Catholic Writers Guild conference online 2/26-3/5

This year's Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010, will focus on the practical things the writer needs to succeed.

The conference is held via chats and forums at http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register between October 1, 2009 and February 15, 2010.

"We've always concentrated on workshops and chats that teach the writer skills or provide information in the areas of crafting, publishing and marketing their works, but this year, we're adding critique workshops and some incredible opportunities to pitch to leading publishers," said organizer Karina Fabian.

This year, publishers hearing pitches include well known Catholic publishers like Pauline, large Christian publishers like Thomas Nelson, and smaller presses like White Rose. Thus far, eleven pitch sessions are scheduled, running the gamut from Christian romance to Catholic theology.

In a new program, at least fifty attendees will have the opportunity to have pieces of their work critiqued by successful editors and writers. In addition, there will be forum-based workshops and chat room presentations covering topics from dialogue to freelancing to how Catholic fiction differs from Christian fiction.

"Even in good economic times, it's hard for writers to attend live conferences," said Fabian, "but this year, we think it's even more important to help careers by utilizing an online format. We're so grateful that our presenters are willing to share their time and talent."

Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. Non-Catholics may attend, as long as they respect Catholic beliefs and the conference's Catholic focus.

To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/.

CWG Seal of Approval

BLEEDER was awarded the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval last week. The Seal assures Catholic bookstores that there is nothing in the book that might embarrass the bookseller or the faithful reader - gratuitous sex, gore, Catholic-bashing and the like. It isn't the same as an imprimatur and isn't meant to be. Nor is it meant to suggest that the book is 'safe' (even though I'd rate it a PG). I prefer to think that the seal says that the book speaks the truth in all ways - theologically and emotionally - without being superficial, suger-coated or sentimental, without sacrificing literary quality. So is there violence? Heck, it's a MURDER mystery. Is there sex? Enough to make the people real. Is there theological controversy? Of course - Catholics are relentlessly logical and analyze everything (as my protagonist, a lapsed Presbyterian, discovers). So, thank you, CWG, for your 'faith' in me and in BLEEDER.

CatholicTV interview

Catholic Mystery Fiction Involving a ‘Murdered’ Priest? Author To Be Interviewed on CatholicTV Talk

11/24/2009 - 11:34 AM PST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
Catholic PRWire

WATERTOWN, MA (November 24, 2009) - Catholic Mystery Fiction Involving a ‘Murdered’ Priest? Author To Be Interviewed on CatholicTV Talk Show 

On November 27th, author John Desjarlais, author of the mystery novel “Bleeder” will be interviewed on the CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. The novel involves the apparent murder or miraculous death of a priest who bleeds to death in front of his congregation on Good Friday. 

CatholicTV is a nationally-broadcasted television network headquartered near Boston. CatholicTV streams its broadcast simultaneously, 24 hours a day at www.CatholicTV.com 

Desjarlais will discuss his novel during his interview on “This is the Day”. “Murder mysteries in general get close to our deepest motives and fears, showing humans in extremis. Such stories have a built-in opportunity to explore life's higher mysteries – not just the mystery of death, but the mystery of undeserved suffering.” says Desjarlais. 

A former producer with Wisconsin Public Radio, Desjarlais teaches journalism and English at Kishwaukee College in Malta, Ill. His short fiction has appeared in a variety of magazines. A member of Mystery Writers of America, he is listed in Who’s Who in Entertainment and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Desjarlais is also a member of the Catholic Writers Guild. 

John Desjarlais’ interview can be seen on Friday, November 27th live at 10:30AM (EST) on CatholicTV where available (rebroadcast at 8PM). The show will also be streamed simultaneously at www.CatholicTV.com and will be available on the site’s archives starting Friday night. All videos at the website are viewable in full-screen. Paste this URL into your browser in order to access the “This is the Day” video archives. http://www.CatholicTV.org/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=72 

Readers may visit http://www.johndesjarlais.com/ for reviews, photos, links related to the novel, and interaction with the author. 

Mostly Mystery Reviews

"An intriguing mystery. Weaves skepticism with who-dun-it."

--Mostly Mystery Reviews

guest blogger at Getting Medieval

I'm a guest blogger this week at http://www.getting-medieval.com/ discussing my medieval thriller, RELICS.

Dappled Things and new reviews

Dappled Things, a Catholic literary journal, will publish my short story "Assisted Living" in the Advent/Christmas 2009 issue, along with a review of BLEEDER.

Another review appeared today at the web site for the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors, here:
http://janicecampbell.naiwe.com/2009/11/11/bleeder-a-miracle-or-bloody-murder-by-john-desjarlais-a-review/

Happy All Saints Day

All I want to say is that this holiday (and the Latino counterpart, The Day of the Dead) is an important part of VIPER, the sequel to BLEEDER, which was ranked 74,000 at amazon today - whatever that means.