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.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
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.
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.
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 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.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Meeting Minutes - August 19, 2010
Date: August 19, 2010
Start Time: 7:00 P.M.
End Time: 9:30 P.M.
Attendees:
Joan Bodefeld
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri
Carol Rodgers
Judy Whitcomb
Treasurer’s Report
Total in treasury: $160.00
New Business:
It was Luneil’s birthday and she won the door prize, a massaging pen.
Sharon suggested that the money for the Children’s Project be given to Katherine Page Camp - the secretary/treasurer of the IWC - before the end of the year.
Jackie reminded everyone to get the money for the Christmas Party to Sharon.
Since no one was able to contact an illustrator, the group decided to invite Katherine Flotz to speak on her book and marketing for September.
Joan finally received her copyright for her book.
Judy Shared the Children’s Books Insider website, CBI Clubhouse (http://cbiclubhouse.com/). It is a resource for many different things writers would need and be interested.
Old Business:
Submission project: Sharon reminded everyone that Writer’s Market.com provides a good source for possible publishers.
Jackie will share a sheet she developed to track submissions via email.
Sharing:
Luniel shared pictures of her beautiful granddaughter. She will be going to visit her on the 24th of August. She also shred a brochure with her picture for United Way. She is a volunteer with United Way for about 20 years. Luniel is thinking about submitting her Cereal story to the Chicken Soup for Kids series. Some thought that she could do that on-line.
Jackie won $4.00 and a ribbon at the Lake County Fair for one of her photographs.
Joan was questioning what other buttons she could use for her book. It was suggested that she make a list of all types of buttons. Through discussion, she began to think about contrasting the way things are handled with a button now, were handled in the past (ex. Dial phone, typewriter, etc.)
Sharon’s publishing workshop at St. Joseph’s College was a challenge because of time limitations. The class went very well. Transition into e-publishing was a big point of interest. Sharon shared a book about the thirteen moons on a turtles back based on American Indian folklore. The illustrations and explanations of each moon ( maple sugar moon, etc.) are excellent.
Carol hopes to have a story ready in the Fall based on a true story that her grandmother told her when she was young.
Judy read a story she wrote, My Grandma Is a Science Teacher. The book is geared to 2nd-3rd grade children. She explained that there is a second part that was not quite finished that is the science part. It explains center of gravity that is mentioned in the story. Sharon suggested that she submit both parts and let the editor decide how to use the second part. Also, use contractions when the narrator speaks. It was decided to change “doll” to something more appropriate to current terms kids would use.
Jackie shared her photograph poem about a leopard frog. She is thinking of putting a book together with the photos and poems about these things she has found in her yard.
Reminders:
Project Homework: Everyone has something ready to submit and a publisher chosen by October. Magazines are a possible source for submissions. Just remember to bring information on the publisher and submission requirements.
Christmas Party:
Where: The Lake of the Four Seasons Clubhouse
When: Wednesday December 1, 2010
Cost: $17.50 per person
For: Members of WHO, MHW, Northwest Indiana’s Poetry Society, and Writer’s Expression and spouses, significant others, etc.
Speaker Program: (Current Plan)
o September – Marketing: Kathy Flotz – contact person Sharon
o January – Publisher – contact person Judy
o April – Library agent for purchasing books – contact person Luneil
o July – Illustrator – contact person Sharon/Jackie
Reminder: The Northwest Indiana Poetry Society meets every 3rd Saturday of each month at the Lowell Public Library. The start time is 10:00 A.M and ends at 11:30 A.M. There is no fee to join, poetry only. Contact Tom Spencer at tspenser1943@comcast.net.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Judy Whitcomb
Start Time: 7:00 P.M.
End Time: 9:30 P.M.
Attendees:
Joan Bodefeld
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri
Carol Rodgers
Judy Whitcomb
Treasurer’s Report
Total in treasury: $160.00
New Business:
It was Luneil’s birthday and she won the door prize, a massaging pen.
Sharon suggested that the money for the Children’s Project be given to Katherine Page Camp - the secretary/treasurer of the IWC - before the end of the year.
Jackie reminded everyone to get the money for the Christmas Party to Sharon.
Since no one was able to contact an illustrator, the group decided to invite Katherine Flotz to speak on her book and marketing for September.
Joan finally received her copyright for her book.
Judy Shared the Children’s Books Insider website, CBI Clubhouse (http://cbiclubhouse.com/). It is a resource for many different things writers would need and be interested.
Old Business:
Submission project: Sharon reminded everyone that Writer’s Market.com provides a good source for possible publishers.
Jackie will share a sheet she developed to track submissions via email.
Sharing:
Luniel shared pictures of her beautiful granddaughter. She will be going to visit her on the 24th of August. She also shred a brochure with her picture for United Way. She is a volunteer with United Way for about 20 years. Luniel is thinking about submitting her Cereal story to the Chicken Soup for Kids series. Some thought that she could do that on-line.
Jackie won $4.00 and a ribbon at the Lake County Fair for one of her photographs.
Joan was questioning what other buttons she could use for her book. It was suggested that she make a list of all types of buttons. Through discussion, she began to think about contrasting the way things are handled with a button now, were handled in the past (ex. Dial phone, typewriter, etc.)
Sharon’s publishing workshop at St. Joseph’s College was a challenge because of time limitations. The class went very well. Transition into e-publishing was a big point of interest. Sharon shared a book about the thirteen moons on a turtles back based on American Indian folklore. The illustrations and explanations of each moon ( maple sugar moon, etc.) are excellent.
Carol hopes to have a story ready in the Fall based on a true story that her grandmother told her when she was young.
Judy read a story she wrote, My Grandma Is a Science Teacher. The book is geared to 2nd-3rd grade children. She explained that there is a second part that was not quite finished that is the science part. It explains center of gravity that is mentioned in the story. Sharon suggested that she submit both parts and let the editor decide how to use the second part. Also, use contractions when the narrator speaks. It was decided to change “doll” to something more appropriate to current terms kids would use.
Jackie shared her photograph poem about a leopard frog. She is thinking of putting a book together with the photos and poems about these things she has found in her yard.
Reminders:
Project Homework: Everyone has something ready to submit and a publisher chosen by October. Magazines are a possible source for submissions. Just remember to bring information on the publisher and submission requirements.
Christmas Party:
Where: The Lake of the Four Seasons Clubhouse
When: Wednesday December 1, 2010
Cost: $17.50 per person
For: Members of WHO, MHW, Northwest Indiana’s Poetry Society, and Writer’s Expression and spouses, significant others, etc.
Speaker Program: (Current Plan)
o September – Marketing: Kathy Flotz – contact person Sharon
o January – Publisher – contact person Judy
o April – Library agent for purchasing books – contact person Luneil
o July – Illustrator – contact person Sharon/Jackie
Reminder: The Northwest Indiana Poetry Society meets every 3rd Saturday of each month at the Lowell Public Library. The start time is 10:00 A.M and ends at 11:30 A.M. There is no fee to join, poetry only. Contact Tom Spencer at tspenser1943@comcast.net.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Judy Whitcomb
Meeting Minutes - July 22, 2010
Date: July 22, 2010
Start Time: 7:00 P.M.
End Time: 9:30 P.M.
Attendees:
Joan Bodefeld
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri
Carol Rodgers
Judy Whitcomb
Treasurer’s Report:
Total in treasury: $140.00
As an affiliate group of the Indiana Writer’s Consortium (IWC), the attending members of the Magic Hour Writers (MHW) unanimously agreed to support the Power of Poetry Project (PoPP) with a $25.00 donation from our treasury.
New Business:
Jackie introduced a project, Power of Poetry Project (PoPP). This is a children’s poetry writing contest that will be piloted at the Lake Street Elementary School in Crown Point, IN during the 2010-2011 school year. A grant proposal, Writing to Succeed: Fostering Creativity through Poetry is being submitted to Crown Point Community Foundation, Inc. to help fund the pilot project.
The project is sponsored by the IWC as part of their mission to support the development of creative writing. It is based on a very successful project that the Write-On Hoosiers had sponsored for a number of years.
Sharon reviewed the plans for the Christmas Dinner that will be a combined party for MHW, Writer’s Expression, The Northwest Indiana Poetry Society, and Write-On Hoosiers. She shared the information she had received on the cost of the facility.
Jackie reported on the picnic she attended the previous weekend. The picnic was sponsored by IWC. While it was very hot, she and her boys enjoyed things including the silent auction, scavenger hunt, literary bingo, etc. She shared a book by Peggy Archer who is a member of IWC. Peggy gave a presentation on writing tips. Jackie gave us some materials that came from the children’s corner. (Secretary’s note: This was an event open to our group. However, we forgot to mention it at the last meeting. I should have sent an email out with the information but I didn’t. I apologize. I think you should fire me ;-}.
Jackie suggested that we have a kind of library of resources for any materials that we gather that are of interest to our goals. Everyone agreed. It will be housed at Judy’s.
Jackie reviewed some information from one of the self-publishing companies that clarified information about ISBN numbers. Major point: No one can give you their ISBN number. Your book must have its own number.
Sharon had information that stated e-book publications are selling twice as many books as traditional publishing companies sell. A discussion around e-book publishing and self-publishing took place.
A compilation of work by a group is considered a publish work if there is an ISSN number.
Sharing:
Carol went to China visit her daughter. She gave a vivid presentation of what it is like in modern China. (And she did survive the heat, the mosquitoes, her daughter’s four dogs’ hair, and the traffic while having a wonderful time!)
Carol attended a Christian writer’s conference, Write to Publish, at Wheaton College. In our new resource library, Carol has given us quite a bit of literature from the conference. She will share writers’ guidelines that she had from the conference at the next meeting.
Luneil was beaming about her new granddaughter, Cameron Marie. She promises pictures at the next meeting.
Joan talked about using Neil (from the marketing class) to illustrate her Just Push a Button, Grandma.
Jackie shared her delightful bat shape poem with us. She had taken that picture that is the background of the poem during a family camping trip. Tom, poet expert from WOH, said the poem was perfect. She entered some of her pictures in the Lake County Fair. She also submitted poems to Spider. She read the Mouse and the City, one of the books she got from one of the self publishing company she researched.
Reminders:
Project Homework: Everyone has something ready to submit and a publisher chosen by October.
Christmas Party:
Where: The Lake of the Four Seasons Clubhouse
When: Wednesday December 1, 2010
Cost: $17.50 per person
For: Members of WHO, MHW, Northwest Indiana’s Poetry Society, and Writer’s Expression and spouses, significant others, etc.
Speaker Program: (Current Plan)
o September – Illustrator – contact person Sharon/Jackie
o January – Publisher – contact person Judy
o April – Library agent for purchasing books – contact person Luneil
o July – Marketing: Kathy Floatz – contact person Sharon
Reminder: The Northwest Indiana Poetry Society meets every 3rd Saturday of each month at the Lowell Public Library. The start time is 10:00 A.M and ends at 11:30 A.M. There is no fee to join, poetry only. Contact Tom Spencer at tspenser1943@comcast.net.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:50
Minutes respectfully submitted by Judy Whitcomb
Start Time: 7:00 P.M.
End Time: 9:30 P.M.
Attendees:
Joan Bodefeld
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri
Carol Rodgers
Judy Whitcomb
Treasurer’s Report:
Total in treasury: $140.00
As an affiliate group of the Indiana Writer’s Consortium (IWC), the attending members of the Magic Hour Writers (MHW) unanimously agreed to support the Power of Poetry Project (PoPP) with a $25.00 donation from our treasury.
New Business:
Jackie introduced a project, Power of Poetry Project (PoPP). This is a children’s poetry writing contest that will be piloted at the Lake Street Elementary School in Crown Point, IN during the 2010-2011 school year. A grant proposal, Writing to Succeed: Fostering Creativity through Poetry is being submitted to Crown Point Community Foundation, Inc. to help fund the pilot project.
The project is sponsored by the IWC as part of their mission to support the development of creative writing. It is based on a very successful project that the Write-On Hoosiers had sponsored for a number of years.
Sharon reviewed the plans for the Christmas Dinner that will be a combined party for MHW, Writer’s Expression, The Northwest Indiana Poetry Society, and Write-On Hoosiers. She shared the information she had received on the cost of the facility.
Jackie reported on the picnic she attended the previous weekend. The picnic was sponsored by IWC. While it was very hot, she and her boys enjoyed things including the silent auction, scavenger hunt, literary bingo, etc. She shared a book by Peggy Archer who is a member of IWC. Peggy gave a presentation on writing tips. Jackie gave us some materials that came from the children’s corner. (Secretary’s note: This was an event open to our group. However, we forgot to mention it at the last meeting. I should have sent an email out with the information but I didn’t. I apologize. I think you should fire me ;-}.
Jackie suggested that we have a kind of library of resources for any materials that we gather that are of interest to our goals. Everyone agreed. It will be housed at Judy’s.
Jackie reviewed some information from one of the self-publishing companies that clarified information about ISBN numbers. Major point: No one can give you their ISBN number. Your book must have its own number.
Sharon had information that stated e-book publications are selling twice as many books as traditional publishing companies sell. A discussion around e-book publishing and self-publishing took place.
A compilation of work by a group is considered a publish work if there is an ISSN number.
Sharing:
Carol went to China visit her daughter. She gave a vivid presentation of what it is like in modern China. (And she did survive the heat, the mosquitoes, her daughter’s four dogs’ hair, and the traffic while having a wonderful time!)
Carol attended a Christian writer’s conference, Write to Publish, at Wheaton College. In our new resource library, Carol has given us quite a bit of literature from the conference. She will share writers’ guidelines that she had from the conference at the next meeting.
Luneil was beaming about her new granddaughter, Cameron Marie. She promises pictures at the next meeting.
Joan talked about using Neil (from the marketing class) to illustrate her Just Push a Button, Grandma.
Jackie shared her delightful bat shape poem with us. She had taken that picture that is the background of the poem during a family camping trip. Tom, poet expert from WOH, said the poem was perfect. She entered some of her pictures in the Lake County Fair. She also submitted poems to Spider. She read the Mouse and the City, one of the books she got from one of the self publishing company she researched.
Reminders:
Project Homework: Everyone has something ready to submit and a publisher chosen by October.
Christmas Party:
Where: The Lake of the Four Seasons Clubhouse
When: Wednesday December 1, 2010
Cost: $17.50 per person
For: Members of WHO, MHW, Northwest Indiana’s Poetry Society, and Writer’s Expression and spouses, significant others, etc.
Speaker Program: (Current Plan)
o September – Illustrator – contact person Sharon/Jackie
o January – Publisher – contact person Judy
o April – Library agent for purchasing books – contact person Luneil
o July – Marketing: Kathy Floatz – contact person Sharon
Reminder: The Northwest Indiana Poetry Society meets every 3rd Saturday of each month at the Lowell Public Library. The start time is 10:00 A.M and ends at 11:30 A.M. There is no fee to join, poetry only. Contact Tom Spencer at tspenser1943@comcast.net.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:50
Minutes respectfully submitted by Judy Whitcomb
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Meeting Minutes - June 10, 2010
Date: June 10, 2010
Start Time: 7:00 P.M.
End Time: 9:30 P.M.
Attendees:
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dziubla
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri
Judy Whitcomb
Treasurer’s Report
New member dues paid: $20.00
Total in treasury: $140.00
New Business:
The group welcomed new member, Cathy Dziubla. Cathy, also a member of Write- on Hoosiers, has written children’s stories in the past but not yet published. She did have a piece published in Famous Poet Anthology. She is currently working on a book, Sean O’Hara and the Leprechaun. This book is for an adult audience since there are terrorists involved.
Those present in the group agreed to have Judy record the minutes to be transcribed. The minutes are erased as soon as the written minutes are posted.
Sharon discussed the WOH Christmas Party. It is a social event and everyone gets a gift. This year the party is expanded to include our group, Magic Hour Writers, and another group, Writers Expression.
Information:
Christmas Party
Where: The Lake of the Four Seasons Clubhouse
When: Wednesday December 1, 2010
Cost: $17.95 per person
For: Members of WHO, MHW, and Writer’s Expression and spouses, significant others, etc.
Since the clubhouse is asking for an early deposit, please submit your money ASAP. This will also help with getting an accurate account of the number of people coming.
Jackie brought up the possibility of having an illustrator come to talk to our group. She asked what a going rate would be. Joan said they paid a speaker for her reading group $25.00. Sharon said with a group as small as ours, they may be willing to speak for free or with the offer of dinner or something.
The group was asked if having speakers would be something we want to pursue. The group was unanimously in favor of it. Members of the groups have possible contacts for speakers. The plan was formed to have speakers in an order of the writing process. These sessions would be planned quarterly. Current plan:
September – Illustrator – contact person Sharon/Jackie
January – Publisher – contact person Judy
April – Library agent for purchasing books – contact person Luneil
July – Marketing: Kathy Flotz – contact person Sharon
Joan strongly suggests trying to submit your work to regular publishers first for the experience. Pursuing self-publishing should come after that. Sharon suggested that everyone make it a goal to submit something. Judy suggested as a project we combine submissions with choosing a particular publisher. Our report on publishers with a submission. Jackie suggested that while looking for a publisher if we come across a company that would be of interest to someone in the group. For example: looking for fantasy books – Pam; generation gap – Joan; etc. The group decided that this homework would motivate writing.
Project Homework: Everyone has something ready to submit and a publisher chosen by October.
Unfinished Business/Progress Report
Publishing reports:
Luneil had emailed information on Lulu and Xlibris because we ran out of time at the last meeting. For some reason it didn’t come through but she has subsequently resent it and it came through successfully. Thank you, Luneil.
Judy reported on two companies, Wheatmark and Dog Ear. Both companies only provide on-line information, no hard copies.
Wheatmark (http://www.wheatmark.com/): Very supportive on-line resources; delivers an on-line marketing guide for free that Judy found very helpful when she took Sharon’s marketing class. They provide on-line presentations . They stay in contact with you via email when you sign up with them. They are somewhat selective with accepting work. They do have color publications and they do children’s books. Judy purchased a copy of The Snow Lion a book recommended by her contact that would illustrate the type of work they can do. Their prices are higher than Dog Ear. Contact person was very helpful and willing to share information but somewhat aloof.
Dog Ear Publishing (http://dogearpublishing.net/): will publish anything, they are more flexible giving more range to the writer to determine prices. The company founded by people with long publishing backgrounds. You get to Alan, Miles, or Ray (no Mark). Alan was the one Judy spoke with and he was very willing to talk, more down to earth, and informative, feels like you are talking to on old pal. However, when asked to recommend a children’s book for Judy to purchase, he said,”I’m so glad you asked because we have a lot of junk.” The sample Judy had based on his recommendation was Even Superheroes Get Diabetes.
Judy also found a resource (to be passed out next meeting) that states standard publishing companies are now looking at the self publishing materials.
Jackie reported on her companies that both sent her good information books, CDs, and pamphlets.
Self Publishing: Has a book on CD that is very informative. Book is very helpful.
Lumina: claim to be writers who started the company and to be very selective with the work they accept.
Joan went directly to a person, Mark, who ships directly to the printer. His wife edited, he reworked pagination. He doesn’t do color. He is very good to work with but slow.
Sharing:
We introduced ourselves to Cathy:
Luneil: Stated that she is happily retired. Her inspiration for her desire to write for children is the upcoming birth of her grandchild. She hopes to have a book ready when the baby is ready to be read to. She is also gardening.
Jackie: Is a member of WOH and has four boys who are keeping her out of trouble this summer. Jackie read Sally Mae to a second grade class. It was received well as evidenced by one little boy’s comment, “It should be in our school library.” Jackie felt she would have gotten more specific responses if her question, “How did you like the book?” wasn’t so general. Good job, Jackie!
Joan: Joan is retired. She has published a book, The Pause in My Life. Although sales have slowed down, she has met the goal she had in writing the book, which was to write the book basically for his friends. She hasn’t been writing but plans on doing a children’s book, Just Push a Button, Grandma. Her summer has been taken up with golf and learning to play bridge. She plans on getting back to writing.
Sharon: Has been busy painting her husband’s raised garden’s “Lincoln Logs”. She has been enjoying her successful gardening endeavors. Collard greens are not doing so well. Garlic, onion, two tablespoons of soap, and red canned pepper simmered together will get the critters who are getting the collards.
Judy: Judy is a member of WOH so Cathy knows her.
Book Reviews
Sharon read a book, Puppies for Sale by Dan Clark (a chicken soup contributor). The story was warm and charming real life issue. The book has a terrific moral without being “preachy”. The book showed lovely illustrations with appropriate white space.
She passed around another book that she thought would answer Pam’s question about her story poem being too short. A story about a dog (Do we see a theme here, Sharon?) that is eight rhyming stanzas long. A third book was written by a young man who gave the money profit from the book for cystic fibrous research.
Writing:
Luneil : She is stuck on her current work with the question of what is going to be the special thing that happens in her chicken cereal work. Discussion in the group led to several ideas: using concept maps, she finds a jewel but where?, she finds something in a mall and gives it back. A favorite is to leave the book with open at the end for kids imagination.
She read fractured fairy tale, Rupunzel. This was written in Sharon’s Writing for Children’s class.
Reminder: The Northwest Indiana Poetry Society meets every 3rd Saturday of each month at the Lowell Public Library. The start time is 10:00 A.M and ends at 11:30 A.M. There is no fee to join, poetry only. Contact Tom Spencer at tspenser1943@comcast.net.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Judy Whitcomb
Start Time: 7:00 P.M.
End Time: 9:30 P.M.
Attendees:
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dziubla
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri
Judy Whitcomb
Treasurer’s Report
New member dues paid: $20.00
Total in treasury: $140.00
New Business:
The group welcomed new member, Cathy Dziubla. Cathy, also a member of Write- on Hoosiers, has written children’s stories in the past but not yet published. She did have a piece published in Famous Poet Anthology. She is currently working on a book, Sean O’Hara and the Leprechaun. This book is for an adult audience since there are terrorists involved.
Those present in the group agreed to have Judy record the minutes to be transcribed. The minutes are erased as soon as the written minutes are posted.
Sharon discussed the WOH Christmas Party. It is a social event and everyone gets a gift. This year the party is expanded to include our group, Magic Hour Writers, and another group, Writers Expression.
Information:
Christmas Party
Where: The Lake of the Four Seasons Clubhouse
When: Wednesday December 1, 2010
Cost: $17.95 per person
For: Members of WHO, MHW, and Writer’s Expression and spouses, significant others, etc.
Since the clubhouse is asking for an early deposit, please submit your money ASAP. This will also help with getting an accurate account of the number of people coming.
Jackie brought up the possibility of having an illustrator come to talk to our group. She asked what a going rate would be. Joan said they paid a speaker for her reading group $25.00. Sharon said with a group as small as ours, they may be willing to speak for free or with the offer of dinner or something.
The group was asked if having speakers would be something we want to pursue. The group was unanimously in favor of it. Members of the groups have possible contacts for speakers. The plan was formed to have speakers in an order of the writing process. These sessions would be planned quarterly. Current plan:
September – Illustrator – contact person Sharon/Jackie
January – Publisher – contact person Judy
April – Library agent for purchasing books – contact person Luneil
July – Marketing: Kathy Flotz – contact person Sharon
Joan strongly suggests trying to submit your work to regular publishers first for the experience. Pursuing self-publishing should come after that. Sharon suggested that everyone make it a goal to submit something. Judy suggested as a project we combine submissions with choosing a particular publisher. Our report on publishers with a submission. Jackie suggested that while looking for a publisher if we come across a company that would be of interest to someone in the group. For example: looking for fantasy books – Pam; generation gap – Joan; etc. The group decided that this homework would motivate writing.
Project Homework: Everyone has something ready to submit and a publisher chosen by October.
Unfinished Business/Progress Report
Publishing reports:
Luneil had emailed information on Lulu and Xlibris because we ran out of time at the last meeting. For some reason it didn’t come through but she has subsequently resent it and it came through successfully. Thank you, Luneil.
Judy reported on two companies, Wheatmark and Dog Ear. Both companies only provide on-line information, no hard copies.
Wheatmark (http://www.wheatmark.com/): Very supportive on-line resources; delivers an on-line marketing guide for free that Judy found very helpful when she took Sharon’s marketing class. They provide on-line presentations . They stay in contact with you via email when you sign up with them. They are somewhat selective with accepting work. They do have color publications and they do children’s books. Judy purchased a copy of The Snow Lion a book recommended by her contact that would illustrate the type of work they can do. Their prices are higher than Dog Ear. Contact person was very helpful and willing to share information but somewhat aloof.
Dog Ear Publishing (http://dogearpublishing.net/): will publish anything, they are more flexible giving more range to the writer to determine prices. The company founded by people with long publishing backgrounds. You get to Alan, Miles, or Ray (no Mark). Alan was the one Judy spoke with and he was very willing to talk, more down to earth, and informative, feels like you are talking to on old pal. However, when asked to recommend a children’s book for Judy to purchase, he said,”I’m so glad you asked because we have a lot of junk.” The sample Judy had based on his recommendation was Even Superheroes Get Diabetes.
Judy also found a resource (to be passed out next meeting) that states standard publishing companies are now looking at the self publishing materials.
Jackie reported on her companies that both sent her good information books, CDs, and pamphlets.
Self Publishing: Has a book on CD that is very informative. Book is very helpful.
Lumina: claim to be writers who started the company and to be very selective with the work they accept.
Joan went directly to a person, Mark, who ships directly to the printer. His wife edited, he reworked pagination. He doesn’t do color. He is very good to work with but slow.
Sharing:
We introduced ourselves to Cathy:
Luneil: Stated that she is happily retired. Her inspiration for her desire to write for children is the upcoming birth of her grandchild. She hopes to have a book ready when the baby is ready to be read to. She is also gardening.
Jackie: Is a member of WOH and has four boys who are keeping her out of trouble this summer. Jackie read Sally Mae to a second grade class. It was received well as evidenced by one little boy’s comment, “It should be in our school library.” Jackie felt she would have gotten more specific responses if her question, “How did you like the book?” wasn’t so general. Good job, Jackie!
Joan: Joan is retired. She has published a book, The Pause in My Life. Although sales have slowed down, she has met the goal she had in writing the book, which was to write the book basically for his friends. She hasn’t been writing but plans on doing a children’s book, Just Push a Button, Grandma. Her summer has been taken up with golf and learning to play bridge. She plans on getting back to writing.
Sharon: Has been busy painting her husband’s raised garden’s “Lincoln Logs”. She has been enjoying her successful gardening endeavors. Collard greens are not doing so well. Garlic, onion, two tablespoons of soap, and red canned pepper simmered together will get the critters who are getting the collards.
Judy: Judy is a member of WOH so Cathy knows her.
Book Reviews
Sharon read a book, Puppies for Sale by Dan Clark (a chicken soup contributor). The story was warm and charming real life issue. The book has a terrific moral without being “preachy”. The book showed lovely illustrations with appropriate white space.
She passed around another book that she thought would answer Pam’s question about her story poem being too short. A story about a dog (Do we see a theme here, Sharon?) that is eight rhyming stanzas long. A third book was written by a young man who gave the money profit from the book for cystic fibrous research.
Writing:
Luneil : She is stuck on her current work with the question of what is going to be the special thing that happens in her chicken cereal work. Discussion in the group led to several ideas: using concept maps, she finds a jewel but where?, she finds something in a mall and gives it back. A favorite is to leave the book with open at the end for kids imagination.
She read fractured fairy tale, Rupunzel. This was written in Sharon’s Writing for Children’s class.
Reminder: The Northwest Indiana Poetry Society meets every 3rd Saturday of each month at the Lowell Public Library. The start time is 10:00 A.M and ends at 11:30 A.M. There is no fee to join, poetry only. Contact Tom Spencer at tspenser1943@comcast.net.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Judy Whitcomb
Meeting Minutes - May 13, 2010
Date: May 13, 2010
Start time: 7:00 p.m.
Attendees:
Judy Whitcomb
Jackie Huppenthal
Joan Bodefeld
Pam Gonzalez
Luneil Morrow
Guests:
Carol Rogers - speech pathologist, non-fiction writer, is planning to attend writers' conference in May entitled Write to Publish
Anthony Dixon - truck driver, went to Columbia/interested in film
Business:
Group voted to keep meeting during the summer.
Pam agreed to handle blog site updates and e-mail correspondences through the end of the year.
Judy will continue to do the minutes since there were no other volunteers.
Jackie will continue to moderate through the end of the year.
Group will continue research on self-publishing and will present their information next meeting.
Readings:
Pam read her poem "Frannie the Frightened Faerie" which tells the tale of a faerie who finds the courage to let go of her insecurities and start enjoying the beauty around her.
Anthony read his short story "Let the Funk Flow" about a young man who is struggling to control an inner spirit who meddles in his affairs.
Information shared:
Always personalize back cover of your book or an advertisement will be placed there instead.
Upcomming Events:
The Indiana Federation of Poetry Clubs will be having an open microphone round robin and will present Emily Dickenson on June 14th in Hebron.
Start time: 7:00 p.m.
Attendees:
Judy Whitcomb
Jackie Huppenthal
Joan Bodefeld
Pam Gonzalez
Luneil Morrow
Guests:
Carol Rogers - speech pathologist, non-fiction writer, is planning to attend writers' conference in May entitled Write to Publish
Anthony Dixon - truck driver, went to Columbia/interested in film
Business:
Group voted to keep meeting during the summer.
Pam agreed to handle blog site updates and e-mail correspondences through the end of the year.
Judy will continue to do the minutes since there were no other volunteers.
Jackie will continue to moderate through the end of the year.
Group will continue research on self-publishing and will present their information next meeting.
Readings:
Pam read her poem "Frannie the Frightened Faerie" which tells the tale of a faerie who finds the courage to let go of her insecurities and start enjoying the beauty around her.
Anthony read his short story "Let the Funk Flow" about a young man who is struggling to control an inner spirit who meddles in his affairs.
Information shared:
Always personalize back cover of your book or an advertisement will be placed there instead.
Upcomming Events:
The Indiana Federation of Poetry Clubs will be having an open microphone round robin and will present Emily Dickenson on June 14th in Hebron.
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