Year-End Update

With the end of the year fast approaching, I find myself looking back on the great strides FWA has made in the NE Florida Region. We have four strong Writers Groups and WG Leaders, and we’re helping more people make the transition from wanting to write to actually writing.

Over the course of the year, we’ve heard from a wonderful roster of speakers to help educate and motivate us, and we’ve seen a number of our members take home honors from the Royal Palm Literary Competition. We’ve also given published authors the opportunity to sell their books at various events and locations ranging from the Ponte Vedra Beach Library’s “Meet the Author” day to the Writers Tent at the Riverside Art Festival.

The Books & Brew program at the Jacksonville Beach Starbucks is a new initiative that’s met with mixed success, but all authors seem appreciative for the opportunity to promote and sell their books. And speaking of Starbucks, this Friday night’s Books & Brew program will be extra-special since the CSPAN Book TV Bus will be parked outside. The bus is open for tours, and the producer will be on hand to answer any questions.

It so happens that I’ll be there Friday along with suspense writer T. A. Ridgell. If you’re in the neighborhood, please drop by and say hello, have a cup of brew, and tour the CSPAN Bus. We’ll be there from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Next Friday’s authors will be Mary Kohnke and Joanelle Mulrain, followed by John Oberheu and Grahl Neitz on the 29th.

Of course, when I think about the end of another year, I also think about all the things I wanted to accomplish, but never found the time. More and more, I’m reminded of Carl Sandburg’s sage advice when he said, “Time is the most valuable coin in your life. You and you alone will determine how that coin will be spent. Be careful that you do not let other people spend it for you.” Easier said than done, right? But I’m resolving to spend more time on the important things, like writing, while I still have a few coins left.

Coming up in the New Year, we’ll have a new series of WG meetings, more outstanding speakers, and our first one-day conference sometime in May. More details will be forthcoming, but I’m looking for a few good volunteers to serve on the conference committee. Get back to me if you’d like to help.

Speaking of one-day conferences, the Orlando region will present theirs on Saturday, February 24 at the First United Methodist Church at 142 East Jackson Street, in Orlando. Here’s the link to the page on the FWA website: http://www.floridawriters.net/LocConf/LC-Orlando-02-07.htm. They haven’t put up the schedule details as yet, but that will be following soon. Last year’s Orlando conference drew high praise from those who attended, so it is definitely worth your time.

More items of interest:

• For a listing of Book Fairs, you might want to check out the Library of Congress site, http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/bookfair.html. There’s also the Shaw Guides site, http://writing.shawguides.com/
• Speaking of the Library of Congress, congratulations to Jacksonville poets Kay Day, Dottie Fletcher, and St. Augustine poet Roselyn Cole for their appearance at the Library of Congress Poetry at Noon reading earlier this month. They represented Florida poets with a program called, “Florida Poets Arrive.”
• Thanks to St. Augustine FWA member Dianne Ell for sharing with me the December issue of The Rap Sheet, the on-line newsletter of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. Among the choice morsels I found in the newsletter was a review of a very creative mystery writers conference held at a funeral home in Washington, D.C. They called it Dying to Write, and it included speakers like Elaine Viets and Stephen Hunter, plus panels and forensic experts. Attendees were encouraged to wear black, and the report stated that people were dying to get in. I’ll bet.
• Also in The Rap Sheet was a notice of the upcoming Sleuthfest, one of the better writer’s conferences I’ve attended. Specifically for mystery and thriller writers and readers, this year’s conference is in Miami Beach, April 19-22. Special guests are author Linda Fairstein and Law & Order producer/writer, Rene Balcer. Go to their website for more details: http://www.mwa-florida.org/sleuthfest.htm
• Dianne and Peter Guinta of the St. Augustine Writers Group also sent me word of a New Years project. This variation on the Novel in a Month project invites authors to write a novel in six weeks. It starts at 12:01AM, January 1. Word length depends upon type of novel, 65,000-word minimum. Keep in mind that most genre novels–mysteries, thrillers, etc. are a minimum of 80,000 words. You can plan on writing about 2,000 words a day to stay on track. The rest of the details will be worked out at this Saturday’s meeting at the St. Augustine Main Library at 10AM. Try to attend if you’re interested or contact either Dianne Ell at dnell@se.rr.com, or Peter Guinta at peter.guinta@staugustinerecord.com. This is a good way to set a meaningful goal for yourself and stay motivated.
• Writing-World.com is an impressive website with a database of contests and more than 600 articles and columns on everything pertaining to writing. Check it out at http://www.writing-world.com/mystery/index.shtml
• Did you know that Staples will give you $3 in exchange for your empty ink cartridge, while Office Depot will reward you with a ream of copy paper?
• Did you know that Amazon.com has a program called Amazon Shorts for published authors? Amazon Shorts provides authors with an outlet for short-form fiction or non-fiction (2,000 to 10,000 words) and offers it for sale to the millions of Amazon.com customers for only $0.49 per download. The revenue is split 60/40 with Amazon getting the larger share. The concept is to give authors visibility between projects, and provide readers with something new from their favorite writers. If you’re interested in reading any of the Amazon Shorts or learning more about them, go to http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=shrt_su/?ie=UTF8&node=13993911.
  
  Finally, here’s wishing everyone the happiest holiday season ever. And I’ll leave you with this bit of good cheer from Santa and his reindeer: http://badaboo.free.fr/merryxmas.swf
  
  Vic
  
  Victor DiGenti
  FWA Regional Director
  http://www.fwapontevedra.blogspot.com/
  http://www.windrusher.com/
  

Welcome to the new FWA Ponte Vedra Blog

Welcome to the Ponte Vedra Writers Group. We're a diverse group of writers, both published and unpublished, working to improve our craft, help one another stay motivated, and become better writers. Our group normally meets on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10AM at the Ponte Vedra Library, 100 Library Boulevard in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL—located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

Having said that, we're taking a holiday break in December. Time to renew your family connections, recharge the writing batteries, and return with new goals in January. We'll see you on Saturday, January 27 with an exciting new speaker—Sharon Cobb on "How to Adapt Your Book into a Movie."

We welcome all aspiring writers to our meetings, both FWA members and non-members alike. Of course, if you return a second and third time and find it to be a valuable resource, as I'm sure you will, we expect you to send in your application and join with the nearly 800 other members across the state as Writers Helping Writers.

Check this blog site regularly for the latest information on our Writers Group. I'll also post information about contests, book signings, conferences, and other activities of interest to writers. Sort of a one-stop shopping site.

If you're new to FWA and have questions about what goes on at the meetings, and what you should know, i.e., do we have a secret handshake; wear special headgear; bring the group leader brownies? The answer is no. Except for the brownies, maybe. Our group typically has a guest speaker. I try to bring in an accompliashed author or expert in a certain area to educate and motivate us.

Here's a partial list of the speakers and their topics over the past year:

• Dr. Darien Andreu on "How to Jumpstart a Short Story."
• Entertainment attorney Carolyn Herman on “What Every Author Should Know Before Signing a Publishing Contract.”
• Camille Cline offered to answer "Everything We Always Wanted to Know About Editing but were Afraid to Ask."
• Freelancer and poet Kay Day told us "How to Support Yourself as a Freelancer."
• Author Pat Behnke shared her "Secrets of Book Proposal Writing."
• Sohrab Homi Fracis discussed "The Art of Short Fiction."
• "How to Structure Your Story for Success," was Sandra McDonald's topic.
• Goal-setting was the subject of Terri Ridgell's talk, entitled, “If You can Drive Yourself to Success, Why am I Still Walking?”
• "The Five Secrets of Writing & Selling You Memoir" with Caorl O'Dell.
  

So you see we've been fortunate to tap into some of the fine writing talent in the Northeast Florida region, and that's just the PV Writers Group. I'm the Regional Director and I won't bore you with my resume, but if you're interested, you can visit my website at www.windrusher.com. We're lucky to have three other committed writers leading groups in St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, and Downtown Jacksonville. They meet at different times. Look for details on their individual blogs, but here's a brief summary of where to find them:

1. The Ancient City WG (St. Augustine) meets on the 3rd Saturday (this Saturday) at 10AM at the downtown library. Randy Cribbs is group leader and for more information contact Randy at sacriver@bellsouth.net.
2. The Central Jax WG holds two meetings: the first with a guest speaker on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6PM at the Balis Community Center behind the San Marco Library on Hendricks Avenue. On the 4th Thursday at 5PM, they have a monthly Critique Group session. Contact Judy Connolly, judy.connolly@comcast.net, for more information.
3. Jim Morgan leads the Amelia Island Writers Group on the 1st Saturday of the month at 10AM at the Lime Street Police Building Community Room in Fernandina Beach. For more on next month’s meeting, contact Jim at drjpm1999@yahoo.com.

What else is happening?

• If you missed the FWA Annual Conference, you missed one of the best ever. Conference Chair Lori Strongin and her hard-working committee did a super job and deserve a big pat on the back. Saturday night’s Royal Palm Awards Banquet was a real treat since a number of our NE Florida members won. Special congratulations to Margee Bugbee who not only took 1st Place in the YA category, but her book also won Book of the Year honors. Other winners from our area were Donald O’Dell, Randy Cribbs, and Peter Guinta. Congratulations to all.
• The FWA web site is undergoing a massive change—and it’s all for the better. It’s still under construction, but the Web Oversight Committee, chaired by Board member Bob Gelinas with the able assistance of Lynn Coleman, is doing a fantastic job. Each Writer’s Group has their very own blog. and each WG Leader will be posting their own meeting information and much more. So keep checking for updated information on the WG of your choice.
• I’ve worked out a neat little program with the Starbucks in Jacksonville Beach. We’re calling it “Books & Brew,” and it features a pair of authors each Friday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. It’s a laid-back opportunity for Starbucks’ customers to mingle with regional authors, and, hopefully, sell some books. This Friday evening’s authors are Dorothy Fletcher & Ken Gorman. If you’re in the area, go by, grab a cup of coffee, and say hello. Let me know if you have a book published and would like to participate in the Books & Brew program. We’ll probably be continuing it into 2007 if there’s enough interest.
• The 7th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition is accepting entries! They're looking for fiction that's bold, brilliant ... but brief. Send your best in 1,500 words or less. But don't be too long about it--the deadline is December 1, 2006. The Grand-Prize winner will receive $3,000 (that's $2-- or more--per word). For guidelines, prizes and to enter online, visit: http://fwpubs.sparklist.com/t/2122725/5137658/478/0/
• The Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival, December 2 & 3, added a Book Fair component last year. This is a major arts festival, and attracts upwards of 30,000 people. If you're in the Tampa area, come by and visit us at the Book Fair. I'll be sharing a table with T. A. Ridgell, and I'm sure there will be other FWA authors on hand.
• And finally, one more cheer for our Royal Palm Award winners. Be sure to congratulate Margee, Don, Randy and Peter when you see them.
  

Remember you can post your own comments to this blog. I'd love to hear from you.

I'll leave you with a quote from one of my favorite authors, Lawrence Block, who said, "If you want to write fiction, the best thing you can do is take two aspirins, lie down in a dark room, and wait for the feeling to pass. If it persists, you probably ought to write a novel."

Good writing, and have a wonderful holiday season,
Vic

Victor DiGenti
FWA Regional Director
http://www.windrusher.com/
P.O. Box 1587
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004

Welcome to the new FWA PV Blog

Welcome to the Ponte Vedra Writers Group. We're a diverse group of writers, both published and unpublished, working to improve our craft, help one another stay motivated, and become better writers. Our group normally meets on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10AM at the Ponte Vedra Library, 100 Library Boulevard in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL—located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

Having said that, we're taking a break for the Christmas holidays in December. Time to renew your family connections, recharge the writing batteries, and return with new goals in January. We'll see you on Saturday, January 27 with an exciting new speaker—Sharon Cobb on "How to Adapt Your Book into a Movie."

We welcome all aspiring writers to our meetings, both FWA members and non-members alike. Of course, if you return a second and third time and find it to be a valuable resource, as I'm sure you will, we expect you to send in your application and join with the nearly 800 other members across the state as Writers Helping Writers.

Check this blog site regularly for the latest information on our Writers Group. I'll also post information about contests, book signings, conferences, and other activities of interest to writers. Sort of a one-stop shopping site.

If you're new to FWA and have questions about what goes on at the meetings, and what you should know, i.e., do we have a secret handshake; wear special headgear; bring the group leader brownies? The answer is no. Except for the brownies, maybe. Our group typically has a guest speaker. I try to bring in an expert in a certain area to educate and motivate us.

Here's a partial list of the speakers and their topics over the past year:

• Dr. Darien Andreu on "How to Jumpstart a Short Story."
• Entertainment attorney Carolyn Herman on “What Every Author Should Know Before Signing a Publishing Contract.”
• Camille Cline offered to answer "Everything We Always Wanted to Know About Editing but were Afraid to Ask."
• Freelancer and poet Kay Day told us "How to Support Yourself as a Freelancer."
• Author Pat Behnke shared her "Secrets of Book Proposal Writing."
• Sohrab Homi Fracis discussed "The Art of Short Fiction."
• "How to Structure Your Story for Success," was Sandra McDonald's topic.
• Goal-setting was the subject of Terri Ridgell's talk, entitled, “If You can Drive Yourself to Success, Why am I Still Walking?”
• "The Five Secrets of Writing & Selling You Memoir" with Caorl O'Dell.

So you see we've been fortunate to tap into some of the fine writing talent in the Northeast Florida region, and that's just the PV Writers Group. I'm the Regional Director and I won't bore you with my resume, but if you're interested, you can visit my website at www.windrusher.com. I'm lucky to have three other committed writers leading groups in St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, and Downtown Jacksonville. They meet at different times. Look for details on their individual blogs, but here's a brief summary of where to find them:

1. The Ancient City WG (St. Augustine) meets on the 3rd Saturday (this Saturday) at 10AM at the downtown library. Randy Cribbs is group leader and for more information contact Randy at sacriver@bellsouth.net.
2. The Central Jax WG holds two meetings: the first with a guest speaker on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6PM at the Balis Community Center behind the San Marco Library on Hendricks Avenue. On the 4th Thursday at 5PM, they have a monthly Critique Group session. Contact Judy Connolly, judy.connolly@comcast.net, for more information.
3. Jim Morgan leads the Amelia Island Writers Group on the 1st Saturday of the month at 10AM at the Lime Street Police Building Community Room in Fernandina Beach. For more on next month’s meeting, contact Jim at drjpm1999@yahoo.com.

What else is happening?

• If you missed the FWA Annual Conference, you missed one of the best ever. Conference Chair Lori Strongin and her hard-working committee did a super job and deserve a big pat on the back. Saturday night’s Royal Palm Awards Banquet was a real treat since a number of our NE Florida members won. Special congratulations to Margee Bugbee who not only took 1st Place in the YA category, but her book also won Book of the Year honors. Other winners from our area were Donald O’Dell, Randy Cribbs, and Peter Guinta. Congratulations to all.
• The FWA web site is undergoing a massive change—and it’s all for the better. It’s still under construction, but the Web Oversight Committee, chaired by Board member Bob Gelinas with the able assistance of Lynn Coleman, is doing a fantastic job. Each Writer’s Group has their very own blog. and each WG Leader will be posting their own meeting information and much more. So keep checking for updated information on the WG of your choice.
• I’ve worked out a neat little program with the Starbucks in Jacksonville Beach. We’re calling it “Books & Brew,” and it features a pair of authors each Friday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. It’s a laid-back opportunity for Starbucks’ customers to mingle with regional authors, and, hopefully, sell some books. This Friday evening’s authors are Dorothy Fletcher & Ken Gorman. If you’re in the area, go by, grab a cup of coffee, and say hello. Let me know if you have a book published and would like to participate in the Books & Brew program. We’ll probably be continuing it into 2007 if there’s enough interest.
• The 7th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition is accepting entries! They're looking for fiction that's bold, brilliant ... but brief. Send your best in 1,500 words or less. But don't be too long about it--the deadline is December 1, 2006. The Grand-Prize winner will receive $3,000 (that's $2-- or more--per word). For guidelines, prizes and to enter online, visit: http://fwpubs.sparklist.com/t/2122725/5137658/478/0/
• The Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival, December 2 & 3, added a Book Fair component last year. This is a major arts festival, and attracts upwards of 30,000 people. If you're in the Tampa area, come by and visit us at the Book Fair. I'll be sharing a table with T. A. Ridgell, and I'm sure there will be other FWA authors on hand.
• And finally, one more cheer for our Royal Palm Award winners. Be sure to congratulate Margee, Don, Randy and Peter when you see them.

Remember you can post your own comments to this blog. I'd love to h ear from you.

I'll leave you with a quote from one of my favorite authors, Lawrence Block, who said, "If you want to write fiction, the best thing you can do is take two aspirins, lie down in a dark room, and wait for the feeling to pass. If it persists, you probably ought to write a novel."

Good writing,

Vic

Victor DiGenti
FWA Regional Director
http://www.windrusher.com/
P.O. Box 1587
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004