http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/ Catholic Writers Conference en-us Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:56:35 GMT 1440 CPG-Nuke Dragonfly Catholic Writers Conference Online News http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/rss.html http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/images/logo.gif http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/ http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=21 To register - click below! Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:56:35 GMT http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=20 Short report of the Catholic Writers Conference Online. First, some general stats: --394 attendees --49 presenters giving 20 forum workshops, 46 chats --12 publishers hearing 66 pitches--54 of which were asked to submit more --seven totally action-packed days (We took Saturday off) --$460 in donations --one person signed up for the live conference; several others have asked about volunteering Highlights: Monday morning exemplified the spirit of the conference. Our first four presentations were no-shows, for various reasons, but that was not why this event sticks with me. Rather, it was the way other people in the audience jumped in with "I know something about that topic!"and took the place of the scheduled presenter. We were able to still have informative chats. Even better, the presenters made up their chats later, so people who attended both got extra info from several points of view. Through the whole week, this spirit of giving of time and talent infused both chats and forums. The crit workshops went very well. People got some expert advice, and in some of the groups, also critiqued each other's work as well. Poets found kindred spirits in Dr. David Craig's crit workshop, and have asked if there's a way to continue their fellowship. I've set them up a forum in the CWG website, but they may decided to do something else instead or as well. Lessons Learned: Pitch sessions didn't go as smoothly as last year, perhaps because we had more people and because of the non-Catholic publishers, which I think confused some folks. Next year, we'll have a checklist people must turn in when they want to register to pitch asking specific questions regarding guidelines, directions, and procedures to ensure they read the material and gave it some thought. Also, I am blogging about the sessions and will post them on the CWCO website for people to read in preparation next year. Again this year, forum workshops got small attendance. Most people said they didn't have time with the chats. Next year, then, we'll extend the conference, but separate the chats and the workshops: Friday-Tues: Chats Monday-Friday: workshops (and pitch sessions) Note that there is overlap on Mon and Tues. This allows presenters who are doing chats and workshops to do both, and keeps people from forgetting the forums when the chats are done. Presenters and authors giving pitches had trouble with the chat room software if they used a Mac computer. We are working on a how-to document for next year. (This is a Java issue, so changing chat room providers will not help.) Thanks to all: Once again, the CWCO was a success, not only in numbers and education, but in the camaraderie and spirit. More than once, I had someone tell me that they'd never known such a group of writers existed, or that they'd felt alone until they discovered this conference, or that the conference has given them much-needed encouragement. That's our goal in the CWCO, and we're so glad that we succeeded. However, we know we didn't do it alone: presenters, moderators and attendees made this the fabulous experience it is. Thank you! Karina Fabian Ann Lewis Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:43:26 GMT http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=19 Conference Registration is now closed. Please check back for information on our Live Conference coming in August! Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:47:28 GMT http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=18 We've posted a press release about the CWCO. Please feel free to CLICK ON THIS LINK to get the release and post it to your blogs, newsgroups, etc. Let's spread the word! Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:40:32 GMT http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=17 Most critique workshops still have plenty of openings. Take advantage of this opportunity! As of 1:41 pm EST Feb 17, the pitch sessions have the following openings: MacGregor (agent): FULL 23rd: 1 alternate Sophia: 1 alternate Marcher Lord: 2 openings, 2 alternates St. Benedict/TAN: 1 alternate Twilight Times: FULL Thomas Nelson: 1 openings, 2 alternates Our Sunday Visitor (Parish Materials): 4 openings, 2 alternates Our Sunday Visitor (Non-Fiction/Trade): FULL Pauline (Children's): FULL Pauline (Adults/Trade):1 alternate White Rose (romance): 4 openings, 2 alternates] REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN TO ALL. DEADLINE IS NOW FEB 24. WE HAVE ASSIGNED THE EARLY BIRDS WITH SECOND BOOKS TO PITCH THIER SECOND CHOICES WHEN POSSIBLE. Find instructions for registering for pitches here: http://catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=Content&pid=10 We will not hold spots for people who do not follow the directions. Please check the conference calendar and make sure you can meet during your publisher's pitch time. http://catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=CPGNuCalendar. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:19:23 GMT http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=16 NOTE: THERE WAS A LINK ERROR DIRECTING YOU TO WRONG PITCH INSTRUCTIONS. IF YOU CHECKED THIS PAGE BEFORE FEB 5, PLEASE CHECK AGAIN! ALSO NOTE: REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FEB 20. AFTER THAT, WE WILL START GIVING PEOPLE THEIR SECOND CHOICES AS WELL. We're sent out a newsletter to everyone with information on the pitch sessions and small group crit sessions for this year. If you're interested in either of these opportunities and have not gotten the letter, you can find it here: http://catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=Content&pid=10 Also, we have posted the chat schedule in the Conference Calendar. Go to the calendar to see what's available and when: http://catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=CPGNuCalendar. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:10:53 GMT http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=14 Are you a Catholic writer? Looking for an opportunity to learn more about writing and marketing, a chance to meet like-minded authors, and get an opportunity to pitch your work? Want it all for free—and without leaving your home? The Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010, is for you. Hurry, though—registration ends Feb 15. The conference is held via chats and forums at http://www.catholicwritersconference.com. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register before February 15, 2010. "Each year, we have about 300 writers and around 50 presenters participate," said organizer Karina Fabian. “This year, we’re thrilled to have added small-group critique sessions with well-established authors and editors, plus more pitch sessions than ever before!” Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:32:24 GMT http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13 From the Press Release: "We've always concentrated on workshops and chats that teach the writer skills or provide information in the areas of crafting, publishing and marketing their works, but this year, we're adding critique workshops and some incredible opportunities to pitch to leading publishers," said organizer Karina Fabian. This year, publishers hearing pitches include well known Catholic publishers like Pauline, large Christian publishers like Thomas Nelson, and smaller presses like White Rose. Thus far, eleven pitch sessions are scheduled, running the gamut from Christian romance to Catholic theology. In a new program, at least fifty attendees will have the opportunity to have pieces of their work critiqued by successful editors and writers. In addition, there will be forum-based workshops and chat room presentations covering topics from dialogue to freelancing to how Catholic fiction differs from Christian fiction. View Entire Press Release Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:45:20 GMT http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=12 Our online conference will be Feb. 26-March 5, 2010. Register here at www.catholicwritersconference.com after October 1, 2009. We will have more speakers, more pitch sessions and a lot of fun - right from your home computer--FREE! To register - you can CLICK HERE! Attended or presented last year? We're sorry, but due to technical difficulties, we will need you to re-register again this year. Sorry for the inconvenience. Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:24:41 GMT http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11 We at CWCO want to offer a special thank you to all our presenters and attendees for making this a terrific program. And even more thanks to God for blessing the event with such success. We look forward to seeing you all next year in February online and hope to see you at our live conference in August. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:45:40 GMT