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

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.