Magic Hour Writers

Our Mission: To encourage and promote excellence in writing for children through
friendship, education, and peer support to writing colleagues.

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Sunday, October 30, 2016

Meeting Highlights October 12, 2016

Members Present:   Donna, Helena, Jackie Karen, Patty

Members mentioned Tricks and Treats of the Trade, a SCBWI conference that will be held at Franklin College on October 29th. Valia plans to attend.

Karen will be discussing the different ways to be published at the IWC Banquet. She is one of several authors that will be on a panel. The banquet is scheduled for November 12, 2016.

Patty suggested members try listening to books on tape. She said that has helped her become a better writer. She has even typed out a few first chapters of books she likes to get a feel for the rhythm and styles of accomplished writers.

Donna read the 1st chapter of The Secret of the Witch and the Ghost.  Karen suggested she shorten sentences if targeting a younger audience. In early readers and chapter books sentences can start with the words “and” or “but”. Members also suggested adding more dialogue and action.

Jackie read “Dear John”, a poem she wrote for her school’s custodian who recently retired. She framed a copy and decorated the outside with items he likely found on the floor and in the halls over the years. She will bring SCBWI ‘s The BOOK to the next meeting.

Karen suggested members visit editor Ester Hershen’s website. Karen was proud to announce that her agent has hired a screen writer for her book. Rescuing Ivy is on an 18 month hold and will become a major motion picture if enough funds are raised!

Next Meeting: November 9, 2016 at Rosati’s in Schererville at 6:30 p.m.


JSH

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Meeting Highlights September 14, 2016

Members present:  Jackie, Pam, Patty, Pete, Valia

Guests:  Michelle and Ava
Michelle McGill-Vargas, the Vice President of Indiana Writers’ Consortium, wanted to observe a MHW meeting and brought her friend Ava who is a retired elementary school principal, teacher, and counselor. Members were interested in reading Michelle’s devotionals which can be found on the Highland Redeemer Lutheran Church’s website.

Recap:
Jackie stated she submitted poems for the Sidewalk Poetry Display project and the Indiana State Federation of Poetry Clubs annual contest. Jackie also presented a poetry lesson to her son’s 4th grade class at Kolling Elementary. She discussed what she writes about, where she gets her ideas, how to submit, and passed around some of the books that feature her poems and photographs.

Valia attended the Indiana Dunes Streamline event and recited his poem “I Remember”.  He was pleased there was a big audience. Valia was contacted by the poet laureate to participate in the Highland Sidewalk project in October.  He plans to attend the SCBWI ‘s one day event at Franklin College on October 29th. Valia then read several of his “Rocky” short poems.

Patty read several pages from Chapter 5 - Trip to Rue Des Rosier. The rest of the chapter was emailed to the group. She has been busy creating more miniatures for her millinery shop and brought them to the meeting to show everyone.



Pete read his poem Izzy & Katie’s Melon Head Halloween.

Upcoming events:
The next Northwest Indiana Poetry Society meeting is September 17th at the Lowell Library at 10 a.m.

The Festival of the Trail is looking for more participants in the kid’s corner for their October 15th event. Those interested should contact Julie Larson or Lance from the Highland Redevelopment Commission.

Next Meeting:  Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Rosati’s at 6:30 p.m.


jsh