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.
Summertime typically means lower attendance at the Workshop, but not this year as good-sized crowds have continued to pack the building. The July 14 meeting was no exception with four visitors joining the already large group.
In the news, Jason Myers received a partial request for his novel Mayhem Inc. from agent John A. Ware. Paula Laroque announced that the Marion Street Press has bought her series, “The Ben Gallagher Mysteries”, for a new line of imprints. The first title, Chalk Line, should be released in September 2011.
Finally, Larry Enmon gave a stirring talk on the importance of delivering detailed and informative critiques. Members, both established and new, enjoyed a reminder that we’re all here to help one another.
What a night it was at the DFW Writers’ Workshop. Both amendments to the By-laws passed by an overwhelming majority. According to the Treasurer’s report, the conference and the workshop continue to operate in the black. And plans are underway to invite several agents and/or editors to visit later this year to speak and hear book proposals.
In other news, A. Lee Martinez is a guest speaker at MythCon 41 this weekend in Dallas. Candace Havens turned in her latest manuscript, She Who Dares Wins, to Harlequin, and submitted a book proposal titled, Triple Dare Ranch, to the same publisher. Jamie Harrington announced her participation in WriteOnCon.com, a free online writers’ conference now accepting registrations.
But in the biggest news of the night, historian Stephen Manning announced the donation of the 300th traditionally published book by a DFWWW author. A party is being planned to commemorate this momentous milestone, 33-years in the making.
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 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.
The escalating summer temperatures haven’t dented the attendance at the DFW Writers’ Workshop, as demonstrated by the healthy crowd at the June 16th 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 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.
Five visitors joined an already sizable crowd at the May 19th meeting of the DFW Writers’ Workshop.
In the news, Mike McMullen displayed the cover for his upcoming nonfiction work, I, Superhero. Carolyn Williamson has an article in the May issue of Heart to Heart, the North Texas Romance writers newsletter. Crystalwizard’s poem “Porker” was published in a magazine titled Pig in a Poke. Rosemary Clement-Moore has a book signing this Saturday, May 22 at the Hurst Barnes & Noble at 2 p.m. for the paperback release of her Young Adult novel Highway to Hell.
Speaking of books, Carolyn reminds all Workshop members they may check out the reference books for three weeks. After that, there is a twenty-five cents fine for each week the books are overdue. There are several books outstanding and members will be contacted soon if they don’t return them.
The May 12th meeting of the DFW Writers’ Workshop saw a large crowd that included two visitors and three new members.
In the biggest news of the night, Jenny Martin announced she has signed with Mary Kole of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. What’s even better is that Jenny met Mary at the 2010 DFW Writers’ Conference, making this yet another success story for an event designed to connect authors with agents and editors.
In other news, Carolyn Williamson announced the addition of three new writer’s market books for the Workshop’s library. While these reference books may not be checked out, there are many others available for use by DFWWW members.
Finally, it’s rumored that 15 literary agents have already agreed to attend the 2011 DFW Writers’ Conference. With success stories like Jenny’s proving the value of the event, attendees will want to register early for the best chance to meet with one of next year’s agents.