So long, farewell...

The November-December issue of "Canticle" is about to hit your mailbox! Congratulations to all those whose articles made the "final cut"!

Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to make the magazine a thing of literary beauty. Be sure to stop by "Extraordinary Moms Network" -- join our monthly Carnivals, if you're still looking for a way to broaden your list of publishing credits!

Also, be sure to check out the next Catholic Writers' Conference Online, which will be held February 2-9, 2009. We are now accepting registrations for this free conference (which drew over 300 participants and 30 editors and writing professionals from across the U.S. last year).

This will be the final posting of "Silent Canticle," as it was primarily an instrument to communicate with my contributing writers from the magazine. If you would like to join my newsletter list, or just want to stop by and say hi, drop me a line at hsaxton(at)christianword(dot)com.

God bless you!

Heidi

EMN Writer's Contest: "Weird Mom Stories"

Looking for a way to make a little money on your blog?

Contribute to Extraordinary Moms Network's next Carnival, and you could win $50!

For details, click here.

Writing Opportunity ... Anyone at Woodstock?

Dear Writers,

Literary Cottage is currently seeking entries for an anthology to be published by Adams Media. Adams Media pays $100 and one copy of the book. Literary Cottage offers prizes of $100, $75, and $50 to top three stories respectively. For Woodstock Revisited, we are seeking fifty true stories (850-1100 words) written by people who attended the 1969 Woodstock Festival. This anthology will document the event itself, but will also provide a portrait of America as that tumultuous decade came to a close. Stories should be historical within the context of 1969 and yet unique to your experience. Stories must be TRUE, 850-1100 words, vivid, and substantive. Please carefully review the details and sample story provided on the "Woodstock '69 Guidelines" page available on http://www.literarycottage.com/HURRY - DEADLINE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2008

Please, please pass on the word regarding Woodstock Revisited, as we need fifty solid stories from people who attended the festival in 1969. You can write an "as told to" story if you have friends or family who attended.
THANKS!

Sue Brinkmann, OCDS, takes over Canticle in 2009

I'm happy to announce that Sue Brinkmann, OCDS, will be taking over Canticle when I hang up my "editor badge" at the end of the summer. The Nov/Dec 2008 issue will be my last. I am grateful to God that someone as kind and accomplished as Sue is ready to step in!

For the first issue (Jan/Feb), she has asked that anyone interested in submitting a story to send a query to her at sbrinkmann@lhla.org.

I would also like to thank the many fine writers who contributed to the Sept/Oct 2008 issue in addition to our regular columnists:

* Leticia Velasquez: "Faith in the Public Square"

* Kate Wicker: "Seven Sorrows of Our Lady"

* Anna Abbott: "The Red Umbrella League"

* Sue Brinkmann: "Malvern Retreat Article"

* Tiffani Burnett: "Little Flower and Guilliam-Barre Syndrome"

* Theresa Cavicchio: "Total Consecration to Mary"

* Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur: "How to Preserve Your Family's History"

* Charlotte Ostermann: "Like Logs on a Fire: Teresa of Avila on Contemplation"

* Bonnie Shoemaker: "Spinning on a Prayer"

* Elizabeth Yank: "Frazzled ... Secrets of Homeschool Success"

* Deb Richards: "Getting the Most out of Scripture Reading"

* Laura Yeager: "Loving the Mentally Ill"

Thank you, dear friends, for sharing your gifts and wisdom with us!

Sept/October issue: Correction

In the September issue, the name of Bonnie Shoemaker's daughter (who took the photograph accompanying the article "Spinning on a Prayer") is Taylor Lewis.

Thanks, Taylor, for doing such a spectacular job!

Wish List and Prayer Requests: Please pray...

For Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur, whose post today reveals that she is under greater-than-usual stress in her life. (In some ways, death of a computer can be every bit as traumatic as other kinds of death!) Please say a prayer for her today.

For yours truly. Yesterday I started a 54-day Rosary Novena for God to reveal His plans for my future. I can't share details at the moment, but it would mean a great deal if you would consider journeying with me for a day or two ... or as many days as God leads.

Also, I still need a "Cooking with Grace" recipe for the Christmas issue... any takers out there?
Taken ... thanks.

Thanks, Faith and Family!

At the Catholic New Media Celebration, Kate Wicker showed me that Faith and Family magazine recently gave a "shout-out" to Women of Grace, publisher of Canticle magazine, in a recent issue.

Although Canticle isn't mentioned, I was delighted that the F&F organization was willing to support the ministry in this way. Special thanks to Daria Sockey, who compiled this particular edition of "Midsummer Treats & Treasures."

Customer Service Comments/Concerns

I've had several requests for contact information for LHLA/Canticle regarding customer service issues (including mailing list/unsolicited phone calls). The Canticle list is being used by another Catholic magazine publisher, and several have received unwanted phone calls.

There have also been a number of issues concerning subscriptions, and the ability to get through to customer service to place an order in a timely fashion.

Please direct your questions/concerns to Rita Perstac, VP Operations, at rperstac@lhla.org. I know she is working on a survey tool to collect your feedback on the quality of your "Canticle experience," but if you'd prefer not to wait, you may contact her directly at this address.

Feel free to copy me as well: hsaxton(at)christianword(dot)com.

Thanks!

Heidi

Silence is ... inevitable

If any of you have been trying to reach me about articles, etc., I wanted to let you know I've been unable to access my e-mail since last Friday. And I won't be able to get it again until next Monday.

Please bear in mind that I am now working on the Nov/Dec holiday issue, which includes an eight page Christmas supplement. If you'd like to write for Canticle and are looking for a foot in the door, I'm often scrambling for a good Christmas recipe (and short story with pictures to go with it) for this issue. Just a thought.

Blessings, Heidi
Heidi