From the President’s Desk – May, 2013

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As I write this, the rain is softly falling, the birds are chirping and I’m frantically trying to meet four deadlines. Such is the life of a writer.

Have you ever heard of the saying “Many hands make light work?” If you have a large family or grew up in one, you know how important it is for every member to help out. In this way, the Catholic Writers Guild is much like a large family. Each member is encouraged to do his part, even if it’s only a small part.

Image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach

The Catholic Writers Guild has over 300 members and perhaps only 25 active volunteers, many of whom volunteer for several jobs and activities within the guild. (Special thanks to our volunteers!) Some of these jobs entail only ten minutes a week; others are more time-intensive. Prayerfully consider stepping up to the plate and helping out with the Guild.

If you would like to volunteer, please email me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com.

And…don’t forget…the Catholic Writers Conference (August 7-9) is fast approaching. If you are planning to come and have not yet registered, please do so as soon as possible. If you’re not able to attend, you can still ask for your SOA-approved book to be displayed.

Catholic Writers Conference Registration

Until next month…

Blessings,

Ellen Gable Hrkach
President

Unique Marketing Opportunity – The CWG Booth

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Every year at the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show, the Catholic Writers Guild organizes a booth which displays members’ books. Wholesalers, bookstore owners and other attendees can see, page through and even read excerpts of displayed books. This is a well-attended event so it presents a unique opportunity for CWG members.

It’s time again to gather books for the booth. You don’t need to attend the conference or trade show to have your book displayed. As you can see from the photo, it’s an extensive booth (usually taking up three to four booth spaces).

This year’s trade show (and simultaneous Catholic Writers Conference) is August 7-9, 2013 in Somerset, New Jersey. To take advantage of this great marketing opportunity, your book must be pre-approved!

We are representing the Guild and its mission, so books must be approved to ensure they conform to Catholic principles. The books do not need to be exclusively Catholic, but they do need to be free of any philosophies or elements that are contrary to Catholic beliefs. We also look for a minimum standard of quality of writing. Because we have so many members and because we anticipate a high number of requests, we have a few rules. Please read them carefully, as we will not be making exceptions:

1. If your book has been approved for the booth in 2011 or 2012, it is still approved for this year. (We probably still have the copy you sent us, plus any ordering information.)
2. If your book has been rejected in the past, it will not be considered again unless there have been significant rewrites.
3. If your book has the Seal of Approval or an Imprimatur, it is automatically approved for the booth.
4. If your book has not been approved, you can either submit it to the SOA committee (link above) or submit it for screening by July 1, 2013.
5. Books scheduled to be published after July 1st can be submitted digitally before this date (if approved, a hard copy must be made available for display).

If you are able to attend the conference, there are additional opportunities to take part in author signings and readings at the booth.

For more information, please contact me – (Ellen Gable Hrkach, President and Booth Coordinator) at ellengablehrkach(at)gmail.com.

From the President’s Desk

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Habemus Papam! It has been an exciting few weeks with emotions ranging from sadness at Pope (Emeritus) Benedict retiring to the joyous election of Pope Francis. At his Sunday audience after the Angelus on March 17th, he ended his speech with “Don’t forget…remember this…the Lord will never tire of forgiving us, it is us who tire of asking for forgiveness.” Beautiful comments to remember as we prepare to enter the solemn time of Holy Week, the Triduum and the Easter season.

This beautiful video clip of Pope Francis (telling the story of how he chose Francis) shows his humility, holiness and humor:

The date of spring has come and gone, although up here in Canada, snow and frigid temperatures have been constant reminders that spring has not yet arrived. I have seen the occasional courageous robin so I know warmer temperatures are coming soon.

In CWG news, plans are under way to organize the Catholic Writers Conference Live to be held in conjunction with the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show August 7-9, 2013 in Somerset, New Jersey. Once again, I will be coordinating the CWG Booth. Ann Lewis, CWG Treasurer, will be Conference Coordinator. It’s still five months away, but I hope you will consider attending.

More information on our Catholic Writers Retreat, to be held in October, will be forthcoming.

On behalf of the Catholic Writers Guild Board, I wish every CWG member a Blessed Holy Week and Easter Season.

As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to email me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com

Blessings,

Ellen Gable Hrkach
President, CWG

President’s Message – January 25

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photo copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach

Here in Canada, the longest month of the year is January, not only because it has 31 days, but because it’s usually snowy, cold and dreary for most of the month. It hasn’t exactly been dreary, but it has definitely been snowy. To date, we’ve had 83 cms of snow (just under three feet) with no indication that it will slow down.

Strangely, enough – and I’m not sure this is the case for other writers – January is usually my most “fertile” writing month. Ideas come so fast I don’t have enough time to write them all down. Not sure why, but it’s been that way for the past ten years.

On a sad note, we have had to cancel the Catholic Writers Conference Online this year. CWG has been holding an online conference for the past six years. I’ve attended and presented at most of these and have enjoyed them immensely. Karina Fabian, the past coordinator, writes about it here.

We are still holding the Catholic Writers Conference Live in Somerset, New Jersey (August 7-9), as well as our Catholic Writers’ Retreat in October. We’ll be sharing more details about both of those upcoming events in future blog posts and newsletters.

And, for those of you who have difficulties with the Catholic Writers Conference website, a newly revamped, newly designed, more easy to manage website is coming.

I will keep all of you in prayer and hope you will do the same for me.

Blessings,

Ellen Gable Hrkach
President, Catholic Writers Guild

2013 Catholic Writers Conference Online CANCELED

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2012 proved to be a difficult year for many of us, and we’re sorry to have to begin 2013 on such a sad note.  Circumstances beyond our control have caused us to cancel the Catholic Writers Conference Online, which was scheduled for March 4-15.  It was a combination of several factors, and not a decision reached lightly.  We had high hopes for this conference and some wonderful workshops planned, but alas, it was not meant to be.

We’d like to thank the generous people who volunteered to present and moderate at CWCO in March; it is through no fault of yours that the conference faltered this year.

In the meantime, we are still going ahead with the writers’ retreat October 13-17, 2013, at St. Francis Retreat Center, Dewitt MI.  The speakers will be Michelle Buckman, Al Kresta, Father Matthias Thelen, David Krajewski.  We are not sure of the fee yet, but will keep you informed.

In addition, we are also holding the Catholic Writers’ Conference Live on August 7-9, 2013 – Garden State Exhibition Center, Somerset, NJ.  We are in need of presenters, and thanks to a generous contribution, are able to pay small stipends to speakers this year.  Please contact Ann Lewis at treasurer(at)catholicwritersguild.com if interested.  We will also need volunteers, and as always, will provide hotel rooms and free admission.

Networking and the CWCL

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As a Catholic writer, do you sometimes feel out of touch with other Catholic writers? Do you feel out of place at your secular writers’ group?

Years ago, when I first began writing fiction, I joined a local secular writers group. However, I soon felt like a fish out of water. No one in the group was even Christian, let alone Catholic. They were nice, but I didn’t feel a connection. When I joined the Catholic Writers Guild at the suggestion of my friend, Lisa, I soon realized that it was the best thing I ever did, not only to become a better writer, but to become a better Catholic.

Jerry Webster, his wife, Anne, and volunteer coordinator, Margaret Realy, at the CWG Registration Desk, photo Jerry Webster

One of the most valuable ways to network with fellow Catholic writers is to attend the annual CWCL conference. A few weeks ago, at the Catholic Writers Conference Live/Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show/Catholic New Media Conference in Arlington, Texas, attendees had the incredible opportunity to meet many like-minded Catholics and Catholic writers in particular. Jennifer Fitz shared some of the events from the conference a few weeks ago when she was blogging live.

Talking with Patti Armstrong after my Marketing talk. Photo courtesy Jerry Webster

For me, it was an overwhelming and enjoyable experience, although it was also exhausting as I’m sure Ann Lewis, (President and organizer of the Conference) as well as Margaret Realy (Volunteer Coordinator) would agree. There were opportunities for book signings at the booth. Some CWG members had a unique opportunity to be interviewed by Doug Keck from EWTN’s Bookmark. At the Conference breakfast on Thursday morning, Doug was given an honorary CALA award for his support of Catholic writers.

CWG President Ann Lewis signing copies of her book – photo courtesy Jerry Webster


New friendships were made and long-time friendships were solidified. Volunteers came forward to help out. Ann, Margaret and I are extremely grateful for their assistance.

The hustle and bustle of the CWG Booth – photo courtesy Jerry Webster

On Thursday morning, authors seeking publication had the opportunity to pitch their book ideas to several publishers.

CWCL participants listened to great talks by Fr. Andrew Apostoli, Teresa Tomeo and Gail Coniglio, Sarah Reinhard, Michael Russell, Patti Armstrong, Ann Lewis, myself and several others.

At the sponsored meals, we heard talks from Fr. Michael Gaitley, singer Collin Raye and Dr. John Bergsma. There were also presentations by Immaculee and Jeff Cavins. Author book signings for well-known authors as well as not-so-well known authors happened hourly during the Trade Show. Many of us attended the screening of the new St. Augustine movie, Restless Heart.

If you’re looking to network with other Catholic writers, there’s no better way than to attend our annual conference. Needless to say, I had a great time and I highly recommend attending next year!

Copyright 2012 Ellen Gable Hrkach

Ms. Manners Goes to Conference! Conference Etiquette for a Better Experience

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Headed for Catholic Writers Conference? Are you excited? You should be! What an opportunity to rub shoulders with industry professionals, to put faces and personalities to folks you’ve met online, to renew friendships, and to network. This is a once in a lifetime experience; make the most of it. There will never be another gathering of exactly the same people at this point in their faith and writing journeys. Truly you are in Arlington, Texas, because God has called you to be there!

Each of you has a specific reason for attending, a goal you hope to accomplish. If this is your first conference experience, the coming days are likely to be a roller coaster of euphoria juxtaposed with self doubt. Be assured that you are not the only one grappling with these feelings. I hope this knowledge translates into a greater sense of ease in a new and sometimes intimidating environment. Here are some words of advice (of wisdom, too, hopefully!) for both newbies and veterans, for authors, for agents, and for editors, geared toward making this conference the best it can be for everyone:

1)      Everyone’s goals are the same, ultimately. Editors want to find the next diamond of a manuscript to publish. Agents want to discover the next author whose career they can guide to new heights. Authors want to find a publisher and/or agent to promote their awesome work. And in this particular setting, all of these people want to serve God with their talents and gifts in the way that pleases Him the most.

When viewed through that prism, competition loses the edge of greed and rejection loses its sting. We’re all on the same side, and God’s looking out for the good of each person’s life and career. This doesn’t mean you should fail to promote your product, just that there is no need for fear.  Which brings us to the next point.

2)     Be confident. You have something no one else does: your voice, and your work. These are gifts that God has given you, gifts that you have honed with hard work and prayer. No one can duplicate your contribution. Take heart in that fact, and know that your work will find its home. Maybe through this conference; maybe not – which leads to…

3)      Don’t take rejection personally. Sometimes it just isn’t a good fit for the publisher or agent. Imagine a library with thousands of books. You have three days to find the best two. You will have to create a system to sort and discard the ones that aren’t suitable for your purpose. Do you see that many wonderful, deserving books will be overlooked? This does not reflect on the worthiness of each one, the same way it does not reflect on your particular project. And in today’s climate, many options are available. So…

4)      Be open. There are many possibilities that we may not recognize in our limited, human view. Be open to new ideas, new directions, new options. You may discover a brand new path, or even a calling! You may discover it through…

5)      Networking. This is the whole purpose of a conference. Meet people! Ask them what they write, who they want to represent, what they want to publish. Have a brief answer for these questions, too, so you can give a nutshell sense of your project when it comes up. (I write ___, and my current project is about ___.)

This is a remarkably small community, and the contacts you make in the next few days will serve you for your entire career. Do not discount the importance of these interactions. They are crucial for your success. But remember…

6)      Be nice. This should go without saying, especially in this setting, but we are human and sometimes we need to be reminded. Keep your comments positive; you never know who might overhear or repeat something you said in a frustrated or disappointed moment. Again, this is a remarkably small community even though it may not seem that way.

Also, restrict your interactions to appropriate venues. Don’t try to pitch to an agent or publisher in the restroom, or shove your manuscript under the door of the stall. I have witnessed the first and have heard of the second, so these are not as far-fetched as they seem. Be considerate of folks. If the target of your interest has a headache or gets a pained look on their face when you approach, be brief. Introduce yourself and say you’d like to send them a query if that is acceptable; believe me, they will remember and appreciate your kindness. And that goes a long way. Which leads to the last point…

7)      Be yourself. This may call for leaving your comfort zone, though. If you tend to be shy (many writers are!) push yourself to be more sociable. It’s not hard; smile and ask people around you about themselves. You’ll be glad you did. If you are an extrovert, recognize your tendency to overshadow the more timid among us and let them shine, too.

I hope each one of you has a wonderful experience at the Catholic Writers Conference! And… Oops! I forgot the most important words of advice! HAVE FUN!

 

 

 

 

 

Why Attend the Live Conference?

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Is it worth attending the live conference?   Daria Sockey shares her experience:*

At last years’ Catholic Writers Conference, I made a book pitch to Servant Publications acquisitions editor Claudia Volkman. She thought the idea had merit and encouraged me to submit a full proposal, which I did about a month later. It was a long wait. Getting impatient, I sent a (nice) “nag” email to Claudia in January. She reassured me that my book was still under consideration. It was quite an education to learn about the mysterious “marketing team” and the lengthy process required to vet a proposal. To make a long story short, I signed a contract in early June.  The Everyday Catholic’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours will appear in Spring 2013!

I am so very grateful to CWG, because without the pitch sessions I don’t think I’d have a book contract today. The idea of writing a full proposal and sending it to a faceless publisher would have been too intimidating. And running a close second to my timidity was my laziness: who wants to do all the work of writing a proposal without having at least a hint that it might not be all for nothing?  Receiving some friendly encouragement from a real human being who worked for a publisher made all the difference in the world, enabling me to take the next step and write the actual proposal.

I’m not sure whether I can manage to go to Arlington this year. After all, I have a manuscript deadline coming up. (How delicious to say that!) But I want to encourage everyone who has an idea, an outline, or half a chapter of a possible book to sign up for those pitch sessions. It’s true that a positive response to your pitch is not a promise of publication.  But hearing an editor say, “yes, we would  be interested in your proposal” makes all the difference in the world. I can’t recommend the CWG pitch sessions enough.

*  Reprinted with permission.  Daria’s articles on Catholic life have appeared in many publications. She authored several of the original Ignatius Press Faith and Life catechisms, and was a Senior Writer for Faith and Family Magazine until it ceased publication this year. She now writes for Catholic Digest.  Her upcoming book will introduce Catholic laity to the “prayer of the whole people of God”, aka the Liturgy of the Hours. She blogs about the same topic at Coffee&Canticles  and also at Catholic Exchange She’s a mother of seven and a grandmother of one.

The Value of Live Conferences and Long-Lasting Friendships

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“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” St. Thomas Aquinas

When I self-published my first novel seven years ago, I joined a local secular writers’ group but never quite felt a connection. It was only through the Catholic Writers Online (Yahoo group) that I discovered a new group called the Catholic Writers Guild in 2007. Initially, being a member consisted of receiving a newsletter and participating in Sunday chats. This grew to an online conference, then an opportunity to attend the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show in 2008.

2008 Trade Show, CWG Booth, talking to attendees: L to R, me, Lisa Mladinich, Karina Fabian

At the time, there was no accompanying conference, just interaction with fellow CWG members and Trade Show attendees at the CWG booth. In the beginning, I was nervous at the prospect of meeting such diverse and accomplished writers. However, I soon learned there was no reason to be nervous; they welcomed me with open arms and treated me as one of their own.

The next year, 2009, was the first year for the Catholic Writers Conference which was held in conjunction with the 2009 Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show in New Jersey. I learned a lot, met more talented Catholic writers and made more friendships. There were opportunities for book signings (photo below), as well as great talks by Regina Doman and Fr. Frank Pavone.

With Karina during our book signing. 2009 Trade Show/Conference

For me, the highlight of the 2010 Catholic Writers Conference Live was acting as moderator for the Catholic Fiction panel (third photo below).

moderating the 2010 Catholic fiction panel

On the panel were L to R, Michelle Buckman (the 2011 CALA award-winning author of Rachel’s Contrition,) Regina Doman (author of the Fairy Tale Novels and the 2011 CALA award winner, Alex O’Donnell and the 40 Cyber Thieves), Elena Maria Vidal (author of Trianon and other historical novels), Christian M. Frank/John Doman (author of JP II High books) and John Desjarlais (author of Bleeder and Viper). That was probably the most fun I’ve had in years. I looked a little dwarfed behind the podium, but I’m sure my loud voice overcompensated for what I lack in the height department.

In 2011, CWG president (Ann Lewis) and vice president (me) had an opportunity to show off our IPPY Gold medals (photo below).

CWG president Ann Lewis and I showing off our gold medals at the 2011 CWG Booth

There were talks on blogging, Catholic fiction and marketing. My talk on “Marketing the Self-Published Book” was so well-received that I’ll be giving it again this year at the 2012 conference.

The Catholic Writers Conference is a great place to learn about writing, marketing and our faith. But when it comes right down to it, the best thing about the Catholic Writers Guild and the live conferences are the friendships. I have made long-lasting and deep friendships based on mutual faith, charity and respect. When I ask for a review of my latest book, my friends in the CWG are there. When I ask for prayers, they respond with great charity.

Whether you’re a self-published author or a traditionally published author…whether you write for a living or as a hobby…whether you write non-fiction or fiction…the Catholic Writers Conference Live is an outstanding opportunity to learn, to network and to gain deep friendships.

This year, the Catholic Writers Conference Live will be held on August 29-31 in Arlington, Texas. I’ll be running the CWG booth, giving two talks (one on Marketing the Self-Published Book and one on Fiction and the New Evangelization). Most importantly, I’ll be reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

I hope to see you there!

Text and Photos Copyright 2012 Ellen Gable Hrkach

Because this could be YOU

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In lieu of a serious post about blogging, I’m going to put this forth as a reason to come to the Catholic Writers Conference Live:

YOU could be the one in these pictures!

Pat Gohn and me, who always makes me smile

Ellen Gable Hrkach with me, who has an enthusiasm that’s ten feet tall

The incredible and amazing Lisa Hendey, pausing for a picture from her #1 fangirl

These are all pretty big names in Catholic writing, but they didn’t blink an eye when I asked them to mug it up with me. They were, in fact, that way with everyone. Everyone there at the conference was. Didn’t matter if they were a bestselling author or a lady with a cute baby (my secret is now exposed).

You’ll come home with far more than just some cool pictures, but it sure is fun to look back at the pictures, don’t you agree?

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