A Busy News Night Full of Contest Finalists, Westerns & Dead Robots
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.
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.
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.
DFW Writers' Workshop Members Produce 299 Traditionally Published Books
With President Russell Connor on vacation, the May 26th 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.
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.
Winner of Barbara Wilson Award Announced & 297th Book Donated to Trophy Room
The May 5th business meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop was short, but contained much good news.
In official business, historian Stephen Manning announced the winner of the 2009 Barbara Wilson Memorial Award for the most published short works. Longtime member Chris Moore took the honors. Stephen also displayed the newest donation to the Trophy Room, Kenneth Ingles' novel Cross the Styx. That brings the total to 297 traditionally published books by DFWWW members. President Russell Connor reminded everyone that a celebration will be held once the landmark number of 300 is reached.
In other news, agent Paul Lavine requested Susan Clark's full manuscript, and George Goldwaithe had requests from agents Terry Burns and Josh Getzler.
In official business, historian Stephen Manning announced the winner of the 2009 Barbara Wilson Memorial Award for the most published short works. Longtime member Chris Moore took the honors. Stephen also displayed the newest donation to the Trophy Room, Kenneth Ingles' novel Cross the Styx. That brings the total to 297 traditionally published books by DFWWW members. President Russell Connor reminded everyone that a celebration will be held once the landmark number of 300 is reached.
In other news, agent Paul Lavine requested Susan Clark's full manuscript, and George Goldwaithe had requests from agents Terry Burns and Josh Getzler.
Approaching a Landmark: 296th Book Donated to Workshop Trophy Room
It was a night for numbers during the March 3 business meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop. The 2010 Workshop and Conference budget were discussed with both showing in the black. Five new books were donated to the Trophy Room, bringing the number of traditionally published books written by DFWWW members to 296. Three new members joined the group.
In other news, Ginnie Bivona has an essay in the recently released work Hear Us Roar. A. Lee Martinez displayed a copy of his upcoming book Divine Misfortune. Virginia Traweek's alma mater selected her to produce a promotional magazine titled Peer Perspectives.
Finally, volunteer sign-up for the DFW Writers' Conference begins next week. Pat Hauldren and Carolyn Williamson are looking for volunteers for the registration table and class monitors respectively.
In other news, Ginnie Bivona has an essay in the recently released work Hear Us Roar. A. Lee Martinez displayed a copy of his upcoming book Divine Misfortune. Virginia Traweek's alma mater selected her to produce a promotional magazine titled Peer Perspectives.
Finally, volunteer sign-up for the DFW Writers' Conference begins next week. Pat Hauldren and Carolyn Williamson are looking for volunteers for the registration table and class monitors respectively.
Elections, Agent Requests & Wedding Plans Fill Workshop News
Election fever struck DFWWW during the January 6 business meeting as the 2010 Board of Directors was selected. They are:
In other news, Jenny Martin received a full manuscript request from literary agent Robert Astle for her Young Adult novel Holy, Texas. Mike McMullen submitted his non-fiction book, I, Superhero, to his publisher Kensington Books. Pat Hauldren was a guest writer on the website Marketing Tips for Authors, and noted that her blog entry received the highest ever traffic for the site.
Finally, longtime member and fantasy author A. Lee Martinez announced his engagement to fellow Workshop member Sally Hamilton. Their wedding is tentatively planned for October. Congratulations to the both of you.
Russell C. Connor, President
A. Lee Martinez, First Vice President
Carolyn Williamson, Second Vice President
Fred Campos, Treasurer
Kyle White, Secretary
Nik Holman, Director
Larry Enmon, Director
In other news, Jenny Martin received a full manuscript request from literary agent Robert Astle for her Young Adult novel Holy, Texas. Mike McMullen submitted his non-fiction book, I, Superhero, to his publisher Kensington Books. Pat Hauldren was a guest writer on the website Marketing Tips for Authors, and noted that her blog entry received the highest ever traffic for the site.
Finally, longtime member and fantasy author A. Lee Martinez announced his engagement to fellow Workshop member Sally Hamilton. Their wedding is tentatively planned for October. Congratulations to the both of you.
Yes, Virginia, the DFW Writers' Workshop WILL meet this Wednesday
The DFW Writers' Workshop has a long-standing tradition of meeting EVERY Wednesday, no matter what. Meetings have happened on Christmas Day, on July 4th, and in severe weather conditions. We're just dedicated like that. Sure, this Wednesday is only two days before Christmas, but so what? It's still a great time to meet with your friends and enjoy a good read and critique session. So, in case you were wondering, yes, the workshop will meet as usual at 7 p.m. this Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009 at the Ruth Millican Center, 205 Cullum Drive in Euless. See you there!