New Year's Party/Meeting, January 10, 2013

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We had some terrific food and desserts; Judy even brought gifts! See slide show on right side at the top...

We worked too:

Judy will collect dues in February. Judy will also make 2013 membership cards and business cards so that we can hand them out to anyone interested in writing for children.

Members looked at the current list of recipes and related poems and stories. Jackie will e-mail the recipe list again to members. Members discussed having a workshop in April at Pam and Bernardo's home to work specifically on the recipe book.

Bernardo read a part of his Red and Fred story and had some questions about how he should help the reader distinguish between his main characters and their clones. Jackie suggested including detailed descriptions and personality traits that carry over to the clones as well. Pam will work on a character development tips sheet.

Pam read the table of contents, forward, and first chapter of her guide book. The members felt it was very direct and easy to read. The layout was in book form and gave a good preview/representation of what the final product will be like.

Jackie brought in a copy of the Chicago Sun-Times. The newspaper and NBC Channel 5 news featured one of her cardinal photos in the weather section.  Jackie also had several photos in local 2013 Town Planner Calendars. She has not been writing much.

Judy read her short story Little Red Riding Hood from the latest Hoosier Horizon magazine.

New Year's Resolutions:

          ***Magic Hour Writers wants to
                                  retain current members and recruit new members!!!

* I want to help finish our cookbook and... get back to my Grandma book idea,... Joan
* Slowly adding and editing my collection of children's poems. Paul
* Finish my watercolor paintings and send in Sally Mae for editing. -- Jackie
* I want to write another Ryliegh Emma story and start submitting more. Judy
* I would like to say that I am going to write every day.  I have been trying this for years and far I have not accomplished this. I am going to write at least twice a week.  I plan to write another Lottie Nora story. I am going write more in my personal journal.  So far I have managed to write in it almost every day this year.  Luneil
* I plan on writing more which includes a journal of daily events and thoughts. Maybe some writing ideas may come out of it. Lorraine

JSH
 

December News

MHWriters had a small gathering in November. Luneil, Joan, and Jackie looked over the list of recipes. Jackie brought her recipe and photos for Snake Bites Stuffed Breadsticks. Luneil handed out copies of her recipe for Orange Flavored Pork Steaks. Joan plans to write something about a fish and come up with a related main dish.

Jackie mentioned including another page on the blog which would include links to information and tips on writing. Links for Shadow Poetry and Rhyme Zone follow.
     http://www.shadowpoetry.com/resources/wip/types.html
     http://www.rhymezone.com/
Additional links will be added on a regular basis.

Members discussed the upcoming Christmas party meeting. It was later decided to cancel the December meeting and celebrate the new year in January instead.

Next meeting:

Happy New Year Party

Thursday, January 10, 2013

6:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn

Merry Christmas!

JSH

Meeting Highlights - October 11, 2012

Happy Halloween!!!!

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

Lorraine informed the group about two writing competitions. The first was the 13th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition and the second was the 82nd Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition. More information is available on the Writer's Digest website: http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/writing-competitions

Lorraine reported she received rejections from Sasquatch Books and Carus Publishing (Spider Magazine). She encouraged us to keep submitting and suggested we all enter the same contests and see how we do.

Judy reminded everyone she e-mailed the group about the Ladies Home Journal Personal  Essay Contest and the Children's Writer YA Short Story Contest. Links for both follow: http://www.lhj.com/community/your-stories/2012-personal-essay-contest/ and http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/af627/ . We have also included this information on our Upcoming Events and Contests page.

Jackie received an e-mail from Dawn Publishing in September that provided information and links for nature writers and those who teach children about nature. She will forward the e-mail to our members. She also reported she got a rejection letter from the editorial director at Cricket Magazine Group. Jackie had sent in a total of four poems, one of which included a related activity.

The group discussed future guest speakers including local poet Beverly Stanislawski.

Bernardo started a blog which has an encouraging theme and uplifting messages. He reported his short story Red and Fred is over 12 pages. Bernardo started an outline which lists the seven things they encounter before reaching their destination. Jackie suggested he make a list of their character traits and incorporate them into each section of the story. Pam volunteered to develop a tip sheet on character development and will distribute it at the next meeting.

 

Pam is working on a two part self-help e-book series. Her books will assist people in becoming familiar with their options in a step-by-step fashion. In addition, she is developing a supplemental workbook that would accompany the guidebooks.

Judy reported Tate Publishing is still interested in her story and is willing to work with her in regards to financing options. Judy is still busy working for Michigan State and has a new group of teacher interns. She suggested we look into attending writers' conferences so we can make connections with agents, writers, and publishers and get feedback from them directly. The group also agreed to look into SCBWI (the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) further and consider joining the organization.

Luneil is recovering from a second back surgery and has not had much time for writing. She is still working on the MHW cookbook though. The group reviewed the list of recipes, short stories, and poems and brainstormed other ideas. Jackie will update then e-mail the list. Jackie then suggested that Luneil revive her feisty Rapunzel character and write her into various fairy tales.

*** Members are encouraged to keep submitting items for our cookbook.

*** We are asking members to review their bios and update them on an annual basis. Jackie will make revisions this winter.

Ask Our Members: Writers are encouraged to carry around a notebook and pen at all times because you never know when inspiration will strike, so...We asked our members:  When do you get your ideas?

Pam - while doing dishes

Bernardo - on the throne
Jackie - while driving or at bedtime
Judy - (no ideas lately) oh no!
Luneil - when sitting in a strange place
Lorraine - in the early morning while still asleep

Next meeting: Thursday, November 8th.

Everyone welcome!  We love writing for kids and are always looking for fresh ideas and new members. Come see what we are about before becoming a member. We always have great food and really know how to throw a fantastic Christmas party!!! Hope to see you at the next meetings :).

(Membership dues paid now will be applied to 2013. We offer a discount for students.)

 

JSH

Meeting Highlights August 9, 2012

Members Present: Paul, Joan, Jackie, Luneil

Paul was able to attend our August meeting! Paul reported he is going to take two classes this fall. He only has six classes left before he starts student teaching. Other obligations have kept him from writing and painting this year. He is hoping with this semester's easier work load he can get back to what he enjoys most. Currently he has work featured at Hoosier Highlander. Paul encouraged Jackie to submit to Studio 659 in Whiting. Members also discussed other local art galleries and Paul reported he may teach a parent and child session of  Young Rembrants.

Luneil and her daughter are pictured in the latest Lake Area United Way brochure. It is a wonderful picture of them. Luniel has been an active volunteer for over 22 years. Luneil encouraged Jackie to submit some photos to the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority summer fun photo contest. Deadline is August 31, 2012.

Jackie announced four out of her seven photographs won ribbons in the Lake County Fair. She also discussed the upcoming IWC banquet which will be held this October. Members, guests, and anyone else interested in writing is invited to attend.

 

Members discussed different types of list poems. Jackie then read Sick by Shel Silverstein. Perfect timing for a poem about a child who doesn't want to go to school. See link for poem and author bio.

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16480

Joan was quiet, but happy. She also brought homemade cookies again :).

Next Meeting: Thursday September 13th.

Meeting Highlights July 12, 2012

Members Present: Jackie, Lorraine, Luneil

Lorraine brought in a revised recipe for "Rhubarb-Oatmeal Bars". She also made another version of the recipe that provided step-by-step instructions with computer generated illustrations. Lorraine then read her short story One Way to Learn About Lizards. She began the story last fall and has been working on revisions for the last few months. Her target audience is 2nd and 3rd graders. She would like it illustrated with the "photos" one of the characters take during the story. Lorraine likes to write stories that teach about nature and encourage a greater appreciation as well. Since we had a small group Lorraine will keep the writer's guide for another month.

Luneil passed out her recipe for "Crisp Crispy Chicken". She then read her related poem entitled Zaylie's Two Lovely Meals. The poem is a first draft. Luneil is asking members to give her suggestions about how to improve the piece.

Jackie read her latest poem Snakes, No Thanks! which still needs some work. She plans to include a recipe for "Snake Bites Breadsticks". Jackie is keeping a list of stories/poems and recipes so we know what we have so far. Sharon and Paul plan to contribute as well.

Next Magic Hour Writers meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 9th at 6:30 p.m.

JSH

June 14th Meeting Highlights

Attendees: Judy, Joan, Lorraine, Luneil and Pam

Notes:  Pamela's internet business is taking off. She purchased a program cs6 that can be used for publishing. She publishes a newsletter called Connections for the church. She passed out a copy of the letter; it is interesting and looks great. On a sad note Pam's grandson was ran over by a car two weeks ago. His injuries were serious but he is recovering. We all pray that he makes a full recovery.

Joan made contact with Harry Porterfield who did a story about a barber named Delmar Dunn from Chicago. She wanted Mr. Porterfield to help her contact Delmar to see if he knew Nelson. Hopefully Mr. Dunn will contact her.

Lorraine lost her aunt on May 1st; our condolences to her. She gave us a copy of her picture recipe of Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars. This is another idea for our recipe book. Lorraine also wrote and read a story about a Lizard. This is going to be a chapter book.

Judy passed out a story that Sharon had sent her about a teacher. Sharon also sent her a summary of writing an effective Query letter. Judy wrote a new story and a recipe. The title is Two Too Delicious Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Luneil did not have any thing to read, but she shared with the group a new idea for a Lottie Nora story.  Her father is still in the hospital and while she was sitting there, she thought of different ways Lottie Nora could get into trouble when trying to help as a candy striper at the hospital.  Luneil will have another story and recipe for the next meeting.

We also want to start brainstorming about our children recipe book. We need to discussed illustrations and how we will put it together. We still need everyone to submit at least two stories and two recipes.

We had delicious snacks but we went home with a sugar high. Joan made some brownies, Pam brought danishes and Luneil brought apple slices and caramel dip. Yum!! Yum!!!

Next MHW meeting will be  July 12, 2012.

LM

Meeting Highlights - May 10, 2012

Attending members: Cathy, Jackie, Joan, Judy, Lorraine, Luneil

Judy read a thank you letter from the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network. MHW donated money in memory of Paul's father who recently passed.

Jackie asked if members would be willing to donate a basket of books for a silent auction raffle benefiting the Claus family. Emory received a liver transplant from her father last month. Twenty-five dollars was taken from the treasury and members threw in enough additional funds to purchase a second raffle basket. The event will be in Lowell on June 2, 2012 and all are invited to attend. Jackie will be doing facepainting. She also suggested MHW donate a basket of books to a children's hospital annually.

Judy used MHW funds to purchase the Writer's Guide to 2012. Any member can borrow the book for a month at a time. It includes tips, advice, and, info on agents and publishers, etc. Luneil will take it home this month.

Joan showed members the latest issue of the local Family Flyer. Her poem The Legion was included in the May edition. Congrats Joan! The Family Flyer is a monthly publication which has a readership of over 113,000 people.

Lorraine reported she sent her story Marty the Moose to three publishers. She heard back from one who said they had just published a story on a moose. Lorraine then read her short story The Rhubarb Patch and accompanied recipe for Rhubarb Bar Cookies.

Luneil read her poem Doxie Dog which goes with her recipe for Cheese Hot Dog Wraps.

Judy shared her poem Very, Very, Slushy and recipe for Very Berry Slushie complete with her own computer graphics.

Jackie and Judy reported on the Indiana Writers' Consortium PoPP (Power of Poetry Project) Awards Assembly that was held at Taft Middle school in April. Elementary students from 4 area schools participated. Winning poems and illustrations were published in this year's PoPP publication. Certificates and medals were handed out and place winners also received a gift card.

Jackie reported she sent a poem into the Words for Riley poetry contest for Riley Children's Hospital. Winners will be notified by May 31. Jackie also sent in a poem to Chicken Soup and reminded members she posted their current needs on the "events and contests" page on the blog. Finally, Jackie announced she was awarded an honorable mention in the Oregon Poetry Association Spring Poetry Contest. She then read her winning haiku Quietly Encased.

Cathy read Five More, One Mores which is a short story about her granddaughter Zoe who was refusing to finish her cereal. Members brainstormed ideas for a related recipe. The group hopes to have at least 20 recipes with stories or poems that can be included in our first publication.

Next Meeting: June 14, 2012

JSH