Cat Writers’ Association Annual 2017 Contest announcement (CONTEST NOW CLOSED)
— Call for Photos, Artwork, Videos; Contest Deadline January 9, 2018 —
(New York – December 5, 2017) – Calling all cat loving writers, bloggers, artists, photographers, and videographers. The Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) announces the opening of its prestigious annual contest. Entries must be published between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 and postmarked or emailed no later than January 9, 2018 to be eligible to compete in this contest. The winners will be announced at the CWA awards banquet on June 9, 2018 during the #CatWriters’ Annual Conference. Register to Collaborate, Educate and Celebrate cat writing at the 2018 CWA Annual Conference being held June 7-9, 2018 in Houston, Texas.
“We are thrilled to announce the opening of this contest to our members and the general cat-loving public. We hope to receive as many entries as possible as a tribute to all who love cats of all kinds. We are especially pleased that we will be announcing the winners at our special awards banquet in Houston,” said Marci Kladnik, CWA president.
All are encouraged to submit their cat-centric work, which will then be evaluated by a panel of professionals, including writers, artists, video producers, veterinarians and other highly credentialed judges. The top submission for each category will receive the coveted Muse MedallionTM award. In addition to the highly sought-after Muse Medallions, all of the special awards include cash prizes through the generosity of corporate and private sponsors.
The 2017 contest includes 55 regular categories and over $10,000 in cash prizes. This year’s contest marks the return to a regular calendar year schedule for entries, as well as announcing the new “Cats Rule Newcomer Blogger’s Home-Enrichment” special award for 2017 which will be presented to the online blogger (written or visual/video with accompanying text) who inspires cat caretakers to create an enriched and stylish environment for their pets. Additionally, the CWA Shojai Mentor Award is now sponsored by CWA in honor of Past President and Co-Founder Amy D. Shojai.
“Every year, the CWA contest gets better and better, with more and more entries, in an ever-broadening range of media, informing the public about cats, offering new insights into our lives with these remarkable creatures, and celebrating all things Feline. We’re seeing a dramatic uptick in the number of online and social media entries, reminding us that cats do, indeed own the Internet! We’re all looking forward to seeing what will catch our judges’ fancies this year,” said Wendy Christensen, award-winning writer, artist, illustrator and CWA Secretary and 2017 Contest Chair.
Background on the Muse Medallion & Special Awards
In November 1994, the newly formed Cat Writers’ Association, held its first writing competition. Founding member, the late Karen Kuykendall, designed the coveted Muse Medallion. Karen was also the first recipient of a Muse Medallion. The Muse is awarded to the best work of like kind, such as newspaper articles about health and general care, magazine articles about behavior, or newsletter columns. The special awards go to the entry that best covers a specific topic.
The Contest
Below are the links to the 2017 CWA Communication Contest entry forms for regular and special award entries, as well as the complete contest rules. The complete rules are also found at the CWA Contest page.
Highlights of the rules include:
- Eligible entries must be first published or broadcasted between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017.
- All entries must be postmarked or emailed no later than January 9, 2018 to be eligible.
- This contest is open to both members and nonmembers, as long as their work qualifies under the contest rules.
- The categories of Online Magazine or Newsletter, and Website will be judged live (per the posted rules) from the entrant’s website between February 1 and February 29, 2018. For these categories only, submit an entry form with the URL included.
Rules & Categories
2017 CWA Communication Contest Rules
Entry Forms
2017 Regular Categories Entry Form
2017 Special Awards Entry Form
About The Cat Writers’ Association
The Cat Writers’ Association, Inc. (CWA) is an international association of professional communicators who provide news, information, education and works of literary and graphic art that describe, dramatize, explain and illuminate the myriad aspects of felines, especially domestic cats, and their place in human life and culture. CWA members promote the best interests of all cats through a variety of media and formats, striving always to observe and promote the highest standard of ethics in the generation and publication of cat information in all genres and all media. The Association promotes mentorship for new writers, provides writing/publishing educational opportunities, and seeks to improve the quality of cat information by recognizing and rewarding outstanding published work in its annual contest. See catwriters.com for further information. Follow CWA on Twitter at @CatWriters and on Facebook at Facebook.CatWriters.
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BlogPaws & Cat Writers’ Association Offer Paw-sitive Conference Collaboration
THORNTON, Colo. – Oct. 29, 2015 – PRLog — Cat ownership and popularity continues to soar and 43 million cat parents can’t be wrong. We are a feline-loving nation, with cats dominating web video, memes, and Instagram feeds. Frisky felines showcasing their fun uninhibited mannerisms online are a worldwide phenomenon.
According to the 2015-2016 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 65 percent of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 79.7 million homes. Of that number, nearly 43 million cats call American households their home.
In an effort to improve the quality of cat information both online and in print to the general public, the Cat Writers’ Association has once again teamed up with BlogPaws to participate in their growing, engaged and original pet community and social media marketing conference.
A Match Made in Cat Heaven
The pet-friendly BlogPaws 2016 Conference takes place at the Sheraton Wildhorse Pass Resort & Spa, near Phoenix, Arizona, June 23 to 25, 2016. During that time, the CWA will join the BlogPaws Conference with their Annual Event. In addition to CWA-branded workshops and seminars, the CWA will also host a book signing event, as well as one-on-one editor and agent appointments. Finally, the annual gala CWA Awards Banquet (separately ticketed, open to everyone) will present more than $10,000 in cash and other prizes.
“BlogPaws is thrilled to be joined by CWA in a larger capacity for our 2016 Conference,”
For more than 20 years, annual CWA Conferences have focused on writing, publishing, and marketing education for its professional members and has mentored newer writers. In 2010, many CWA members discovered the extraordinary blogger and social media education and influence offered by the BlogPaws Conferences. After a successful CWA-branded Writers Track held during the 2015 BlogPaws Nashville conference, both attendees and organizers agreed that these two powerhouse groups not only work well together, but provide their members with valuable training and education, giving rise to added cooperation in 2016.
“CWA is delighted to again be working with BlogPaws. The CWA conference offers solid information to help beginners to professionals succeed, no matter where they are in their writing and publishing journey,” says Amy Shojai, the Conference/Events Chair and a founder of the CWA. “While CWA members focus on cat topics, many of us love and write about other ‘pet’ topics. You can expect CWA-branded sessions apply to writers across the board, whether they write nonfiction or fiction about cats, dogs, ferrets, or even people.”
For a complete FAQ about the CWA and BlogPaws visit: http://catwriters.com/
About The Cat Writers’ Association
The Cat Writers’ Association, Inc. (CWA) is an international journalism organization founded in 1992 to promote the interests of cats; to provide a medium for exchange of ideas, methods and professional courtesies; and to promote a high standard of ethics in the collection, creation, and dissemination of cat information. CWA is a dynamic professional group of passionate cat advocates composed of writers, bloggers, photographers, artists, and broadcasters. The Association promotes mentorship for new writers, provides writing/publishing educational opportunities, and seeks to improve the quality of cat information by recognizing and rewarding outstanding published work in its annual contest. See http://www.catwriters.com for further information.
About BlogPaws
Founded in 2009 by three dedicated pet lovers and bloggers, BlogPaws helps pet bloggers and influencers connect digitally, build their online presence, enhance their social networks and support animals and shelters/rescues across the world. BlogPaws works year-round to connect influencers to the brands they buy every day. The BlogPaws community site welcomes pet bloggers, pet influencers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and brands eager to tap into a vibrant, vocal community of serious writers, bloggers, and influencers. BlogPaws is owned by Pet360, Inc. – a division of PetSmart. For more information, visit http://www.blogpaws.com.
Media Contacts:
CWA
Lea-Ann Germinder
Lgerminder(at)
212-367-2170 or 917-334-8682
BlogPaws
Carol Bryant
carol(at)blogpaws(
816-471-3553
Media Contacts:
Lea-Ann Germinder, APR Fellow PRSA
Germinder & Associates, Inc.
Lgerminder@germinder.com
212-367-2170 or 917-334-8682
Caitlyn O’Hare
Germinder & Associates, Inc.
caitlyn.ohare@germinder.com
CWA Contacts:
Amy Shojai
Conference/Event Chair
amy@shojai.com
903-868-1022
Wendy Christensen, CWA Secretary
wendy@wendycats.com
#CWA Purrfects Its Offerings As “Meow Goes Digital”
– New Members Invited To Refine Their Catness Prowess Too –
(New York – March 2, 2015) – The Cat Writers’ Association (CWA), has announced the launch of an expanded MEOW member communications platform to encompass a variety of newsy delivery systems, each serving members who can choose which (or all) that suit them best. Qualified writers, bloggers, photographers, artists and broadcasters who would like to join CWA, the premier international cat writing association, can visit the CWA membership page or contact Secretary Wendy Christensen at wendy@wendycats.com to apply for a professional or associate membership.
“For years, the singular award-winning MEOW newsletter served the membership well, but now in combination with our upcoming CWA/BlogPaws panel, we are offering several exciting new ways for our CWA community to engage and access information to help them in real-time. We’ve got networking opportunities for every type of media person who loves cats. It’s not only a great time to be a CWA member, but a perfect time to join our organization,” said Marci Kladnik, president of CWA.
The CWA MEOW Communications matrix will now include:
- MEOW DIGITAL MEWS (members only–all members will be subscribed automatically): A digital Mailchimp E-newsletter recap sent quarterly or for breaking news)
- CWA Facebook (members only–members opt-in): real time updates of organization & member news
- CWA Twitter (open opt-in subscription): real time tweets about organization, member news & content of interest to cat lovers and writers
- MEOW Blog (open opt-in subscription): ONLY MEMBERS may write/publish blogs (under the direction of the Website Editor), but all blogs are public.
- MEOW ANNUAL (members only, recap yearly of benchmarks throughout the year)
- CWA HANG-OUTS (open opt-in): real time online writing, publishing and cat-centric Google Hangouts, with recorded playback available
The CWA continually seeks to improve the quality and availability of cat information for the general public, as well as hosting panels and conferences with continuing education about writing, publishing and cat information. CWA announced two debut panels at the upcoming BlogPaws Conference in Nashville on May 28-30, 2015.
Initiated in 1994, the highly regarded CWA contest honors the top cat communicators in all fields with a concentration on cat related content. The coveted Muse Medallion™ was designed by founding member, the late Karen Kuykendall, and represents excellence in the related field. Entries in the contest are open to all members and non-members with the entry period extended through December 31, 2015. Winners will be announced at a new Spring 2016 conference. Special corporate sponsored awards are available. Companies and organizations interested in the newly expanded 2015-2016 CWA Sponsorship Package should contact Conference/Event Chair Amy Shojai at amy@shojai.com.
“CWA focuses on cats, but the writing and publishing information shared applies to all writing professionals. Members of our ‘sister organization’ the Dog Writers Association of America, have often attended and participated in CWA events. I see that expanding into many more areas of the writing world with this exciting new initiative,” said Amy Shojai, a founder of the organization.
About The Cat Writers’ Association
The Cat Writers’ Association, Inc. (CWA) is an international journalism organization founded in 1992 to promote the interests of cats; to provide a medium for exchange of ideas, methods and professional courtesies; and to promote a high standard of ethics in the collection, creation, and dissemination of cat information. CWA is a dynamic professional group of passionate cat advocates composed of writers, bloggers, photographers, artists, and broadcasters. The Association promotes mentorship for new writers, provides writing/publishing educational opportunities, and seeks to improve the quality of cat information by recognizing and rewarding outstanding published work. See www.catwriters.com for further information.
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Contacts:
CWA
Lea-Ann Germinder
Lgerminder@germinder.com
212-367-2170 or 917-334-8682
BlogPaws
Carol Bryant
carol@blogpaws.com
816-471-3553 or 570-540-3341
Cat Writers’ Association Panels Debut At BlogPaws
January 5, 2015 — As the writing world continues to evolve, the Cat Writers’ Association (CWA), is thrilled to announce a new offering in advance of its traditional fall conference. CWA members will share their expertise during two CWA sponsored panels at the upcoming BlogPaws conference in Nashville, TN May 28-30, 2015.
“The two panels are designed to help both traditional writers and bloggers improve their writing skills and publishing know-how using the journalistic integrity CWA has been known for, for over 23 years. We look forward to an exciting collaboration,” said Amy Shojai, CWA Program Chair and President Emeritus.
Bridging the Gap Between Bloggers and Publishing This publishing panel features Layla Morgan Wilde, Janiss Garza, Alana Grelyak, and Deb Barnes. The session will be a “how to use your blog as a springboard to professional publishing” by learning how to write, research, edit, and design your blog posts in such a manner that they become a portfolio of quality work to help open the door to publishing deals.
CWA Members Receive A Discount Code
Publish Or Perish? This publishing panel features pet book authors and publishers Amy Shojai of CWA, Pam Johnson-Bennett a best selling cat behaviorist and author, Lisa Erspamer a best selling publisher of cat and dog books, and Bob Mayer, a best selling author and publisher. The panel will discuss the current state of publishing from the “traditional” to “indie” paths, how publishing has changed, why bloggers should write a book (or become a publisher), how to choose your publishing path, pitfalls to avoid, and how to leverage social media and blogging to build your author platform.
“BlogPaws 2015 is delighted to be offering a writing track facilitated by top writing professionals at the Cat Writers’ Association. Our mutual goals bring a focus on writing excellence to all attendees at the conference, be they freelance writers, bloggers, or a combination of both. It’s an honor to be working with such a distinguished organization on our 2015 educational conference,” said Yvonne DiVita, Co-Founder of BlogPaws.
About The Cat Writers’ Association
The Cat Writers Association, Inc. (CWA) is an international journalism organization founded in 1992 to promote the interests of cats; to provide a medium for exchange of ideas, methods and professional courtesies; and to promote a high standard of ethics in the collection, creation, and dissemination of cat information. CWA is a dynamic professional group of passionate cat advocates composed of writers, bloggers, photographers, artists, and broadcasters. The Association promotes mentorship for new writers, provides writing/publishing educational opportunities, and seeks to improve the quality of cat information by recognizing and rewarding outstanding published work in its annual contest. See www.catwriters.com for further information.
About BlogPaws
Founded in 2009 by three dedicated pet lovers and bloggers, BlogPaws helps pet bloggers and enthusiasts connect digitally, build their online presence, enhance their social networks and support animals and shelters/rescues across the world. BlogPaws works year-round to connect bloggers and micro-bloggers to the brands they buy every day. The BlogPaws community site welcomes pet bloggers, pet enthusiasts, pet people on Twitter and Facebook and brands eager to tap into a vibrant, vocal community of serious writers, bloggers, and micro-bloggers. BlogPaws is a Pet360 Inc. brand. For more information, visit http://www.blogpaws.com.
Germinder Named Cat Writers’ Association Agency of Record
With Goodnewsforpets Digital Platform
(New York – January 5, 2015) – Germinder & Associates is pleased to announce the agency has been named official agency of record for the Cat Writers’ Association (CWA). A first assignment is promoting the newly announced CWA editorial panels at the 2015 BlogPaws conference.
“CWA has come a long way since it was founded two decades ago. We started as the first media member of Goodnewsforpets fourteen years ago and we look forward to this renewed collaboration with Germinder and Goodnewsforpets, both well known and well respected for their public relations and social media expertise, “ said Amy Shojai, CWA Co-Founder, CWA President Emeritus and 2015 Program Chair.
CWA will leverage Germinder’s expertise in public relations and social media in the pet sector to promote and publicize the Cat Writer’s Association as a vibrant, credible organization moving forward to potential members and sponsors. A secondary goal is to elevate the CWA brand to the cat loving community, reminding the public of the journalistic integrity and expertise of its members.
“We are pleased to assist the CWA in achieving its goals in 2015. Its members are a savvy group of individuals who not only know cats, but have high journalistic standards. We welcome the opportunity to showcase the expertise of this organization and give greater visibility to an organization that has done so much to help educate the public about cats,” said Lea-Ann Germinder, APR PRSA, President & Founder, Germinder & Associates. Germinder is also publisher of Goodnewsforpets.com.
Germinder has been a member of CWA since 2000 and in addition to providing visibility for CWA and its members on the goodnewsforpets site, has previously served as publicity chair and presented media relations training sessions with mock interviews at several CWA conferences. She has actively sought corporate funding for the organization and has championed authors and writers speaking to veterinary experts in the media. She and her teams have created over 125 campaigns in animal health.
About Germinder & Associates & Goodnewsforpets.com
Germinder & Associates, Inc. was founded in 1998 by Lea-Ann Germinder, APR PRSA. The agency provides strategic counsel, digital publishing content, and national campaigns for niche markets including animal health and pet products. The newly redesigned website Goodnewsforpets.com and associated social media channels forms a digital platform that curates news of interest and importance to informed pet parents inclusive of the veterinary profession and pet industry. For editorial information, advertising and sponsorship opportunities, contact Lea-Ann Germinder at Lgerminder@germinder.com. For information about Germinder & Associates, visit www.germinder.com.
About The Cat Writers’ Association
The Cat Writers Association, Inc. (CWA) is an international journalism organization founded in 1992 to promote the interests of cats; to provide a medium for exchange of ideas, methods and professional courtesies; and to promote a high standard of ethics in the collection, creation, and dissemination of cat information. CWA is a dynamic professional group of passionate cat advocates composed of writers, bloggers, photographers, artists, and broadcasters. The Association promotes mentorship for new writers, provides writing/publishing educational opportunities, and seeks to improve the quality of cat information by recognizing and rewarding outstanding published work in its annual contest. See www.catwriters.com for further information.
Cat Writers’ Association Provides Exclusive Benefits for Its Members and Sponsors of the BarkWorld/MeowWorld 2014 Conference
WARWICK, R.I. (August 5, 2014) – Founded as a journalism organization to encourage professionalism among cat writers, photographers, artists and broadcasters, Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) is extending exclusive benefits to members and sponsors at this year’s BarkWorld/MeowWorld conference.
For the very first time, Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) is partnering with the BarkWorld Pet Expo and Social Networking Conference to present the BarkWorld/MeowWorld 2014 Conference, held October 30 through November 1 at the Westin Buckhead in Atlanta. CWA is presenting the MeowWorld portion of the joint conference and registration provides admission to both conferences.
This year, CWA members will receive priority in the assignment of editor appointments, a CWA-exclusive icebreaker and free admittance to the awards banquet. Conference and CWA sponsors will receive promotion via exhibit booths, recognition in printed and online materials, placement of materials in swag bags and opportunities to place their brand in front of hundreds of bloggers and writers.
Dr. Lorie Huston, certified veterinary journalist and president of CWA, values Association members and sponsors of the BarkWorld/MeowWorld 2014 Conference.
“For CWA members, the conference provides an unparalleled opportunity to network with others with similar goals and passions, including many of the most well-established professionals in the field,” Huston said. “All conference attendees will have the opportunity to learn and grow, but CWA members also have priority access to one-on-one meetings with editors, publishers, and agents, an exclusive opportunity to attend a meet and greet gathering open only to CWA members, plus an invitation to attend the CWA Awards Banquet–the culminating gala event of the entire conference. For sponsors, we offer the opportunity to place their products or services directly in front of hundreds of bloggers, writers, publishers, authors and others within the pet industry. These are the people that use and have the ability to successfully promote pet products and services of all types. Sponsorship provides an exceptional chance for brands to connect and collaborate with these people, providing a benefit to both parties.”
Members of the CWA help contribute to the appreciation and welfare of all cats by providing accurate news, information and education on all aspects of felines, their nature, health, care and lore. For more information or to apply to become a CWA member, please visit http://catwriters.com.
About Cat Writers’ Association
Cat Writers’ Association is a group of professional writers, publishers, and broadcasters dedicated to the feline species. Membership in this elite organization includes many benefits. Whether you write about cats, blog about cats, photograph cats, or celebrate cats in some other form of media, Cat Writers’ Association has a place for you. This international professional writers’ association provides news, information and education to the public on all aspects of cats. For more information, please visit http://catwriters.com.
Lorie Huston
401-921-6369
loriehuston@pet-health-care-gazette.com
BarkWorld/MeowWorld Registration Now Open
BarkWorld/MeowWorld gives pet industry professionals a unique chance to network with colleagues and learn from fellow industry experts. This year, attendees will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with editors and publishers to pitch ideas or proposals.
Dr. Lorie Huston, certified veterinary journalist and president of CWA, explains how the new partnership with BarkWorld provides benefits for conference attendees.
“CWA members are professional writers, authors, publishers, editors, videographers, and broadcasters,” Huston said. “We bring our experience, expertise, and knowledge of the publishing industry to the table, along with the special insights of our members in regards to the feline species. BarkWorld, on the other hand, focuses on social media, which is increasingly becoming an essential part of a successful platform for any professional, whether that person is a writer, author, editor, or some other type of media professional. And, of course, BarkWorld adds information and events relating to dogs to the mix.”
Highlights of the MeowWorld conference include an awards banquet hosted by CWA in which recipients of the CWA Muse Medallions will be announced and winners of the CWA Special Awards will be recognized, as well as learning sessions led by industry professionals. Sessions include: How to Make Your Editor Love You and Get More Writing Assignments, Video Production 101 for Bloggers and Web Writers, Applying Journalism Ethics to Blogging, Researching and Writing Techniques, Editing and Proofreading, and much more.
In addition, there will be an editor panel featuring tips and suggestions, plus expert panels discussing feline health and feline behavior. Confirmed speakers and panelists include Susan Logan McCracken, editor of Cat Fancy; Vicky Walker, managing editor at Catster.com and Dogster.com and Dr. Drew Weigner, hospital director and founder of The Cat Hospital in Atlanta and the first veterinarian to achieve board certification as a specialist in feline medicine from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
BarkWorld/MeowWorld will also feature a pet expo that draws the top companies and organizations in the pet industry. Exhibitors include Purina®, PetSafe®, ASPCA®, AdoptAShelter.com, Good News for Pets™, PetPR.com, Women in the Pet Industry Network and more.
About Cat Writers’ Association
Cat Writers’ Association is a group of professional writers, publishers, and broadcasters dedicated to the feline species. Membership in this elite organization includes many benefits. Whether you write about cats, blog about cats, photograph cats, or celebrate cats in some other form of media, Cat Writers’ Association has a place for you. This international professional writers’ association provides news, information and education to the public on all aspects of cats. For more information, please visit http://catwriters.com.
Lorie Huston
401-921-6369
loriehuston@pet-health-care-gazette.com
Cat Writers and Publishers Vie for Top Honors
Qualified entries are evaluated by professional members of the Cat Writers’ Association. Certificates of Excellence are sent to people whose entries receive an average score of 90 or higher by three professional CWA members. The certificate recipient with the highest score is the winner of the Muse Medallion for the category in which it was entered.
In addition to the Muse Medallions, special awards that feature cash prizes for the winner are offered through the generosity of corporate and private sponsors.
Lorie Huston, board-certified veterinarian and president of CWA, explains the importance of this year’s contest collaboration with BarkWorld.
“The biggest event of the year for Cat Writers’ Association is the annual conference, which brings together the best and the brightest in the pet industry. The conference provides an opportunity for attendees to learn and hone their craft,” Dr. Huston said. “That is even truer this year, with a new partnership between the Cat Writers’ Association and BarkWorld, a premier pet expo and social media conference. The conference will culminate in a gala event; an awards banquet during which the winners of the annual Cat Writers’ Association Communications Contest will be announced. It’s an exciting event, not to be missed.”
The Communications Contest is open to both CWA members and non-members and entries must be postmarked by July 1, 2014. There are categories in the contest for almost any cat-related topic. All forms of media are represented, including published writings (both online and in print), artwork, photographs, and radio or television work.
For more information regarding the contest rules, award categories or entering work, please visit the Cat Writers’ Association website. CWA also invites membership applications and encourages all cat lovers to register for the annual CWA conference.
About Cat Writers’ Association
Cat Writers’ Association is a group of professional writers, publishers, and broadcasters dedicated to the feline species. Membership in this elite organization includes many benefits. Whether you write about cats, blog about cats, photograph cats, or celebrate cats in some other form of media, Cat Writers’ Association has a place for you. This international professional writers’ association provides news, information and education to the public on all aspects of cats. For more information, please visit http://catwriters.com.
# # #
Media Contact:
Lorie Huston
401-921-6369
loriehuston@pet-health-care-gazette.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Su Ewing, CWA President
dogwriter@windstream.net
Dallas Writing Conference is Cat’s Meow (and a Steal)
(Dallas, TX, 9-1-13) – A star-packed writers’ conference loaded with professional seminars by nationally known speakers will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 – 2, 2013 in Dallas — and it’s a bargain.
Intended for aspiring as well as practicing writers — and presented by pet-loving people– sessions cover writing for (and publishing on) the Web, social media, self publishing, blogging, PR, photography and more (see info link below). Faculty include:
● Jeff Crilley, retired TV journalist and founder of the country’s first “all-journalist” PR firm
● Carole Nelson Douglas, author of 60 novels, best known for her Midnight Louie mystery series, told in part by a black cat
● Amy Shojai, nationally known authority on pet care and behavior and author of 26 books, including The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats
● Arden Moore, award-winning author and radio show host (her latest book, What Dogs Want: A Visual Guide to Understanding Your Dog’s Every Move, interprets 100 canine postures, expressions, sounds and actions)
For registrations made by Sept. 30, the cost for both days is $150, including three meals on Friday, a Saturday breakfast and the awards banquet. Single-day registration for either Friday or Saturday seminars is $55. The conference is organized by the Cat Writers’ Association (CWA), a nonprofit group.
The program includes a special one-day “rescue track” on Friday aimed at teaching individuals and animal-rescue groups how to raise awareness (and, therefore, funds) in the digital age. Also featured: a SPEED DATING FOR WRITERS, where publishing professionals (writers, editors, illustrators, VO artists, website designers, etc.) can meet, talk to and hire each other. On Friday evening, five singers/actors will perform songs from “Strays, The Musical.” And after dinner on Saturday, CWA will bestow prizes for the year’s best cat-centric writing, broadcasting and graphic arts, a kitty totaling $9,000.
With all these authors in town, CWA is also holding a book signing — just in time for holiday gift-giving. — Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd at Books-A-Million, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, TX. Authors will appear throughout each day in one-hour shifts.
In addition, the conference features all-day workshops on photographing shelter animals and pet first-aid certification.
“It’s a two-day pep rally for writers,” says Su Ewing, President of the CWA. She explains that the conference is inexpensive because speakers are not paid. “All of them want to share,” she says. “That’s what our organization is all about. The conference is our once-a-year time to get together to learn, network, be recognized, be inspired and celebrate.”
CWA has reserved a block of rooms for conference-goers at the special rate of just $99 plus tax per night. Ask for the Cat Writers’ Association room rate. To reserve, call the hotel directly at (972) 929-8400 rather than using Sheraton’s 800 number or the website.
Founded in 1992, the Cat Writers’ Association, Inc. (CWA), is an organization of professionals who write, publish and broadcast about cats. Members receive a quarterly newsletter plus access to the e-group. Besides the annual conference, CWA runs a mentoring program and a yearly contest.
Conference hotel:
Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel
4440 West John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75063
Hotel reservations: (972) 929-8400
Free parking.
Cat Writers’ Association home page
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Su Ewing, CWA President
dogwriter@windstream.net
Pet Project:
Cat and Dog Authors’ Autograph Party Nov. 2 in Grapevine, TX
(Dallas, TX, 9-1-13) – The country’s top cat and dog experts will autograph their books for the public — just in time for holiday gift-giving — Saturday, November 2nd at the Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel, 4440 West John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, TX. Authors will appear throughout the day in one-hour shifts. The stellar line-up features Texans with national followings such as:
● Carole Nelson Douglas, author of 60 novels, best known for her Midnight Louie mystery series, told in part by a black cat
● Amy Shojai, nationally known authority on pet care and behavior and author of 26 books, including her new “dog viewpoint” thriller Lost And Found, and life-saving nonfiction book The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats
● Dusty Rainbolt, prize-winning author of the paranormal mystery Death Under the Crescent Moon, indispensable how-to volumes Cat Wrangling Made Easy, Kittens For Dummies and other books
PLUS writers from other states, including
● Susan Logan-McCracken, editor of the high-profile Cat Fancy Magazine and co-author of the popular book, Cat Calls: Wonderful Stories and Practical Advice from a Veteran Cat Sitter
● Catherine Holm, author of the cat themed memoir Driving with Cats: Ours for a Short Time and the creator of Ann Catanzaro cat fantasy story gift books
● Patricia Fry, literary consultant, editor, and author of 35 books, including Catscapades, a cache of more than 40 stories of amazing felines
All these authors (and more) are instructors at the annual conference of the international Cat Writers’ Association (CWA), taking place in Dallas, TX, Thursday, October 31 through Saturday, November 2, 2013, at the Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel, 4440 West John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, TX. The bargain-priced conference ($150 before Sept. 30, most meals included) is open to anyone interested in enhancing a writing career and will feature seminars presented by professional writers and editors. A special “rescue track” of seminars Friday (only $55) will teach individuals and animal-rescue groups how to raise awareness (and, therefore, funds) in the digital age. And on Saturday night CWA will bestow prizes for the year’s best cat-centric writing, broadcasting and graphic arts, a kitty totaling $9,000.
CWA has reserved a block of rooms for conference-goers at the special rate of just $99 plus tax per night. Ask for the Cat Writers’ Association room rate. To reserve, call the hotel directly at (972) 929-8400 rather than using Sheraton’s 800 number or the website.
NOTE: Bios, author photos and email addresses are available on request if you wish to set up interviews.
Cat Writers’ Association home page
Hotel reservations: (972) 929-8400