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.       

In the news, A. Lee Martinez received payment for the movie option of his recent novel Divine Misfortune. Rosemary Clement-Moore displayed the paperback edition of her Young Adult book, The Splendor Falls, with its stylish new cover. Her copies arrived during a special time (happy birthday, Rosemary), and the book is scheduled to be in bookstores on January 11.

In other news, Jeri Burbage reminded everyone the election for the 2011 Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, January 5. To be eligible to vote, members must have paid their 2010–2011 fiscal year dues and have attended at least three of the five business meetings prior to the election. Carolyn Williamson again advised that overdue library books need to be returned before year’s end. Larry Enmon issued a second call for volunteers to assist the agents and editors during the 2011 DFW Writers’ Conference.

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.

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.

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
  

  Just a few of the over 70 authors who have contributed to the 300 traditionally published books written by DFWWW authors. Seated (L-R): Carmen Goldthwaite and Ginnie Bivona. Standing (L-R): A. Lee Martinez, Del Cain, Stephen Manning, Russell Connor, George Goldthwaite, and Kenneth Ingle. Note the sign commemorating this achievement, which will be proudly displayed at the 2011 DFW Writers’ Conference, as well as at other events.

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• 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.

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.     

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.

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.

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.

In the news, John Sanders received a partial request from literary agent Jenny Bent. Barbara Bennett sold a short memoir titled “After Juanito’s Visit” to the magazine Abandoned Towers. Secretary Kyle White reminded everyone that payment of the 2010–2011 fiscal year dues begins October 1. Daryle McGinnis asked members to bring folding chairs to the members-only party to be held on Friday, September 24 to welcome TOR editor Paul Stevens.

Finally, conference co-chairperson Jason Myers read the names of a few of the 18 editors and agents coming to the 2011 DFW Writers’ Conference. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure a pitch session.