Zoom Meeting Highlights - September 8, 2021

Attendees: Judy, Luneil, Karen, Ruthann, Valia, Jackie and Patty

Meeting started at 6:30pm

Member Discussions:

Karen shared with us a story she’d written years ago, TADPOLE TROUBLES with ALBIE. She told us about the origins of this story and is considering doing some editing and hopefully, submitting. It is a funny and scientific story about frogs laying eggs in a swimming pool and Albie trying to save them all before his father opens the pool for the season.

Valia suggested that Karen and the rest of us, watch the Netflix movie, “My Octopus Teacher” regarding story and science. Several members agreed now that summer is over there'll be more time for writing/editing.

Patty read chapters 22 & 23 of THE IRON LADIES. She was extremely grateful for all the suggestions for improving the chapters, especially the points that were not made clear for the reader. She feels this is the greatest help for writers, caring individuals who give suggestions and ideas for improving work.

Valia Read his poem NOMAD, alternate title, SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT. It was a lovely, moving poem about his mother’s passing. He also shared a few touching incidents that occurred at home at the same time.

Ruthann excited by the birth of another grandchild, has promised to get back to writing as soon as she is able. The group would love to hear more Boopy stories.

Judy spoke about her Senior Memoir writing workshop which she is conducting. The group gave several ideas to help encourage the seniors to share life stories and situations. There was discussion about editing, sharing with other writers, reading memoirs to others, and general suggestion for future classes. Judy hopes to be able to take the collection of the senior’s life stories and put them into book form when the classes are over.

Meeting concluded around 9pm.

Next Zoom meeting: October 13, 2021 at 6:30pm

Respectfully submitted,

Patty Yackanich

Zoom Meeting Highlights - August 11, 2021

Hardarshan Valia attended the SCBWI Big Five-Oh Summer Conference, Friday July 30^th- Monday Aug 2^nd. It was amazing to hear that how 50 years ago, the conference started with about three dozen attendees and since grew to the most desired, knowledge disseminator place for Children’s book writers and illustrator. One of the interesting things that participants learned was that during the pandemic period, children’s books were in high demand and the trend may continue. Hardarshan Valia participated in Roundtable Pitch and gave a two-minute “Elevator Pitch” for his manuscript ‘A Gift from the Past.’

Member Discussions:

Judy – She has started a writing project for the seniors at the retirement facility. The project is entitled “Writing Memoirs.’ The maximum enrollment is ten and duration is 12 weeks. The participants are given prompts and asked to put down their feelings then and now after such a long journey.

Karen – She is busy revising last four chapters of her previously written book ‘Rescuing Ivy.’ She has also devoted time working at the museum of Griffith Historical Society. In that regard, she visited Cedar Lake Historical Society. Last summer, she also participated in a zoom meeting with Daughters of Revolution; subsequently in July, she attended their in-person meeting.

Ruthann – The group encouraged her to revisit story “Boopy” which she stopped writing as the bird had passed away. That discussion reminded Ruthann of an encounter with a raccoon that could easily inspire another short story.

Jackie – Her photographs and memorabilia, some pertaining to her mother, were on display at the Lake County Fair. Jackie won ribbons in three photography categories and ribbons in three collectables categories. The exhibition lasted till August 15, 2021.

Hardarshan Valia – He read the poem ‘Healers of the Night’ that describes a scene at a jazz concert.

Next Zoom Meeting: September 8, 2011 at 6:30 pm

 

Submitted by: Hardarshan Valia