Author Arlene Hebert

by Pat Fox

Wednesday, August 1st, 1:30 pm at Our Lady Quees of Heaven Family Life Center, Rm. 3. Join us and be blessed through the testimony of Arlene Hebert. This is a FREE gathering.

Author Arlene Hebert was a nurse when God told her to write a series of children's book about guardian Angels. AND she was told to donate (forever) all the profits from the first book to St. Jude Hospital. The current total is over $44,000.

The books reveal a loving and smiling God, a God with a sense of humor, and a God that teaches the young guardian angels about consequences to their actions. The books encourage children (and grandchildren) to search the Scripture for stories or morals used throughout the books. She calls it a "treasure hunt" activity.

Arlene and her husband live in Lafayette. http://www.angeltaleadventures.com/

Looking forward to visiting with you there!

A Long Night’s Sing & other stories

by Jan Rider Newman

For years I turned up my nose at the idea of self-publishing before condescending to consider it as I watched self-publishing lose its vanity press stigma. It isn't only for people who want to leave a memento for their family and friends. It doesn't necessarily mean you can't get a reputable publishing house for your novel or memoir or poems. Writers now turn by choice to eBooks and books printed on demand. Turns out most readers don't care how your book is published. Ask the average reader who isn't also a writer.

So I decided I’d do it one day when I had something worth publishing. Then I realized I did have something worth publishing, several short stories that had appeared in nationally distributed journals and anthologies. A Long Night's Sing & other stories was born.

As you know, whether you’ve self-published or not, the difference between decision and deed can be an abyss. When you’ve never done something, there’s a tendency to think you can’t. There were times during this process when I felt the sides of the abyss closing in, the ground receding further and further under my feet. I had to believe if x-million other writers had done it before me, by jiminy, I could too.

Check back soon for her tutorial on self-publishing.

Dates to Remember

Members-Only Contest - Due August 4th. Details here.

Gator Bites - For members only. Due August 31st. Details here.

Scholarship Application - Due October 6th. Details here.

Early Bird Conference Registration - Pay by October 12th and the cost is only $30.

Volunteers - Sign up by November 1 to help at the conference. A list of positions and duties can be found here.

Conference Registration - Pay between October 13th and November 9th and the cost is $40.

On the Wall Contest - Due by November 10. Details here.

Bridge to Publication Conference - Pay at the door will cost $50.

* For more information about the BWG annual conference click here and check back frequently for updates. We have new and exciting news coming soon!

Volunteer Positions for the BWG 2012 Writing Conference

We are now accepting volunteers for the 2012 BWG "A Bridge to Publication" Writing Conference. Positions available are as follows:

1. Decorate - We need six individuals willing to help fix entries to the wall for the "On the Wall" contest, set up the door prize table and meet the speakers for supper. This will take place on Friday, November 9th.

2. Refreshments - We need five or six members to help here. These individuals will coordinate to buy supplies for the conference. All purchases will be reimbursed. We need ice, tea (both sweet and unsweet), breakfasttrays (fruit, muffins etc.), plastic/paper cups, plastic plates, napkins, utensils, snacks (fruit, chips, etc.), juice, coffee/supplies, water, soda, serving utensils such as tongs or large spoons.

3. Goody Bags - We need volunteers to help stuff the goody bags for the conference. Local merchants will provide brochures, coupons, freebies of their own, and we will provide notebook paper, pens, pencils, highlighters, stickies etc. All of these items need to be put into bags to hand out at the registration tables.

4. Bookstore - We need about ten individuals willing to sign up for two to three hour rotations in the bookstore. The first group will be set up by 7:30 am and the last group will leave about 5:30 pm.  One side of the bookroom will be set up and run by Barnes & Nobles and the other side will be run by us. We are open to selling books for members, paid attendeees and the speakers.

5. Registration Tables - We need at least four people to help with these two tables. Two members will sit at one table and check off preregistered attendants as they arrive. Two other members will work the registration table for attendants paying at the door.

6. Kitchen - We need five to ten people willing to sign up for two to three hour shifts in the kitchen. You can still listen to and see the conference while working here. These volunteers will keep warm coffee brewed and make sure there are plenty of napkins, plates, drinks etc. set out for attendees.

7. Room Monitor - Stand in the back of the room and hold up a time sign to let the speaker know how much time they have left. There will be a 5 min. sign, a 1 min. sign, and a Time Up sign. This need to be done for about six speakers.

8. Clean Up - We need five or six individuals who can stay after the conference to be sure all trash is thrown away and tables are clear.

If you would like to volunteer for any of these positions, or if you have questions, please leave a comment below. You may also email Sylvia Ney at writinginwonderland@gmail.com . Be sure to put "BWG Volunteer" in the subject heading.

Children's Day at the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

photos courtesy of Marsha Kushner