Despite the approach of Christmas, and the return of cooler weather to North Texas after a brief warm spell, a good-sized crowd attended the December 22 meeting of the Workshop.

In the news, A. Lee Martinez received payment for the movie option of his recent novel Divine Misfortune. Rosemary Clement-Moore displayed the paperback edition of her Young Adult book, The Splendor Falls, with its stylish new cover. Her copies arrived during a special time (happy birthday, Rosemary), and the book is scheduled to be in bookstores on January 11.

In other news, Jeri Burbage reminded everyone the election for the 2011 Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, January 5. To be eligible to vote, members must have paid their 2010-2011 fiscal year dues and have attended at least three of the five business meetings prior to the election. Carolyn Williamson again advised that overdue library books need to be returned before year's end. Larry Enmon issued a second call for volunteers to assist the agents and editors during the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference.

Chilly weather didn't deter a good-sized crowd, including two visitors and one new member, from attending the December 1 business meeting of the Workshop.

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.

A large crowd, which included two visitors and two new members, attended the October 6 business meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop.

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.

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.

Despite ominous skies and the threat of a thunderstorm, the June 2 business meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop saw a standing-room only crowd.

In official business, Jeri Burbage reported that both the Workshop and the Conference bank accounts are in the black. Russell Connor and Kyle White introduced two proposed amendments to the By-laws. One would change the start of the fiscal year from January to October, and the other would protect member's personal information. These proposals will be posted for 30-days, and then voted on at the July business meeting.

In other news, Julian Harber donated a copy of his novel A Nail in the Body of Christ. Joyce Holland of the D4EO Literary Agency requested Jason Myers' full manuscript. Pat Hauldren was a guest blogger at SavvyAuthors.com.

With President Russell Connor on vacation, the May 26^th meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop was a little disorganized, but the Board pulled together to conduct business. This included welcoming five new members to the growing list of weekly attendees.

In the news, A. Lee Martinez displayed the German-language edition of his book Too Many Curses. Kenneth Ingle presented the audio version of his novel First Contact. John Keith announced that Jessie Cammack with the JABberwocky Literary Agency requested the full manuscript of his work 74 Degrees. Stephen Manning advised the tally of traditionally published novels by Workshop members now rests at 299.   

Finally, Jeri Burbage was seated as Treasurer to fill the spot vacated by Fred Campos. Don't worry, Fred's not leaving the Workshop, he just has other obligations that make stepping down from the Board the right decision for him.

The April 28^th 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.

With over 300 attendees, 10 literary agents, 48 classes, one contest and multiple door prizes, the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference was successful beyond anyone's wildest imagination. Overall, the comments from the both the attendees and agents were that the conference was well run by a group of professional, but very friendly, people.

During the April 14 meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop, the group thanked chairperson Jeri Burbage for her two years of dedication to the conference. As well, the multitude of classroom monitors, agent wranglers, and other volunteers were recognized.

Speaking of successes, the following Workshop members had full or partial requests from:

• Agent Joshua Bilmes - Pat Hauldren, Harry Robbins, John Keith, Russell Connor, Nik Holman, George Goldwaithe
  


• Agent Gina Panettieri - Carolyn Williams, Robert O'Haugherty, Mary Kelly, Merris Doud,  Ginnie Bivona, Anne Perry
  


• Agent Diana Fox - John Sanders, Donna Lasko, Katy Roberts
  


• Agent Lucienne Diver - Pat Hauldren, Paula LaRocque, Kendall Furlong
  


• Agent Paul Levine - Jeannie Furlong, Tina Britt
  


• Agent Mary Kole - Stephen Manning, Anne Perry
  


• Agent Laurie McLean - Carolyn Williamson, Pat Hauldren, Larry Enmon, Kyle White
  


• Agent Anne Hawkins - Kenneth Ingle, Daryle McGinnis, Wes Dunham, Tom Gensler
  

In other Workshop news, Kenneth Ingle signed the contract for his fourth book. A. Lee Martinez has two upcoming book signings. On Friday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Weekend Reader Book Shop in Balch Springs. On Saturday, April 17 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Barnes & Nobles Booksellers in Hurst.  

Finally, registration for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference is underway. We're moving to a bigger facility to accommodate more people. It will be held February 26-27, 2011 at the American Airlines Training and Conference Center in Fort Worth. Located on a lush wooded campus, the event will be more of a writers' retreat. New York Times #1 best-seller and Thriller Master, Sandra Brown, will be the keynote speaker. Early registration is recommended, since this year's event sold out.

Bob Mayer, who keynoted our conference, posted a nice thank you to the Workshop on his blog. He praised the Workshop's professionalism. He specifically mentioned Dan Anders and Jeri Burbage, the chair and co-chair, as well as everyone else who volunteered. And he said he got a lot out of the social networking presentation by Kristen Lamb and Stephen Manning, with some additional advice from Fred Campos.

Many thanks to Bob for traveling to DFW to speak at our conference and helping to make it such a great success!