Open Range Writers

Welcome " GWYN WEATHERFORD" as our new Open Range Writer's Group Leader

2011-04-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

Howdy Open Range Writers,

This post is to inform you that we have a NEW OPEN RANGE WRITER'S LEADER.

Gwyn Weatherford has agreed to take over the reigns of our group.

I've felt for some time that God was telling me it was time for me to mosey on down the new trail that He had awaiting for me.

I'm so excited that Gwyn is taking over. She and Jan Brand have been in contact with each other and they are both excited too! I believe God has some wonderful things in store for our Writer's group.

It has been an honor and such a blessing to get to know all of you and I do hope you will continue to use the talent of writing that God has given each of you.

Our next meeting will be Monday, May 2nd at MoJo's . Gwyn will be in touch with you all before that time. I plan on being there. Gwyn and I both hope to see each of you.

We've also changed our June & July meetings. We will meet Monday, June 6th and we will not meet in July, since the first Monday falls on July 4th holiday.

Here is Gwyn's email address: bgwynweatherford@gmail.com

Blessings!

Working & Writing for Him...

Tracy (Bobo) Banks

tlab@sbcglobal.net

http://www.tracybobobanks.com/

http://openrangewriters.blogspot.com/

April 2011 Meeting

2011-04-07T18:33:00.001-07:00

Howdy Writing pals, Seems like it's been forever! Our next Open Range Writer's Group Meeting will be Monday, April 4th, 2011 - - MoJo's - Downtown Henderson, 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Meeting Format: Devotional IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITY- Individual sharing/critiquing followed by group sharing. If you are participating in the assignment Jan Brand sent out, please bring it to share... if not please Bring a max. of 3 double spaced pages of something you have written to each monthly meeting. Bring 8 copies * one for each group member. This can be a devotional, poem, article, outline for a book, chapter of a book, book proposal, etc. Hope to see you all at our April meeting. Blessings! Working & Writing for Him... Tracy (Bobo) Banks tlab@sbcglobal.net http://www.tracybobobanks.com/ http://openrangewriters.blogspot.com/

The Writer's Studio at Lindale , TX.

2011-02-06T15:47:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful time at the Writer's Studio in Lindale, Texas on Saturday, January 22nd.

Frank Ball did an outstanding job.

We had 7 that went from the Open Range Writer's group and there was around 7-8 more from the Lindale group.

In this picture: Katie Allred, Robert Brock and Debra Turner from the Open Range Writer's.

Gwyn Weatherford & Debby James were also there.

Jan Brand came with Frank.

She is always such an encourgaement.

Frank Ball, Leader and founder of the North Texas Christian Writer's Association.

February 2011 Meeting

2011-02-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

Howdy Writing Pals,

Our next Open Range Writer's Meeting will be Monday, February 7, 2011, at MoJos - 6:30 -8:30 P.M.

Meeting Format: Devotional

We WILL NOT have a Critique Session at this meeting.

Please bring something to take notes.

I'm going to be sharing one of the classes from the 2010 - NTCWC.

I think it will encourage you in your writing.

Blessings!

Working & Writing for Him...

Tracy (Bobo) Banks

tlab@sbcglobal.net

http://www.tracybobobanks.com/

2010-12-23T22:32:00.000-08:00

Howdy Open Range Writers,

Our next Open Range Writer's Meeting will be Monday, January 3rd, 2011 at MoJos- Downtown Henderson - 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Meeting Format:

Devotional - Gwyn Weatherford

Improvement Opportunity - Individual sharing/critiquing. Bring a max. of 3 double spaced pages of something you have written to each monthly meeting.
Bring 8 -10 copies * one for each group member.
This can be a devotional, poem, article, outline for a book, chapter of a book, book proposal, etc...

REMINDER: The Writer's Studio" with Frank Ball on January 22, 2011. (See Post below for more details.)

The fee for this event is $39.00.

You will need to click on the link to register and pay.

This will be an exciting 3 hour Workshop held in Lindale with the "Write with Grace" group.

They are also a part of the North Texas Christian Writer's Groups.

It will be a great opportunity to learn and to be with other Christian Writers.

Sounds like a great day to me!

Here's the link for you to register: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1086125631

If you have any questions....let me know!

I pray each one of you have a wonderful Christmas with your families.

Until next time,

God Bless you friend is my prayer!

'Til the whole world knows Him...

Tracy "Bobo" Banks
tlab@sbcglobal.net
http://www.tracybobobanks.com/
http://tracybobobanks.blogspot.com/
http://www.inspirationalcorral.com/

Check it out!

2010-11-29T17:22:00.000-08:00

Howdy Open Range Writers,

Just wanted to share Debra Branson-Turner's new blog address
with you all. http://wordknittingbydebra.blogspot.com/

Be sure and check it out!

Way to go Debra!

Blessings,
Tracy "Bobo"

The Writer's Studio

2010-11-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

An Exciting Three-Hour Workshop Taught
by Frank Ball

• Session One: “How to Write a Captivating Story” – The Seven Crucial Elements of Great Storytelling
• Session Two: “Be a Creative Genius” – Overcome Writer’s Block by Digging Creative Gold Mines
• Session Three: “The Write Foundation” – Ways to Improve that Even Professionals Often Overlook

You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. — Jack London

Most people have a microwave mentality when it comes to reading, so they don’t have much tolerance for the “crock pot” literary styles that were popular just fifty years ago.

To be successful, we must learn the new way to write.

For fifteen years, Frank Ball has been helping writers improve their skills. He is the founder of North Texas Christian Writers, an association of some 250 members who meet to encourage one another to write and improve their skills. He has written four books, hundreds of devotionals, and numerous articles. His most popular book, Eyewitness: The Life of Christ Told in One Story, compiles all the Bible’s information about Jesus into a chronological story that reads like a novel.

Frank directs the annual North Texas Christian Writers Conference in Keller, Texas.
(http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/). He is a popular speaker at writing conferences and
churches (http://www.eyewitnesstools.com/) and comes to east Texas on January 22 to
encourage excellence in writing.

Meeting Date: Saturday, January 22, 2011
Time: 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Cost: $39 – Register online at http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/
Location: Grace Community Church
15567 Woodsprings Rd / County Road 463 Lindale, TX 75771

Sponsors:
Open Range Writers, Henderson, TX
(Tracy Banks: tracy@tracybobobanks.com)
Write with Grace, Lindale, TX
(Rhodema Cargill: rhodema@clcargill.com)

Frost on the Pumpkin by Debby James

2010-11-29T16:54:00.000-08:00

There was frost on the pumpkin this morning. Jack Frost was here to remind us that winter is just around the corner.

There is a huge tree on our street and it ushers in each season, in early spring, the lush green leaves start to sprout and with summer the canopy cools with each passing breeze.

Autumn’s coat was ablaze with red, then gold, then hues of oranges and browns.

Today as the first frost has left its mark, there is nothing left but bare and beautiful limbs swaying and dancing in the cool morning air.

A mere tree and its seasons embrace the majesty and beauty of creation.

I try to imagine heaven and know a day is coming as sure as the sunrise - when we will be transported into the Lord's presence and surrounded by all of His glory and beauty.

Free from temptation, sin, and sadness, from fear, and doubt and despair.

It will be wonderful, beautiful, and best of all Forever!

Job 37:10
By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.

The Lamp by Debby James

2010-10-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

I grew up in the country and as kids we all had our share of chores to do. From the youngest to the oldest, we all did our share. My brother and cousins helped milk cows for a farmer up the road from us. They went to the barn every morning before school and every day after school. Nothing stopped the cows from being milked, not weather, or sickness or weekends, or holidays.

The road that led to that barn seemed at least a mile away and on nights when it was so dark you could not see your hand in front of your face it seemed even farther. Each evening we younger children loved to run and meet our brothers coming down that road and they loved to tease and scare us senseless all the way home.

Our Uncle kept an old kerosene lamp burning and hanging on his porch to light our way. He told us it was there to keep the "boogers" away. Walking to and from that old barn each night , we hoped he was telling the truth, as our imaginations created many a scary thought. Wind and shadows and sounds played tricks on our minds. However, we could see that light and it kept us focused on our destination.

Our steps were true and full of confidence as that old lantern swayed on its hook spreading it's light in front of us.Guiding our footsteps, lighting the way. It assured us we were okay, headed in the right direction, on the right path and close to the safety of home.

Now, as when I was a child God's Word and love are still doing for me what that old lamp did for me so long ago. Guiding, directing, encouraging and keeping me on the way that is the straight path, lighting the path that always leads to the safety of home.

Psalms 119: 105 Your Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path

November 2010 Meeting

2010-10-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Howdy Writing pals,

Please note: Our next Open Range Writer's Meeting will be Monday, November 1, at MoJos - 6:30 -8:30 P.M.

Meeting Format:
Devotional - Debra Branson-Turner

We WILL NOT have a Critique Session at this meeting.

Please bring something to take notes. I'm going to be sharing one of the classes from the 2010 - NTCWC. I think it will encourage you in your writing.

For those of you who sent in an assignment, Jan is working on them. I hope we have them back for our meeting.

Blessings!

Working & Writing for Him...

Tracy (Bobo) Banks

tlab@sbcglobal.net

http://www.tracybobobanks.com/

http://openrangewriters.blogspot.com/

October 2010 Meeting

2010-10-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Howdy Writing pals,

Please note: Our next Open Range Writer's Meeting will be Monday, October 4th, at MoJos - 6:30.

Meeting Format:

Devotional

Discussion of NEW things on the horizon for our group!
Improvement Opportunity - Individual sharing/critiquing.
Bring a max. of 3 double spaced pages of something you have written to each monthly meeting.
Bring 8 -10 copies * one for each group member.
This can be a devotional, poem, article, outline for a book,chapter of a book, book proposal, etc...

Blessings!

Working & Writing for Him...

Tracy (Bobo) Banks

tlab@sbcglobal.net

http://www.tracybobobanks.com/

http://openrangewriters.blogspot.com/

June 2010 Meeting

2010-06-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Howdy Writing pals,

Monday, June 7th - Open Range Writer's Meeting
Please note: our next meeting will be Monday, June 7th at MoJos - 6:30. We are having this meeting in place of our July meeting. (NO Meeting in JULY!)
Below are dates to remember:

Saturday, June 19th, 2010 - Writing Seminar with Dennis Hensley "How to Write What You Love and Make a Living at It" at Cross Timbers Community Church - Keller Campus.http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/ (See Flyer below)

***July: No Meeting

Monday, August 2, 2010 - Meeting at MoJo's - 6:30 P.M.
Friday and Saturday - September 17th-18th, 2010 - North Texas Christian Writer's Conference at Cross Timbers Community Church - Keller Campus.http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

Hope to see you all at our June meeting.

Blessings!
Working & Writing for Him...Tracy (Bobo) Banks

tlab@sbcglobal.net

http://www.tracybobobanks.com/

http://openrangewriters.blogspot.com/

May 2010 Meeting

2010-05-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Howdy Writing Pals!

Below are dates to remember:

Monday , May 3rd, 2010 - Mr. Frank Ball, the Director of the North Texas Christian Writers will be our guest speaker. Meeting will be at MoJo's - Downtown Henderson. 6:30P.M.- 8:30 P.M. http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

June 7, 2010 - We will have a regular meeting in June instead of July.
Meeting Format:
Devotional
Critique Session - Individual sharing/critiquing followed by group sharing.Bring a max. of 3 double spaced pages of something you have written to each monthly meeting. Bring 8-10 copies * one for each group member. This can be a devotional, poem, article, outline for a book, chapter of a book, book proposal, etc*.

Saturday, June 19th, 2010 - Writing Seminar with Dennis Hensley "How to Write What You Love and Make a Living at It" at Cross Timbers Community Church - Keller Campus.http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

July Meeting: No Meeting

Friday and Saturday - September 17th-18th, 2010 - North Texas Christian Writer's Conference at Cross Timbers Community Church - Keller Campus.http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

Hope to see you all at our May meeting.

Blessings!
Working & Writing for Him...Tracy (Bobo) Banks

tlab@sbcglobal.net

http://www.tracybobobanks.com/

April 2010 Meeting

2010-03-18T09:39:00.001-07:00

Howdy Writing pals,

Seems like it's been forever!

I know some of you are planning on going to the March Keller Seminar.

Please take lots of notes to share with us.

Warren Powell and I won't be able to attend attend. We have a Book signing that day at Barron's Books in Longview.

Below are dates to remember:

Saturday, March 27th, 2010 - Writing for Excellence Seminar with Thomas Umstattd Jr., at Cross Timbers Community Church, Keller Campus. This is a North Texas Christian Writer's Group Event. Check the NTCW - Website for more information and to reserve your spot. http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

Monday, April 5th, 2010 - Open Range Writer's Group Meeting - MoJo's - Downtown Henderson. This will be our regular meeting. 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Devotional

Individual sharing/critiquing followed by group sharing.

Bring a max. of 3 double spaced pages of something you have written to each monthly meeting. Bring 8-10 copies * one for each group member. This can be a devotional, poem, article, outline for a book, chapter of a book, book proposal, etc*.)

Friday and Saturday, April 9th and 10th, 2010 - East Texas Christian Writer's Conference at ETBU in Marshall, Texas. For more information and to register visit:http://www.etbu.edu/News/CWC/

Monday , May 3rd, 2010 - Mr. Frank Ball, the Director of the North Texas Christian Writers will be our guest speaker. Meeting will be at MoJo's - Downtown Henderson.6:30P.M.- 8:30 P.M.http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

June 2010 - We wil not have a regular meeting, but there will be a NTCW event in June.Saturday, June 19th, 2010 - Writing Seminar with Dennis Hensley "How to Write What You Love and Make a Living at It" at Cross Timbers Community Church - Keller Campus.http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

July 2010- ???

Friday and Saturday - September 17th-18th, 2010 - North Texas Christian Writer's Conference at Cross Timbers Community Church - Keller Campus. http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

Hope to see you all at our April meeting.

Blessings!

Working & Writing for Him...

Tracy (Bobo) Banks
tlab@sbcglobal.net
http://www.tracybobobanks.com/
http://openrangewriters.blogspot.com/

By Robert A. "Sunny" Brock

2010-02-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

THREE LITTLE MUSKETEERS AND THE OLD LADY DOWN THE STREET
By Robert A. "Sunny" Brock

Whatever happened to the Three Little Musketeers of Eames St., who built their fort in my back yard in a giant Kleenex box the size of a stove and fought the dragons of life with swords from privet hedges growing wild along my back fence? Can't you hear them yell, "Time out!" to give my pink peonies a charge of nitrogen.

One was nine, one was six and the runt, what a kid, always losing his diaper keeping up, and he was three.

Now Eames St. is quiet. So, the real-estate ladies tell the lookers, "...a real fixer upper, and it is so quiet on this street, no children." What kind of neighbors want to live on a street with no children? ...like sitting out a death sentence in solitaire.

Now, I look out this window; there're no moon walkers, planting moon beans and crater taters, watching the man in the moon through a Campbell's soup can while he eats all the cheese.

...and their old ugly, white boxer that dug termites from holes under my shed. What was his name? Oh yes, Duke...used to scare me to death when he jumped up on my screen to smell what was cooking. They'd say, "Our mom said it'd be alright for you to give us some of your bread pudding."

I'd serve them out the window. We'd all smack and snack together, and they'd tell me what's going on in the neighborhood, in their school and in the universe. I knew first hand when they fell in and out of love, and they'd listen to my stories. No one wants to hear an old lady's tales of woe. But, they did. I'd tell them mine, and they'd tell me theirs. I knew all their family secrets. Wow, how they could spill the beans.

One by one, I received their graduation cards and put them in the box with all their clippings, homemade happy birthday, merry Christmas and well wishing holiday papers, colored especially for me.

Lately, I read about them in the newspapers. They've all gone to the Marines and Army and college, all married wonderful girls and have Little Musketeers of their own. They're making a difference in their world, just like they made in mine.

But, I still sit at my back window listening to the echoes of The Three Little Musketeers and watch the termites finish off my lawnmower shed.

**Congratulations to Dr. Robert Brock. He recently signed a contract with Tate Publishing of OK for Turkey Mountain Boys.

February 2010 Meeting

2010-01-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

Open Range Christian Writers invites you to their monthly Christian Writer's Group meeting on Monday, February 1, 2010 at MoJo's - Downtown Henderson.

Meeting begins at 6:30 P.M.

Meeting Format: Devotional

*Note - We will We will not have our critique session this month.

Special Guest Speaker: Bill O'Neal

Bill O'Neal is the author of 37 books and more than 300 articles and book reviews. He was selected by True West Magazine as the "Best Living Non-Fiction Writer, 2007."

His account of The Johnson County War was voted Book of the Year in 2005 by the National Association for Outlaw and Lawman History.

Bill has taught history since 1970 at Panola College in Carthage, where he was awarded a Piper Professorship in 2000.

Bill has appeared on TV documentaries on TBS, The History Channel, A&E, The Discovery Channel, and the BBC. He is regularly featured on the nationally syndicated radio show Chronicles of the Old West.

For more information contact: Tracy Banks @ tlab@sbcglobal.net or (903)754-2023

By Debra Dian Turner

2010-01-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

My Life Has Been Drawn

Upon God's Precious Earth

Filled With Such Things

As Sorrows And Mirth.

Colored By Memories

Tarnished By Tears

Shaped By The Seasons

Defined Thru The Years.

I've Walked Cross the Meadows

Of Early Green Growth

High Mountains, Low Valleys

I've Crossed Them Both.

Angels My Allies

Prayer Is My Sword

My Map Is The Bible

Jesus, My Lord.

Howdy Open Range Writer!

2010-01-12T13:21:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful turn-out at our meeeting on January 3rd. There were lots of new faces and we are so glad you came.

Important dates to Remember:

Monday, February 1st, 2020 - Open Range Writer's Meeting at MoJo's- Downtown Henderson. 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Mr. Bill O'Neal will be our guest speaker. He is the author of 37 books and more than 300 articles and book reviews. I know you will enjoy this special night, so please plan on coming.

I don't think we will have time to do our reading and critiquing that night, but please plan on bringing something for our April 5th meeting.

March 2010 - We will not have a regular meeting in March, but there will be a NTCW event in March.

Saturday, March 27th, 2010 - Writing for Excellence Seminar with Thomas Umstattd Jr., at Cross Timbers Community Church, Keller Campus. This is a North Texas Christian Writer's Group Event. Check the NTCW - Website for more information and to reserve your spot. http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

Monday, April 5th, 2010 - Open Range Writer's Group Meeting - MoJo's - Downtown Henderson. This will be our regular meeting. 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Since we had so many new people at our last meeting we are going to limit the number of pages you can bring for our critiquing session.
(Individual sharing/critiquing followed by group sharing. Bring a max. of 3 double spaced pages of something you have written to each monthly meeting. Bring 8-10 copies * one for each group member. This can be a devotional, poem, article, outline for a book, chapter of a book, book proposal, etc*.)

Friday and Saturday, April 9th and 1oth, 2010 - East Texas Christian Writer's Conference at ETBU in Marshall, Texas. For more information and to register visit:
http://www.etbu.edu/News/CWC/

Monday , May 3rd, 2010- Mr. Frank Ball, the Director of the North Texas Christian Writers will be our guest speaker. Meeting will be at MoJo's - Downtown Henderson.
6:30P.M.- 8:30 P.M.
http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

June 2010 - We wil not have a regular meeting, but there will be a NTCW event in June.

Saturday, June 19th, 2010 - Writing Seminar with Dennis Hensley "How to Write What You Love and Make a Living at It" at Cross Timbers Community Church - Keller Campus.
http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

July Meeting: ??

Friday and Saturday - September 17th-18th, 2010 - North Texas Christian Writer's Conference at Cross Timbers Community Church - Keller Campus. http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/

Writing Opportunities to Check into:

Cup of Comfort: http://www.cupofcomfort.com/
Chicken Soup for The Soul: http://www.chickensoup.com/
Barbour Books: http://www.barbourbooks.com/pages/writersguide.aspx
Guidepost Magazine: http://www.guideposts.com/tell-us-your-story
The Christmas Spirit:http://www.christmasspiritbook.com/

Great Resources for Writers:

http://stuartmarket.blogspot.com/

http://www.stuartmarket.com/

Until next time,
Happy Trails Writing Pals and May the Good Lord take a Liken to you!

Working & Writing for Him...

Tracy (Bobo) Banks

Congrats to Warren and Mary Beth Powell

2009-12-28T10:07:00.000-08:00

Warren and Mary Beth's New book is out.

I started reading it this morning and it is wonderful. This is a must have book.

Here's a link: http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61566-581-5

January 2010 Meeting

2009-12-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

REMINDER:
Open Range Writers invites you to their monthly Christian Writer's Group meeting on Monday, January 4th, 2010 at MoJo's - Downtown Henderson.

Meeting begins at 6:30 P.M.

Meeting Format:

Devotional - by Carol Wingo

Individual sharing/critiquing followed by group sharing.

Bring a max. of 5 double spaced pages of something you have written to each monthly meeting.
Bring 6 copies * one for each group member.

This can be a devotional, poem, article, outline for a book, chapter of a book, book proposal, etc*.

For more information contact:

Tracy Banks @ tlab@sbcglobal.net

January 2010 Meeting

2009-12-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

Open Range Writers invites you to their monthly Christian Writer's Group meeting on Monday, January 4th, 2010 at MoJo's - Downtown Henderson. Meeting begins at 6:30 P.M.

Meeting Format

Devotional - by Carol Wingo

Individual sharing/critiquing followed by group sharing.Bring a max. of 5 double spaced pages of something you have written to each monthly meeting. Bring 6 copies * one for each group member. This can be a devotional, poem, article, outline for a book, chapter of a book, book proposal, etc*.

For more information contact:
Tracy Banks @ tlab@sbcglobal.net

Open Range Writer's November Meeting

2009-10-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

Open Range Christian Writer's Group Meeting
will be held on Monday, November 2nd, 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. at the
Bar None Cowboy Church Youth building (behind the church)
9162 Hwy 43 East
Tatum, Texas

Meeting Format

Devotional - by Warren Powell
Individual sharing/critiquing followed by group sharing.

Bring a max. of 5 double spaced pages of something you have written to each monthly meeting. Bring 6 copies * one for each group member. This can be a devotional, poem, article, outline for a book, chapter of a book, book proposal, etc*.

For more information, contact
Tracy (Bobo) Banks - tlab@sbcglobal.net

Welcome to the Open Range Writer's Group

2009-10-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

Three writer's (you read it right, "writers" not riders) who attend The Bar None Cowboy Church in Tatum, Texas recently attended the 2009 North Texas Christian Writer's Conference.

During our trip, we discussed plans to form a New Christian Writer's group for our area.

The Open Range Writer's Group met for the first time in Henderson, Texas on Monday, October 5, 2009.

Has God placed a special calling on your life to write?
Have you always dreamed of being a writer?

Whatever the case may be, we'd love for you to come and be a part of our group.

Our goal is to round up other folks who write and who will share their God-given talents to a world that is hungry for more of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

For more information on our Monthly Meeting Schedule, please see bottom of page.

Happy Writing Trails Friend and May The Good Lord take a Liken to you!

2009-09-29T19:21:00.000-07:00