Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Rockwall Christian Writers Group

Leslie Wilson, D'Ann Mateer, and Mary DeMuth at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. We met at the Rockwall Christian Writers Group!

Welcome to the Rockwall Christian Writers Group Official Spot on the Web!

Hello fellow writers,

I know this is a week early, but we're meeting on the first Tuesday (March 6th) this month because of spring break.

After welcoming guest speaker, Amy Van Vleck--the editor of Lake Pointe Life, Lake Pointe Church's own print and online magazine--for the February meeting, I know many of you are anxious to get back to critiquing.

If you would like, bring 5-10 copies of material to be critiqued--up to five pages, double spaced, one-sided, one-inch margins, 12 font or larger--and we'll get started after a very brief intro and update time.

Details:
Rockwall Christian Writers Group
Tuesday, March 6, 2007 from 7:30-9:30 P.M.
Room A-127 at Lake Pointe Church

Lake Pointe's building is large. To find us more easily, park on the I-30 side of the building and go in the front double doors. Go under the wide staircase and turn left. We're past the restrooms on the right. Also, don't forget that the room might be chilly. Dress in layers!!!

Next, check out this Friday's (3/2) Metro section of The Dallas Morning News. Marcia Carroll Burzair, who writes a bi-weekly column about Rockwall, profiles our group after visiting last month's meeting.

Finally, we'll also discuss posting a website for the group. Bring any and all ideas.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.
See you on Tuesday.
Blessings,
Leslie Wilson
http://www.realitymotherhood.com/

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Everything You Need to Know about Us

Welcome to the Rockwall Christian Writers Group!

Mission Statement: To encourage fellow writers in the pursuit of publication while striving for the highest writing standards and to maintain our integrity and goal of glorifying God in all that we do.

Schedule: We will meet the second Tuesday of every month in Room A-127 of LakePointe Church (701 E. Interstate 30, Rockwall) from 7:30-9:30 P.M.

Format:
Approximately half of the time will be spent sharing/networking with one another about the following:
· Overviews of what we have been writing
· Industry information (who has merged, who is looking for what)
· Valuable websites
· Tools for writers (books, pamphlets, and other resources)
· Agent and publisher information and contacts
· Suggestions for getting published, marketing when published, etc.

The other half of our time together will be spent reading our work aloud and offering a helpful critique including:
· Proof-reading for errors
· Evaluation of style (both positive and negative)
· Suggestions for changes in the margins

Please bring any resources you wish to share as well as any work you want critiqued (up to 5 pages double-spaced with at least one-inch margins). We will hand out copies to everyone who comes, so be sure to have at least six copies of your work.

Membership information: There are no dues (at this point) or membership requirements (attendance, preparation) other than a love of writing. Just show up when it is convenient for you and encourage your fellow writers when you do. I would like to put together a roster with basic information, especially e-mail addresses, so please sign in.

Note: Please publicize this group to whomever you wish. As we grow we can better serve the individual needs of our members. Just to let you know, your work need not be Christian in nature, but rather, we want to provide a place for Christians to share information and critique work without being offended by the nature of work submitted for review.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about this group, please contact Leslie Wilson at leslie@realitymotherhood.com.

Critique Procedures

Critique Procedure

1. Manuscripts should be five pages or less, double-spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins, header or footer with author name and page numbers. Bring enough for each person to have his/her own copy.

2. A member of the group will read the work aloud while others evaluate as they follow along.

3. Members write editorial comments on the manuscript. They ask questions, point out difficulties, and may suggest a different outline or approach. They may write a summary comment at the end and sign their name.

4. Comments do not necessarily tell the author what to write, but suggest improvements to make the manuscript marketable. Members share a few of these comments with the group as time allows.

5. Members should strive to give honest opinions, tempered with kindness. Be sure to make positive comments on the things that you like!

6. The reader of the manuscript will act as the evaluator for a general overview and discussion, including a page-by-page evaluation of the syntax, word choice, and clarity. Punctuation and spelling are marked on the manuscript but are not covered in the discussion except when a rule is in question.

7. During the group discussion, the author should listen and glean the valuable critique information. He or she may ask questions, but please refrain from (long) explanations of the work.

8. No author has to accept or implement anyone’s comments. Take the ones that help; forget the rest.

9. Authors are encouraged to revise and resubmit the same material (if desired) until the group believes it is ready for publication.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Information Sheet: Please Print

Please click on the permalink below and then print this sheet, fill it out, and bring it to the next meeting!

Rockwall Christian Writers Group
Information Sheet


Name:

Address:

Phone
(home):
(work):
(cell):
E-mail address:

Personal Writing Goals:










Past Writing Experience, Studies, Achievements:










Current Writing Project(s):