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

“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.

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!

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!

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. 

Hitting the Target

Our group is really growing.  Last night we had seven members attend with five bringing pieces for critique.  From Cody's futuristic Sam Spade-type novel to Top's YA fantasy and Richard's 5 Strangers screenplay, it all added up to great writing and lots of fun around the critique table.  How energizing to have so many writing and sharing - keep up the good work, y'all.

Janelle has polished off a few changes her editor suggested, and Linda has gotten a book contract! The reason we sweat and bleed over these manuscripts is for that joyful day when a publisher says, "Yes, I like what you wrote, AND I want to buy it." Congratulations to both of you on your upcoming books!

Tracy is working professionally as a ghost writer for a risk management consultant, and Lynn is busily writing content for her caregiving blog that is targeted to launch in the fall.

We start each meeting by sharing successes and end with setting goals.  This provides inspiration and accountability to keep us focused on our aims and achievements.  If you need a nudge in your writing life, we invite you to join us.  We meet every Thursday night from 6:45 to 8:45 at the Wesconnett Library on 103rd Street.  The $1.00 per week dues can be paid weekly or bi-annually in January and July. 

Happy writing!