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The Genesis Contest provides an opportunity for unbiased feedback on unpublished writers' work by published authors and experienced judges, and the chance for the category finalists to have their work read by Christian publishing house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.