Writing Tips (1): Letters of Submission

We have been looking at letters of submission and in the process have found a few useful sites. We hope that these resources may be of interest to our readership.

• The Submission Letter by Linda Adams and Emory Hackman from The Writer Gazette
  
• Lee Stringer's advice
  
• Guidelines for writing a non-fiction query letter (source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/)
• Tips from essortment.com for poetry submissions
• Tips from Associated Content for poetry submissions
• Sample letter for poetry submissions (and some hints) from Robert Lee Brewer
• Forum answers with regard to supplying biographical information from Language is a Virus
• Poetry submission tips from Every Writers' Resource (including the importance of logging which poem has been sent to which outlet).
• The Poetry Society: FAQ
  

Events (6): The South Wales Writers' Day, 14 Nov. 2009

Book cover of 'A Gander's Tale', showing Burry Green and Bethesda Chapel on Gowerl

'Consider the birds ... but listen to the message behind the Gander's Tale' David Gill

The Gower Peninsula - known locally simply as 'Gower' - was the first area to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Many vistors to Burry Green approach this lovely Gower village from the rise known as Cefn Bryn, with its sweeping views across the Loughor Estuary. The building of Bethesda Chapel was financed in some measure by Lady Diana Barham. It opened for worship in 1814. William Griffiths, a Calvinistic Methodist who later became known as the 'Apostle of Gower', served as Minister from 1823 until 1861.

As you can see from the photograph, the village is dominated by the fine white-washed chapel and by the pond. Chapel Elder, Miss Eleanor Jenkins, has had an eye on both these features: her book is the culmination of her astute observations of the geese who live on the green. Eleanor's aim, however, in writing about the gander and his friends was to link these avian observations with Biblical truths about Jesus Christ. 'A Gander's Tale' is made up of fifty short chapters or 'goose fables' (in the sense that Paul White used the term for his 'Jungle Doctor' series), which began as monthly articles in the Bethesda magazine.

'A Gander's Tale' is adorned with Eleanor's beautiful colour photographs. Each 'chapter' contains a Christian message in addition to unusual insights into the life of the geese themselves. Did you know, for example, that a Frizzley Sebastapol is a breed of extra-feathery goose? If you come to our South Wales Writers' Day or buy a copy of the book, you will discover the joys of life in a Gower village. You may discover why Goosey should perhaps have been called Gandalf!

The link below will allow you to purchase a copy of the book or to opt for a free download.

• The publisher's site: 'A Gander's Tale'

• Details of the 2009 South Wales Writers' Day in Porthcawl on Saturday 14 November 2009 are here. Do book in if you would like to come. This event is being organised by the Ready Writer groups in South Wales. These are linked to the Association of Christian Writers (ACW).

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Dorothy Webb Davies (1): A Sonnet

The Sonnet was the focus of the RWS September meeting.

LACK OF INSPIRATION

When we agreed we'd each attempt a sonnet
I found my mind gone blank, to my dismay!
I take my paper, write some rubbish on it,
Then tear it up and throw the bits away.

The days slip by, the deadline's drawing nearer.
I wake at night and wonder what to do.
Where is my vision? Once my mind was clearer!
But now, I do not seem to have a clue

I ponder on the inspiration question
Here in the darkness with my lonely light.
I know my daytime life, with its congestion,
Has blocked my mind so that I cannot write.

Oh Spirit's heavenly sunshine please break through
The clouds of "Far Too Many Things-to-do"!

© Dorothy Webb Davies 2009


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RWS Members' News (1): Competitions and Published Work

Summer 2009

Competitions

• Sue Williams: First Prize in the Woman Alive/ACW Article Competition.
• Caroline Gill: Third Prize in the Haddon Library (Cambridge University 800) Poetry Competition

Published Work

• Caroline Gill: Caroline's poem, 'Stranger' has been published in Shoes for the Hungry (Popcorn Press 2009). The anthology has been edited by Patrick T. Randolph, who teaches Academic and Creative Writing at Wisconsin-La Crosse. Stranger is based upon observations made some years ago when Caroline lived in Rome. The anthology comprises 158 poems on the theme of hunger and homelessness by 80 poets, including many who have direct experience of homelessness in one capacity or another. All profits from the sale of this book will be allocated to projects concerned with helping those who are hungry or in need of shelter. Shoes for the Hungry can be bought from Amazon and Popcorn Press.

• David Gill: David's work and photography feature in the new 2009 edition of The Lion Handbook to the Bible.

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Events (5): Swansea Poetry Workshop

Just a reminder to say that Peter Thabit Jones, editor of The Seventh Quarry, will be leading a poetry workshop in the Dylan Thomas Centre on Saturday morning 20 June 2009 (10am-12 noon) with a poet from Catalonia and a poet from USA. Detail of the event can be found here.

• Caroline's report after the workshop

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Reference & Resources (1): ODNB

Bemerton Church, Salisbury
George Herbert's Living

Photo: C.Gill

The new Oxford Dictionary of National Biography has a useful section for book lovers and reading groups. You may like to take a look here.

You can find out about literary groups e.g. the Inklings and the Metaphysical poets. There are podcasts and various other options available to non-subscribers, but you have to be a subscriber to have unlimited access to the DNB lives.

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Caroline Gill (3): Book Review, Gideon Cecil

THE REVELATION OF LOVE by the Reverend Gideon Cecil

Outskirts Press, Inc., Denver, Colorado (2009).
360pp. ISBN 978-1-59800-710-7

Available at £21.95 from: www.amazon.co.uk
Available at $28.95 from: www.amazon.com

You are the secret singer in the last note

of my song...

From ‘My Final Song’

It is the author’s prayer that these lyrical poems will highlight Christ’s ‘message of hope and salvation’. The title is presumably intended to echo the Medieval mystical work, A Revelation of Love, by Mother Julian of Norwich.

This substantial volume from a prize-winning writer explores Christian faith and the plight of humanity: it covers most subjects under heaven. The poet paints a rainbow of joy and pain. His work is seasoned with spice from the Caribbean ‘pepper pot boiling in the heat’.

Cecil, a college lecturer, journalist and ordained Christian Minister of Religion in Guyana, holds a Masters Degree in Theology from Life Christian University in Tampa, Florida. He speaks up on behalf of his ‘scattered people’, who have been ‘drifting on many shores’ since those shameful days when their ancestors ‘worked as slaves in the cane fields’. His portrayal of national sorrow is arresting. This reviewer, however, feels less at ease with some of the more intimate, confessional-style poems of deep hurt, such as ‘My Lover’s Kiss’.

The poet points the reader on from his land of ‘the bush hog’ and the ‘magnificent macaw’ to Christ, who alone fully understands those frail human faculties with which we experience love and loss.

Caroline Gill

Caroline's reviews of this book have already appeared in:

• Areopagus (ed. Julian Barritt)
  

• The Poetry Church (ed. Tony Reavill) Contact details here.
  

Publications (1): Helena Wilkinson

NEW BOOK!


Click here to pre-order a copy


'Designed for Living'
Workbook

Unlock the secrets of abundant life

By

Jeannette Barwick & Helena Wilkinson


Understand yourself and others better as you discover God's original design for your life with this 8-session resource for women.

Explore your deepest longings, motives and patterns of thinking and relating, and find deep security and personal significance as you learn to draw more thoroughly on the Father's love for you.

This workbook, based on CWR's popular Designed for Living seminar, will help you to uncover and correct harmful beliefs, thought processes and behaviours so you can live life more freely and fully as a child of God.

Suitable for group or individual use.

********************

'Designed for Living changed my life'

"More than a decade ago my life was drastically changed when I encountered the design for living which this book describes – and I genuinely have never been the same person since!

"By helping me to understand and accept myself, and others, I was able to discard the 'candy floss' mask I'd always hidden behind. I'm no longer afraid to be the person God created me to be, as I find my identity in Him."

Jennifer Rees Larcombe


***********************

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Jeannette Barwick

is the founder of CWR's Ministry to Women and has long been committed to helping women around the world apply biblical truths to their lives and relationships, through seminars and books.

Helena Wilkinson

is a freelance writer and speaker. She was the Founder and Director of Kainos Trust, a charity for eating disorder sufferers, which merged with Nicholaston House in South Wales where she runs courses

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Caroline Gill (2): Buying books aboard the 'Logos Hope'

The Operation Mobilisation ship, Logos Hope in Cardiff Bay
June 2009

It was an unusually balmy evening on Tuesday 2 June 2009 as we clambered up the gangplank of the Logos Hope in Cardiff Bay. The ship's mooring was barely a stone's throw from the Senedd, the Norwegian Sailors' Church and the Millennium Centre. Logos Hope belongs to the missionary organization, Operation Mobilisation (OM): it is a ship that will sail around many parts of the world on its mission to take the Gospel to all nations. The warm weather had brought everybody on to the streets, and there was an atmosphere of excitement in the air: people were keen to come aboard to explore the ship and to enjoy a snack in the international café. We were joined by the Mayor of Cardiff. UK supporters had travelled from parts of Wales, Oxfordshire and the West Midlands to be there.

The ship's motto is 'Bringing knowledge, Help and Hope', and during the course of our evening on board, we enjoyed a presentation about aspects of this unique ministry. One of the main thrusts of the work comprises the 'world's largest floating book fair' which carries an incredible 6000 titles. We had a most enjoyable browse. There were Bibles in many languages, commentaries (including an archaeologist's guide to the Bible!), Christian books, familiar names like C.S. Lewis and Tolkien - and a huge selection of children's books, hobby books, cookery books, CDs, diaries, polo shirts and all manner of items. I was pleased to buy a copy of W. Phillip Keller's book, 'A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23'. I also bought a travel book about Scotland and a few small presents for the family.

The 400+ crew members, representing 50 nationalities, seek to promote 'education and international understanding through relief work, the floating book fair and cultural exchange programmes.' They serve on board as a practical expression of their faith in Jesus Christ.

The Logos Hope had its 'Official Opening' in Denmark. Since then it has sailed to Cardiff from Edinburgh via Belfast. It will soon be departing for London and then for Saint Vincent in the Caribbean. The ship is 'open' from 12.30 to 20.30 pm on Tuesdays to Fridays and from 10.00 to 22.00 pm on Saturdays. If you are in the Cardiff Bay area before 7 June, do climb aboard to see this remarkable project for yourself.

• A Mission Blog: The Becks with OM
• Logos Hope: Hope starts here

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Opportunities (1): FaithToWrite

The FaithToWrite website encourages Christian women to register on its site and to become part of an international posting community. There are devotionals, poems, prayers and written items in many genres on the site.

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Biddy Wigley (1): Ruth's Journey

The invitation was implied, not spoken. The journey was imminent, and while happy to go alone, we felt that she would appreciate some company. We gathered in the evening, talking quietly late into the night before settling down to sleep.

Morning brought warm sunshine and, not knowing our final destination, but equipped for all eventualities, we set off on our adventure. She guided us, as she always had, at times climbing steeply, at times strolling on level ground, at times negotiating difficult paths. She stopped to rest from time to time during the day, taking a cat nap at will. As we travelled, we met others with whom she shared words of comfort or encouragement before moving on.

She declined to share the picnic, but enjoyed the jokes and teasing that were an integral part of our lives. Relaxing later she murmured words of appreciation for our company. Resuming the journey we noticed that from time to time she would stop and, shading her eyes, look into the distance, as if spying out the land, before continuing. As the day wore on she seemed less aware of us and more focused on her destination. We wondered if we would make journeys end before nightfall or whether we might need to find shelter.

Taking another break she settled down for a rest. We sat a little way from her, chatting about all manner of things! Suddenly we became aware that she was looking at us, yet past us. Something had changed and we knew then that her destination today was not ours. The last part of the journey was for her alone. As we watched her with loving concern, she gently left and peace enveloped us as the sun dipped behind the hill.

Biddy Wigley

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Events (3): The Guardian Hay Festival

Caroline Gill
at the Guardian Hay Festival

The Festival is on!

You can read about Caroline Gill's visit by clicking this livelink. Speakers this year include Archbishop Rowan Williams and John Toman (on Kilvert's Diary). David and Caroline attended the Kilvert event yesterday.

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Events (4): Five-Minute Dramas

TONIGHT
Friday 29 May
7 for 7.30pm

A meeting
of
Ready Writers Swansea
for the presentation of
five-minute dramas.

If further information is required, please use the email in the profile section ('About RWS') of this blog,
or leave a comment in the Comment Box below.

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Poetry Events (1): The Seventh Quarry

Please click this link to find details of an event organised by The Seventh Quarry at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea on 20 June 2009.

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Lilian Davies (2): The New Cat

Please click on poem to enlarge text.

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Lilian Davies (1): Joy!

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Dr Ruth Jenkins (1): New Beginnings

New Beginnings

I awoke and it was a new day. It was Monday and early September and my room was at the very top of a tall Victorian house with one large square window out of which I would climb in weeks to come to sit on the fire escape.

I was in the land of red letterboxes, red telephone boxes and red double decker buses.

That morning I went to the German Embassy to have my passport extended. I had to catch the bus at Notting Hill Gate and first I thought I was the only passenger but in the very back sat an old woman dressed all in black. Her hair was white, her face haggard and her posture rigid. She sat at the centre of the rear seat, holding a black book in both her hands, arms stretched out. Then she opened her mouth and she began to sing hymns at the top of her voice.

Passengers joined all the way to Rutland Gate where I had to get off, but nobody told her to stop. She sat there singing. And to this day my heart is singing when I am in London, just as it was singing when I was sitting on the fire escape one late autumn evening, the fog veiling all. I was listening to gospel music when out of that dark moist fog came a deep voice: ‘Mahalia!’.*

© Dr Ruth Jenkins 2009
This piece was written as a Ready Writer assignment.

*Mahalia Jackson

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David Gill (1): Gloucestershire in the Negev

Please click on this link to David's YouTube recording of his desert poem, a parody of 'Adlestrop' by Edward Thomas. David's poem was first published in The Seventh Quarry ed. Peter Thabit Jones.

• Continuing the desert theme, you might also like to look at Caroline's posting on the ancient city of Palmyra for the current Carnival of the Arid over on the Coyote Crossing blog.

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Caroline Gill (1): haiku

Caroline's first swallow of summer
Llandeilo, April 2009

HAIKU
俳句 ,

something is stirring:
swallow on the wings of dawn,
African sunrise

© Caroline Gill 2006

Written at 'Time to Write', Nicholaston House, 2006

• Psalm 84:3
• The Birds Our Teachers by John Stott (Baker Books 2001)

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Events (1): Details of Barn Dance

Charity Barn Dance. All welcome!

• Friday 8 May 2009
  
• Venue: Parklands Evangelical Church, Maes-Gollen, Sketty Park, Swansea SA2 8HQ, Wales, UK
  
• Live band and light refreshments
• Adult ticket: £7.50
  
• Family ticket: £10

Proceeds in aid of Tumaini Kwa Watoto (Kenya Children of Hope).

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Stop Press! Charity Barn Dance

Charity Barn Dance. All welcome!

• Friday 8 May 2009
  
• Venue: Parklands Evangelical Church, Maes-Gollen, Sketty Park, Swansea SA2 8HQ, Wales, UK
  
• Live band and light refreshments
• Adult ticket: £7.50
  
• Family ticket: £10

Proceeds in aid of Tumaini Kwa Watoto (Kenya Children of Hope).

To return to our homepage, please click here.