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, 1^st Vice President

Kate Cornell, 2^nd 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.       

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.

A very large crowd that included four visitors enjoyed a banquet of tasty treats during the holiday party on December 15.

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.

Summertime typically means lower attendance at the Workshop, but not this year as good-sized crowds have continued to pack the building. The July 14 meeting was no exception with four visitors joining the already large group.

In the news, Jason Myers received a partial request for his novel Mayhem Inc. from agent John A. Ware. Paula Laroque announced that the Marion Street Press has bought her series, "The Ben Gallagher Mysteries", for a new line of imprints. The first title, Chalk Line, should be released in September 2011.

Finally, Larry Enmon gave a stirring talk on the importance of delivering detailed and informative critiques. Members, both established and new, enjoyed a reminder that we're all here to help one another.

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.

During the October business meeting, members of the DFW Writers' Workshop were reminded that nominations for the 2010 Board of Directors will be opened in November. The current occupants of each office described his or her duties.

Other volunteers needed to keep things moving smoothly are:  An elections coordinator (see Russell Connor), people to help with the registration desk during the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference (see Alley Hauldren), agent attendants (see Larry Enmon), and classroom monitors (see Carolyn Williamson).

In other news, Alley Hauldren's short story "Catsup" was selected to appear in the editor's choice edition of an upcoming issue of Bewildering Stories. Rosemary Clement-Moore has a book signing for her Young Adult novel, The Splendor Falls, on Saturday, October 10 from 1 p.m to 3 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble store in The Parks Mall. Candace Havens was featured on the front cover of last week's edition of DFW.Com Ink magazine.