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/