Meeting Minutes - January 13, 2011

Date: January 13, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In Attendance:
Paul Benninghoff
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dzuibla
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri
Carol Rodgers
Judy Whitcomb

The group met at Border's Bookstore. Members discussed current tasks/responsibilities and decided to leave things as is. Jackie will continue to moderate and post minutes on blog. Judy will continue as treasurer and help with minutes. Judy collected dues and gave the treasurer's report. Members discussed next month's anniversary meeting. All agreed to meet for an hour at Borders then go to Baker's Square for a celebration at 7:30.

Jackie asked if group would be interested in being a sponsor for the next From the Edge of the Prairie publication. Members agreed to donate $25. Magic Hour Writers' blogsite link will be printed on one of the back pages of the 2011 edition.

Jackie asked members to write a simple 50 word bio to be added to a new bio page on the blogsite. Please e-mail her. Sharon suggested adding another page listing contests and another page with general information.

Judy reported 354 people looked at her blog. She would appreciate input from members.

Jackie shared her latest rejection letter. She then shared a poem What a Treat about a ladybug.

Cathy read her short story Becca the Bat.

The group discussed House Rules, an excellent book about a child with autism. Members should be prepared to report on what subjects/genres we are interested in.

Judy showed the 2011 Children's Writers and Illustrators Market book. Members can borrow the book as a reference at any time. She discussed copyright information and different rights publishers buy as information included in this resource. Paul suggested that we have a contest. The member with the most rejection letters in 2011 would win the 2012 version purchased by MHW. Members liked that idea.

Carol shared a book she purchased The Secret Lives of Princesses. She was interested in this book because she makes dolls. Carol also discussed writersvillageuniversity.com and talked about the free creative writing class offered online.

Sharon reported she joined Children's Book Insider. Judy joined last year. Both were happy with the resources this site offers.

Sharon brought the book Dreams to Grow On by Christine Hurdy; published by Illunination Arts. Their submission guidelines were discussed. Illunination Arts reports that half of the books they publish are by first time authors.

The group also briefly discussed book expos and how they are no longer held in Chicago at the present time.