Fall's moderate temperatures drove in a large number of attendees at the October 13 meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop. Or maybe it was the terrific read-and-critique sessions.

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 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.

Excitement filled the air during the September 29 meeting. Several DFWWW members reported full and partial manuscript requests from Tor Books editor Paul Stevens during his recent visit. Attendees also enjoyed a day full of classes on such subjects as writing query letters and developing characters.  

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.

Four visitors joined a good-sized crowd during the September 15 meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop.

In a very light news night, conference chairperson Jeff Posey reminded everyone that one of the benefits of being a DFWWW member is a discount to attend the annual writers' conference. With a new venue, more agents, the addition of editors, best-selling thriller author Sandra Brown as the keynote speaker, and a large variety of educational classes, the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference should be the biggest one yet. Members who attend should also remember to volunteer a few hours during the conference to help to keep everything moving smoothly.  The volunteer positions will be scheduled closer to the conference.

Finally, President Russell Connor reminded everyone of the upcoming, members-only event at which TOR editor Paul Stevens will be the guest speaker. Billed as a mini-conference, the event is just another of the many perks of joining the DFW Writers' Workshop.

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.

A summer downpour did little to thin the ranks at the June 30 meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop, as six visitors and two new members joined the already sizeable crowd.

In a busy news night, A. Lee Martinez was interviewed by The Dead Robot Society Podcast about his series of fantasy novels. Richard Young's book-length manuscript, American Health Scare, is a top 20 finalist in a contest sponsored by The Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference. Harry Hall's short non-fiction narrative, "Michael Hylands Marathon Victory over Cystic Fibrosis" is also a finalist in the same contest, but in a different category. Books in Motion purchased George Goldwaithe's newest novel, Bugles and Bagpipes. Also, George attended the Western Writers' of America Convention where three different agents requested manuscript submissions. Rosemary Clement-Moore stated that the hardcover edition of her newest book, The Splendor Falls, has gone into its second printing. Additionally, Rosemary will speak on Thursday, July 8 at 2 p.m. at the Haslet Public Library.

Finally, Russell Conner reminded members that next week, Wednesday, July 7, is the final vote on the proposed amendments to the Workshop Bylaws.  

The escalating summer temperatures haven't dented the attendance at the DFW Writers' Workshop, as demonstrated by the healthy crowd at the June 16^th meeting.

In official news, Russell Connor reminded members of the proposed amendments to the By-laws, with the vote to be held during the July business meeting. The proposals are posted on the bulletin board for all to review.  

In other news, literary agent Sara Megibow requested a partial of Carolyn William's manuscript, Love on the Run. Rosemary Clement-Moore sold the Portuguese rights to her Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil series of Young Adult novels. Additionally, Rosemary will speak this Saturday, June 19, during a meeting of the North Texas chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators in Arlington.

Finally, Stephen Manning announced that the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference has gone international with the registration of an attendee from the country of England. Everyone is excited by how the conference's reputation has grown in only three years of existence.

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 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.