Sanitarium has published yet another DFWWW member, and we couldn't be prouder.

John Bartell hit the virtual newsstands in December for the 4th issue of this literary horror magazine.  His piece is entitled Nothing, but don't let the name fool you.  It's definitely something, and you can purchase it by clicking the cover.  Be sure to check out his biography under "Contributors".  It's classic Bartell.

And it's never too late to patronize the magazine's back issues.  You'll still find Russell Connor's and Kyle White's stories in Issue #2 and #3, respectively.

 

Member Russell Connor's latest work can be found in Sanitarium Magazine, Issue 2.

 

This literary horror magazine has him headlined, and you shouldn't miss it.

Click the cover to purchase.

Anyone interested in running the 2012 board election, please contact Donna.

Larry Enmon was asked to speak at the Dallas Romance Writers Conference.  He will be sharing his expertise on weapons.

A.Lee Martinez presented the French version of Gil’s All Fright Diner.  He also received the Advanced Readers copy of this upcoming book, Emperor Mollusk Vs. the Sinister Brain.  www.aleemartinez.com/

Del Cain has a book signing this Saturday, Sept 10^th in Fort Worth at the Barnes & Noble on University Dr from 1:00 to 3:00.  He will be signing copies of his two non-fiction books, Lawmen of the Old West: The Good Guys and Lawmen of the Old West: The Bad Guys. www.del-cain.blogspot.com/

Harry Hall has a book signing Sept 17^th in Irving at Crystals Pizza from 3:30 to 5:30. He will be signing copies of his book Help! People are Staring at Me.

Russell Connor confirmed the 2^nd episode of Workshop is now available at www.conmanproduction.wordpress.com .  Not only does it star Russell and Nik Holman as a couple of scumbag writers, David Whiteman and Alex Martinez also make special appearances.  Check it out!

Candace Havens is teaching two (highly recommended) online courses.  Fast Draft & Revision Hell starts Sept 25^th and her Six-week Comprehensive class begins on Sept 15th. For more details, check out www.candacehavens.com

Carolyn Williamson announced we now have the 2012 Writers Market books.  You may check them out for one week.

Things were announced! Things were read! Reads were critiqued!

The pilot episode of Workshop is available on YouTube. Laugh, cry, stay tuned for the next episode...Part 1 and Part 2. Workshop was created by Nik Holman and Russell Connor.

Ken Ingle's First Contact has generated some film interest, and he has found a screenwriter for the project.

Rosemary Clement-Moore has a book signing for Texas Gothic on July 16th at the Barnes and Noble in Arlington from 1-3pm.

The DFW Teen Writers' Workshop started on June 18th and will be held on Saturday from 1-3pm until July 30 (no session on July 2). If you are interested in volunteering as a monitor or critiquer, all help is welcome. Also, don't forget to spread the word. More attendees are always welcome. Email us here for registration, questions, or interest.
More information is available here.

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.       

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.

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.

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.  

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 October 20 meeting could have been called 'old home night'. A number of former members attended, including a past president who helped obtain the Workshop's nonprofit status and several lifetime 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.