September 2016 Speaker Denise Camacho on The Business of Writing

Austin Camacho

Editorial Director for Intrigue Publishing

Monday, September 12, 2016

“The Business of Writing”

There is a long list of vital information authors need to know before deciding if they want to self-publish or sign with a publisher. Austin Camacho, editorial director for Intrigue Publishing, LLC, will take you through the quagmire of the publishing business do’s and don’ts.

Camacho is also the author of the Hannibal Jones Mystery Series novels about Washington, D.C.-based private eye Hannibal Jones and the Stark and O’Brien international adventure-thriller series. His latest is a detective novel Beyond Blue. Camacho is deeply involved with the writing community. He is a past president of the Maryland Writers Association, past Vice President of the Virginia Writers Club, and is an active member of Mystery Writers of America, International, Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.

July 11 Speaker Heather Gray on Facebook Parties

Heather Gray

Multi-published Author

Monday, July 11, 2016

“How to Throw a Rockin’ Facebook Party”

Facebook can be a great marketing tool for authors—both independent and traditionally published—to connect with readers. Facebook parties are a fun, easy way for authors to promote their work and have fun with readers. Multi-published author Heather Gray will provide tips on how to throw a successful Facebook Party.

Heather has books with a small press as well as independently published.  She is vice president of Virginia’s ACFW chapter, has handled social media marketing for an Alabama-based small press, and regularly mentors new authors on how to launch their debut novels and what to expect from that launch. Heather is part of the administrative team at inspyromance.com and is the founder of The Inspired Inkpot, a co-op street team for authors writing Christian fiction. With a split personality that bounces back and forth between creative and business-minded, Heather has found herself at home in the writing world where both are in high demand. 

Amy Newmark of Chicken Soup Joins Us Online for May 9 Meeting

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Capital Christian Writers is cancelling "The Ins and Outs of Self-Publishing" conference scheduled for April 9.

Amy Newmark

Publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series

Monday, May 9, 2016

“Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Soup Story”

What goes into the perfect Chicken Soup for the Soul story? Our special guest, Amy Newmark, publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, will share what she looks for in a Chicken Soup story, plus answer your questions about the series. Amy will be joining us via online video, and she also wants to know what we like about the Chicken Soup books.

If you’ve had stories published in Chicken Soup books, bring them to the meeting to share. Also, we’re encouraging all who attend to come with a piece—rough draft form is fine!—or the outline of a story to submit to an upcoming Chicken Soup book. Titles currently accepting submissions include:

• The Spirit of Canada (May 31 deadline)
• Blended Families (June 30 deadline)
• Curvy & Confident (June 30 deadline)
• Stories About Teachers and Teaching (June 30 deadline)
• Parent to Parent (July 31 deadline)
• Stories about Cats (October 31 deadline)
• Stories about Dogs (October 31 deadline)

For details on each book and submission guidelines, click here. 

Linda Davis, Screenwriter, March 14 speaker

Linda Davis

Screenwriter

Monday, March 14, 2016

“A Screenwriter’s Journey”

A screenwriter currently represented by a WGA Signatory Agent, Linda Davis will discuss what she’s learned about writing structure (for any kind of writing) and present some skillsets and ideas on how to get your writing in the best shape possible. She will also cover queries, loglines, story structure, the art of pitching and marketing yourself. This discussion will include helpful resources and time for a question-answer session.

She is presently working on scripts to break into the Hollywood feature film business. She’s written several scripts and takes trips to Los Angeles for pitching, marketing, seminars, and meetings with producers.  

CCW Meeting Cancellation Policy

Please always double-check our blog before each meeting.

1. If Fairfax County Public Schools cancel for inclement weather, we will not have a meeting that evening. Schools are usually canceled before the sun rises on such days.

2. If inclement weather arrives AFTER 12 noon on the Monday of a meeting, we will post a cancellation on our blog at www.capitalchristianwriters.org as well as a message on CCW’s contact number 703-803-9447.

3. If for any reason you cannot access the three sources above, then email ccwwriters@gmail.com.

January Meeting: Achieving Your Writing Goals

“Achieving Your Writing Goals”

Monday, Jan. 11, 2016

Having clear goals coupled with a plan can help you achieve your writing goals (whatever your genre or purpose for writing). Join your fellow CCWers for a round table discussion led by board members Betsey Kodat and Sarah Hamaker.

Betsey will focus on importance of prayer in realizing your writing goals and reaching your audience, while Sarah will give you some practical tools on how to put into place a realistic plan.

Bring your ideas or goals and leave with a prayer guide and an action plan. Let’s make 2016 a year to remember through our writing! 

November Speaker: Stephanie Buckwalter on Using the Internet to Build an Audience

Stephanie Buckwalter

Author

Monday, November 9, 2015

“Using the Internet to Build an Audience”

How do you make the Internet work for you? Author Stephanie Buckwalter will show us how to use social media, online networking and search engine tools to build our audience.

Stephanie writes nonfiction in diverse genres such as educational and informational for training materials, encyclopedias, homemaking, and the school library market. She loves technology and using it as a tool to reach others.

She is a contributor to the Encyclopedia of Business and Industry; Death Be Not Proud, an Early American Poetry anthology; and Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover’s Soul.

Prepare to Publish Mini-Conference September 12

Join NoVa Christian Writers on Saturday, Sept. 12, for a mini-conference, Prepare to Publish. The conference will be at Potomac Ministry Center in Gainesville, Va., from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with lunch included. Literary agent Tamela Hancock Murray, who spoke at CCW's July meeting, will be available for paid critiques of the first 10 pages of your manuscript. 

The conference will cover how to write a proposal, how to find a literary agent, how to prepare your manuscript, and how to promote your work, along with an Q&A session with Tamela. 

Visit http://www.novachristianwriters.org/2015/07/31/prepare-to-publish/ to learn more and to register.

September 2015 Meeting, Lynellen Perry, publisher

Lynellen Perry

Publisher, Editor, Writer

Monday, Jan. 12, 2015

“The Path to Publication”

  

There are so many options facing an author seeking publication. Lynellen Perry, president of Chalfont House Publishing, will walk us through the definitions of the various paths to publication. She’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each, as well as the general steps involved in getting published.

Lynellen holds a Ph.D. in math and computer science, but she’s been an editor and non-fiction author for more than 20 years. Chalfont House Publishing is a traditional royalty-paying non-fiction house with a fiction imprint called HopeSprings Books. Lynellen also serves as the treasurer for the Virginia chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and as the ACFW zone director for the Mid-Atlantic states.

CCW Member Finals in ACFW Genesis Contest

Congratulations to CCW co-director Sarah Hamaker! She is one of three national finalists in the romantic suspense category for the American Christian Fiction Writers 2015 Genesis contest. The winner will be announced at a gala during the 2015 ACFW conference in Dallas this September.

The Genesis Contest provides an opportunity for unbiased feedback on unpublished writers' work by published authors and experienced judges, and the chance for the category finalists to have their work read by Christian publishing house editors and literary agents. This year’s romantic suspense category will be judged by two literary agents and an editor.

July Meeting, Tamela Hancock Murray, agent

Tamela Hancock Murray

Agent

Monday, July 13, 2015

“Ask an Agent”

As a literary agent since 2001, Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency has seen the publishing industry change many times. Come hear what’s the latest on traditional or hybrid authors, the latest market trends, how and where to break in now, tips on building a platform, or simply what a literary agent can do for you in today's marketplace. Tamela’s goal is for you to come away from the meeting with your most burning questions answered. She looks forward to seeing you!

Tamela is also a bestselling, award-winning author of twenty novels, novellas and nonfiction books. She brings the perspective of a working writer to her role as a literary agent and represents many top authors while continuing to develop new talent. She earned her BA with honors in Journalism from Lynchburg College in Virginia.

http://www.stevelaube.com/book-proposals-id-love-to-see/

CCW Member Talk

CCW member Stephen Hiemstra will be giving a talk about his book, A Christian Guide to Spirituality, on May 31. Visit http://wp.me/p4iojd-az for more info.

May 2015 Meeting, Sarah Hamaker on Queries

Sarah Hamaker

Author, Freelance Writer/Editor

Monday, May 11, 2015

“Queries for Publications, Books, Radio and TV”

In this hands-on talk, we’ll go over the elements of a good query and practice on our own work!

In today’s fast-paced world, writers often have only less than a minute in which to make a good impression on editors, producers and publishers. That’s why every writer should hone a fantastic query or pitch for each piece of work, whether it’s an article, a book, or a radio or TV segment.

Learn what makes a good query, from what to highlight to how to promote it to the editor or producer. We’ll even practice on your own pieces, so bring one or two to share with the group—and leave with a polished query!

A freelance writer and editor, Sarah Hamaker writes regularly for several national publications on a variety of topics. Her articles—many of which started out in query form—have appeared in The Washington Post and Crosswalk.com. She also has successfully pitched to appear on local TV programs and national radio shows. Her stories have also appeared in three Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Her most recent book, Ending Sibling Rivalry: Moving Your Kids From War to Peace, is available now. Visit her online at www.sarahhamaker.com, where she blogs about parenting issues.

April Fellowship Night, April 13

April Fellowship
Monday, April 13, 7 p.m.

Join fellow CCW members and friends for some fellowship on Monday, April 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Panera Bread in the heart of Fairfax City (just a block from Truro at 3955 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Parking is free in the garage next to the complex, which also has the Wine House, Bollywood Bistro and Potbelly's).

Come share what you're working on, talk shop and generally have fun! We'll try to snag the long table, so if you get there first and see it empty, please reserve it for us!

Hope to see you there!

ACFW Launches Virginia Chapter!

The American Christian Fiction Writers now has a Virginia chapter! This newly created chapter will offer members monthly online webinars, a short-story contest, plus a one-day conference this July in the Northern Virginia area.

To join, you must be a current ACFW member. Visit https://acfwvirginia.wordpress.com/chapter-membership/ for more information.

Kim O'Connell, March 9, 2015, Speaker

Kim O’Connell

Author, Journalist, Essayist

Monday, March 9, 2015

“No Wasted Effort: Bouncing Back From Rejection and Having Faith in Your Work”

Being a writer means dealing with rejection--probably more often than acceptance. For example, when J.K. Rowling first shopped the first Harry Potter book, she received multiple rejections and told to keep her day job. And yet she persevered, and the rest is history.

However, for the rest of us, what is the best way to deal with rejection? Do you stow your work in a drawer and try something new? Do you rework the rejected piece and send it elsewhere? Journalist and author Kim O’Connell will talk about how to cope with rejection and find ways to celebrate your work and keep going.

While Kim has plenty of first-hand experience with rejection, yet she has also had publishing success, with writing credits in a range of national and regional publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Ladies Home Journal, NationalGeographic.com, PsychologyToday.com, and American History. Visit her website at www.kimaoconnell.com to learn more.

Jan. 12, 2015, Meeting Speaker: Catherine Claire Larson on Telling True Stories

Tonight's meeting (Jan. 12) is ON as usual. See you there!

Catherine Claire Larson

Author, Reporter, Feature Writer, Script Writer

Monday, Jan. 12, 2015

“Stories of Reality: Finding and
Telling the True Stories That Matter”

What are the true stories worth telling and how do you find them? How do you convey these stories of reality in a way that grip your audience and leave them wanting more? The same elements of story—of conflict, character, action, and resolution—which make great fiction will invigorate your non-fiction work.

Author Catherine Claire Larson has stalked the stories that matter in the war-torn edges of East Africa, the desperation of America’s prison yards and the quiet marvels of motherhood. As a former ghost writer for Chuck Colson, contributor to BreakPoint Radio, and author, Larson has learned that the elements of good story-telling remain despite the genre. Revisit what makes a story satisfying and see how it can revive your writing. Learn more at http://www.catherineclairelarson.com/books-writing/

CCW meets the second Monday of odd-numbered months, from 7-9 p.m., at historic Gunnell House,10520 Main Street, Fairfax, VA (on the grounds of Truro Church) Directions and more information: www.CapitalChristianWriters.org.

CCW Meeting Cancellation Policy

Please always double-check our blog before each meeting.

1. If Fairfax County Public Schools cancel for inclement weather, we will not have a meeting that evening. Schools are usually canceled before the sun rises on such days.

2. If inclement weather arrives AFTER 12 noon on the Monday of a meeting, we will post a cancellation on our blog at www.capitalchristianwriters.org as well as a message on CCW’s contact number 703-803-9447.

3. If for any reason you cannot access the three sources above, then email ccwwriters@gmail.com.

CCW Member Starts Blog

CCW member Whitney Hopler has started a blog called "Renewing Your Mind.," where she tackles ways to renew our minds. Check it out--you'll be glad you did!

http://whitneyhopler.naiwe.com/

Matt Watier November 2014 Speaker

Matt Watier

Freelance Illustrator

Monday, Nov. 10, 2014

“How Writers Can Work With Artists on Cooperative Projects”

Have you ever dreamed of writing a children’s book? Do you have an important message you’d like to pass on to the next generation? Are you curious about how to collaborate with an artist on a picture book? Matt Watier, local freelance illustrator, will talk about how his creative process works, where it intersects with writing, and how writers and artists can work together from idea to print.

Watier graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2001, majoring in Illustration and Design. He has published two books. His first published book ANTS: Another Nice Tasty Sweet was internationally published in Hebrew and English. His second book Secret Magics of Maine won numerous awards and has had various gallery shows throughout the East Coast of Maine. Watier now works as a User Experience Designer in the Washington, DC-metro region.

Candice Speare Prentice September 8, 2014

Capital Christian Writers presents

Candice Speare Prentice

Author of the Trish Cunningham Cozy Mystery Trilogy

Monday, Sept. 8, 2014

The Seasons of a Writer’s Life

(Understanding This Crazy Career Called Writing)

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). A writer’s life has very specific seasons as well.

Come be refreshed by this inspirational fiction writer and learn how to avoid frustration by embracing your present writing season. Candice not only has traditional and e-book experience with her trilogy (Murder in the Milk Case, Band Room Bash, and Kitty Litter Killer) but she has also co-authored three romances published by Barbour.

In her spare time, Candice writes for two blogs. Learn more at www.candiceprentice.com, http://cozymysterymagazine.blogspot.com/ and

http://theborrowedbook.blogspot.com/.

August Fellowship Night, Aug. 11

August Fellowship
Monday, August 11, 7 p.m.

Join fellow CCW members and friends for some fellowship on Monday, August 11, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Panera Bread in the heart of Fairfax City (just a block from Truro at 3955 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Parking is free in the garage next to the complex, which also has the Wine House, Bollywood Bistro and Potbelly's).

Come share what you're working on, talk shop and generally have fun! We'll try to snag the long table, so if you get there first and see it empty, please reserve it for us!

Hope to see you there!