don’t have anything scheduled this afternoon. I’ll get a lot of writing done. Then I chase a wayward dust bunny or a wayward mother.

Before I know it night has fallen, but the next day is a clean slate. I don’t have anything scheduled tomorrow. I’ll get a lot of writing done.

The problem is I don’t have anything scheduled, including writing time. How can someone with a full time job write an entire book when I can’t get chapter one edited? They don’t have more hours in their day. They’ve learned to manage their time. They have a schedule.

So today, I’m going to get a lot of writing done. I have it scheduled.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Spring Has Sprung

In honor of daylight savings time, we're adjusting our meeting schedule for the second quarter.  Actually, there's another group in the room before us overlapping our time a little bit.  So, we'll enjoy the spring weather and congregate on the front steps to share our accomplishments and then head into the room for critique time. 

Also, on three nights this quarter we will meet at the Panera Bread at 8635 Blanding Boulevard, 32244.  The dates are: April 11, May 9 and June 13. 

April starts Camp NaNoWriMo if you're planning to participate.  This is a great way to jump start a new project or a stalled work in progress.  Take this opportunity to challenge yourself to grow in the craft.

Keep (or start) writing!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

New Fall Location

First Coast Christian Writers are shaking things up with a new location for fall. 

We will be meeting at the Dunkin' Donuts at 7328 103rd St, Jacksonville, 32210.  This is on the other side of I-295 from the library where we normally meet.

We will be here for November and December. Remember, we take off for Thanksgiving and the last two Thursdays of the year.

Meeting times are the same: Thursday nights 6:45 to 8:45

We will resume meeting at the Wesconnett Library on Thursday, January 3, 2013.

The club will buy the donuts, and the weather's perfect for a steaming cup of hot chocolate or coffee.  So come on out and join us!



Friday, July 13, 2012

L.W. Rondeau’s Newest Book Now Available


Following unprecedented climatic changes, resultant
pestilence and war brought the world into chaos.
Eventually, each nation surrendered its sovereignty to
form a global democracy, initially known as The Accord.
However, the democratic government proved too weak and was soon replaced by a faux democratic rule.

The year is 2073, and current governor of Western America
Province, Edwin Rowlands, is poised to become the
Constitutional Government’s second president. Many fear
that the sweeping reforms found in his proposed
Preservation Act will set him up as a dictator. If enacted,
defection both past and present would become a crime
punishable by death, thus bringing all outlands into
crushing subjection.

While most believe reform is critical, factions disagree on
how to prevent the Preservation Act from becoming law.
Ahmed Farid, second President, believes reform can be
managed within the existing government. Leader of the
Revolutionary Army, Jimmy Kinnear, trusts only in military
intervention. However, Jacob Goodayle, Chairman of
Western America’s illegal outland government, favors
separatism.

As tensions rise, civil war seems imminent. Who will be the
voice of reason in a world on the verge of a third dark age?
This is our very own Linda Wood Rondeau’s second published book. Check Amazon.com and other online resources for the e-version or hard copy. 

Friday, June 15, 2012

TOP OF THE WORLD: A REPORT ON THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE 2012


If you attended this year’s event, then you understand when I say you laughed until you cried. Who will forget Torrey Martin’s Torrey Stories event with his Alaska escapade involving a can of pepper spray and a big bear. Steven James encouraged us, hilariously so, until our eyes watered, with why life foibles can become writing material.
This year offered a wonderful variety of classes, offerings from magazine writing, poetry, and improving our fiction as well as marketing ideas. Yours truly focused on the marketing classes, and found great helps to focus my time and energy on more positive results.

As always, faculty members were of highest caliber, always gracious and ready with an encouraging word.

If you’ve never attended a writers’ conference, I highly recommend this one. Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the vista alone will bring you closer to the Lord. The worship services gave us a little taste of what heaven will be like as voices blended in harmonious thanksgiving to the Author of Creativity.

Ridgecrest Lifeway Center bathes all its events in 24/7 prayer vigils. I attended my first conference here in 2001. Since that time, God has never failed to encourage me in my writing. And this year was no exception.

Thanks Linda for that report and congratulations on your Selah Award for The Other Side of Darkness.

As you can see from Linda’s experience, conferences can be educational, fun and just the kick to recharge your writing. I encourage you to find one to attend in the next 12 months, especially if you have a manuscript completed or nearing completion. Conferences are an excellent place to pitch your work to agents and acquisition editors.

There are conferences all over the country and even abroad so pick your dream vacation spot. This is a mere sampling of upcoming conferences:

Romance Writers of American (RWA) - July 25-28, 2012 in Anaheim, California
University of North Florida (UNF) – August 4-5, 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida
American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) – September 20-23, 2012 in Dallas, Texas

Florida Writer’s Association (FWA)  – October 19 -21, 2012 in Lake Mary, Florida

American Christian Writers (ACW) – Multiple dates and locations for 2012 and will switch to mentoring sessions in 2013 – visit website.

Florida Christian Writers – March, monitor website for 2013 dates

Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference – May, monitor website for 2013 dates

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Writing with Believers

When my aunt came home from her first day of kindergarten she said, “Whew, I’m glad I’ve finished school.”

By now we know that learning never ends, and that’s especially true for the craft of writing, but finding reliable sources for that continuing education can be difficult. Sometimes we need inspiration from an outside source or a connection with other writers to remind us that we’re not on this journey alone. 

Joining a Christian writing organization can give us the boost we need along with friends that share the same world view.  Of course, we would like everyone to join FCCW, but time and distance constraints prevents that so an online or nationwide group may be the answer. Here are some examples:

American Christian Fiction Writers provides education, inspiration and connections with a mission to promote Christian fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the traditional publishing industry. 

American Christian Writers offers annual conferences and mentoring retreats across America, a huge selection of writers' books and seminar tapes and CDs, and correspondence classes.

Faith, Hope and Love, a faith-based chapter of Romance Writers of America, encourages fiction that glorifies God and promotes Biblical principles, a tricky proposition in the sex-driven world of romance. 

FaithWriters provides an opportunity to develop your skill by writing to topic, word count, and deadline in their weekly challenge. There are four proficiency levels to reward beginners as their skills increase.   
Pentalk Community brings Christian and secular writers together to share ‘all things writing’ with reviews, tips, marketing, news and resources. 

Take a little time today to research these groups and others to see who best meets your needs as a writer and forge new friendships.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Writing Successes


I love to write about the successes of our writers!  And, at FCCW we’re fortunate to have two hot commodities. 

Jaye Cherie launched her debut novel, “The Gold Digger’s Club” on January 3 of this year.  Hope you’ve gotten your copy, because as of March 27 there were only 1500 remaining.  We’re eagerly awaiting her second novel, which we know will do equally well. 

Linda Rondeau has received a contract from Trestle Press for her second novel, “America II”.  Look for it to come out this summer.  And she has a publisher ‘very interested’ in her third novel. 

It’s contest season and Dalyn Woods has entered her novel into two contests hoping to catch the eye of an agent and/or publisher. 

Kirk and Adam are busily working on their projects and bring us new material to critique weekly.  Hey guys—you better catch up with the girls!

We’d love to see what you’re working on.  So, dig through the sweaters and shoes in the bottom of the closet until you find the box, dust off that manuscript and bring it in.  We promise to be kind. 

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The Benefits of Belonging


We are First Coast Christian Writers, an independent 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization who meets for the purpose of supporting each other in the attainment of our writing goals. 

But we also have a Big Daddy. No, I’m not being sacrilegious; I’m referring to the Florida Writer’s Association.  The FWA pulls all the various writing groups in Florida together and helps us connect with other writers across the state.   As an individual member ($45/year with discounts for multiple years) you receive:

o    Quarterly issues of The Florida Writer magazine

o    Monthly issues of FWA eNews

o    One link to their websites on the FWA website

o    Reduced advertising rates in The Florida Writer magazine

o    Access to members-only online discussion forums (to come)

You are also eligible to:



o   Attend the annual FWA Conference

o    Enter the annual Royal Palm Literary Award Contest

o    Be published in The Florida Writer magazine

o    Participate in local Writers Group discussions, critiques, and learning opportunities

o    Participate in book signings, critique groups, promotional events, and mini-conferences

o    Take leadership roles as officers, regional and group leaders

o    Access to the FWA Network, a private social networking site where members can
make personal and professional connections to support their writing careers



I encourage you to visit their Web site and seriously consider joining this organization. 

Friday, February 24, 2012

FCCW Names New Officers


President – Lynn Rix

Lynn is a seventh generation Floridian. She preserves a little piece of Old Florida on the three-acre homestead she shares with her husband of more than 20 years, her grandmother, mother, two cats and fish of varying number.

She has written numerous articles on Northeast Florida history and politics, devotions, and humorous essays on dementia care giving. She has climbed the rankings in the Faithwriters challenges and entered the Genesis and Touched by Love contests for unpublished novelists. 

She is currently editing her first novel, a romantic suspense aimed at Harlequin’s Love Inspired line. 

Vice President – Kirk Rainer

Kirk is an engineer with more than twenty years of experience primarily in aerospace and defense. While able to continue his profession (in some degree), H. Kirk Rainer has also been embroiled in the never ending consequences of no-fault divorce and parental alienation— the details of which are reflected in his books, Websites (alwaysfather.com, hkirkrainer.org), and other developments. Support organizations include: American Coalition for Fathers and Children (acfc.org); Alabama Family Rights Association (alfra.org); Protect Fathers' Right (protectfathersrights.org); National Father Initiative (fatherhood.org); Institute for American Values (AmericanValues.org); and the Florida International University (FIU), "The State of Fatherhood" research.

Secretary/Treasurer – Tracy Redman

Tracy served as president for two years.  Under her leadership FCCW changed venues from Christ Church in Mandarin to the Wesconnett Library on the Westside.  We immediately saw growth and revitalization of the group. 

Tracy has lived in many foreign countries and draws from a rich well of life experiences in her writing.

She is studying mental health counseling and working on a devotion book for those experiencing the pain of divorce. 

Friday, January 13, 2012

FCCW Author Linda Wood Rondeau Debuts

Three lives intertwined, tied together by dangerous circumstance and the faint echoes of an elusive hope.  To make it through, each must find their way to the Light that's found only on the other side of darkness. 

After setting out on a forced vacation, and literally running into a moose, Manhattan Assistant D.A. Samantha Knowles finds it's not so bad being stranded in a quirky, but intriguing Adirondack town.  But when her three-year prosecution against a convicted killer begins to unravel, she's thrust into a whirlwind of haunting memories, fear, and danger...and suddenly, Haven isn't so safe, after all. 

With no future in Haven, and no way to escape the small town, teacher Zack Bordeaux fears he's doomed to a life of mediocrity.

Haunted by the deaths of his wife and son, landscape artist Jonathan Gladstone feels bound to an estate he both loves and loathes.

When Zack and Jonathan meet Samantha, their lives take on a different course.

Pelican Ventures Book Group releases The Other Side of Darkness by Linda Wood Rondeau.  It is available in paperback or ebook at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and www.booksamillion.com

Watch for opportunities to meet the author at upcoming book signings.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Launch Party for Jaye Cherie's The Gold Digger's Club

First Coast Christian Writers
presents
 Jaye Cherie’s
The Gold Digger’s Club

Launch Party Reception
Saturday, January 7, 2012
3 p.m. until 6 p.m. 

The Zodiac Grill
120 W. Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Meet and greet the author - 3:00; 4:00 and 5:00
Readings by the author – 3:30; 4:30 and 5:30
Book signings by the author – 3:45; 4:45 and 5:45

Door prizes hourly

The Gold Digger’s Club will be available for sale on January 3, 2012

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Local Author Jaye Cherie Debuts January 3, 2012

As we turn over leaves and renew our vows to do really great things this year, I have some encouraging news for you. 
Go ahead and dream of seeing your name on the cover of your work in progress. The reward is coming for those long hours, days and months (or years) spent on your craft. 
Just ask FCCW members.  In fact, our very own Jaye Cherie will soon enjoy that experience, when her first novel, The Gold Digger’s Club, hits the bookshelves on January 3, 2012.   

Come and meet the author at the launch party.  Details to follow. 
Happy New Year!