Election Results, a Book Release & Social Networking Start the New Year
It was a change of the guard at the January 5 meeting of the Workshop (well, almost, two members of the former Board ran for re-election) as a new Board of Directors was seated. They are:
Donna Lasko, President
Carolyn Williamson, 1st Vice President
Kate Cornell, 2nd Vice President
Paul Lamarre, Treasurer
Kyle White, Secretary
Ron Soule, Director
David Whiteman, Director
Former President Stephen Manning presented outgoing President Russell Connor with a plaque to commemorate his two years of service. Russell gave gift cards to the 2010 Board in recognition of their service; and to Harry Hall for opening the building each week, Eric Dixon for consistently volunteering to monitor a read-and-critique session, and to Chris Moore for serving on the 2009 Board.
In other news, Kate Cornell advised that she now handles the social networking for DFWWW. People can stay current about Workshop events on Twitter, or our Facebook fan page. Rosemary Clement Moore announced the release of her Young Adult novel The Splendor Falls on January 11 in paperback. Larry Enmon cautioned that only five spots remain for agent assistant volunteers. Interested members should see him to sign up now. Jeff Posey warned that the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference is fast approaching and people should register today before it's too late. Finally, please keep member Michelle O'neal in your thoughts as she fights a life threatening medical condition.
Wedding Bells Top the News
In the biggest news of the night, outgoing President Russell Connor announced his engagement to Abbie Faroukhtakin. Their wedding date will be announced later.
In less exciting news, Carolyn Williamson reminded everyone to return any outstanding library books before the year's end. On the conference front, chairperson Jeff Posey advised that volunteers are needed for the upcoming 2011 DFW Writers' Conference. If members are interested in being an agent assistant, they should speak to Larry Enmon. To help with the registration desk see Stephen Manning. He says a large number of volunteers will be needed.
Finally, Secretary Kyle White reminded everyone about the recent change in the Workshop's fiscal year, and that any member who hasn't already done so needs to renew their 2010 - 2011 fiscal year dues before December 31. After that, members who do not renew will not be allowed to participate in the weekly read-and-critique sessions until their dues are paid.
Holiday Party Set for December 15
In the official news, election coordinator Jeri Burbage presented the list of candidates for the 2011 Board of Directors. Nominations are now closed. Historian Stephen Manning displayed two new additions for the Trophy Room.
In other news, President Russell Connor announced the holiday party will be held on December 15. Members are invited to bring yummy dishes to share. Conference chairperson Jeff Posey described a few of the many volunteer positions needed for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference. A meeting will be held on December 15 prior to the regular meeting to discuss the many opportunities available.
YES! The Trophy Room Will Keep Growing. Three DFWWW Authors Sell Books
It seemed as if the news and announcements would never end. Candace Havens delivered her newest book, Turn and Dare, to Harlequin. A. Lee Martinez' newest novel, Catching the Moon, was accepted by Orbit. Delacorte accepted Rosemary Clement-Moore's newest work, Texas Gothic, and the book is already available for pre-order at Amazon.com.
Del Cain reported a successful event at the Saginaw Public Library last week. Russell Connor and A. Lee Martinez appeared, along with Rosemary Clement-Moore who was the keynote speaker. This weekend, Rosemary will appear at Readers & 'ritas in Allen, with Candace Havens as the Master of Ceremonies. Also this Saturday, A. Lee Martinez has a book signing at 2 p.m. at the Borders in Burleson.
Finally, President Russell Connor thanked a wide variety of volunteers who unselfishly give of their time each week. Harry Hall who arrives early to set up the building and to make coffee; Eric Dixon who never fails to monitor one of the read-and-critique rooms; former President Stephen Manning who assists the Board in making the hard decisions; and Jeff Posey, Jason Myers and Michelle O'Neal who work on the annual writers' conference.
Thank you everyone who contributes in some way. As a non-profit, all volunteer organization it takes all of us to keep DFWWW functioning.
Poetry, an Authors' Reception & Trophy Room Addition #304 Fill the News
In official business, historian Stephen Manning announced book 304 donated to the Trophy Room. (If the numbers keep growing at this pace, could another celebration be just around the corner?) President Russell Connor opened the nominations for the 2011 Board of Directors, with each current Board member describing his or her duties.
In other news, David Alkek had a poem titled "The Doorway" accepted by Abandoned Towers magazine. He also had a successful book signing for his nonfiction work, The Self-Creative Universe, recently in Plano. Del Cain reminded everyone that several DFWWW writers will attend an authors' reception at the Saginaw Public Library, Thursday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to meet the authors and to purchase signed copies of their books.
Finally, conference chairperson Jeff Posey described a few of the now 50-plus classes scheduled for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference. The breadth of speakers and topics alone make the price of admission a bargain. Throw in 20 agents and editors, Thriller Master Sandra Brown as the keynote speaker, and you have one of the best values among writers' conferences in the country.
It's a Party! Come Celebrate the 300 Traditionally Published Books Written by DFWWW Members
President Russell Connor reminded everyone that next week is the celebration for the 300 traditionally published books written by DFWWW members. Please bring a potluck dish to share; the doors open at 6 p.m. Also, a special room will be reserved just for spooky Halloween reads.
Conference chairperson Jeff Posey shared several important pieces of information. First, there are only 43 spots remaining at the special discounted rate for Workshop members. After those are gone, no members-only discounts will be available.
Second, the event will be capped at 450 attendees. Considering the last conference sold out - and tickets for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference are selling fast - everyone is encouraged to register now.
Finally, a Gong Show-style event is planned for the conference. Attendees may submit anonymous query letters that will be read to a panel of literary agents. The agents will 'gong' when they've heard enough, and then describe what they liked and disliked about the queries. This is just a sample of the many fun and educational events that are planned.
The Number Keeps Growing! DFWWW Members Produce 303 Traditionally Published Books
In official news, following the success of the visit by Tor Books editor Paul Stevens, the membership voted to invite more editors to speak in the future. Treasurer Jeri Burbage explained recent banking changes to establish an emergency account and to fund various other accounts. Historian Stephen Manning displayed traditionally published book number 303, I, Superhero, written by Workshop member Mike McMullen.
In other news, Anne Perry had an article published in a Duncanville newspaper. Perry Bales announced that Books in Motion is considering producing audio versions of his three previously published novels. President Russell Conner reminded everyone that nominations for the 2011 Board of Directors opens in November. He also suggested that interested candidates consider attending a future Board meeting to better understand how the Workshop operates. Secretary Kyle White advised that the 2010-2011 membership renewal drive is well underway, with a high percentage of members renewing online.
Finally, conference chairperson Jeff Posey confirmed that 20 agents and editors have committed to attend the 2011 DFW Writers Conference. That's double the number from 2010. Also, a grid detailing each agent and editor's genre preferences has been posted at the conference website.
DFWWW Membership Has Its Perks
In a very light news night, conference chairperson Jeff Posey reminded everyone that one of the benefits of being a DFWWW member is a discount to attend the annual writers' conference. With a new venue, more agents, the addition of editors, best-selling thriller author Sandra Brown as the keynote speaker, and a large variety of educational classes, the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference should be the biggest one yet. Members who attend should also remember to volunteer a few hours during the conference to help to keep everything moving smoothly. The volunteer positions will be scheduled closer to the conference.
Finally, President Russell Connor reminded everyone of the upcoming, members-only event at which TOR editor Paul Stevens will be the guest speaker. Billed as a mini-conference, the event is just another of the many perks of joining the DFW Writers' Workshop.
Poetry, a Book Signing & the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference Top the News
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.
Neither Rain Nor Rejection Will Stop DFWWW Members From Meeting
Member Clint Ford announced that he has teamed with illustrator Alec Hanson on a children's book. Kyle White mentioned that he has new horror short stories on the web, one at Sonar4 and one at Bewildering Stories. Speaking of scary tales, members were reminded that during next week's meeting there will be a special room set aside for Halloween-themed reads. Who knows, they might even turn off the lights.
Finally, conference co-chairperson Jeff Posey asked DFWWW members to continue their great efforts toward promoting the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference and Hook 'Em Writing Contest. Appointments with the agents are limited and continue to fill fast, so people were encouraged to register soon.