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 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 She has climbed the rankings in the Faithwriters challenges and entered the Genesis and Touched by Love contests for unpublished novelists.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. 

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

Location Change

Due to a scheduling snafu, we have a temporary location through the end of the year. 

West Regional Library
1425 Chaffee Road South
Jacksonville, FL 32221

The library is located on Chaffee Road between Normandy Boulevard and I-10.  There is a traffic light at the entrance. 

We will be meeting here from 9/29/11 through 12/15/11 with one exception.  We will meet at our regular location (Wesconnett library) on 10/6/11. 

Due to the holidays we will not meet on Thanksgiving (11/24) or the two weeks of Christmas (12/22 and 12/29).

Critiques and Books

Our group loves critique! So we've decided that, for the time being, we're going to concentrate on that aspect with the occasional speaker.  But since education is an important part of our craft, I'd like to share some of my favorite writing books with you.

The first book I read when I started my writing journey was Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to edit yourself into print by Renni Browne and Dave King.

Both authors are professional editors; Renni Browne began The Editorial Department, a national book-editing company, in 1980 after working for various mainstream publishers including William Morrow.  Dave King works as an independent editor at www.davekingedits.com and also serves as a contributing editor for Writer's Digest.

This book is a good overall guide to fiction writing with chapters on: Show and Tell, Characterization and Exposition, Point of View, Proportion (bogged down in details), Dialogue Mechanics, See How It Sounds, Interior Monologue (voices in one's head), Easy Beats, Breaking Up is Easy to Do, Once is Usually Enough, Sophistication (polished and professional), and Voice.

Each chapter has examples of typical mistakes, followed by the same passage written a better way - I could clearly see my writing in many of the first examples and easily mimic the second.  A checklist at the end of the chapters serves as a summary of important points and exercises provide an opportunity to apply the lessons.

There are books on these specific topics that will go into further depth, but this is a good introduction to all the elements of fiction writing. 

Chris Berman to Speak Thursday, August 11

Chris Berman calls himself an accidental author.  He wrote his first novel, The Hive, while recovering from a biking accident.  He has since written Red Moon and Star Pirates, available at bookstores and online.  His fourth book, Das Bell, is awaiting publication. 

As a boy, Chris was influenced by science fiction authors such as Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke and John Campbell.  A neighbor and amateur astronomer further fueled his passion for science and astrodynamics, and he has been an avid follower of both the US and Russian space programs. 

Chris conducted a workshop at this year's UNF Writer's Conference and will be teaching a course there this fall.  He currently lives in St. Augustine with his wife and daughters. 

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!