Time's Running Out: Nominations End Next Wednesday for 2011 Board of Directors
Chilly winds that howled like banshees failed to scare away dedicated DFWWW members from the November 17 meeting.
In the news, A. Lee Martinez displayed the spring/summer 2011 catalog from Orbit Books which has a full-page ad for his upcoming novel Chasing the Moon. Jimmie Kepler announced that Poetry & Prose ezine invited him to submit more of his poems. Kenneth Ingle had a successful book signing this last weekend at a local arts and crafts fair. Speaking of book signings, Mike McMullen has two of them this weekend for his recent nonfiction release I, Superhero. The first is on Saturday, November 20, at 1 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in Dallas at Interstate 75 and Northwest Highway; and the second is on Sunday, November 21, at noon at Barnes & Noble in Las Colinas.
In the official news, Secretary Kyle White advised that Wednesday, December 1, is the last business meeting of the year and the last chance to qualify to vote in the January election. President Russell Connor reminded everyone interested in running for the 2011 Board of Directors that they need to sign-up by next Wednesday when the nominations close.
In the news, A. Lee Martinez displayed the spring/summer 2011 catalog from Orbit Books which has a full-page ad for his upcoming novel Chasing the Moon. Jimmie Kepler announced that Poetry & Prose ezine invited him to submit more of his poems. Kenneth Ingle had a successful book signing this last weekend at a local arts and crafts fair. Speaking of book signings, Mike McMullen has two of them this weekend for his recent nonfiction release I, Superhero. The first is on Saturday, November 20, at 1 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in Dallas at Interstate 75 and Northwest Highway; and the second is on Sunday, November 21, at noon at Barnes & Noble in Las Colinas.
In the official news, Secretary Kyle White advised that Wednesday, December 1, is the last business meeting of the year and the last chance to qualify to vote in the January election. President Russell Connor reminded everyone interested in running for the 2011 Board of Directors that they need to sign-up by next Wednesday when the nominations close.
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.
The Number Keeps Growing! DFWWW Members Produce 303 Traditionally Published Books
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.
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.
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.
A Two-Book Deal, an Agent Request and a Contest Winner Fill the News
The June 23 meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop was full of momentous news from several people.
Leading the pack, Rosemary Clement-Moore announced she's signed a two-book deal with her publisher, Random House. Jason Myers received a partial request for his manuscript, Mayhem Inc., from literary agent Robert Thixton. Merris Doud won second place in the Brazos Writers' Writing Contest in the category of memoir / personal essay. Writer's Digest has contracted with Kyle White to write a feature-length article on the use of social networking to land an agent or secure a book deal.
Finally, members were reminded of the vote to be held on Wednesday, July 7 to amend the Workshop's Bylaws. Also, Larry Enmon encouraged new members to pick up a copy of a pamphlet titled 20 Hints for Workshop Critiques for an upcoming class on the subject.
Leading the pack, Rosemary Clement-Moore announced she's signed a two-book deal with her publisher, Random House. Jason Myers received a partial request for his manuscript, Mayhem Inc., from literary agent Robert Thixton. Merris Doud won second place in the Brazos Writers' Writing Contest in the category of memoir / personal essay. Writer's Digest has contracted with Kyle White to write a feature-length article on the use of social networking to land an agent or secure a book deal.
Finally, members were reminded of the vote to be held on Wednesday, July 7 to amend the Workshop's Bylaws. Also, Larry Enmon encouraged new members to pick up a copy of a pamphlet titled 20 Hints for Workshop Critiques for an upcoming class on the subject.
Neither Rain nor Scary Lightning will Stop Workshop Members from Meeting
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.
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.
Workshop Members to Give a Public Reading on March 6
The February 17 meeting of the Workshop saw a standing room only crowd as seven visitors joined the already large crowd of regular members.
Pat Hauldren announced the Fort Worth Examiner recognized her for having the most online hits to her articles. Rosemary Clement-Moore displayed the British edition of her novel The Splendor Falls, or 'spendour' as the Brits spell it. Kyle White unveiled the cover artwork for his upcoming novel, Attack of the Crystal Spiders.
Members were reminded of a series of Bylaws changes that will require a vote during the March business meeting. Also, President Russell Connor announced a special event to promote the Workshop on March 6 at the Hurst Barnes & Noble bookstore. Starting at 1 p.m., DFWWW authors will read samples of their work to a certain-to-be-enthralled public.
Pat Hauldren announced the Fort Worth Examiner recognized her for having the most online hits to her articles. Rosemary Clement-Moore displayed the British edition of her novel The Splendor Falls, or 'spendour' as the Brits spell it. Kyle White unveiled the cover artwork for his upcoming novel, Attack of the Crystal Spiders.
Members were reminded of a series of Bylaws changes that will require a vote during the March business meeting. Also, President Russell Connor announced a special event to promote the Workshop on March 6 at the Hurst Barnes & Noble bookstore. Starting at 1 p.m., DFWWW authors will read samples of their work to a certain-to-be-enthralled public.
A First Novel, a Three-Book Deal & a Major Award Jumpstart 2010
It seemed as if the news and announcements would never end at the January 20 meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop, but that's not a bad thing.
A. Lee Martinez' book, Monster, is now available as a mass-market paperback. Kyle White sold his first novel, Attack of the Crystal Spiders, a Middle Grade science fiction work, to Wild Child Publishing. The American Library Association named Rosemary Clement-Moore's novel Highway to Hell as a 2010 Best Books for Young Adults. One of Kenneth E. Ingles' short stories is a finalist in the current Writer's Digest contest. Candace Havens inked a three-book deal with Harlequin. She will also sign copies of her newest work, Take Me If You Dare, on Saturday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Barnes & Nobel in Hurst.
Finally, three new members were welcomed to DFWWW, and the Workshop's extensive reference library reopened after a year-end inventory. Books may be checked out for three weeks.
A. Lee Martinez' book, Monster, is now available as a mass-market paperback. Kyle White sold his first novel, Attack of the Crystal Spiders, a Middle Grade science fiction work, to Wild Child Publishing. The American Library Association named Rosemary Clement-Moore's novel Highway to Hell as a 2010 Best Books for Young Adults. One of Kenneth E. Ingles' short stories is a finalist in the current Writer's Digest contest. Candace Havens inked a three-book deal with Harlequin. She will also sign copies of her newest work, Take Me If You Dare, on Saturday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Barnes & Nobel in Hurst.
Finally, three new members were welcomed to DFWWW, and the Workshop's extensive reference library reopened after a year-end inventory. Books may be checked out for three weeks.
DFWWW Looks Forward to Exciting 2010
A large crowd gathered at the Workshop to commemorate the last Wednesday, of the last week, of the last month of 2009. Underscoring the fact that DFWWW hasn't closed in almost 20-years, no matter the weather or holiday.
Members were reminded that next week is the election for the 2010 Board of Directors. The annual dues of $100 must be paid in advance to vote, or participate in the read-and-critique sessions.
In other news, the early-bird price of $185 to attend the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference ends January 31. Thereafter, the price goes up to $235. Pat Hauldren and Kyle White were both recognized in the "Best of" annual review at Bewildering Stories for their works "Catsup" and "The Hand That Feeds You" respectively.
Members were reminded that next week is the election for the 2010 Board of Directors. The annual dues of $100 must be paid in advance to vote, or participate in the read-and-critique sessions.
In other news, the early-bird price of $185 to attend the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference ends January 31. Thereafter, the price goes up to $235. Pat Hauldren and Kyle White were both recognized in the "Best of" annual review at Bewildering Stories for their works "Catsup" and "The Hand That Feeds You" respectively.
Member, Harry Robbins, Announces the Sale of His First Novel
Word must have gotten out that the December 16 meeting of DFWWW was the annual Christmas party, because nine visitors attended - a record number. It had to be the many great reads that brought the visitors in … or the scrumptious spread of homemade goodies.
Full stomachs only enhanced the news from Workshop members. Harry Robbins announced the sale of his first novel, a fantasy titled The Bard Prince, to Books in Motion. Jenny Martin received three requests from literary agents for the full manuscript of her Young Adult novel Holy, Texas. Kyle White sold a short story to AlienSkin magazine. Books in Motion bought George Goldthwaite's second Western, Return of Sam Rache. Tricia Allen will speak at the Polk-Wisdom Public Library in Dallas on December 19 at 2:30 p.m. Her topic is using 'new history' in fiction.
Finally, everyone was reminded that the early-bird registration fee of $185 for the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference ends on January 31, 2010. Thereafter, the price increases to $235. Agent appointments are still available, but are filling fast.
Full stomachs only enhanced the news from Workshop members. Harry Robbins announced the sale of his first novel, a fantasy titled The Bard Prince, to Books in Motion. Jenny Martin received three requests from literary agents for the full manuscript of her Young Adult novel Holy, Texas. Kyle White sold a short story to AlienSkin magazine. Books in Motion bought George Goldthwaite's second Western, Return of Sam Rache. Tricia Allen will speak at the Polk-Wisdom Public Library in Dallas on December 19 at 2:30 p.m. Her topic is using 'new history' in fiction.
Finally, everyone was reminded that the early-bird registration fee of $185 for the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference ends on January 31, 2010. Thereafter, the price increases to $235. Agent appointments are still available, but are filling fast.