March Meeting Highlights

March 14, 2013

Members Present: Joan, Luneil, Bernardo, Pam, Jackie, Judy

Pam reported that she does a lot of writing on her job and hasn't written much for kids lately. Currently she produces a weekly newsletter and will be developing a quarterly magazine for the church as well. She will be working with three photographers and three writers. Celebration Magazine will highlight church events among other things.

Pam plans to finish her self-help book by the end of April. She has talked extensively with member Sharon Palmeri about the pros and cons of self-publishing and e-publishing. Sharon encouraged Pam to send out a query letter to 30 publishers. The group agreed that the older population prefers hard copy books and manuals. Jackie added that some publishers may request she include a chapter outline and/or a sample chapter.

Bernardo's website is livingwordfortheweek.blogspot.com. He read more from his short story Red and Fred. Bernardo has been working on character development and has been editing his first draft as well. Jackie suggested he include a map at the beginning of the book.

Judy read the article "How Do You Write a Poem" that she wrote for the PoPP 2012/2013 magazine. Jackie suggested she include at least five kid-friendly links to poetry in the back of the magazine. The PoPP committee will meet next week to review the draft copy. The awards banquet will be in April.

Judy shared her potato recipe and poem.

Joan is working on a recipe and poem for peanut butter and chocolate. She will bring in her poem My Song next meeting.

Luneil is working on developing two additional characters for her Lottie Nora series. These include Lottie Nora's mother and cousin.

Jackie will bring in her apple dip recipe next month.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

JSH