What do Texas, Blood & Guns have in Common? They are all Part of the Rich History of DFWWW
What a night the October 27 meeting of the Workshop proved to be. Great food (thanks everyone), scary Halloween-inspired reads (that filled two rooms!) and a celebration of the 300 traditionally published books written by DFWWW members.
Historian Stephen Manning summarized this momentous achievement by providing some interesting trivia.
- Of the 300-plus novels displayed in the Trophy Room, what is the most commonly used word in a book's title? Texas (no one was surprised).
- The second most commonly used word in a title? Blood (now that surprised everyone a
bit). - The third most commonly used word in a title? Gun (notice a trend?).
- There have been an average of 11.6 titles published per year by DFWWW members since 1985.
- The best year was 1996 when 22 titles were published (all comprised of only two genres: Westerns and horror).
- The second best year was 2005 when 20 titles were published (notable because of the large number of first-time novelists).
- From 1985 until 2000, the Workshop produced mainly Westerns, mysteries and horror novels.
- After 2000, there was an explosion of all genres, with nonfiction works becoming more prominent.
In the news, Kenneth Ingle displayed the audio version of his novel, Saragosa Prime, released by Books in Motion. Carolyn Williamson announced the additional of two new reference books for the Workshop's library.
In official news, President Russell Connor reminded members that next Wednesday nominations open for the 2011 Board of Directors. Secretary Kyle White, who will serve as the election coordinator, advised members on the requirements to run for the Board. Basically, members must have paid their 2010-2011 dues and have attended at least three of the five monthly business meetings prior to the election.
A Light Crowd Hears Lots of News
Summer vacations finally caught up with the DFW Writers' Workshop as a light crowd attended the July 28th meeting.
In the news, Nik Holman received a partial request for his novel The Boy Who Wasn't There from agent Brandi Bowles. Del Cain had two poems accepted by Cross Timbers magazine. A. Lee Martinez announced Gil's All-Fight Diner and In the Company of Ogres will be released as a combined book by his German publisher. In addition, Martinez has a book signing for his newest release, Divine Misfortune, this Saturday, July 31 at 10 a.m. at the Borders bookstore in Arlington.
In official news, treasurer Jeri Burbage displayed a new form that members need to complete to receive reimbursements when purchasing items for the Workshop. Secretary Kyle White advised this blog and regular meetings are now the source for all member news, including inclement weather closings (but we all know DFWWW never closes - not matter the weather). Finally, President Russell Connor stated a party will be held on October 27th to celebrate the recent milestone of 300 traditionally published books written by Workshop members. It's sure to be a big event.
In the news, Nik Holman received a partial request for his novel The Boy Who Wasn't There from agent Brandi Bowles. Del Cain had two poems accepted by Cross Timbers magazine. A. Lee Martinez announced Gil's All-Fight Diner and In the Company of Ogres will be released as a combined book by his German publisher. In addition, Martinez has a book signing for his newest release, Divine Misfortune, this Saturday, July 31 at 10 a.m. at the Borders bookstore in Arlington.
In official news, treasurer Jeri Burbage displayed a new form that members need to complete to receive reimbursements when purchasing items for the Workshop. Secretary Kyle White advised this blog and regular meetings are now the source for all member news, including inclement weather closings (but we all know DFWWW never closes - not matter the weather). Finally, President Russell Connor stated a party will be held on October 27th to celebrate the recent milestone of 300 traditionally published books written by Workshop members. It's sure to be a big event.
Poetry, a Book Signing & the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference Top the News
The April 28th meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop saw a good turnout, which included five visitors and four new members.
In the news, Del Cain had two poems accepted by the publication Cross Timbers. Ginnie Bouvier received an invitation from agent Eleanor Jackson of the Markson Thoma Literary Agency to visit their offices in New York City for "a brainstorming session". Kenneth Ingle will speak at the Hurst Library Association on Saturday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. Also this Saturday, A. Lee Martinez has a book signing for his newest release Devine Misfortune at Lone Star Comics in Dallas from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Finally, the executive committee for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference was announced. Among his many other hats, chairperson Jeff Posey will handle marketing. Co-chair Jason Myers will invite the agents and editors. Michelle O'Neal will invite the speakers. Jeri Burbage will serve as treasurer, and Stephen Manning will coordinate registration.
As always, a dedicated family of DFWWW volunteers will be needed for a multitude of other tasks to be announced later.
In the news, Del Cain had two poems accepted by the publication Cross Timbers. Ginnie Bouvier received an invitation from agent Eleanor Jackson of the Markson Thoma Literary Agency to visit their offices in New York City for "a brainstorming session". Kenneth Ingle will speak at the Hurst Library Association on Saturday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. Also this Saturday, A. Lee Martinez has a book signing for his newest release Devine Misfortune at Lone Star Comics in Dallas from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Finally, the executive committee for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference was announced. Among his many other hats, chairperson Jeff Posey will handle marketing. Co-chair Jason Myers will invite the agents and editors. Michelle O'Neal will invite the speakers. Jeri Burbage will serve as treasurer, and Stephen Manning will coordinate registration.
As always, a dedicated family of DFWWW volunteers will be needed for a multitude of other tasks to be announced later.
DFW Writers' Conference Almost Sells Out. Register Today Before it's too Late
Excitement ran high at the February 3 business meeting. In recognition of his years of service to the Workshop, Del Cain was granted a lifetime membership. Del accepted the honor with his usual poet's grace.
In other news, because of her steamy romance novels the Fort Worth Star-Telegram called Candace Havens a person to watch. Jason Myers' was named as a finalist in a competition called Genre Wars. His short story, titled "A Reply", will be included in an upcoming anthology. Pat Hauldren displayed a published edition of a book she copyedited for Cyberwizard Productions. And DFWWW welcomed two new members.
Finally, as a testament to the power of social media, Twitter, FaceBook and blogs were abuzz this past weekend, and the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference almost sold out. If you've been sitting on the fence, now is the time to register, before all of the seats are gone.
In other news, because of her steamy romance novels the Fort Worth Star-Telegram called Candace Havens a person to watch. Jason Myers' was named as a finalist in a competition called Genre Wars. His short story, titled "A Reply", will be included in an upcoming anthology. Pat Hauldren displayed a published edition of a book she copyedited for Cyberwizard Productions. And DFWWW welcomed two new members.
Finally, as a testament to the power of social media, Twitter, FaceBook and blogs were abuzz this past weekend, and the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference almost sold out. If you've been sitting on the fence, now is the time to register, before all of the seats are gone.
Workshop Members Announce Book Contracts, Signings & Reviews
Exciting things are happens to members of the DFW Writers' Workshop as evidenced by these announcements during the July 8th meeting:
George Goldthwaite was offered a contract by Books In Motion, an audio book publisher, for his western novel, From Youth to Vengeance. It is tentatively scheduled for a December release. New member, Jenny Martin, received a request for the full manuscript of her novel, Holy, Texas, by literary agent Nadia Cornier with Firebrand. Del Cain had a poem published in the Texas Poetry Calendar 2010. A. Lee Martinez received a great review in Locus: The Magazine of Science Fiction and Fantasy for his recently released novel, Monster. Candace Havens newest work, Dragons Prefer Blondes, was released this week. She will sign copies at the Barnes & Noble in Hurst this Saturday, July 11 from 2 p.m - 4 p.m. She is also hosting a blog tour, with more information at CandaceHavens.com.
All proof that DFW Writers' Workshop members continue to publish a wide variety of works, despite the economic downturn.