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.
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.
Members Enjoy Cool Temps & Hot Reads
In the news, A. Lee Martinez displayed the mass-market paperback cover of his newest novel, Devine Misfortunes. An editor with Kingston Publishers requested Kirk von der Heydt's full manuscript. Kenneth Ingle displayed his recently released fourth book, To Kill a Thief. Rosemary Clement-Moore has a book signing this Saturday, October 16, at 11 a.m. at the Weekend Reader Book Shop in Balch Springs.
In other news, President Russell Connor reminded everyone to bring yummy treats on October 27 to celebrate the 300 traditionally published books written by DFWWW authors. Michelle O'Neal invited everyone to visit the newly updated website for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference. With a full list of agents and editors, and an impressive lineup of speakers, the conference is shaping up to be an event you don't want to miss.
A Reminder to Pay 2010-2011 Membership Dues & Other News
In official news, members were reminded that the 2010-2011 fiscal year starts October 1, and membership dues need to be paid. Also, President Russell Connor advised that a celebration to commemorate the 300 traditionally published books written by Workshop members will be held October 27. That night, there will be a potluck dinner, and a room reserved for Halloween-themed reads.
Finally, in conference news, Michelle O'Neal described one of the 43 classes planned for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference. Stephen Manning announced that 20 agents and editors have agreed to attend. A grid indicating their genre preferences will be posted online soon.
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.
The Weather Might Be Frightful, But The Reads Were Delightful
Perry Curtis Bales announced that publisher Books in Motion requested the full manuscript of his Western novel Gunfighter's Star. Rosemary Clement-Moore submitted her newest novel, tentatively titled Texas Gothic, to her publisher Delacorte. Michelle O'Neal broke into the national magazine market when her article "Testing, Testing: Understanding Blood and Breath Alcohol Testing" appeared in the winter issue of MADDvocate.
Attendees were reminded that 2010 membership dues must be paid in order to vote in the Board of Directors election in January, or to participate in read and critique sessions next year. Two reference books aimed toward writers of children's and Young Adult literature were added to the Workshop's extensive library and are available to be loaned.
Finally, in conference news, it was announced that retailer Books-A-Million has agreed to run the official bookstore at the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference. As an added bonus, all registered conference attendees will receive a 20% discount on purchases of any Books-A-Million merchandise present at the conference center.