tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373608362012-02-01T16:33:32.344-08:00This blog of the Florida Writers Association supports the Ponte Vedra Writers Group and the other groups in the NE Florida region. Go to www.floridawriters.net for more information about FWA. We're located in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (between Jacksonville and St. Augustine)and meet on the fourth Saturday of the month at 10:30 AM at the Ponte Vedra Library. Check here for the latest news.Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-69056356606337045042012-02-01T11:48:00.000-08:002012-02-01T16:33:32.362-08:00

With a tip of the hat to the late, great Etta James, I say "At Last" the corrosive political ads have stopped, at least until the general election. I also say at last we can concentrate on our writing and make February the most productive month possible. Get a good jump on reaching your goals by attending one or more of these FWA meetings. River City Writers meet on the second Tuesday of the

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-64899643949893756442012-01-04T09:33:00.000-08:002012-01-04T09:33:26.738-08:00

The apocalyptics are at it again. 2012, they say, is the year we say so long, world. This according to vague prognostications by Nostradamus and twisted interpretations of the Maya Calendar. For writers, we can use it as a story line for a thriller novel or motivation to finally get that book published before it's too late. I prefer to take the long view and ignore the doomsayers, looking

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-88345955063891579292011-12-08T07:20:00.000-08:002011-12-08T12:50:42.532-08:00

Writers write and FWA meets (mostly) despite the craziness of the holiday season. So let's get right to it. On Tuesday, December 13, the River City Writers welcomes author Jessie Harrell providing tips on book promotion. Jessie's debut novel, Destined, launched last month and she will discuss her marketing strategies. They meet at 7PM at the SE Branch Library. Contact Gregg Golson for more

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-40147673593168925352011-11-04T13:38:00.000-07:002011-11-07T11:18:21.146-08:00

Not only is November National Novel Writing Month, it's a great time to get reconnected with that voice in your head that keeps telling you to sit down and write. Perhaps you thought you were suffering from multiple personality disorder, when it was only your conscience reminding you it had been too many days since you wrote a page. If you need some motivation, come to one of these six FWA

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-19956016312054814882011-10-06T15:46:00.000-07:002011-10-06T15:49:37.010-07:00

October means more than shopping for Halloween candy or getting ready for the annual Florida-Georgia beat down. It's a time when writers throughout the state gather for one of the best writers conferences of the year, the FWA Writers Conference. And this year marks the 10th anniversary of FWA, so you know the conference will be extra special. It's not too late to join your fellow writers in Lake

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-80361039386400705662011-09-02T13:18:00.000-07:002011-09-02T13:39:39.914-07:00

You've heard it for the last month. The break is over. Time to get back to some football. If you've taken the summer off, put your writing goals on hold while you traveled, visited family, or just enjoyed the sultry weather, look at September as a whole new ballgame. Revisit your goals. Set new ones. Will you complete the first draft by year end? Will you publish by January? That's my goal for

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-56639575918873828952011-08-08T12:28:00.000-07:002011-08-08T17:36:26.271-07:00

Summer will be gone before we know it, but August still offers a heat wave of opportunities for writers. Let's starts with this month's meetings of FWA groups in our area: River City Writers meets tomorrow, Tuesday, August 9 at 7PM at the SE Branch Library off Gate Parkway. Nancy Murray will talk about how to create your own book trailer. Nancy recently won the International Book Awards in

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-90759168126362123712011-07-06T08:06:00.000-07:002011-07-06T14:48:32.033-07:00

One sure way to beat the heat is to stay indoors and write. Speaking for myself, it's easy to let life get in the way of writing. Errands have to be run, the lawn needs to be mowed, the plumber called for a leak in the ceiling (yep, just did that), and somehow the day gets away from us. If you attended last month's Ponte Vedra Writers group meeting you heard Sandra McDonald's 7-7-7 workshop in

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-13583337272576633672011-06-01T06:43:00.000-07:002011-06-01T09:11:17.901-07:00

Thinking about heading to the mountains to cool off? Before you do, check out all the meetings and happenings for NE Florida writers.River City Writers meets on Tuesday, June 14 at the SE Branch Library, Gate Parkway and Deerwood Park Blvd., at 7PM. Contact group leader Gregg Golson, gtgolson@comcast.net, for details.Publishing coach Rik Feeney talks about "How to Get Published in 60 Days," and

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-75036891274677724242011-05-06T11:41:00.001-07:002011-05-07T16:29:48.392-07:00

My amaryllis bloomed briefly and passed on, but the daylilies are now pointing their bright yellow faces sunwards each morning. All this floral activity (not to mention the weeds in my lawn) convince me that summer is rapidly approaching. May brings with it a blossoming of activity for writers. And it starts with these FWA meetings:River City Writers meets Tuesday, May 10 at 7PM at the SE

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-76709497400806537862011-04-04T15:17:00.000-07:002011-04-07T06:47:58.402-07:00

An April shower or two won't stop the outstanding line-up of FWA meetings scheduled for this month. Or the other events for area writers. Check these out:First Coast Christian Writers (an affiliate of FWA) meets each Thursday at 6:45PM at the Webb-Wesconnett Library at 103rd Street and Blanding Blvd.. This Thursday, April 7, Lucille Ponte, Professor of Law at Florida Coastal School of Law,

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-31034232289395592122011-03-02T08:55:00.000-08:002011-03-03T03:49:04.857-08:00

The world of publishing is changing swiftly from a tree-based, ink platform to a digital one. More and more eReaders are joining the world of Kindles, Nooks, and iPads, with more and more authors becoming independent publishers. While formats and platforms evolve, one constant is the quality of the writing. In order to succeed, the author still needs to tell a good story with compelling

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-25601294972326593212011-02-03T08:53:00.000-08:002011-02-03T13:04:15.787-08:00

As a world champion procrastinator, I had to keep reminding myself that writers are people who write, not people who like to think of themselves as writers. When I first began writing, I actually made myself a sign reading, Writers Are People Who Write, and taped it above my desk to remind me to keep writing. Attending writer's meetings is a good way to stay engaged and motivated, which is why

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-54059218435207250322011-01-05T11:57:00.000-08:002011-01-06T09:19:06.027-08:00

What are your writing New Year's Resolutions? To finish your book? To write more, procrastinate less? To get better at your craft? Whatever they are, staying involved with other writers and attending more FWA meetings can help you stay on course to achieve your goals. FWA brings together writers seeking common goals and motivates them with monthly chapter meetings offering speakers who will help

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-17480767597141742322010-12-09T07:38:00.000-08:002010-12-09T13:26:22.974-08:00

Even though December is crammed with social activities, holiday shopping and family visits, there are still FWA meetings planned and upcoming events for writers. Let's take a quick look at some of them.FWA MEETINGS IN DECEMBER:As usual, the First Coast Christian Writers meet each Thursday at 6:45 p.m. at Christ's Church on Greenland Road. Contact Tracy Redman at tls172@yahoo.com for details.River

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-83457314960203446582010-11-02T08:59:00.000-07:002010-11-03T12:56:17.812-07:00

The writers of NE Florida showed why we lead the state in so many ways at the Royal Palm Literary Awards banquet last month. We came home with a total of 21 awards, including the Book of the Year/Unpublished. If you missed the FWA Conference, you missed a good one. A total of 420 writers from several states registered for the workshops, at least 100 more than last year, and/or the banquet during

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-56148376958384882802010-10-06T07:35:00.000-07:002010-10-06T12:15:33.167-07:00

Time is growing short to register for the 7th Annual Florida Writers Conference — October 22 - 24 at the Orlando Marriott - Lake Mary. Aside from the many workshops, pitch sessions and the RPLA Banquet, don't forget about the Foundation Fundraiser Day with five excellent full-day workshops to choose from, including my Novel In A Day workshop. There's still time to register for both the

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-20172183247383395742010-09-04T03:00:00.000-07:002010-09-04T10:11:22.732-07:00

Most of us have plans for this Labor Day weekend. And most of us will head for the beach or the mountains. Wish I was joining you, but we're having company and I'll spend today cleaning house and getting the yard in order. Consequently, this post will necessarily be brief. Just the essentials. FWA Chapter Meetings for SeptemberFirst Coast Christian Writers, an affiliate of FWA, meets each

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-30268899497282503452010-08-11T06:44:00.000-07:002010-08-12T14:12:09.853-07:00

You may have missed the UNF Writers Conference last weekend, but there's still time to register for the 9th Annual Florida Writers Conference, October 22 - 24 in Lake Mary, FL. But hurry, the registration fee increases on September 22nd. It's one of the biggest and best conferences anywhere, filled with targeted workshops designed to make you a better writer, motivate you and help you get

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-75805552393103835182010-07-07T06:49:00.000-07:002010-07-08T07:23:30.609-07:00

Tempted to find a cool place, a cool drink, and relax with a good book? Not a bad idea during these summer days, but look what you'd be missing. FWA meetings continue unabated during the summer. The UNF Writers Conference is right around the corner. As is the Florida Heritage Book Festival, and the 9th Annual FWA Conference. And we all have some writing to do, don't we?Still, there's always time

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-60018934517544232142010-06-04T13:45:00.000-07:002010-06-06T11:14:08.072-07:00

The deal I made with my wife is that I'll mow the lawn each week after I've written at least twenty pages. My goal is five pages a day, so I should be able to cut it every four days, but if I wait much longer, the neighbors will hold a candlelight vigil thinking I've passed away. Some weeks are like that. Old Mr. Procrastination struts in and pulls me away to check my email or read the blogs of

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-17521375903908586212010-04-30T07:19:00.000-07:002010-04-30T09:51:13.171-07:00

Before we settle into the summer doldrums, let's give thanks for air conditioning and word processing. With six active FWA chapters in NE Florida, we have ample opportunity to stay connected, inspired and on track to become better writers. Check out these FWA meetings this month:First Coast Christian Writers meet weekly on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. in room 513 of Christ's Church on Greenland Road.

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-6414286513474350082010-04-07T09:48:00.000-07:002010-04-09T03:58:22.501-07:00

Spring has finally sprung. Now it's time to regenerate our creative spirits, and grow as writers. You can start by selecting one of the six FWA meetings planned for this month.First Coast Christian Writers, an affiliate of FWA, meets each Thursday at 6:45 p.m. in Room 513 of Christ's Church at 6035 Greenland Road. Contact Tracy Redman at tlsl72@yahoo.comRiver City Writers meets the second Tuesday

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-82805801765145485802010-03-04T12:02:00.000-08:002010-03-05T11:31:28.218-08:00

Take your pick of a half-dozen FWA chapter meetings this month, plus many more for writers of all persuasions.Here in NE Florida you have your choice of the following:First Coast Christian Writers meets each Thursday at 6:45 p.m. in room 513 of Christ's Church at 6035 Greenland Road. Affiliated with FWA, FCCW is open to all writers. Contact Tracy Redman at tlsl72@yahoo.com.River City Writers

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-44563780082212432802010-02-04T12:55:00.000-08:002010-02-05T05:24:08.492-08:00

We're entering the busy season for writers with numerous festivals and conferences coming our way in February and March. But every month is busy with six FWA chapters here in NE Florida, so let's get right to it.First Coast Christian Writers meet each Thursday at 6:45 p.m. in room 513 of Christ Church, 6045 Greenland Road. Affiliated with FWA, FCCW is open to all writers. Contact Tracy Redman,

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-71639368896751791002010-01-07T07:05:00.000-08:002010-01-08T07:34:13.225-08:00

That old philosopher, Woody Allen, pegged it when he said, "Eighty percent of success is showing up." At least I'd like to think so since I've been showing up for years waiting for success to come along. Now, we have a new year and a fresh start to look forward to with our writing, and FWA is moving forward as well. FWA breaks records every day, with membership now topping 1,000 people statewide

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-33791127605839560392009-12-08T08:38:00.000-08:002009-12-09T11:31:22.959-08:00

This season of giving makes me think of Sol Stein's remark that, "Writing fiction is like preparing a gift for a stranger." Those of us who feel compelled to write – fiction or non-fiction – should keep that in mind throughout the year and offer our greatest gifts to the strangers who will, hopefully, purchase our books.And even though this is the holiday season, there is still news for writers

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-52761851049691973932009-11-02T08:07:00.000-08:002009-11-02T13:13:58.822-08:00

I promised myself that in deference to friends and family who support the Georgia Bulldogs, I wouldn't make any football allusions or take any cheap shots at the Dawgs. So I won't — other than to say, I was happy to see the GA fans continue their revered tradition of leaving in the third quarter of the game.But as writers, we can't quit in the third quarter. I've said it before that the race (

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-1521588380854137682009-10-01T08:52:00.000-07:002009-10-01T11:43:32.897-07:00

There's no time like the present to get your writing life in order. With the final quarter of 2009 ahead of us, there's still time to complete whatever project you're working or start a new one. To send out those query letters and to sign up for the annual FWA Conference.One of the Keynote Speakers this year is James O. Born, pictured, the award-winning mystery writer who recently published his

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-18930850566174868752009-09-15T08:06:00.000-07:002009-09-15T19:30:05.236-07:00

With summer just a reflection in our rearview mirrors, that means the FWA Annual Conference is right around the corner. Have you registered yet? The dates are October 23 - 25 with a special pre-Conference master class on characterization with Margie Lawson on Thursday, October 22. More about that later, but remember two things: first, you must be an FWA member to attend the conference, and

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-54641795262983254312009-08-08T09:36:00.000-07:002009-08-09T04:25:41.599-07:00

Yesterday we launched the 1st annual UNF Writers Conference with a day of workshops keynoted by bestselling author Steve Berry. Nearly 100 writers were in attendance for this 3-day conference jointly sponsored by FWA and UNF.If you missed it, consider the upcoming Florida Heritage Writers Workshop, Friday, September 11 at the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine. Among the offerings, south Florida

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-84633365074389823272009-07-14T08:21:00.000-07:002009-08-09T04:25:07.639-07:00

Here's a quick summer look at what's happening at the various FWA writers groups this month, as well as a reminder about upcoming events of interest.First Coast Christian Writers meet each Thursday at 6:45 p.m. at Christ's Church on Greenland Road. This week, July 16, author, speaker and trainer Snowden McFall is the speaker. River City Writers meets Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the SE Branch

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-83083575754712879662009-06-06T08:33:00.000-07:002009-06-06T10:59:13.121-07:00

"Eighty percent of success is just showing up"~ Woody AllenWoody had the right idea, didn't he? The race often goes not to the fastest and strongest, as the hare found out, but to the most persistent. So, as writers, we hold on to our dreams and keep plugging away waiting for success to reward us. This month, you're rewarded with a multitude of opportunities to improve your craft, network with

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-9139478478342370932009-04-30T09:03:00.000-07:002009-05-04T03:34:44.562-07:00

"All things seem possible in May"~ Edwin Way Teale   Teale was an American naturalist, photographer and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who obviously knew a thing or two about the promises of spring. I find that some of my best story ideas come to me while mowing the lawn or working in the garden—if you can call the motley assortment of plants, weeds and tree roots snaking through my lawn a garden.

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-62969831750531227262009-04-13T07:47:00.000-07:002009-04-13T12:29:28.655-07:00

Since these blog postings are sent out to people interested in writing, it's safe to say most of us consider ourselves writers. Or do we? When do we step over that invisible line dividing wannabe writers from honest-to-goodness writers? Is it when we decide we're writers, or when we become published? Maybe it's when someone actually pays us for our work. That's probably a question we all have to

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-30903955966345814862009-03-04T07:19:00.000-08:002009-03-04T20:05:08.251-08:00

Talk to a dozen writers and you're likely to hear twelve different approaches to writing. Some people write in fits and starts, all hours of the night and day. Others are as disciplined as robots, writing at the same time of day, cranking out the same number of words or pages. For example, Shirley Rousseau Murphy, author of the Joel Grey feline series, has a set system. "I write, or revise and

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-47000486736078146002009-02-04T06:29:00.001-08:002009-02-04T12:01:15.625-08:00

There are many good reasons why I live in Florida, but 27 degree weather isn't one of them. Still, it's all relative, isn't it? Our winters usually consist of only a handful of hard freezes, while the folks up in Lake Wobegon suffer through seven months of winter. And while some people may relish winter's arctic blasts, like this insane Green Bay Packers fan, give me a warm beach and a cool

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-89254750026388446432009-01-03T09:31:00.000-08:002009-01-03T12:31:58.146-08:00

The holidays are over and we're tip-toeing into 2009 with the best of intentions, looking for positive change rather than more of the same. While I'm not a big believer in New Year's Resolutions, there are a few things I hope to accomplish over the next 12 months. How about you? I wish your New Year is filled with everything good and nothing bad. Didn't we have enough of the bad stuff in 2008? It

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-7230304860259840362008-12-01T08:16:00.001-08:002008-12-07T03:55:05.917-08:00

It's that hectic time of year. Family visits, parties, shopping. But writers can stay connected and keep the focus on their current writing projects by checking out the various FWA meetings in the area this month and coming months.Also, now is the time to put the finishing touches on your manuscript for the 2009 Lighthouse Book Awards competition. Exact details will be forthcoming, but you have

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-38709087142680361062008-10-29T11:19:00.001-07:002008-10-30T03:05:37.471-07:00

With October slipping away, November promises more than a blessed end to the longest presidential campaign in history, it also ushers in the start of the holiday season. Before you go crazy spending your share of the government bailout bounty (sorry, I lost my head), join me in reviewing goals made at the dawn of 2008. Did you complete your book, I asked myself? Yes and no is my answer. Did you

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-53439349489829615022008-10-11T02:13:00.000-07:002008-10-11T04:46:35.428-07:00

"I want to learn more about how to be a better writer, but I'm not sure if these meetings will  help me." The woman on the other end of the phone had called asking about attending our next FWA Chapter meeting after seeing a notice in the newspaper. She wanted to know more about FWA and "what was in it for her." I told her of the benefits of FWA, of the various chapter meetings throughout our

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-46369784283976844432008-09-18T07:38:00.001-07:002008-09-18T13:11:12.208-07:00

One of the highlights of the year for all writers is the FWA Annual Conference, and this one promises to be one of the best yet. Celebrating our 7th anniversary, the conference has moved to the Lake Mary Marriott Resort, November 14 - 16. Packed with 33 workshops, panel discussions, signature events and the Royal Palm Literary Awards Banquet all for one very reasonable price, this is one

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-81800497208964070742008-08-14T06:33:00.001-07:002008-08-15T07:29:20.093-07:00

Some wise sage once reminded us that "Time is the most precious coin we have. Be careful not to let others spend it for you." I try to keep that in mind when I find myself being tugged in too many directions. If writing and getting published is on the top of your To Do List these days, then stay on track (and save those precious coins) by attending the Craft of Writing Workshop on Friday,

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-77043171978985722322008-07-07T06:32:00.000-07:002008-12-09T01:28:59.755-08:00

As if we needed any extra distractions, summer brings with it reams-full of sizzling reasons to get away from your home office, away from your computer, away from your writing. Try to resist whenever possible. Because summer is also a great time to rework your plan for the rest of the year, find motivation to keep writing, and complete any projects you've been putting off. I actually used an

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-61438041470117335272008-06-05T11:27:00.000-07:002008-12-09T01:29:00.604-08:00

It's been a whirlwind month since my last posting taking me from Palm Valley where we held our second regional conference, to the urban landscape of Los Angeles for Book Expo America. Returning late last night, I'm not fully awake or unpacked, but I knew it was time to update this blog to let you know what was happening in the weeks ahead for NE Florida writers. Before we look ahead, let's look

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-25068875995934772172008-05-14T08:46:00.001-07:002008-12-09T01:29:00.838-08:00

Here we are in the middle of the merry month of May, only days away from the 2nd annual Regional Writers' Conference. In the midst of preparing for the conference, and the big Ponte Vedra Book Fair that precedes it, what would you consider to be one of the poorest choices I could make? How about buy a new computer. Not only that, but move from a PC, which I've used since right after stone tools

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-88601923391228050072008-04-15T07:15:00.000-07:002008-12-09T01:29:01.136-08:00

If there's a constant in this life it's change. We're faced with change on a daily basis. Sometimes we're happy to see it, other times change rocks our life.Nothing so drastic as that, but change has come to the May 17 conference in the form of switching out one of the presenters. Unfortunately, Teri Youmans Grimm has had a family conflict and is unable to do her poetry workshop. But as they say

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-64279934620145495612008-03-07T11:45:00.000-08:002008-12-09T01:29:01.712-08:00

To paraphrase a memorable line from the movie, The Graduate, "I just have one word for you — conference."Okay, maybe it's not as memorable a word as "plastics," but conference still has a nice ring to it. Especially when you see the line-up for this year's 1-day conference scheduled for Saturday, May 17 at The Players Community Senior Center in Ponte Vedra Beach. We're calling it Swing for the

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-33335313887678115862008-02-08T08:35:00.000-08:002008-12-09T01:29:02.264-08:00

Last year I was surprised when we received over 90 submissions for our first Lighthouse Book Awards Competition. This year I'm flabbergasted. We ended up with 120 entries stuffing coordinator Judy Connolly's mail box (thankfully, not all at once). Judy reports that we received entries from all over the map. All of them are now residing with our preliminary judges—a huge THANK YOU to all who "

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-6875608858294023852008-01-07T11:55:00.000-08:002008-12-09T01:29:02.694-08:00

As I write this there are less than three weeks left before the January 25 deadline for this year's Lighhouse Book Awards Competition. Have you started putting your entry together yet? If not, what's keeping you? Awards competitions are one of the best ways to evaluate how far you've progressed with your writing skills. Each entry will receive feedback from two preliminary judges.Another

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-83981431617867479932007-12-13T15:15:00.000-08:002008-12-09T01:29:03.068-08:00

The last six weeks have disappeared faster than my receding hairline. Days after last month's 6th annual FWA Conference weekend, I traveled to San Francisco for the Cat Writer's Association conference (yes, Virginia, there is a Cat Writer's Association). Shortly after returning home, I enjoyed a little medical procedure that put me out of commission for a few days.All of this, along with my

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-7921318471305993362007-11-07T02:15:00.000-08:002008-12-09T01:29:03.172-08:00

The last two months of the year are usually associated with holidays, family gatherings, and travel. For the published author, it's also a good time to be selling your books since everyone knows books make wonderful holiday gifts. Personally, I call these two months the busy season because there's so much devouring our time we might not have time for ourselves.Because of "the busy season," the

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-3487741451260286962007-10-19T07:59:00.001-07:002008-12-09T01:29:04.137-08:00

The future is now may be a bit cliche, but nevertheless it still rings true. Being a champion procrastinator for most of my life, I know about putting things off and falling behind. Take this blog, for example. I had been updating it around the first of each month. But life got in the way, as it usually does, and here it is October 19 and I'm just getting around to a new posting.Maybe I

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-39288111789812616222007-09-03T11:11:00.001-07:002008-12-09T01:29:04.666-08:00

Today marks the unofficial passing of summer, a transition into fall. To be more precise, we now have only four months to complete our 2007 goals. I'm not quite there yet, but closing in on most of my goals. How about you? Do you have written goals? Are you completing a manuscript? Looking for freelance jobs? Sending out query letters? Creating a marketing plan? Whatever's on your plate, keep in

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-76992781159884374952007-08-04T03:58:00.000-07:002008-12-09T01:29:05.110-08:00

It took nearly six months from start to finish, but the 1st Annual Lighthouse Book Awards competition is now history. Some thirty-five people gathered at the Ponte Vedra Library on Saturday, July 28 to learn the final results. While it may not have had the tradition and glamour of other awards ceremonies, we more than held our own. Recipients were surprised and appreciative, pictures were

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-64833192393927822832007-06-30T13:09:00.000-07:002008-12-09T01:29:05.543-08:00

You probably remember Honky Cat, the old Elton John song where he sang, They said get back honky catBetter get back to the woodsWell I quit those days and my redneck waysAnd oh the change is gonna do me goodI don't know about you, but I often have to remind myself that change is gonna do me good although I sometimes have a hard time believing it. Like the Serenity Prayer which asks for the

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-80405495703616929382007-06-02T08:20:00.001-07:002008-12-09T01:29:06.419-08:00

“This has been the most outstanding writer’s conference I have ever attended.” That statement from one of the conference evaluation forms sums up the feelings of many of the people attending the May 19 one-day conference, Shift Your Writing into High Gear.A capacity crowd of 85 people enjoyed eight workshops, two refreshment breaks, lunch, a keynote address from bestselling author Steve Berry

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-7492434788168105562007-05-07T12:28:00.000-07:002008-12-09T01:29:06.568-08:00

Last month's Blog passed along the news that our Lighthouse Book Awards had surpassed critical mass, and we had to shut off entries. Our first one-day conference had a similar problem as we quickly reached our announced limit of 70 people. We even exceeded it, which means we'll be a little crowded, but we did want as many people as possible to enjoy the benefits of what has shaped up to be an

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-52928160769981099602007-03-30T06:44:00.000-07:002008-12-09T01:29:06.695-08:00

Spring is the season for renewal, and for writers, spring provides inspiration to plow new fields, fertilize our imagination, and nurture our current projects into fruition. OK, one more seasonal growth allusion may lead me to the compost pile, but you get the picture. Writers can use all the motivation and inspiration we can get, and this is the perfect time for packing away past

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-58793905396205100212007-02-22T09:42:00.000-08:002008-12-09T01:29:07.136-08:00

Albert Einstein once said "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." If you've been writing and querying and not getting anywhere, then it's time for a change. We're excited about two new events that will help writers in our area to work smarter and better understand what writers and editors are looking for. The first is a new fiction

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-1168887401075162252007-01-15T09:49:00.000-08:002007-01-15T10:56:42.426-08:00

“Life is what happens to us while we’re making other plans.”I love that quote, supposedly said by Beatle John Lennon. We all know how Life can get in the way of our daily plans, whether our goal is to write 2,000 words a day or faithfully attend the FWA Writers Group meetings. Things happen to divert us from those plans. But this posting isn’t a sermon designed to make you feel guilty, instead it

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-1166052131746727832006-12-13T15:12:00.000-08:002006-12-13T15:22:11.763-08:00

With the end of the year fast approaching, I find myself looking back on the great strides FWA has made in the NE Florida Region. We have four strong Writers Groups and WG Leaders, and we’re helping more people make the transition from wanting to write to actually writing.Over the course of the year, we’ve heard from a wonderful roster of speakers to help educate and motivate us, and we’ve seen a

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-1164546046508211252006-11-26T04:39:00.000-08:002006-11-26T05:00:46.526-08:00

Welcome to the Ponte Vedra Writers Group. We're a diverse group of writers, both published and unpublished, working to improve our craft, help one another stay motivated, and become better writers. Our group normally meets on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10AM at the Ponte Vedra Library, 100 Library Boulevard in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL—located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine.Having said

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37360836.post-1163539591006840892006-11-14T11:25:00.000-08:002006-11-26T04:38:04.996-08:00

Welcome to the Ponte Vedra Writers Group. We're a diverse group of writers, both published and unpublished, working to improve our craft, help one another stay motivated, and become better writers. Our group normally meets on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10AM at the Ponte Vedra Library, 100 Library Boulevard in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL—located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine.Having said

Vic DiGentihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336263837465009185noreply@blogger.com0