http://catholicwritersguild.org/ The Catholic Writers Guild en-us Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:46:19 GMT 1440 CPG-Nuke Dragonfly The Catholic Writers Guild News http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/rss.html http://catholicwritersguild.org/images/logo.gif http://catholicwritersguild.org/ http://catholicwritersguild.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=75 The first half of the year has been very active for our Seal of Approval. The following books have been given this award so far this year. Congratulations to our SOA recipients! FICTION TITLES: Through the Open Window SOA Awarded 1/30/10 Author: Anne Faye Publisher: CreateSpace Release date: October 21, 2009 ISBN: 1449545912 Synopsis: Lucy Lyons is a woman trying to escape her past. Content to work as a librarian and live alone with her dog, all she wants is a simple life with no complications. When she decides to take the plunge and begins to write a novel during National Novel Writing Month, she gets much more than she bargained for. Her writing will not only force her to face her own secrets, but will also put her in the path of a handsome artist who shares her love of the written word. "Through the Open Window" is an engaging novel about the secrets we keep and the hope for second chances. In-Sight SOA Awarded 2/19/10 Author: Gerard D. Webster Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc. Original release date: 30 November 2008 - re-released early January 2009 after some additional revisions. ISBN: 978-1432737023 Synopsis: In-Sight is a modern prodigal son story set in Jacksonville, FL about a young man, Ward McNulty, who has abandoned his Catholic family values to pursue success as a political columnist. To all appearances, he's gained it--along with the affections of a TV anchorwoman and connections with rich and powerful friends. But when a group of investors convince him to back the conversion of a sleepy island town into a resort, it pits Ward against his father--a resident of the island--in a bitter eminent domain battle. Ward balks when he learns that the financial backers are not all they seem. And they'll stop at nothing--including ruining his career and murder--to get what they want. When all his former "friends" abandon him, he turns to the only man who'll stand by his side--his father. In the ensuing conflict, Ward learns the secret of his father's uncanny insight and the true meaning of sacrificial love. Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes SOA Awarded 6/26/10 Author: Ann Lewis Publisher: Wessex Press Release date: August 2010 ISBN: 0-938501-XX-X Synopsis: A sudden death in the Vatican. An international incident over stolen artifacts. A priest’s wrongful imprisonment for murder. In this collection of three as yet untold tales, hinted at in the original Holmes stories, the voices of Dr. John H. Watson and the legendary Pope Leo XIII reveal how the great Sherlock Holmes brought these grim ecclesial cases to startling and poignant conclusions. Rachel's Contrition SOA Awarded 6/26/10 Author: Michelle Buckman Publisher: Sophia Institute Press Release date: July 2010 ISBN (not yet assigned) Synopsis: Rachel clawed her way up from the gutter and won the whirlwind: a doctor husband from a wealthy family, a gorgeous home, and two beautiful children. But when tragedy strikes, she loses it all. Living in a friend's poolhouse, estranged from her husband and son, she picks up a holy card of St. Therese in the parking lot: and her life begins to change. CHILDREN, MIDDLE READER, & YOUNG ADULT TITLES: Tristan's Travels SOA Awarded 1/30/10 Author: Karl Bjorn Erickson Publisher: Rafka Press Release date: December 2010 ISBN Not yet Synopsis: Tristan’s Travels, Scared Spitless follows the lighthearted adventures of an easily frightened, but remarkably resourceful, Oregon seagull. One misty morning Tristan learns of a dear friend who is in terrible need of his help on the far side of the dangerous Columbia River, and he soon is facing the decision of his life. At the tale’s exciting conclusion, he must overcome his own deep-rooted fears of both the water and flying while, at the same time, helping his friends track down their lost companion in the dark coastal forest. We Have A Pope! SOA Awarded 2/19/10 Author: Karen Congeni Publisher: New Springtime Press (website not yet available) Release date: April or May, 2010 ISBN: 978-0-9825376-0-2 Synopsis: We Have A Pope! is a children’s picture book for ages 4-8 that discusses the papacy from its beginnings to the present day. It includes a discussion of the election of a new pope. The book includes a glossary and “Pope list.” It was granted the Imprimatur by Bishop Richard Lennon, Diocese of Cleveland, on October 28, 2009. Its publication date is springtime, 2010. The Shadow of the Bear (Book 1 of the Fairy Tale Novels) SOA Awarded 2/19/10 Author: Regina Doman Publisher: Regina Doman Release date: October 6, 2008 ISBN: 978-0981931807 Synopsis: A classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm comes to life as two very different sisters, timid Blanche and daring Rose, seek to discover Bear's identity and secret mission in a suspenseful adventure that brings each of them face to face with their own weaknesses and possible death. Black as Night (Book 2 of the Fairy Tale Novels) SOA Awarded 2/19/10 Author: Regina Doman Publisher: Regina Doman Release date: October 6, 2008 ISBN: 978-0981931821 Synopsis: Blanche Brier is alone for the summer in New York City, separated from her family. And her summer job inadvertently brings her a jealous enemy and unsuspected terror. She finds temporary shelter with seven friars, but it's not clear to Blanche how she can escape the evil that's stalking her. After Bear and his brother, Ben (a.k.a. "Fish"), discover that Blanche is missing, they cut short their European trip and begin to scour New York City looking for Blanche. But the same malevolence that is lurking over Blanche seems to be hunting them as well. With the lively help of the seven friars, Blanche struggles to sort out the ominous and apparently disconnected events that continue to build until it seems that all hope is gone. Yet during this time, the desires of her heart are being clarified - and so are Bear's. Waking Rose (Book 3 of the Fairy Tale Novels) SOA Awarded 2/19/10 Author: Regina Doman Publisher: Regina Doman Release date: October 17, 2008 ISBN: 978-0981931845 Synopsis: Ever since he rescued her from Certain Death, Rose Brier has had a crush on Ben Denniston, otherwise known as Fish. But Fish, struggling with problems of his own, thinks that Rose should go looking elsewhere for a knight in shining armor. Trying to forget him, Rose goes to college, takes up with a sword-wielding band of brothers, and starts an investigation into her family's past that proves increasingly mysterious. Then a tragic accident occurs, and Fish, assisted by Rose's new friends, finds himself drawn into a search through a tangle of revenge and corruption that might be threatening Rose's very life. The climax is a crucible of fear, fight, and fire that Fish must pass through to reach Rose and conquer his dragons. The Midnight Dancers (Book 4 of the Fairy Tale Novels) SOA Awarded 2/19/10 Author: Regina Doman Publisher: Regina Doman Release date: October 13, 2008 ISBN: 978-0981931869 Synopsis: Rachel Durham, 18, is tired of her father and stepmother’s staid morality and pristine prosperity. The summer of her senior year, she’s more than ready for a walk on the wild side, and the door opens - literally - when she and her eleven sisters (and stepsisters) discover a secret passageway out of their historic home on the Chesapeake Bay. The night becomes Rachel’s true world, and her daytime life becomes a disposable mask. Her puzzled father tries to tow his daughters back into line by enlisting the help of Paul, a med student with a seasonal job juggling at the town festival. But Paul realizes that simply blocking the girls from their midnight parties isn’t going to solve the family’s problems. He embarks on a risky balancing act to gain the girls’ trust – and to make Rachel see that splitting her life between night and light is a dangerous dance. Olivia and the Little Way SOA Awarded 4/12/10 Author: Nancy Carabio Belanger Publisher: Harvey House Publishing Released October 2008 ISBN 9780923568924 Synopsis: Olivia and the Little Way tells the story of a modern girl who follows the great saint’s example amid peer pressure, bullying, and the fight for modesty in an oversexualized culture. It won an award in 2009 from the Catholic Press Association, and has already become a favorite with youngsters as well as religious ed teachers. Accompanied by heartfelt illustrations, Olivia and the Little Way engages young readers, who are drawn to Olivia’s trials at St. Michael’s School and her relationship with her grandmother, who teaches her how to pray the St. Thérèse chaplet and how to follow Thérèse’s beloved Little Way of serving God. The story is targeted toward boys and girls ages 8-13. Catholic, Reluctantly: John Paul 2 High Book One SOA Awarded 4/12/10 Author: Christian M. Frank Publisher Sophia Institute Press Release date 2007 ISBN 978-1-928832-99-7 Synopsis: When their parents decide to start a new high school,George, Celia, Liz, J.P., Brian, and James are all thrown together, although they have almost nothing in common. George and Celia attended the local Catholic high school, Brian and James were homeschooled. Liz just wants to attend a school where she can play sports, and J.P. just wants to make trouble...or is that the poltergeist? Then there's a shooting at the local public high school, and Allie Weaver joins the class ... From the back cover: George Peterson would rather wrestle at a big high school, but he has to go to a new school run by Catholic parents: John Paul 2 High. Only seven kids in the whole school! The building is falling apart. Weird things keep happening. And then there’s Allie Weaver, drop-dead gorgeous, but barely Catholic. Why did her parents suddenly transfer her to John Paul 2 High? And what is she so afraid of? Trespasses Against Us: John Paul 2 High Book Two SOA Awarded 4/12/10 Author: Christian M. Frank Publisher Sophia Institute Press Release date 2009 ISBN 978-1-933184-53-1 Synopsis: Spring semester at the first year of John Paul 2 High, it seems to Celia Costain that almost EVERYONE is dating: except her! Her parents don't allow dating, and Celia's mostly fine with that -- but that doesn't make her life much easier. Because she's the principal's daughter, everyone seems to think she's perfect. And when scary things start happening to her friend Allie, no one seems to want to tell Celia what's really going on! As for George Peterson, his conflict with Tyler Getz is far from over. As Tyler targets more JP2HS kids, and threatening messages on Allie’s cell phone appear with alarming frequency, George starts wondering how long the good guys have to wait before they’re allowed to strike back? When events escalate, George finds himself waiting for Tyler to cross the line so he can serve out justice … but the only person standing in his way is his former best friend: Celia Costain. http://www.johnpaul2high.com/ The Father Brown Reader: Stories from Chesterton SOA Awarded 6/26/10 Author: Nancy Carpentier Brown Publisher: Hillside Education Release date: May 2007 ISBN: 978-0976638674 Clever adaptations of four of Chesterton's Father Brown mysteries for young readers: "The Blue Cross," "The Strange Feet," "The Flying Stars," and "The Absence of Mr. Glass." Perfect for grades 4-6 as an reader-friendly introduction to Chesterton. Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes SOA Awarded 6/26/10 Author: Lawrence Peterson Publisher: PublishAmerica Release date: March, 2008 ISBN 1-4241-8797-4 Synopsis: Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. He just slips, slides and spins all over the place. But what he hates even more are the special shoes that have been made for him that will help him to walk just like all the other kids. Willie thinks that they are the "stupidest, ugliest, dumbest shoes in the whole world. Discover how Willie comes to learn that sometimes we worry about things about ourselves when actually there was nothing to worry about to begin with. NONFICTION TITLES: Cling to Hope with Joy: Messages from Scripture SOA Awarded 4/12/10 Author: Janet Klasson Publisher: Goldleaf Word Release date: June 2009 ISBN: 978-0-9812701-0-4 Synopsis: Messages from Scripture is a dialogue with the living God of Scripture. In these excerpts from the author's Scriptural prayer journal, the voice of God speaks to the reader's heart. Through words of love, hope, joy, encouragement, correction, and consolation the reader feels drawn into the heart of God, the Breath of Love. These powerful messages are intimate, profound, and prophetic. In these reflections, the Word becomes flesh once again and dwells among us. He is near and He brings a message for our time: Cling to hope with joy! The Handbook for Catholic Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body and Soul SOAAwarded4/12/10 Author: Lisa Hendey Publisher: Ave Maria Press Release date: February 8, 2010 ISBN-13:978-1594712289 Synopsis: Drawing from the deep tradition of the Catholic faith, Lisa Hendey coaches Catholic mom show to care for themselves – heart, mind, body, and soul–so that they can better love and care for their families, their neighbors, and their Church. With warmth and wisdom, Hendey creates an environment where Catholic moms can reflect peacefully upon often-competitive topics like parenting style, types of schooling, and working outside the home. By sharing her own story, Hendey inspires readers to better balance their own needs with the demands of family life and faith commitment. Your Personal Apostolate: Accepting and Sharing the Love of God SOA Awarded 4/12/10 Author: Michele Elena Bondi Publisher: Joseph Karl Publishing Release date: March 2009 ISBN: 9781935356011 Synopsis: Each of us has a personal apostolate, or mission, that we fulfill throughout the course of our lives. Our personal apostolate does not begin when we reach a certain age or accomplish a specific goal, nor does it reach its pinnacle when we attain a certain objective. Rather, every apostolate begins the moment a person is created and comes to fruition over time, through all the circumstances of our lives. Our mission is fulfilled in every moment, through every day. Critical to our success is our willingness to accept, return, and share the Love of God. Your Personal Apostolate: Accepting and Sharing the Love of God provides insight into the importance of each of our efforts and contributions, reminding every person that “God is at work in you!” Your Teen Apostolate: Accepting and Sharing the Love of God SOA Awarded 4/12/10 Author: Andre Joseph Bottesi & Michele Elena Bondi Publisher: Joseph Karl Publishing Release date: December 2009 ISBN:9781935356066 Synopsis: Your Teen Apostolate: Accepting and Sharing the Love of God helps teenagers recognize that their efforts and contributions are important and necessary, and reminds every teen that “God is at work in you!” Your Preteen Apostolate: Accepting and Sharing the Love of God SOA Awarded 4/12/10 Author: Nicholas Joseph Bottesi & Michele Elena Bondi Publisher: Joseph Karl Publishing Release date: December 2009 ISBN:9781935356059 Synopsis: Your Preteen Apostolate: Accepting and Sharing the Love of God helps preteens understand that their efforts and contributions are important and necessary, and reminds every preteen that “God is at work in you!” Why God Matters: And How to Recognize Him in Daily Life/ SOA Awarded 5/7/10 Authors: Karina (Lumbert) Fabian and Deacon Steve Lumbert Publisher: Tribute Books Release date: 15 May 2010 ISBN: 978-0-9822565-3-4 Synopsis: Far too often, we expect God to show Himself in grand ways yet ignore when He makes His presence known in the day to day. Neither Deacon Steve Lumbert nor Karina (Lumbert) Fabian had dramatic conversions. Rather, God led them into deeper faith through the seemingly minor details of life: pot of rice, a habit of prayer, a frustrating flight home, or a barefooted stranger. This father-daughter team have written a delightful, quick book about finding God in the day-to-day. With thought-provoking quotes, heartwarming stories, Bible verses, passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and simple exercises the reader can fit into his or her daily routine, they help others recognize God's presence. Great for the casual or converting Catholic longing for something more in their relationship with God, or the "advanced" Catholic wanting light spiritual exercise. Haystack Full of Needles: A Catholic Home Educators' Guide to Socialization SOA Awarded 5/28/10 Author: Alice Gunther Publisher: Hillside Education Release date: June 2008 ISBN: 978-0979846953 Synopsis: Alice tells the moving story of her path to the decision to home education her children. Part of this decision was agonizing over real concern that her children would be isolated and miss out on all the fun activities she enjoyed in school. But the virtue of home education out weighed her fears and she plunged in. What she found out was that not only were her children not isolated, but that over the years they experienced a rich and diverse social life that was more meaningful than anything they could have experienced in traditional schooling. A must-read for anyone considering home schooling and those who want to understand the allure of home education. Catholic Mosaic: Living the Liturgical Year with Literature, An Illustrated Book Study for Catholic Children SOA Awarded 5/28/10 Author: Cay Gibson Publisher: Hillside Education Release date: May 2006 ISBN: 978-0976638667 Synopsis: The book includes study guides for 52 children's picture books arranged in order by the Liturgical calendar. Each study guide includes discussion questions, copywork, enrichment activities such as crafts and writing, and some thoughtful observations about the use of art to create meaning in the story. It's a great way to make the church come alive for young children. Christmas Mosaic SOA Awarded 5/28/10 Author: Cay Gibson Publisher: Hillside Education Release Date: October 2007 ISBN: 978-0979846915 Synopsis: A sequel to Catholic Mosiac by Cay Gibson, this book includes 30 study guides for Advent-, Christmas-, and Epiphany- themed books. Guides include discussion questions, vocabulary, and enrichment activities. The book also features an extensive list of over 200 Christmas picture book titles and includes many Christmas poem. As a bonus, the book includes an appendix with crafts, recipes, and coloring pages. In His Image: Nurturing Creativity in the Heart of Your Home SOA Awarded 6/26/10 Author: Mary Gildersleeve Publisher: Hillside Education Release: June 2009 ISBN: 978-0979846984 Nurturing creativity in our children and in ourselves is a critical need today. We all know that research has shown that art and music are good for fostering healthy brain development, but they are good for our souls, too. Through creativity, we imitate the Divine Creator and practice the skills needed to battle the despair produced by a pre-made, manufactured, cookie-cutter world. Made in the image of God, there is a creative desire placed in all of us. Nurturing this desire in our children is not only thoroughly satisfying, but an essential part of our parenting duty. By instilling in our children a love for the good, the true, and the beautiful, we can help to reshape our world for the good of all. The Christian Way to be Happily Married SOA Awarded 7/28/10 Author: David Sanderlin Publisher: Christian Starlight Press Release date: March 15, 2010 ISBN: 9780982439630 Synopsis: In this ecumenical Catholic marriage guide, The Christian Way to be Happily Married, David Sanderlin draws from Jesus and Catholic saints and scholars to show engaged and married couples how to be happily married not only by using conventional communication and relationship skills, but also, above all, by following Jesus with love, wisdom, faith, and other Christian virtues and gifts in a loving Christian marriage discipleship. Couples can learn from this book how to deal with money, housework, and other practical marriage and family matters with the love and wisdom of Jesus, saints, and spiritual reformers. The book, with an imprimatur, includes a "Christian Marriage Discipleship Check-Up" for couples; over 350 endnotes from popular and scholarly sources; and discussion questions for participants in church marriage workshops, Catholic college classes on marriage and the family, and other groups dealing with Catholic marriage, ethics, and spirituality. Be An Amazing Catechist: Inspire the Faith of Children SOA Awarded 7/28/10 Author's name: Lisa Mladinich Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor Release date: August 1, 2010 ISBN: 978-1-59276-611-6 (Inventory No. X893) Synopsis: “Be An Amazing Catechist: Inspire the Faith of Children,” contains 14 easy, classroom-tested techniques for making faith lessons come to life powerfully, accurately and memorably. Lisa Mladinich explains the use of developmental milestones and learning styles, and includes a special section by colleague Mary Lou Rosien on working with special-needs students. She encourages catechists to take risks, to find their own unique teaching styles, and to personalize their lessons. She highlights organizational and presentation issues, good classroom discipline, and ways to stay in compassionate communication with parents, demystifying the use of prayer and circle time, music, movement, acting and puppetry. Exploding with creativity, “Be An Amazing Catechist” issues a call to conversion and a challenge to every catechist to experience the wonders of a creative life and ministry in intimate partnership with Jesus Christ. A Bend in the Road, a year's journey through breast cancer SOA Awarded 7/28/10 Author: Karen Kelly Boyce Release date: May, 2010 Publisher - KFR Communications ISBN-978-0-692-00925-3 Synopsis: In the fast-paced world of technology we live in today, we seldom pay much attention to the journey each of us are on; instead we remain focused on the goals ahead of us. As we take this journey, friends and family members walk alongside of us. But sometimes, life gives us an unexpected detour and we are forced to leave that main road and those we love and travel alone to the unexpected. This is what happened to author Karen Kelly Boyce when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her travels that first year chronicle her shock, denial, acceptance, hope and survival. This book is one of laughter and tears, struggle and triumph. It is a must read for anyone facing a difficult journey...or knows someone who is. Lessons From The Master: Living Like Jesus SOA Awarded 7/28/10 Author: Alex Basile Publisher: Saint Paul's / Alba House Release date: April 2009 ISBN: 0818912952 Synopsis: Of all the many ways in which the followers of Jesus referred to Him they looked upon Him and later referred to Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life undoubtedly the most frequent and popular appellation was that of Teacher or Master. People of every sector of society came to Him looking for answers. Many sensed that He held the secrets to an existence they all aspired to, both here and hereafter, and they did not hesitate to question Him at length on topics near and dear to their hearts. In this book, Basile takes an existential look at the teachings of Jesus and invites the reader to journey with the Master from the carpentry shop, to the Sermon on the Mount, to the Resurrection, as he unlocks the key to living a happy and fruitful life. He offers a number of beautiful reflections on the Scriptures and takes a fresh look at the life of Jesus that will leave the reader with solid answers to their questions about what Jesus really taught. Lessons from the Master: Living Like Jesus is not only informative, at the same time it makes for highly engaging reading for the followers of Christ of any age. As such, it highly recommends itself for use as a classroom text, retreat resource, or simply for personal spiritual growth. The Gentle Road To Jesus: Bringing Christ To Every Classroom and Home SOA Awarded 7/28/10 Author: Alex Basile Publisher: Saint Paul's / Alba House Release date: March 2010 ISBN: 0818913010 Blurb: "Employing his professional expertise -- and with the heart of a disciple -- author and teacher Alex Basile offers both practical wisdom and inspirational techniques. The Gentle Road to Jesus is a terrific resource for any parent, youth minister, or educator looking to help young people grow closer to Christ. -- Lisa M. Hendey, author of The Handbook for Catholic Moms and founder of CatholicMom.com God Moments: Stories That Inspire, Moments to Remember SOA Awarded 7/28/10 Author: Michele Elena Bondi Publisher: Joseph Karl Publishing Release date: September, 2010 ISBN: 978-1-935356-09-7 God moments are very significant experiences that have great meaning for us and for other people. Such events may include people, animals, angels, saints, circumstances, or anything in God's creation, and always involve an encounter with the Divine. Perhaps they are meant to challenge or change us, encourage and inspire us, motivate, comfort, or prepare us. Sometimes they occur over time for reasons that we do not immediately understand. We can be confident that God always loves us, remains with us, and is our strength and our hope. Our mission is to know God and serve Him, always loving in greater measure. May the stories in “God Moments” help you to recognize these special moments in your own life and encourage you to consider their purpose. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:46:19 GMT http://catholicwritersguild.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=74 The Catholic Writers' Conference--LIVE is here! Many of us are heading to King of Prussia, PA to meet each other and Catholic publishers and editors, learn from the best in the Catholic publishing field and have a fabulous time! Did you want to attend but didn't get a chance to register online? No worries! We're taking registration at the door. All are welcome! Incidentally, if there's a delay in replies to any requests of officers (like membership requests), that's why. We'll get to it as soon as we can! Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:25:22 GMT http://catholicwritersguild.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=73 To register - click here! Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:34:51 GMT http://catholicwritersguild.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=72 Catholic Writers of Long Island, which is poised to become the first local chapter of the Catholic Writers’ Guild, will hold a full-day conference at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, 440 West Neck Road, Huntington, New York, on Saturday, June 19th, 2010 from 9:30-4:30pm, entitled, “The Word Made Flesh: A Day of Encouragement and Enrichment for Catholic Writers.” The event’s keynote speaker, Rick Hinshaw, editor of the Long Island Catholic, will receive the Catholic Writers’ Guild’s “Lily” award for Meritorious Achievement in Catholic Arts and Letters. Other speakers include: award-winning author and publisher, Josephine Nobisso; author and composer, Alexander J. Basile; retreat leader and host of “Among Women” podcast, Pat Gohn; and author and seminary rector, Msgr. Peter Vaccari. Msgr. Charles Fink, Director of Spiritual Formation for the seminary, will be the homilist. While this is not a CWG function, CWG is one of the event's sponsors and we pray for the conference to be a great success, and encourage those in the area to attend. Resister at Mater Magesteria Magazine. Mon, 24 May 2010 01:29:01 GMT http://catholicwritersguild.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=71 Here's the news straight from Woody: The Miracle of St. Genevieve has emerged into print. Like One Dream: The NFL and Cajun Mariners, The Miracle is a true story. But this time the subject is not football or oil but faith. Some people have asked me, “You went from writing about those crazy oilfield boat guys to religion? What’s gotten into you?” Others have wondered aloud, “What exactly is the ‘miracle?’” Only the book answers those questions. You can pick up a copy (hardcover, $27.95) at tomorrow’s release party (Sat., 5/15/10) at 5 pm at the St. Genevieve Family Center, 815 Barbier Avenue, Thibodaux. If you can’t make the party, please consider purchasing the book from your local independent merchant (a list of participating bayou independents is below). You can also order online at http://www.woodyfalgoux.com/. The book is listed on Amazon, but the web giant has not yet received its stock-up shipment. For the record, I am donating 100% of my profits from this book to St. Genevieve to support its church and school and to feed its local and international ministries. The parish not only contributes to the region’s poor but also funds a twice-annual mission to Mexico and gives to relief organizations that provide necessities to the impoverished across the world. By buying this book, your dollars will simultaneously touch the needy on several different continents. Also, the people in this book will hopefully engage and inspire you as they did me. Thanks and Godspeed, Woody Fri, 14 May 2010 18:12:56 GMT http://catholicwritersguild.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=70 Consider taking part in the Catholic Writers Guild Sunday Night Chat on Sunday, May 16, for a conversation with our Special Guest, Catholic novelist and poet Andrew Jantz. Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Jantz resides in a suburb of Boston. He is married and has two teen-aged sons. He was educated at The Catholic University of America, Harvard University, and the Northwestern California University School of Law, and served as a journalist and petty officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. The author is a past recipient of the prize for Best Translation from the New England Poetry Club, and he has published three collections of poetry. The Lives and Deaths of Matthew St. Clare is his first novel, in which Jantz explores issues of faith, doubt, and mental illness. The Chat will be conducted at the CWG Chat Room May 16, 9-11 pm Eastern. Visitors can click the link above or the chat link to the left, enter a username of their choice, click ‘connect’ and that’s it. No password needed. You do not need to be a member of the Guild to participate in the chat. We hope to ‘see’ you there for a lively and encouraging discussion about writing, publishing, and bringing our Faith to bear on our work. Tue, 11 May 2010 01:00:52 GMT http://catholicwritersguild.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=69 In conjunction with the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show. •Register for the 2010 conference. •Buy audios from the 2009 conference •See Photo Gallery. Come and pray, play and learn with Catholic publishers, editors, authors, and marketing experts. We hope to see you this summer! Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:44:08 GMT http://catholicwritersguild.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=68 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 01:42:41 GMT http://catholicwritersguild.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=67 In order to get published, writers need several things: knowledge, support and opportunity. The Catholic Writers Conference Online seeks to give writers all of those--for free! Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the third annual Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010. 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. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:43:08 GMT http://catholicwritersguild.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=66 Dr. Ralph McInerny, Professor at Notre Dame and noted Catholic author (creator of the Father Dowling mysteries among other wonderful works) has passed away. He is a model Catholic author for all of us. May he forever rest in peace. For more, read First Things Blog. Make sure to read the story of his life as a writer here. A tale of a true writer of faith. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:04:25 GMT