Meeting Highlights August 21, 2025

Members Present:  Jackie, Judy, Karen, Patty, Pete, Valia

Jackie informed the group that over the summer she had compiled a list and printed out Alan's poems. She then met with Alan's sister. Alan's sister gave her additional poems that Alan had written several years ago. Jackie would like to submit some stories and poems to Chicken Soup for the Soul at some point and would also like to see a few made into picture books. Also, she hopes to find out if Alan's friend still plans to publish Pioneer Spirit.

Patty read the synopsis and query for The Iron Ladies.

Judy read Chapter 5 Choosing a Friend from and a synopsis of her middle-grade novel Emma and Guinevere.

Karen read Chapter One of Haunting Mom.

Valia was challenged to write a 100 word story about love. A Loving Farewell resulted, a touching story about his parents.

Next Meeting: September 18th, at 6:30 at Rosati's in Schererville.

Meeting Highlights July 17, 2025

ATTENDEES: Valia, Karen, RuthAnn, and Patty

Pete's poem "Beyond the Raven's Door," came in 3rd place in the "Poe-it Like Poe" poetry contest. Congratulations, Pete!

Valia talked about ‘Grammarly’ an app that he frequently uses. The APP checks your writing and finds grammar, spelling, and writing mistakes. He finds it very useful.

Valia then read his poem titled, “Steel Industry’s Homage to the American Independence.” He will submit it to various organizations including the Smithsonian. This submission celebrates America’s 250 Anniversary and explains how the steel and iron industry literally build America from the ground up, even into outer space.

Patty read Chapter 22- “Two Worlds Meet’ the chapter in which Vienne takes her father, Gepard, down Rue des Rosier and introduces him to her shopkeeper family.

We had a lively discussion about both pieces, and about what constitutes a MG or YA novel. Ruthann shared that she had written 5 books and we eagerly asked that she bring a sample to the next meeting.


Respectfully submitted,

Patty Yackanich

July 2024 to June 2025

MORE MINUTES TO COME

July 18, 2024

Members Present:  Alan, Debbie, Jackie, Karen, Patty, Valia

Commedy Recap:

Alan taught stand-up comedy at IUN and performed at Wisconsin Dells so members were intersted in learning what goes into being a stand-up comedian. Alan discussed the importance of looking for funny and ironic things in every day life. We worked on the first joke of the set and learned opening and closing jokes are most important. Alan suggested we look up several famous comedians and watch them on YouTube. He also went over vocab words.

August

September

October

November

December 

January

February

March - no meeting

April

May

June