Our facilitator for October is Gayle Marie, and she'll be leading a meeting that promises to be different from any we have had before. Why? Because Abundant Life Church, our new home, is holding their outreach campaign, "The Way Forward,” on the third Saturday of October, the same day as our meeting. Rather than this being a conflict, Gayle sees it as a ministry opportunity for us as Christian writers. The church has invited the poor, the homeless, and those who are down on their luck to come for an uplifting day. They'll offer showers, haircuts, clothes washing, application forms, job interviews, lunch, and personal ministry.

In all our years of being a Christian organization, we have never engaged in purposeful outreach.

This is our chance!

DCWA members can play a vital role in "The Way Forward" by befriending a guest and interacting with him or her.  

Our September meeting will be hosted by Jenna Caraway at Collins Pond. This annual retreat by the pond in a wooded setting has been a tradition for DCWF for many years. Begun by her mother, Wilma, who is fondly remembered, it promises to be a relaxing, inspiring, and entertaining day since one or more of Jenna's puppets will surely make an appearance.

Let's hear directly from Jenna about what she has planned:

As most of you know, I have a passion for puppets and have been writing for my characters. I attended the International VentHaven Ventriloquist Convention as I do annually. So, in addition to the writing games I have planned for us, I thought I would bring you all into my world a bit, not too much so don't be afraid. Topics we will discuss are:

- What I have learned about writing from the convention

- Character development

- Very, very basic puppetry/ventriloquism

- Creative play

​

Judi has been researching what the Bible says about writing things down. Come to the meeting and find out what she discovered.

CRITIQUING: Please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to the Layout tab and click Line Numbering). This will automatically number each line for quicker reference during the critiquing process.

Refreshments: Jodie Green and Judi Folmsbee

After the meeting, if your schedule permits, meet us at the Georgetown Family Restaurant for lunch and conversation.

Our September meeting will be hosted by Jenna Caraway at Collins Pond. This annual retreat by the pond in a wooded setting has been a tradition for DCWF for many years. Begun by her mother, Wilma, who is fondly remembered, it promises to be a relaxing, inspiring, and entertaining day since one or more of Jenna's puppets will surely make an appearance.

Let's hear directly from Jenna about what she has planned:

As most of you know, I have a passion for puppets and have been writing for my character, Throck, for more than ten years. (He has a lot to say.) I also have attended the VentHaven Ventriloquist Convention for many years. (Yes, they have a convention for ventriloquists.)

So, I thought I would bring you all into my world a bit, not too much so don't be afraid. Topics we will discuss are:

• What I have learned about writing from the convention.
• Character development
• Very, very basic puppetry/ventriloquism
• Creative play

​

If time permits, we will critique manuscripts. If interested, please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to Layout and click Line Numbering). 

If time permits, we will critique manuscripts. If you're interested, please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to Layout and click Line Numbering). 

REFRESHMENTS: Virginia/Michael Derrickson and Claire Smith will provide refreshments.

Do you feel pressured to write the "perfect" book because you care so much about sharing a message that will touch hearts and lives? Feeling the pressure to be perfect can turn into fear of failure and/or fear of success, then frustration, and finally, procrastination. Lisa Falkner will be sharing information from "8 Keys to Writing a Powerful Faith-Based Book by Jerry Jenkins." Anyone who would like a copy of the handout can email Lisa at mamalisafalkner@gmail.com and she will email it to you.

If time permits, we will critique manuscripts. If you're interested, please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to Layout and click Line Numbering). 

REFRESHMENTS: Nannette Bassette and Lisa Falkner will provide refreshments for April.

It’s time to get your GREEN on at … Delmarva Christian Writers' Fellowship! On March 16, we will briefly examine Celtic spirituality before and after Saint Patrick and the important role of writing in Celtic culture. A leprechaun may even bring a few fun limericks, or bring your own. Our group is open to all. The presentation will be led by Marilyn Emanuel, who has Irish, Scot and Welsh heritage and has been dancing the Irish jig since she was a child.

Come meet with others in a warm, encouraging fellowship, where we can share what sets our hearts on fire, our faith, and our writing!

Please join us: For more information, please contact Marilyn Emanuel at emanuelmarilyn@gmail.com or (302) 827-1007.

If time permits, we will critique manuscripts. If you're interested, please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to Layout and click Line Numbering). 

REFRESHMENTS: Mary Emma Tisinger and Judi Folmsbee will provide refreshments for March. 

Ben will lead us in a discussion about using poetry as the basis for a story. Bring a favorite poem of your own creation. Many have read my book, Timebound, which will be used as an example of one story archetype.

If time permits, we will critique manuscripts. If you're interested, please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to Layout and click Line Numbering). 

REFRESHMENTS: Candy Abbott will bring the goodies for February. Ideally, we would have two volunteers providing refreshments each month, so feel free to supplement Candy's contribution with a little something else, and consider signing up for another month. March is covered, but please help us fill the void for April, May, June, July, September, and November. 

Candy Abbott will facilitate our January meeting on the 19th and has invited Pam Halter to give the teaching, "New Year, New Writer!" No matter where you are in your writing journey, a new year presents fresh possibilities. Pam will talk about some of the challenges that new writers face as well as provide some encouragement for those who have been writing for a while.

If time permits, we will critique manuscripts. If you're interested, please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to Layout and click Line Numbering). 

REFRESHMENTS: We don't have anyone listed for this month's refreshments, so Candy Abbott will provide the goodies. Ideally, we would have two people volunteering, and we need others to sign up for: 

JOIN US AFTER THE MEETING for lunch (Dutch treat) at the Georgetown Family Restaurant. 

Lisa Falkner will facilitate our December meeting on the 19th (this Saturday) and has chosen "The Write Time" for our theme. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior and the end of another year, she hopes to help us ignite our creativity by responding to writing prompts. No groaning, please. Writing prompts can help us stretch beyond our comfort zones. Let’s have some fun!

The main item of business will be to solicit volunteers to fill a variety of roles for 2019. Primarily, we're seeking commitments from those who are interested in facilitating a meeting and/or providing refreshments for the following dates (3rd Saturday): January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, (no meeting in August), September 21, October 19 (Vine & Vessels Conference), November 16, December 21.

If time permits, we will critique manuscripts. If you're interested, please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to Layout and click Line Numbering). 

REFRESHMENTS: This is our Christmas meeting, and thanks to the tradition that David Smith initiated decades ago, all who attend are encouraged to bring holiday goodies. In addition to sweets, please consider offerings that would be suitable for lunch. Mmmm.

Judi recently attended a three-day workshop sponsored by Highlights, and she'll share with us some of the things she learned about creating and delivering an impressive school visit.

School visits are a powerful way to get your book into the hands of readers. But how do you take what you've written or illustrated and turn it into an attention-grabbing presentation for kids? The workshop gave Judi strategies for creating and delivering engaging talks, information on developing materials for teachers and

students, and guidelines for developing other promotional tools. Lots of time was spent on how to speak on your subject and engage the audience in front of you.

If time permits, we will critique manuscripts. Please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to Layout and click Line Numbering). 

Refreshments: Elizabeth Boerner and Celine Stuart

Ben Patterson will guide us through some exercises regarding sentence structure and context, touching on paragraph and sequential ordering of thought. For example: When is it okay to use a run-on sentence or a single word sentence fragment in a paragraph? If anyone has an example or several, this session will be the ideal time to explore the possibilities. Samples can be taken from in your own work, from an article or book, etc.

If time permits, we will critique manuscripts. Please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to Layout and click Line Numbering). 

Refreshments: Lisa Falkner and Donna Carver

An award-winning Toastmaster as well as an award-winning author, Michele Chynoweth learned early on that speakers sell more books. She took lessons from pros like Jack Canfield (author of Chicken Soup for the Soul) and began presenting workshops and landing speaking gigs at churches, Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, women's groups, and more. She'll teach you the basics about overcoming your fears, vocal variety, writing a good speech, engaging your audience, even incorporating humor so that you'll have them hanging onto every word and then lining up to buy your books!

If time permits, we will critique manuscripts. Please bring 20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to Layout and click Line Numbering). 

Refreshments: Elizabeth Boerner and Judi Folmsbee

INSPIRATION: the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. Synonyms: creativity, inventiveness, innovation, ingenuity, genius, imagination, originality 

     In this journey together, we will view the literal word, philosophical idea, thoughtful theory, and emotional association of INSPIRATION. We will tour the history and meaning as well as discover how we are inspired. Is our inspiration positive or negative? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Is it physical or emotional? 

     Please join us for some delightful sharing, thought-provoking conversation, insightful philosophies, and fascinating ponderings that will illuminate your mind and spark your creativity. To explore your own inspiration, we will have a couple of prompted free writes. 

     Because this teaching is in workshop format, we will omit manuscript critiques this month. 

We’ve all had our work critiqued at one time or another. However, have you ever felt as though the piece you feel is God-breathed–the piece you shed sweat and tears over–is picked apart like a piece of roadkill by ravenous vultures? How can we, as a Christian group, edify, encourage, and reprove the works presented? Also, how can we as writers learn to not become discouraged or easily offended by the critique process?

Rebecca Jones will focus on the value and process of manuscript critiques, using the Bible as our guide. She will provide handouts of the guidelines that are posted on the DCWF website (meetings/critiques), and we'll review the guidelines to see if they can be improved.

CRITIQUING: Please bring 10-20 copies of a maximum of three (3) double-spaced pages with one-inch margins and 12-pt. font. Also, please use the Line Numbering feature in Microsoft Word for your manuscript (go to the Layout tab and click Line Numbering). This will automatically number each line for quicker reference during the critiquing process.

Judi Folmsbee will facilitate our November meeting and teach from The Ultimate Book Launch Guide – 33 Ideas Any Author Can Use

written by Jared Dees. The book marketing journey, according to Jared Dees, is broken down into seven steps for the ideal reader:

1. Know the book exists.

2. Like and trust the author of the book.

3. Try the book.

4. Buy the book. (The Bridge)

5. Read the book.

6. Review the book.

7. Refer the book to a friend.

I will go through each step and give examples (personal and from Jared’s online book), using a bridge as an analogy. Once over the bridge, it is the responsibility of the author to unite with the ideal reader to lead this new group of people by encouraging them to try other books of yours, buy your products, take your online courses, or attend your book launch party.

Vine & Vessels Christian Writers Conference

"Fall Into Writing"

Sat., October 15, 2016

8 AM - 3 PM

Crossroad Community Church
20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, DE 19947

Co-hosted by three Sussex County Christian Writers Fellowship groups:
Vine & Vessels Christian • Delmarva Christian Writers’ Fellowship

• Kingdom Writers Fellowship

Rebecca Jones, storyteller extraordinaire, will lead our September 17th meeting and teach us about Flash Fiction. She'll go over definitions of flash fiction and how it can help people while as they write their own books. Many people at the Fellowship have, no doubt, used the methods of flash fiction when writing stories for magazines and such. I'll have some examples and will encourage others to at least begin something.

If you have a work in progress (WIP) you would like critiqued, please bring 10-20 copies of up to five double-spaced pages (one-inch margins, 12 pt. font). See Critique Guidelines for further info.

Rebecca will also be providing refreshments. 

Diana Pletts, facilitator of the July meeting, says: In my life as a writer/recovering writer, I have met with both struggles and successes. In my most recent period of struggle, I realized that writing is more than success or failure. Writing is also a gift of communication that God has not given to everyone. This has helped me realize, during times when my writing life seems incoherent, stagnant (or other), that I can use my gifts as a writer to bless people or organizations that need help with their communications.

As writers, we can provide assistance to not for profits, churches, and friends and family by using our gifts and skills in ways that are not a big deal for us but that solve a problem for someone else. Blessing others by assisting them with our writing skills is a simple matter of applying our writing skills to help them get the word out through public service announcements, their resume written, a book review written, or whatever the need is. 

During the July meeting, I will show what and how to say it, and where. This is a way to keep on writing and blessing another in the process, even when your writing doesn't seem to be blessing you. We are blessed, in our gift of writing, to be a blessing. And that just might tide us over.

CRITIQUE:

Bring up to five double-spaced pages of your WIP (work in progress) if you want a critique during the meeting. We will do our best to be sure we fit them in.

REFRESHMENTS:

This month's refreshments will be provided by Rebecca Jones

Elizabeth Boerner, Fruitbearer publicist, is facilitating our June meeting. Her topoic, “Story Board Meets Commercial,” will be a great tool to explore the how-to’s behind simplifying your thoughts when it comes to your book and its focus. Even if you do not have a book completed for publishing, it is never too early to know who you are writing for, where your sellable location is, and the key components that sell a book. Get ready for a writing exercise that will help you see your book through the eyes of the masses. Come prepared for FUN! This interactive learning will be a great tool you will use for a long time.

Bring up to five double-spaced pages of your WIP (work in progress) if you want a critique during the meeting. We will do our best to be sure we fit them in.

This month's refreshments will be provided by Debra Fitzgerald.

Virginia Derrickson, one of our newer members, is jumping right in to facilitate the May meeting. She'll help us bring our characters to life through the use of tags and dialogue. Get ready to interact with your characters!

If you have a WIP (Work In Progress) and want a critique, bring ten or more copies of a double-spaced manuscript (no more than five pages), 12 point text, 1" margins.  

This month's refreshments will be provided by the Derricksons.

Does your language—no matter the target audience or writing style—stir up deep feelings? Consider borrowing (consciously or subconsciously) elements of Rhythm, Rhyme, and Rhetoric from lyricists and composers of Songs of the Heart. Stephen Klyce and Leslie Claunch will utilize elements of Rhythm, Rhyme, and Rhetoric to help us gain new insight into our present writings. Song lyrics that are melded and molded into unforgettable tunes can speak to us and sear themselves into our memory banks. Beautiful melodies and poignant texts are a surefire way to stir our deepest emotions. That's why Music is often termed our "universal language." Come prepared to stir old memories and make new music with your words as Stephen and Leslie share their favorite tunes and texts, old and new, from Baroque to Broadway, from serious to showtime. Put another "poetic chisel" into your writer's toolbox.​

If you have a WIP (Work In Progress) and want a critique, bring ten or more copies of a double-spaced manuscript (no more than five pages), 12 pt. text, 1" margins.  

April refreshments will be provided by Betty Kasperski and Judi Folmsbee.

Tap into your strengths to produce your best writing. It’s time to explore the best in you and develop your special gift. Betty will also share five important teachings she gained from the Bay to Ocean Writer's Conference. Come and grow!

If you want your work critiqued, bring ten or more copies of a double-spaced manuscript (five pages of less).  

Refreshments will be provided by Candy Abbott and Rebecca Jones.

Ben Patterson will facilitate our February meeting. He requests that you bring your own written work for critique. We will spend much-needed time on your work. If the schedule permits, we will also rewrite a piece that Ben will supply. 

Claire Smith will facilitate our Christmas meeting. Her lesson will be: What was God's intention for creating humanity? How does that affect your writing?

WHAT DISTINGUISHES CHRISTIAN WRITING? Gail Atlas will lead us in a discussion of some assumptions that apply to all genres of writing and what makes Christian writing distinctive.

BUILDING FAMILY MEMORIES. If you have boxes of pictures you haven’t gotten around to putting in an album or scrapbook, old black and white photos scattered here and there, there are a number of ways to put them to good use. Bring a handful of your treasured pictures (3 to 5) with you. Betty’s teaching will get you going.

The Business of Writing: Promoting Your Book

DCWF member Sharon Louth, author of Always Remember to Breathe, will facilitate our June meeting. Sharon is also a counselor at the Delaware Small Business Development Center. During the teaching segment, she will not only discuss tips and tricks on promoting and marketing your book like a master but the importance of writing a business plan. Even if your manuscript is a work in progress, you'll want to write with the end result in mind: who will want to read my book and how can I get their attention? Is word of mouth marketing the most effective way of getting it into the hands of people who will spread the word? Should you be using social media to build a buzz? Have you developed your website?  If not, why not? Sharon wants you to know that you need to “market every day”…..and much more! You are encouraged to share which marketing tools have worked best for you. Bring your questions too. The agenda includes time for critiques, so bring up to five double-spaced manuscript pages if you like. Betty Kasperski will open the meeting with prayer and a devotional, and Rebecca Jones will provide refreshments. 

"If you want to get published, you have to submit!" This is what Jean Davis told the United Methodist women at their spring district meeting on April 18th when she, Eva Maddox, Betty Jarman, and Wilma Caraway presented the program.

Award-winning author Wilma Caraway wants to help you get your seasonal stories, poems, puzzles, articles, and other writings into print. She will be primarily focusing on Christmas submissions to magazines using material that has already been published or new manuscripts with a holiday emphasis. If you had a manuscript published in one of the DCWF Christmas books, contact Candy Abbott to get a final version to work from, and bring a hard copy to the meeting. Or, if you have a draft manuscript, feel free to bring it, and we will help you prepare a cover letter (and critique your manuscript if time permits). If you have a copy of Christian Writers Market Guide or The Writers's Market, bring it along as we'll be looking up potential publishers. NOW is the time to submit Christmas material for 2015. Let's not miss the boat!

Betty Kasperski will be assisting Wilma with the opening prayer and devotion. Betty and Eva Maddox will also assist with cover letters. Anna Buckler has volunteered to provide refreshments.You won't want to miss this time of training and fellowship. 

CLICK HERE to visit our Gillespie Book Trailer Tips page. You'll find the PowerPoint presentation they gave, their handouts, and links to three samples of their work (book trailers and author VLOG).

Rebecca Jones, our facilitator for March, will open her church to us, The Lighthouse, on Rt. 9. Not only that, but she will share one of her most captivating talents: The Art of Storytelling. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, there is always value in the telling of a tale. Don't miss Rebecca's segment on how to write a story that will draw your readers in.

As always, if you have a manuscript you want critiqued, bring ten copies of up to five double spaced pages. 

See you at The Lighthouse Church on Saturday!

MARKETING OPPORTUNITY

Wilma Caraway has been invited to make a presentation in April at the Methodists Women’s Annual Spring Conference to discuss Christian publishing and local authors. If you would like your books placed on the book table for viewing and/or selling, please bring them to the March DCWF meeting. They're expecting about 50 attendees, and since Wilma can't carry too many books, two or three books from each author will be sufficient. Also, provide a brief statement promoting your book, include how you were inspired to write, how you came up with the title, etc. Be sure to have your books priced. You can supply your business cards. For additional information email Wilma at wiletc@comcast.net or give her a call at 302.337.7181.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

ANNUAL COLLINS POND RETREAT

Collins Pond Pavilion

20202 Gum Island Road (or Kennedy Road on old GPS)

Georgetown, DE 19947

9:30 AM to 2:30 PM

(RAIN OR SHINE)

Hosted by Wilma Caraway

Wilma has gone all out for us for our 2014 retreat with the theme of "Hooked on Writing."  CLICK HERE for sample agenda. She has invited two journalists, Lynn Parks, with the Seaford Star (who will share during our manuscript critique time and Free Write) and Ron MacArthur, with the Cape Gazette, our guest speaker.

Guest Speaker Ron MacArthur

Ron's topic for the retreat is "Journalism 102: Writing in the Digital Age." He has been a writer/photographer for the past 40 years working for community newspapers in Sussex County including the Milford Chronicle, Seaford Star and The Leader and State Register. He is currently working at the Cape Gazette in Lewes. He got his start by taking photographs for his high school newspaper and yearbook. Ron has won more than 100 awards for photography and writing in the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association Contest. Recently, he won two awards – including Best Feature Photo –  in the 2013 National Newspaper Association Contest. He also had the opportunity to work for the International Herald Tribune in Paris, France, for a year as winner of the John H. Whitney Fellowship. Ron has been posting a Photo of the Day on social media for the past two years and is in the process of publishing a book highlighting his favorite images of the Cape Region. Ron grew up in Seaford where he was involved in various civic activities before moving to Lewes eight years ago.

For a relaxing tour of Ron's photos with musical background, visit Ron's website, ronmacphotos.com. 

Lynn R. Parks is a free-lance journalist, currently writing for Morning Star Publications and Delaware Beach Life. She has also written for the (Wilmington) News Journal, among other publications. Lynn grew up in Bridgeville. She graduated from Woodbridge High School in 1973 and the University of Delaware, with a degree in English and a concentration in journalism, in 1977. She and her husband, Tim, have two grown children and two grandchildren.

WHAT TO BRING:

• We want to showcase published books that have been impacted in some way by DCWF, and Peter Mires will be setting up a table for you to display your titles. Bring one copy only of each book.
• Bring your own brown bag lunch. Wilma will provide beverages, ice, and paper products.
• Your double-spaced manuscript (1-inch margins, 12-pt. font, max. 5 pages) for critique.
• Paper/pens
• Casual dress . . . according to the weather 

P.S. Remember, the deadline for our Christmas book is Thursday, July 31!

DIRECTIONS TO COLLINS POND

20202 Gum Island Road, Georgetown, DE 19947:

 
FROM HARDEES IN GEORGETOWN
CORNER OF 113 AND 404/18 (Seashore Highway) 
Drive west on 404/18 (Seashore Highway) approximately 6.3 miles to Wilson Hill Road. Wilson Hill Road is the first intersection past Elmer's Market. Turn right onto Wilson Hill Road (see "For All" below)

FROM THE 13 AND 404 INTERSECTION IN BRIDGEVILLE
Drive east on 404/18 (Seashore Highway) approximately 4.5 miles to Wilson Hill Road. Turn left onto Wilson Hill Road (see "For All" below)

FROM RT. 13 IN SEAFORD
Drive north on 13 to 18. (The intersection where Wright Auto Sales is located.) Turn right onto 18. Drive 1.4 miles to 404/18. Turn right onto 404/18 (Seashore Highway). Drive approximately 2.7 miles to Wilson Hill Road. Turn left onto Wilson Hill Road (see "For All" below)

FOR ALL
FROM INTERSECTION OF WILSON HILL ROAD AND SEASHORE HIGHWAY (404/18) TO THE PAVILION
Drive 3/10 mile (to the 7th house on the left) on Wilson Hill Road to Gum Island Road (a stone road), Turn left onto Gum Island Road. Drive .1 mile on Gum Island Road to the entrance on the LEFT to the Collins Pond Pavilion.

QUESTIONS? Call Wilma at 302.542.3251 or Candy at 302.542.8510

CRITIQUES

At our regular meetings, we have a critique session, so bring your manuscript (8-10 copies of up to five double-spaced pages). No trembling, new folks--we'll point out the strengths as well as observations of areas that could be improved.

 

MEMBERS:

Visit the "Members Only" section on the "Member Spotlight" page to access the current roster.

If you need the password, CLICK HERE, and Candy will send it to you.