http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/ The Catholic Writers Guild en-us Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:42:41 GMT 1440 CPG-Nuke Dragonfly The Catholic Writers Guild News http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/rss.html http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/images/logo.gif http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/ http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=68 Short report of the Catholic Writers Conference Online. First, some general stats: --394 attendees --49 presenters giving 20 forum workshops, 46 chats --12 publishers hearing 66 pitches--54 of which were asked to submit more --seven totally action-packed days (We took Saturday off) --$460 in donations --one person signed up for the live conference; several others have asked about volunteering Highlights: Monday morning exemplified the spirit of the conference. Our first four presentations were no-shows, for various reasons, but that was not why this event sticks with me. Rather, it was the way other people in the audience jumped in with "I know something about that topic!"and took the place of the scheduled presenter. We were able to still have informative chats. Even better, the presenters made up their chats later, so people who attended both got extra info from several points of view. Through the whole week, this spirit of giving of time and talent infused both chats and forums. The crit workshops went very well. People got some expert advice, and in some of the groups, also critiqued each other's work as well. Poets found kindred spirits in Dr. David Craig's crit workshop, and have asked if there's a way to continue their fellowship. I've set them up a forum in the CWG website, but they may decided to do something else instead or as well. Lessons Learned: Pitch sessions didn't go as smoothly as last year, perhaps because we had more people and because of the non-Catholic publishers, which I think confused some folks. Next year, we'll have a checklist people must turn in when they want to register to pitch asking specific questions regarding guidelines, directions, and procedures to ensure they read the material and gave it some thought. Also, I am blogging about the sessions and will post them on the CWCO website for people to read in preparation next year. Again this year, forum workshops got small attendance. Most people said they didn't have time with the chats. Next year, then, we'll extend the conference, but separate the chats and the workshops: Friday-Tues: Chats Monday-Friday: workshops (and pitch sessions) Note that there is overlap on Mon and Tues. This allows presenters who are doing chats and workshops to do both, and keeps people from forgetting the forums when the chats are done. Presenters and authors giving pitches had trouble with the chat room software if they used a Mac computer. We are working on a how-to document for next year. (This is a Java issue, so changing chat room providers will not help.) Thanks to all: Once again, the CWCO was a success, not only in numbers and education, but in the camaraderie and spirit. More than once, I had someone tell me that they'd never known such a group of writers existed, or that they'd felt alone until they discovered this conference, or that the conference has given them much-needed encouragement. That's our goal in the CWCO, and we're so glad that we succeeded. However, we know we didn't do it alone: presenters, moderators and attendees made this the fabulous experience it is. Thank you! Karina Fabian Ann Lewis Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:42:41 GMT http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=67 In order to get published, writers need several things: knowledge, support and opportunity. The Catholic Writers Conference Online seeks to give writers all of those--for free! Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the third annual Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register before February 15, 2010. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:43:08 GMT http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=66 Dr. Ralph McInerny, Professor at Notre Dame and noted Catholic author (creator of the Father Dowling mysteries among other wonderful works) has passed away. He is a model Catholic author for all of us. May he forever rest in peace. For more, read First Things Blog. Make sure to read the story of his life as a writer here. A tale of a true writer of faith. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:04:25 GMT http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=65 Are you a Catholic writer? Looking for an opportunity to learn more about writing and marketing, a chance to meet like-minded authors, and get an opportunity to pitch your work? Want it all for free—and without leaving your home? The Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010, is for you. Hurry, though—registration ends Feb 15. The conference is held via chats and forums at http://www.catholicwritersconference.com. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register before February 15, 2010. "Each year, we have about 300 writers and around 50 presenters participate," said organizer Karina Fabian. “This year, we’re thrilled to have added small-group critique sessions with well-established authors and editors, plus more pitch sessions than ever before!” Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:32:45 GMT http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=64 Are you a Catholic writer? Looking for an opportunity to learn more about writing and marketing, a chance to meet like-minded authors, and get an opportunity to pitch your work? Want it all for free—and without leaving your home? The Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010, is for you. Hurry, though—registration ends Feb 15. The conference is held via chats and forums at http://www.catholicwritersconference.com. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register before February 15, 2010. "Each year, we have about 300 writers and around 50 presenters participate," said organizer Karina Fabian. “This year, we’re thrilled to have added small-group critique sessions with well-established authors and editors, plus more pitch sessions than ever before!” Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:30:49 GMT http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=63 From the Press Release: "We've always concentrated on workshops and chats that teach the writer skills or provide information in the areas of crafting, publishing and marketing their works, but this year, we're adding critique workshops and some incredible opportunities to pitch to leading publishers," said organizer Karina Fabian. This year, publishers hearing pitches include well known Catholic publishers like Pauline, large secular publishers like Thomas Nelson, and smaller presses like White Rose. Thus far, eleven pitch sessions are scheduled, running the gamut from Christian romance to Catholic theology. In a new program, at least fifty attendees will have the opportunity to have pieces of their work critiqued by successful editors and writers. In addition, there will be forum-based workshops and chat room presentations covering topics from dialogue to freelancing to how Catholic fiction differs from Christian fiction. View Entire Press Release Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:48:43 GMT http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=62 CWG Chats meet every Sunday,9-11 Eastern in the CWG Chat Room. Once a month, we try to bring in an established author, editor or other person active in the world of Catholic publishing. Here's the schedule. January 17: CJ West: Massachusetts native CJ West is the author of a thriller series, Sin and Vengeance (optioned for a film in 2008), Taking Stock, and A Demon Awaits (all from 22 West Books). He studied business management at Southeastern Massachusetts University (now UMass Dartmouth) and entered a career in computers before producing novels in 1999. His fast-paced "thrillers for a technological age" (Midwest Book Review) explore issues of repentance, atonement, forgiveness, and the consequences of sin. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:27:41 GMT http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 On September 27, 9-11 pm EST, the CWG Chat presents Jeff Miller, aka blogger the Curt Jester. Jeff Miller, a former atheist who after spending forty years in the wilderness found himself with both astonishment and joy a member of the Catholic Church. His blog "The Curt Jester" found at www.splendoroftruth.com presents his humorous and sometimes serious take on things religious, political, and whatever else crosses his mind. Jeff runs 7 other blogs besides The Curt Jester, which won a variety of Catholic Blog Awards in 2006 including Most Humorous, Most Creative, and Most Bizarre Blog. At this moderated chat, you can ask questions, and learn about his journey and his blogging mission. http://catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=Content_2&pid=1 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:29:49 GMT http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=60 The Catholic Writers Conference LIVE! is now over. Go to our Photo Gallery to see pics of the event. You can also hear recordings of CWG President Karina Fabian and Vice President Ann Lewis on the Al Kresta show and on the Among Women Podcast (hosted by our very own Pat Gohn). Pat also made the recordings of the conference talks, and those will be made available soon to interested parties right here through our web site. Thank you to all of our very generous and thoughtful presenters who gave of their time and talents to share their knowledge and to our hard-working volunteers who helped everything run smoothly. God bless you all and we hope to see you next year! Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:32:57 GMT http://www.catholicwritersguild.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=59 Members now have group access to animoto.com to create simple promotional trailers for their projects. Go to the forums to find out more. Fri, 22 May 2009 11:55:32 GMT