Current SJWG Blog Roundup

Compiled by Jessica A. Walsh, Mieke Zamora-Mackay, and Glenn Walker

There is so much talent in the South Jersey Writers Group, and as we've mentioned in the past, so many bloggers. And many of these bloggers produce content on a fairly frequent basis, so we thought it would be a cool idea to highlight some of each month's more intriguing and interesting blog posts and present them here.

Please give a click and a read, and we hope you will like the samples enough to become regular readers. Check them out!

Kristin Battestella continued reviewing films and shows for her blog, “I Think, Therefore I Review,” including Season Two of "White Chapel," which she thinks is slipping.

Dawn Byrne recollected a story about her green 1970 Chevy Nova in her post “Not So New Nova.” Spoiler alert: It wasn’t so reliable.

Joanne Costantino’s maintained the same group of girlfriends for over forty years, which is beautiful and impressive. There’s nothing like a day away from the family laughing with the girlfriends to recharge one’s batteries. She tells the story in her post, “Happenstance and God Giggles.”

Jennifer M. Eaton keeps very active over at her blog writing advice to help fellow writers learn from her mistakes, as well as reviewing books. Particularly helpful, considering she is quite accomplished despite having a full time job and a family, is her post answering the question: “How the heck do you write all this stuff?”

Marie Gilbert, who wears an awful lot of hats, has a group of friends to go with each one! She reflected on her many friendships in her post, “Walking the Tightrope of Friendship” at her blog, Gilbert Curiosities. Marie also reviews several television show for Biff Bam Pop!. This past month she also reviewed The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Sarah Hawkins-Miduski continued writing about her many experiences in Disney World over at The Obligablog throughout January, but she also took a break to share her favorite reads of 2015.

Memoirist and short story writer Victoria Marie Lees takes a stab at writing a synopsis.

We have a real-life bull runner in our ranks. Peter N. Milligan clears up one of the biggest misconceptions about bull running in Pamplona.

Author Randy Ribay shares his #OscarsSoWhite thoughts.

Kevin Stephany reviews one of the most influential and controversial books on writing out there, "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty.

Jessica Walsh has a story in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Dog" and don't forget to check out her terrific blog, The Cracking Nut.

Founder Janice Wilson talks about "Total Worth" on her website Soothing Prose.

Our Outreach Trustee Mieke Zamora-Mackay has been reviewing "The X-Files" for Biff Bam Pop!. Check out what she thought of the new season here.

We hope you liked this month's selections from SJWG member blogs, and will not only read more at their respective sites, but also come back here next month for more. Don't forget to 'Like' the South Jersey Writers at Facebook, 'Follow' us at Twitter, and check us out on Pinterest. Thank you!

Liars Club Writers Coffeehouse Back Again for 2016

By Dawn Byrne

Jonathan Maberry led the Liars Club Writers Coffeehouse in the Willow Grove PA Barnes & Noble via Skype. Keith Strunk hosted the Liar-filled meeting, which included Marie Lamba, Janice Gable-Bashman, Kelly Simmons, and Kathryn Craft. One of the South Jersey Writers' Group’s recent third Thursday speakers, Donna Galanti, fit well into the nucleus of Club members.

Jonathan began with information on the Writers Coffeehouses. There are nine active ones and more are popping up in the US, and other countries. It started with this group that now meets in Willow Grove. When thanked for starting the Coffeehouse, Jonathan reminded us that the Liars Club started the Coffeehouse, and that he is just a part of the Club. He shares hosting duties with the Coffeehouse in San Diego, where he now lives. “Community matters to writers,” he said, after exchanging familiar and sincere greetings with us. His fondness for our group showed in his face and words.

Questions for Jonathan matched the subject of how to get the word out about your book once it’s published: Blogging in your genre can be the grass roots in promoting your work. Subscribe to other blogs who read yours to making connections with potential readers. Goodreads and LinkedIn are a must. Reach out to writer conferences that do your subject and genre; you’ll meet people who can be helpful. Your writer’s platform on social media and how it’s maintained brings awareness of your book to audiences. Synching up your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts makes posting content easier. Starting a conversation is vital for your audience to make a connection with you. “The author is the brand,” said Jonathan. But don’t promise things that cost you a lot. If people are interested in you, they are more likely to buy your book.

Jonathan suggested multi-platform to promote anthologies. They don’t sell well, but anthologies can engage readers and get audiences interested in you and your other work.

Interviewers don’t always read your book, so give them a cheat sheet of questions to ask ahead of time. Making it easy for them, can make you popular to work with. Give one or two takeaways, that aren’t your plot, to make a memorable engagement with potential readers.

To learn how to do a podcast or book trailer, watch and listen to them. Trailers should be one-minute long, with strong production. After Jonathan had to end his Skype visit, Keith took advantage of the computer to show Kerry Gans’ trailer for her book, “The Witch of Zal.” Keith and Kerry had both worked on it. Donna is also a resource for making a trailer. Check out the one for her book, “Joshua and the Lightning Road.”



Two terms new to me: LookBook, where actors are put into your characters’ roles; and sizzle reel, which requires voiceovers and is expensive because so much goes into it. But the most interesting take away for me, was Jonathan’s advice to read out loud your edited, polished work. Listen to the polished voice of it. Study it, analyses it and contrast it with your original draft. This can help with your next work.

As always, Jonathan shared information on the current markets and trends: Graphic novels, the original ones that don’t feature superheroes, targeting girls are much in demand; pitch yours like a regular novel. Cross genre works are still hot. “I’m seeing a bit of a decline in memoir,” said Jonathan. But real life fiction is huge. Horror is starting to build in mainstream audiences.

Don’t be too specific with your plot when agents ask for summaries of books not yet written. “Be interesting but vague,” said Jonathan. He also highlighted the importance of having an agent: “If it wasn’t for my agent, I wouldn’t be in California.”

March 7, agent Marie Lamba is doing a First Page Workshop and answering questions on a panel for the SCBWI in Eastern, PA. May 20-22 is the Pennwriters Conference in Lancaster, PA. Jonathan and Kathryn will be keynote speakers and Donna will present workshops on craft and marketing.

Kelly Simmons took suggestions for next month’s Coffeehouse. She’ll be leading it, and selling her new book, “One More Day.” The trailer for it is cool.


Remember, no matter how many Sundays are in a month, the Coffeehouse always meets the last Sunday of each month from noon to 3 PM, unless a holiday gets in the way. It’s worth the trip over the bridge and through the city for us South Jerseyans. Three hours of shop talk and cohering with professional and upcoming writers is an exhilarating experience. And, my favorite, it’s FREE.

Copyright: In, Out, and Upside Down

By Krista Magrowski

“Print a copy and mail it to yourself.”

“Email yourself a copy.”

“I just run a small blog. I don’t need to worry about using someone else’s artwork. No one will care.”

As a writer or other artist, do any of these sound familiar? Does the ever-changing world of copyright law have your head spinning? Are you unsure when your work is protected?
Yes, yes, and yes were the answers we heard from our members whenever the subject came up. Copyright (the exclusive legal right, given to an originator or an assignee to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material, and to authorize others to do the same) is complex, full of nuances and little-known facts. But as an artist you want to protect your work, AND you also want to protect yourself by not infringing on someone else’s copyright. After all, fair is fair.

At the January South Jersey Writers’ Group meeting, Gregg Feistman, Temple University associate professor, provided the group with an educational - and entertaining! - introduction to copyright law and what it means to an artist. The group also live tweeted the meeting so we could share some of the juicy tidbits (hey, we are writers!) with our Twitter followers.

Some of the topics we discussed were the duration of protection under copyright, defamation (did you know that this now covers both libel and slander since the distinction between the two is being blurred with the rise of the internet?), fair common, fair use, trademarks, fan fiction, invasion of privacy, and parody and satire.

When including name brands, lyrics, poetry, or anything written by someone else, or using a photo, you must have permission unless the item in question is in public domain. In some cases, attribution may be enough especially if you are using a photo for your blog, for which you do not make money. Check the artist's website or even just email the artist and ask. If you are buying rights (a photo, a video, etc.) always use a reputable site. We learned of a writer buying rights to a video and then finding herself under fire when the site she hosted it on received a complaint. The site ruled against her even though she had bought what she thought were the rights to the piece.

FUN FACT: Until the fall of 2015, the song Happy Birthday was protected under copyright (which is why restaurants never sang that particular song when they brought out your sombrero of shame and sparkler-topped sundae and you melted in your seat as your family and friends mocked your embarrassment... oh… sorry about that. Flashback).

In addition to Gregg’s presentation, many of our members had some great advice to give their fellow writers when the inevitable questions arose. I believe the words “literal douchebag” were actually uttered at some point during the defamation discussion. Nothing is sacred at our meetings, where we encourage and foster a safe space for creativity and what is said in meeting, stays in meeting. Unless of course the SJWG president writes about it on the group blog.

One takeaway we all got from the meeting is that we only touched the tip of the proverbial copyright iceberg. Always seek the advice of a professional if you have a question and do not take advice from a random internet commenter on this. I have seen plenty of incorrect advice out there. Also, give credit where credit is due (bloggers take note when using pictures found on the internet - pay for images, use public domain/royalty free images, or your own images).

By the way, you can mail/email yourself a copy of your work, but that would only provide limited protection and would not be valid should you try to file a copyright infringement suit.

===========

Gregg Feistman is an Associate Professor of Instruction of Public Relations at Temple University. He teaches writing and strategic planning in the undergraduate program and courses in the Master’s of Science in Communications Management programs. His particular area of interest is Reputation Management and Crisis Communication. He is also the faculty advisor to Temple’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter - one of the top ten in the country - and its student-run PR firm, PRowl Public Relations.

Liars Club Coffeehouse - Butter Late Than Never

Written by Dawn Byrne

I’ve seen Kelly Simmons’ byline in "Writer’s Digest Magazine", and was happy to find her leading the Liars Club Coffeehouse at Barnes & Nobles in Willow Grove, PA October 25th.

Whipping into the meeting late, I missed something about butter that caused some chuckles. The meeting runs from noon until after 2pm, and I encourage you to catch what you can. Subjects I heard discussed included memoir writing and query letters, among tidbits of information on writing.

Kelly Simmons authored The Bird House and Standing Still. She’s “developing a TV series and has been writing a memoir for what seems like her entire life.” Kelly suggested that when writing memoir, think about how you will structure your story. Even if chronological, it needs to have some central significant happening. Ruth Litner added that readers must like the character. This is you, so identifying with and pulling emotions from the reader about you is important too.

Kelly’s statement that a lot of people who start out writing memoir eventually move on to novel writing hit home with my own writing experience. Resources she noted was Beth Kephart’s memoir how-to, Handling the Truth and Jerry Waxler, M.S. These authors can guide you when telling your personal story.

Mature age may not be a plus when facing a prospective agent or publisher. This often is a reality when dealing with professional opportunities. But a writer’s background and rich knowledge can be most beneficial no matter if writing memoir, historical fiction, non-fiction or an upmarket novel.

Kelly reminded us that there’s something to be said for an aged person with a young spirit. Barbara Custer sat next to Kelly and used Barbara as an example. This sweet, petite red head brands herself as the Balloon Lady. I follow Barbara on Facebook and was surprised she was the same person I met at the Coffeehouse. She produces "Night to Dawn Magazine." So don’t mention your age, or that you’ve been writing more since retirement. A writer can produce a book a year; at 60, a writer still has time to birth multiple books.

Leave out your age on query letters, but make use of good letter writing skills by utilizing the P.S. A charming P.S. stands out in an e-mail. Don’t make it too long, and include any personal connections in the subject line. “Judging writers is a lot like dating.”

“Most people spend only 5 minutes on their query letter,” Kelly said, not understanding why. Query letter templates can be dull, but generally, follow them. Talk about yourself and your book in the first two paragraphs. Sometimes you can break rules if your credentials are the most important information you can give about yourself. Kelly said she’d look at anyone from the Coffeehouse’s query.

Tidbits I gleaned before cutting out early from the meeting:

• Procrastination may be a fear of success or a fear of failure, so figure out what the fear is.

• I’ve heard Liar, Janice Gable Bashman, also say that focusing on different components of your work with each pass during revision is a way to really polish your book. Kelly does one pass just to beautify her work after doing others, like for cutting unnecessary words.

• The middle-grade genre is hot.

• Goodreads may not let your Facebook friends publish a review of your book. You may want to keep this in mind when passing out your ARCs.

I’ll be jonesing (thanks for this term, Jim Knipp) two months for the next Liars Club Coffeehouse. The next meeting is January 31st. Make a New Year’s resolution to share company with professional liars. You don’t have to be on time, but you won’t want to miss the butter.

SJWG Member Roundup for September 2015

Compiled by Jessica A. Walsh, Mieke Zamora-Mackay, and Glenn Walker

There is so much talent in the South Jersey Writers Group, and as we've mentioned in the past, so many bloggers. And many of these bloggers produce content on a fairly frequent basis, so we thought it would be a cool idea to highlight some of each month's more intriguing and interesting blog posts and present them here.

Please give a click and a read, and we hope you will like the samples enough to become regular readers. Check them out!

Kristin Battestella reviews some interesting Spooky, Suspenseful, Short-Lived Shows.

Dawn Byrne shares a lovely memory of Grandma in Brown Vinyl and Gray Drawers.

Joanne Costantino honors a lovely lady named Kathy.

Fire in the Woods by Jennifer M. Eaton is up for an award!

South Jersey Muicipal Liason MK England's got some pretty cool printables for NaNoWriMo.

Jord Fox is letting go and redirecting his efforts to something better.

Steampunk Granny Marie Gilbert reminds us that when we jump off ledges, we give ourselves a chance to soar.

Barb Godshalk welcomes September… Well, sort of…

Sarah Hawkins-Miduski presents an 'apples to apples' comparison of attractions at Disneyland vs. Disney World. Which on reigns supreme?

New member, Jessica Hunter, shares 6 Exercises To Find your Character’s Voice.

Victoria M. Lees shared her ideas for the beginning of her memoir and asked her readers for some opinions regarding at what point in her life to drop the reader. Beginnings are tough.

K.A. Magrowski reviewed At Day’s Close: Night in Times Past over at her “sort of blog” Literary Debauchery.

New member Peter N. Milligan, author of Bulls Before Breakfast, shared his interview with NPR about his book.

Robin Renee wrote about her recent travels, traveling companion and how she navigates polyamory. Also check out the post for some upcoming tour dates.

Randy Ribay debuted his first novel, An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes. Check out the book trailer, then be sure to pick it up.

Kevin Stephany memorialized Nobel Prize winning author William Golding.

Loretta Sisco toured the memorabilia of monsters and serial killers here and here.

Shelley Szajner published a short story in one of the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. You can buy Dreams and Premonitions here.

Rich Voza posted two more chapters of his work in progress, Dreamlands, here and here.

With the new TV season in full swing, Glenn Walker has picked up reviewing "The Flash," "Doctor Who," "Arrow," and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Jessica A. Walsh continued to uplift us all with her blog, The Cracking Nut, teaching us the language of love and support, and reminding us that meeting our goals is possible and attainable

We hope you liked this month's selections from SJWG member blogs, and will not only read more at their respective sites, but also come back here next month for more. Don't forget to Like the South Jersey Writers at Facebook, Follow us at Twitter, and check us out on Pinterest. Thank you!

SJWG Names a New Vice President and Trustee for Programs

It gives us great pleasure to inform you that the South Jersey Writers' Group has a new Vice President and Trustee for Programs. 

We are happy to introduce long-time member and co-editor of the Reading Glasses anthology, Jessica A. Walsh, as the new Vice President and Trustee for Programs. 

Photo Credit: The Cracking Nut

Jessica, a data and communications manager for a not-for-profit organization, brings excellent communication and organizational skills to the table.  She offers new ideas and fresh perspective on how the group can better serve the needs of our members.  We look forward to working with Jessica over the next two trustee terms.

Jessica writes the inspirational blog, The Cracking Nut, and is a contributor to The South Jersey Writers' Group blog.

Jessica will be taking over the position from Krista Magrowski, who will be taking over as President from Amy Holiday.

As we welcome Jessica to the trustee team, we give a resounding round of applause with thanks and gratitude to Amy Holiday, for all the years of exemplary leadership and dedication to the membership. Thank you for making the South Jersey Writers' Group into what it is today.

The Collingswood Book Festival

By Sarah Hawkins Miduski

Bibliophiles had a sense of deja vu as they approached The Collingswood Book Festival this year.  

It appears that Mother Nature firmly believes that books are meant to be indoors. 

Although New Jersey avoided a hurricane, the day was drizzly and windy enough to require the book festival to be indoors, just like last year.

There were plenty of books for sale, both used, and new

,but it seemed that the threat of ominous weather scared some of the used vendors away. 

Loompaland was a big hit with the kids. The giant bubble wand, brought by the Garden State Discovery Museum, was pretty cool.

Also pretty cool, was South Jersey Writers’ Group member Laura J. Kaighn. 

She was in Loompaland selling her books (Earth Child:The E.D. Piper Chronicles and Rabbit's Tale & Other Rites of Passage) and entertaining the kids with her storytelling.

The SJWG had a table shared with publisher, Hypothetical Press.  Copies of Tall Tales and Short Stories, and Reading Glasses, waited to be brought home by eager readers. 

SJWG President Amy Hollinger did a great job organizing the group’s table. Members John Farquhar (What toExpect When You’re Dead) and Gregg Feistman (The War Merchants) were hard at work selling books and talking to potential group members. 

Many SJWG members came throughout the day to volunteer at the group table.

With all of the various meetings and groups within the group, it's difficult to know everyone in the SJWG, so the SJWG buttons and t-shirts were a great way to spot fellow members.

New group member, Peter N. Milligan, had copies of his book, Bulls Before Breakfast, for sale.  

Peter is an energetic guy. I could see him hosting his own travel show someday.

Of course no book event would be complete without Steampunk Granny, Marie Gilbert. Group member/writer Dawn Byrne kept Steampunk Granny company since she was oh so far away from the SJWG table. Marie had an impressive table that was stacked with copies of Roof Oasis, and the newly released Saving Solanda, the second book in the Roof Oasis series. I also think she wins the prize for best author outfit.

Representing the Young Adult genre, was group member Randy Ribay. His book, An InfiniteNumber of Parallel Universes, was recently featured on Barnes and Nobles’ Most Anticipated YA books coming out in October.   

In addition to striking some great signing poses, 

Randy participated in a YA Panel Discussion, Realistic Fiction: Navigating the Teen Years.  

It was an interesting mix of authors, and the discussion ranged from the authors’ personal writing methods, to what types of books they read as kids. It was such a good panel, everyone had to be kicked out to make way for the next panel.

All of the volunteers, did a great job organizing The Collingswood Book Festival, especially with the last minute venue change due to the weather.  It was a great time for the writers and the readers, though I still think it’s more alive and vibrant when it is held outdoors. Hopefully Mother Nature will grant the festival beautiful sunny skies next year.

Now comes the most difficult task faced by all attendees on the day after The Collingswood Book Festival, what to read first.