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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Monday, April 25, 2011

Meeting Minutes - April 14, 2011

Date: April 14, 2011

Time: 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

In Attendance:
Cathy Dzuibla
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Judy Whitcomb

Judy gave treasurer's report. She also discussed Telemachus Press and an article praising self-publishing. http://telemachuspress.com/

Luneil reported that she will submit Barty to Pelican Press and Milkweed. Milkweed will take electronic submissions. Luneil had to do some editing since Pelican stipulated manuscripts for young children must be under 1,100 words. She then read her poem Ms. Lawrence, Ms. Lawrence about a teacher and her eager students. The group suggested she change the order of the lines around and make the poem in present tense. Luneil also read The Pain of Tomorrow, a poem about loss and getting through.

The group discussed the weebly blog/website. Link follows: http://www.weebly.com/features.php

Judy gave members a handout on a Cheerios contest "Spoonfuls of Stories". Submissions will be accepted between March 22, 2011 and July 15, 2011. Stores should be less than 500 words and geared for children ages 3 to 8 years old. http://www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest.com/rules/

Jackie suggested the group consider a Magic Hour Writers "publication". Submissions would be due in the Fall of 2011. Project will be discussed further in upcoming meetings.

Cathy sent Becca the Bat to Albert Whitman January 31st. She then read the timely poem Ode to a Greek Orthodox Altar Boy. Members thought it would fit well in a church newsletter or bulletin.

Pam is still waiting to hear from several publishers. She will bring the Marshall Plan novel writing books next meeting.

Jackie showed Children's Writer newsletters and several Chinaberry catalogues.

Judy read her latest short story My Puppy Pooped. A few members suggested she consider changing the title so she does not give away the ending. Others thought it would fit well in a Humane Society Newsletter about adoption. Jackie remembered Doral Publishing from Sharon's writing class. Links follow: http://www.doralpub.com/doral/  and  http://www.marketlist.com/doral-publishing,-inc./dt/3464/

Tanglewood Press link follows: http://www.tanglewoodbooks.com/submissions.html

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Meeting Minutes - March 10, 2011

Date: March 10, 2011

Time: 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

In Attendance:
Paul Benninghoff
Joan Bodefeld
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Judy Whitcomb

Upcomming events:
Judy informed the group about Story Week at Columbia College in Chicago. Anyone can attend free writer workshops. Event will be March 13-18. http://www.colum.edu/specialevents/story_week/

Submissions of poems, short stories, and pictures to Prairie Writers Guild for the 2011 edition of From the Edge of the Prairie are due April 1, 2011.

Jackie is entering several poems in the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) Spring Poetry Contests. Deadline is March 15, 2011. You do not need to be a member to enter most contests. http://www.nfsps.com/links.htm

Information:
Joan began writing a biography about a personal friend and former politician. Members discussed various ways to gather factual information and acquire further support.

Paul is interested in donating some of the future proceeds of his book to charity. The group discussed possible ways to designate funds to specific non-profit groups. Jackie will forward an example of a book that designated a percentage of sales to children and environmental charities.

Pam submitted one of her short stories and received her first rejection letter. Pam has done extensive research on publishers and cover letters. She read her most recent cover letter to the group and recommended The Marshall Plan for Writing and the Marshall Workbook as a good resource. The book explains that cover letters should be in courier font and should capture the reader's attention. The author should also mention group affiliations and give a short synopsis without giving away the ending. Pam decided not to respond to any offers until she hears back from everyone.

Judy suggested members report on who they submitted to and why at each meeting.

Judy discussed ways to check your document's readability. With the Fleichman tool, authors can check their work to make sure they are staying at the intended reading level. (The link follows:)
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/test-your-document-s-readability-HP010148506.aspx

Cathy submitted Becca The Bat to Albert Whitman and Co.

Jackie passed around the updated group submission/results log.

Readings:
Luneil read her poem Obama. Paul encouraged her to write a series of poems on inspirational characters. George Washington Carver's life as well as his accomplishments and inventions were discussed.

Cathy read her short story Carlisle and Cassie. Judy suggested this be part of a book with several chapters and adventures.

Jackie read two versions of a poem Treasures in Our Tree and asked for input and suggestions. Judy recommended she include her feelings when viewing the baby robins.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Meeting Minutes - February 11, 2011

Date: February 11, 2011

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

In Attendance:
Joan Bodefeld
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Judy Whitcomb

Judy gave members their customized Magic Hour Writers membership cards.

Joan mentioned Paul's bio was no longer on the new bio page. Jackie will correct the omission.

Judy gave the treasurer's report and informed members about the upcoming From the Edge of the Prairie stories and music event. Judy, Jackie, and other local writers will be reading their short stories and poems from the 2010 edition at Mellow Brew Coffee House on February 19, 2010 from 2-5 p.m. Books will be available for purchase, $12 a copy.


Breanne Mitchell will be signing her book Love You From the Tippy to Your Teeny Tiny Toes at Mellow Brew on February 20th.

The group talked about web design. Jackie will help Luneil add pages to her blog site.

Luneil and Judy both reported they had received a rejection letter.

Judy gave a handout from the Children's Book Insider entitled "Assembling the Perfect Submission Packet".

Luneil read Blizzard in my Pool, (her first poem) about California's December blizzard.

During the last Write-On Hoosiers meeting Sharon confirmed that Merrillville Borders is closing and a new meeting place will need to be determined asap. Members of both groups will need to scout out a new centralized location.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. so members could meet at Baker's Square for their first year anniversary celebration.

Friday, January 28, 2011

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.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Christmas Party Meeting - December 11, 2010

Date: December 11, 2010
Time: 7:00

Attendees:
Joan Bodefeld
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri

Jackie reported that Borders Books in Merrillville has given us permission to hold our gatherings there. The members decided to change their meeting location to Borders starting in January 2011 and meet a half hour early as well. New meeting time is 6:30 p.m. Since Borders' meeting area will accommodate a larger group we can publicize more to draw in new members. Flyers can be posted at local libraries, information can be submitted to newspapers and coffee shops, also on Lake Net. Borders made up a little blurb to post online about our group as well. Sharon discussed the possibility of MHW doing reviews on children's books that are available at the bookstore.

Luneil reported she submitted Barty the Clumsy Vampire to August House and Highlights Magazine for Children. She had to do some editing to meet submission guidelines. Good Luck Luneil!

Jackie read the latest rejection letter she received on 12-7-10 from Boyds Mills. She is still waiting to hear from two more publishers.

The group exchanged gifts and enjoyed refreshments.

Joan handed out handmade pot holders she made to honor her childhood friend who is sick. Joan is asking for prayers for Cona who is also pictured in Joan's book A Pause in My Life: The Story of Andy.

Meeting Minutes - November 11, 2011

Date:  November 11, 2010
Start time:  7:00
End time:

Location: Mellow Brew

Attendees:
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dzubla
Jackie Huppenthal
Judy Whitcomb

Guest: Paul Benninghoff, author

Members welcomed guest Paul Benninghoff from the Dyer Historical Society who is the author of Dyer (Images of America).

Members introduced themselves to Paul and mentioned current projects. We also discussed membership and our group dynamics. Paul is, among other things, an accomplished writer and artist, a ghost hunter, and a student. He is back in school working on his Elementary Education degree.


PoPP update: Sharon, Judy, Katherine, and Jackie talked to the teachers of Lake Street Elementary then presented a poetry lesson to the students. A teacher book on poetry with links and tips was also distributed. The IWC (Indiana Writers' Consortium) members will collect the poems in January, judge them, and host an awards assembly in April at the school.

Prairie Writer's Guild: Judy and Jackie are Published! We picked up our books and are official. Anyone interested in submitting for next year's edition? Submission deadline for poems, short stories, and photos is April 1, 2011.

The guild is asking each member obtain $100 worth of sponsors to help offset next year's cost. A book (currently valued at $12) will be give to businesses and individuals who donate at least $25. That is a great deal. MHW may want to be a sponsor if our members choose to submit again. This year's topic is "trees".

Mary Kay Emmrich is one of the editors for the Prairie Writer's Guild. She was an English teacher and is the librarian at Morocco, Newton, and one other library. She will help us polish our work for a minimal fee. It is always a good idea to have professional input and suggestions! She will also read our books to children if we would like to have that experience as well. We can send our manuscript to her directly if it is in book form. Contact her at and say you are a Magic Hour Writer and that you got her name from Jackie and Judy from Prairie Writers. Ask Jackie for contact information.

Lansing Writing Contest: The Lansing Public Library Writers' Group is presenting a short story and poetry contest open to the public. The deadline for submission is 1-1-11. Reading fee of $5.00 per short and $3 per poem. Prizes: $25, $10, and Honorable mention - all published in the LLWG book and will be invited to read at the meeting on April 15, 2011.

For more information: http://lansinglibrarywritersgroup.blogspot.com/

We may be interested in having a contest next year to draw in more writers.

Future Meeting Location: The group discussed holding future meetings at Borders Bookstore in Merrillville, IN. Thursday evenings are currently available.

Business Cards: Judy discussed MHW business cards which will include individual members' information on the back side.

Bios: Jackie asked the group for any updated bio information. It needs to be determined if we want to include a page on the MHW blog that includes member's short bios. Bios should be updated on an annual basis.

Christmas Party: Anyone interested in attending the writer's Christmas Party? It's December 1, 2010,
7 p.m. at the clubhouse dining room for a cost of $17.77 per person.

Sharing:
Jackie read a rejection letter she received from Dawn Publications on 11-4-10.

Judy showed her two submissions that were ready to be mailed and discussed the reasons why she choose to submit My Grandma is a Science Teacher to those publishers.

Jackie read Read, a poem written for David L. Harrison's Word of the Month Poetry Challenge. It is about a mother reading to her young son. She announced she was featured on David's site in October as a guest reader. The spot included a brief bio and showcased a few of her pictures and poems for children.

Cathy read a funny poem entitled Children are Like That. It takes a humorous look at little boys and how "grimy" they can be.

Paul read several children's poems from his collection. He got much of his inspiration from Shel Silverstein.

Meeting Minutes - September 9, 2010

Date:  September 9, 2010
Start time: 7:00
End time:

Members Present
Joan Bodefeld
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri
Judy Whitcomb

Guest Speaker: Katherine Flotz, author of A Pebble in My Shoe, A Memoir


Katherine Flotz self-published A Pebble in My Shoe in 2004. It is a story about her German family's struggle to survive as refugees and in concentration camps in Yugoslavia and other parts of Europe during WWII. Katherine shared her marketing strategies with the group. Out of 3,300 books printed, Katherine has sold 3,000. Her husband George is another survivor who tells his story in her book as well. Over 45 different libraries in the Midwest have purchased a copy and several local bookstores agreed to take them on consignment. She explained the process of working with Amazon.com and being her own distributor.


Katherine and George have filled numerous requests to do speaking engagements at churches, libraries, and schools in Indiana, neighboring states (including IL, WI, and MI), and as far away as Arizona. They have spoken at Purdue University twice a year since 2005. Many concentration camp survivors from all over the world have been reunited because of the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Flotz and their story.

Mrs. Flotz is almost out of books and is uncertain if she will be placing an order for another 1,000. The group encouraged her to relate her writing and marketing success with known publishing houses to see if they are interested in doing a second publishing.