Linda McCoy - Artist

One example of the beautiful artwork by Linda McCoy.

Click HERE to see more!

About L.A.W.

The Lebanon Area Writers group gets together regularly to encourage one another and share information.

• Are you an emerging or established author?
• Would you like to learn more about the writing business and your options for getting published?
• How about getting constructive criticism and helpful suggestions from other writers, some of whom are already published?

MEETINGS:

Every first and third Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Lebanon YMCA

Have you carried an inclination to write, but have no real idea or clues and are, perhaps, a little anxious about how to begin?

If you answered “Yes,” to any of these questions, the Lebanon Area Writers group may be just right for you.

MORE INFORMATION: Call Mary Busha (513) 228-1205 or Carol Horst (513) 932-3636

PURPOSE
We come together to encourage, educate, critique and support each other with respect and consideration with the goal of advancing our individual abilities toward becoming good writers and published authors.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION
There are many reasons to associate with people with similar interests and pursuits. Lebanon Area Writers’ experience says there will be opportunity for...

- Peer Accountability - Holding one another to reasonable expectations
- Regular Encouragement - Affirmation, exhortation, inspiration and support
- New Perspectives - Personal growth through unanticipated points of view
- Information and education - Expanding your awareness
- Instructors and Speakers - Presentations about writing and publishing

MEETING FORMATS

9:00 - 9:30 Gathering and Updates
9:30 - 11:00 Critique Groups

________

Critiquing Guidelines

Presenting is voluntary, not mandatory, for participation in this writers’ group. Writers offer up to two pages (no more) of double-spaced copy for constructive criticism with the option of reading their work aloud to their small group. Writers shall always expect from their group these standards for effectiveness.

1. Reasonable Expectations. The purpose of a critique session is to offer a positive opinion, a different point of view or a helpful suggestion for the writer.

2. Consistent Goal. The goal of critiquing is to encourage each other to keep writing, keep trying, and/or to possibly attempt something new and different.

3. Nothing Personal. Constructive criticism should never focus on the individual writer, but give inspiration for their work.

4. More to Learn. Every writer and every person who critiques has permission to be imperfect, as an individual work in progress.

5. Tact and Sensitivity. Comments from your critique group will be gentle, but honest; never harsh or personal.

6. Written Words. After reading your two pages of copy (and reading them out loud - your choice), group members will write their constructive criticisms on a standard critique form and return them to you for your edification.

7. Friendly Listeners. An oral reading to a group may be a high-risk venture for the writer. If you make that decision, you can be assured that you are always among friends.

8. Receiving Criticism. Generally, writers should not defend or respond with explanations about their presentations from critique group members. However, it may be appropriate to answer a few direct questions from the group.

9. After the critique: Unless you have a special working relationship with other members or have made arrangements in advance, please do not send out items for group members to critique and/or edit between meetings.

Good Press for Topsy Turvy Land

Topsy Turvy Land is mentioned in World Magazine. It's an issue highlighting children's books. I'm very flattered to be included!

Here's a link (the cover is in left sidebar):
http://www.worldmag.com/articles/12466

Since I don't have a subscription, all I've seen is what's on the website, but even that's exciting! I'm on the same page as Dr. Seuss and Charlotte's Web. What a thrill!

Fun Find!

I went to the Mall and picked up the latest book I contributed to called Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms. My devotional prayers are the first 30 in the book.

It turned out really nice - a hardback with a cute cover of a mom with a little boy. Here's the Barnes & Noble link: Click HERE.

I think the cover will be appealing to moms, don't you?

Product Details:
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Faith Words (November 1, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN: 0446579351

Cecil Murphey Scholarship

At Mary's urging, I'm sharing my good news. I'm honored to be a recipient of a full scholarship courtesy of Cecil Murphey (90 Minutes in Heaven) to the Mount Hermon Writing Conference. I will be headed to the Spring Christian Writers Conference in California next March 30-April 3, 2007.

My conference fees, housing, and meals are all covered. I'm so excited! Who would have thought I'd be awarded a sholarship at my age?

Donna