“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!

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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

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!

Merrillee Whren to Speak November 10, 2011

Merrillee Whren is an award-winning author who writes for Harlequin Love Inspired.  She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America.  She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers' Choice Award and the Maggie Award.  She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of thirty plus years, and has two grown daughters.  She has lived in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas and Chicago but now makes her home on one of God's most beautiful creations, an island off the east coast of Florida.  When she's not writing or working for her husband's recruiting firm, she spends her free time playing tennis or walking the beach, where she does the plotting of her novels. 

Her most recent books include: Hometown Proposal, August 2010; Hometown Dad, February 2011 and coming soon Montana Match, January 2012.

Please visit her Web site at http://www.merrilleewhren.com/contest.html or connect with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/merrillee.whren


Remember our temporary location through the end of the year:
West Regional Library
1425 South Chaffee Road
Jacksonville, Florida  32221

Rik Feeney to Speak August 4, 2011

Rik Feeney adapted his love of reading, writing, and gymnastics to become a published author of more than 60 books, reports, and CD's on the sport and business of gymnastics as well as a book coach, book cover designer, and promotional expert for aspiring authors.

Rik has been traditionally published by McGraw-Hill for his book "Gymnastics: A Guide for Parents and Athletes", but then opted to start his own publishing company in 1994 called Richardson Publishing, which uses Traditional, Print-On-Demand, and Digital publishing technologies.

Rik received a Bachelor of Arts in Writing and Literature from Vermont College of Norwich University in 2003.  He is currently a columnist for AllExperts.com answering questions in two categories: Publishing/Self Publishing, and the sport of Gymnastics.

He currently works with authors and self-publishers as a book coach, marketing coach, and publishing consultant providing insight and information to help new writers leap beyond the mundane but financially treacherous concerns of publishing. 

Rik is also the Orlando - Florida Writer's Association Group Leader and Platinum Sponsor for the FWA State Writer's Conference.

Rik Feeney has done several talks at writer's conferences and seminars throughout the Southeast and is finishing three new books, Writing Books for Fun, Fame & Fortune, Publishing for Penny-Pinchers, and Book Marketing Success for Authors on a Budget. 

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!

Ten Mistakes Authors Make

During Gary's visit on June 16, he shared experiences in his career as an agent, book coach and reviewer. From this I gleaned ten pitfalls for us to avoid.

1. The 'been there, done that' novice: This has to do with attitude, specifically a know-it-all attitude. Usually found in first-time authors who, even though they only possess a much-rejected manuscript, shun the advice of those who have actually travelled the road to publication. Overcome this attitude by finding an agent or a book coach who can take you through the process.

2. That's how I roll: This is the author who won't take constructive criticism from a teacher, mentor, critique partner or agent. The author wants to preserve the integrity of her words, but every suggestion deserves review and consideration of its merits.

3. #$@**!: In reviewing books, Gary has found that the use of foul language and potty humor is rampant, but is only necessary on very rare occasions. He states that good writing stands on its own.

4. The princess syndrome: This author calls daily or sends e-mails with subject lines of "second notice." Gary states this only irritates editors, reviewers and publishers. A good author knows how long the process takes and doesn't try to rush it. If no response is received after the standard time frame, a gentle request for status is certainly acceptable.

5. Putting the cart before the horse: Gary relates the marketing genius of one wannabe author. His plan was to obtain a table at a national convention and sit there. No book (because it wasn't yet written), no marketing materials to build hype for the book, just a table and a would-be author. How lame.

6. Dissing your readers: Next in line is the author who had a published book, but didn't bring any copies for his readers to buy and get autographed. His plan was to send them to his Website to make the purchase. On the flip side, Gary praises the innovation of the author who brought marketing material for his upcoming book. When people picked up the free literature he would offer, "Let me autograph that for you." That's building rapport and respecting your readers.

7. Network Profiling: Gary tells the story of an author who refused to network with anyone wearing a wedding band on the basis that they wouldn't be interested in her book on dating. How short sighted! Misery loves company, so that married person would surely want to give the book to a single friend, sister, cousin or co-worker.

8. Please don't read my book: As a professional book reviewer, Gary expressed surprise at how often authors turn down his offer to review their book. Do they not want to reach the thousands of readers from a Midwest Book Review?

9. Skipping to the 'big show': Wouldn't you prefer to find out that you constantly swivel or have some other irritating nervous habit before you've been seen by millions on national television? Gary helps his clients get booked on local radio and TV shows. This allows him to review their performance and help them improve before they make their debut on Fox and Friends.

10. Ignoring opportunity's knock: After doing the local shows and polishing your performance, don't do like one of Gary's clients and blow off your big break because you don't like the topic. Wow 'em with your professionalism and soon you'll have the pick of shows and subjects.

Happy writing!

The ABCs of Copyright - April 7, 2011

Lucille Ponte, Professor of Law, Florida Coastal School of Law, will present an educational talk on the basics of copyright. She will discuss what types of works are subject to copyright, the main statutory rights of copyright holders, the key aspects of copyright infringement and the main infringement defenses. Resources on copyright and the importance of seeking appropriate legal counsel will also be addressed.

Professor Ponte teaches and writes about intellectual property, contracts, and cyberlaw at Florida Coastal School of Law. A member of the MA bar, she previously served as in-house counsel for government agencies and technology companies in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., negotiating complex commercial agreements and handling a broad range of internal legal matters, including products liability and employment issues. She has authored two books and numerous legal and travel publications, including articles in the The Boston Globe, Hemispheres, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Roanoke Times, Alternatives, and LegalZoom.

Under her pen name, Bridges DelPonte, she is a member of the Florida Writers Association and Sisters in Crime, Inc. and has written one mystery, Deadly Sacrifices, and is currently working on an undersea fantasy novel, The Last Emissary. Her essay, Brick, appeared in the 2010 anthology, Living Lessons (Whispering Angel Books). Her short story, Claire de Lune, will be published in a 2011 Dragon Moon Press anthology. To learn more about her writing, visit her author website at http://www.bridgesdelponte.com