MHW Christmas Gathering
December 1, 2011
6:30 p.m.
Chapel Lawn
bring a side dish or dessert (see list in last meeting notes)
bring something to read - theme is LOVE
Friday, November 18, 2011
Meeting Notes - November 10, 2011
In Attendance: Joan, Lorraine, Pam, Luniel, Judy, Jackie
Jackie invited two of her sons to the meeting to discuss their favorite books. Damian did a presentation on the Wimpy Kid Do it Yourself Book by Jeff Kinney. The book includes questionnaires, writing prompts, space to draw your own comics, and pages in the back for journaling. He purchased it at the elementary school book fair. Jake is a fan of all the diary books in the series because they are funny and have good illustrations.
Lorraine brought the book Elena's Big Move written by Sarah M. Olivieri and illustrated by Joaquin L. Zarate. The book is published by Synergy Books. Mrs. Olivieri moved to East Chicago, IN from Puerto Rico when she was nine. Elena's Big Move helps children struggling to transition into their new home. She has also written a second book which should be published soon. Lorraine also brought in Olivieri's author bio to share with the group.
Luneil will officially be starting her series Lottie Nora. She plans to target children 7-10 years old. She asked for ideas from members about different incidents Lottie Nora could find herself in.
Pam suggested members develop and keep Character Fact Sheets in a binder. These sheets or note cards would include information on each character in your story such as their hair color and type, height, unique qualities, speech patterns, clothing, etc. Pam will e-mail a sample Fact Sheet to each member. Pam also knows a lady who writes plays for special needs children.
Judy read a poem about fireflies by local author and artist Beverly Topa. Judy and Jackie met Beverly through Prairie Writers Guild last year. Bev's poem is entitled Magic Hour.
Jackie informed the group she met a local author from Rensselaer who has a story in Chicken Soup for the Soul - Find Your Happiness and also has been in Highlights Magazine for Children. Shannon Anderson has agreed to be a guest speaker in January and may also be interested in joining MHW. Jackie sent in two more poems to children's magazines this week and also purchased three children's magazines from US Kids for the MHW library. Each targets a different age group. Jackie shared her 2011 submission log and reported she received yet another rejection letter.
Lorraine read her short story A Treat to Remember for Martie Moose.
Joan submitted her poem Ode to World Poetry Movement Poetry Contest and has been notified that she is a semi-finalist. She should hear back from them in the spring.
Members decided next meeting will be moved to the first Thursday of the month - December 1st at 6:30. We will have a regular meeting combined with a Christmas party. Below is a list of food members will be bringing. Please join us!!!
Pam - Sloppy Joes
Judy - Pasta salad
Luneil - Vegetables and dip
Lorraine - Chips and hamburger buns
Jackie - Fruit and drinks
Joan - Cookies
JSH
Jackie invited two of her sons to the meeting to discuss their favorite books. Damian did a presentation on the Wimpy Kid Do it Yourself Book by Jeff Kinney. The book includes questionnaires, writing prompts, space to draw your own comics, and pages in the back for journaling. He purchased it at the elementary school book fair. Jake is a fan of all the diary books in the series because they are funny and have good illustrations.
Lorraine brought the book Elena's Big Move written by Sarah M. Olivieri and illustrated by Joaquin L. Zarate. The book is published by Synergy Books. Mrs. Olivieri moved to East Chicago, IN from Puerto Rico when she was nine. Elena's Big Move helps children struggling to transition into their new home. She has also written a second book which should be published soon. Lorraine also brought in Olivieri's author bio to share with the group.
Luneil will officially be starting her series Lottie Nora. She plans to target children 7-10 years old. She asked for ideas from members about different incidents Lottie Nora could find herself in.
Pam suggested members develop and keep Character Fact Sheets in a binder. These sheets or note cards would include information on each character in your story such as their hair color and type, height, unique qualities, speech patterns, clothing, etc. Pam will e-mail a sample Fact Sheet to each member. Pam also knows a lady who writes plays for special needs children.
Judy read a poem about fireflies by local author and artist Beverly Topa. Judy and Jackie met Beverly through Prairie Writers Guild last year. Bev's poem is entitled Magic Hour.
Jackie informed the group she met a local author from Rensselaer who has a story in Chicken Soup for the Soul - Find Your Happiness and also has been in Highlights Magazine for Children. Shannon Anderson has agreed to be a guest speaker in January and may also be interested in joining MHW. Jackie sent in two more poems to children's magazines this week and also purchased three children's magazines from US Kids for the MHW library. Each targets a different age group. Jackie shared her 2011 submission log and reported she received yet another rejection letter.
Lorraine read her short story A Treat to Remember for Martie Moose.
Joan submitted her poem Ode to World Poetry Movement Poetry Contest and has been notified that she is a semi-finalist. She should hear back from them in the spring.
Members decided next meeting will be moved to the first Thursday of the month - December 1st at 6:30. We will have a regular meeting combined with a Christmas party. Below is a list of food members will be bringing. Please join us!!!
Pam - Sloppy Joes
Judy - Pasta salad
Luneil - Vegetables and dip
Lorraine - Chips and hamburger buns
Jackie - Fruit and drinks
Joan - Cookies
JSH
Monday, October 31, 2011
Meeting Minutes - October 13, 2011
In Attendance:
Paul Benninghoff
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dzuibla
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Judy Whitcomb
Guests: Lorraine Ackerman and Brenda Havens
Lorraine is a retired elementary school teacher. Brenda taught ESL and English at the high school level.
Members and guests discussed Writer's Digest and online classes. Both Lorraine and Brenda recommend this site and their services.
The group also discussed local authors including Meg Demakas author of Captain Jeb, Pirate Cat and Sharron Thornton author of Upir and the Monster Gang. Keiko Kasza is one of Jackie's favorite children's authors. She also currently lives in Indiana. She is the author of My Lucky Day and Badger's Fancy Meal, among others.
Joan asked if anyone had any ideas about where to submit her poem Ode.
Pam read her short story Spookified.
Cathy read Seize the Moments, a memory about a recent outing.
Luneil read the first short story she ever wrote for her first writing class entitled The Toilet Paper Incident.
Brenda read some of her short story Gus the Canada Goose.
Paul Benninghoff
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dzuibla
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Judy Whitcomb
Guests: Lorraine Ackerman and Brenda Havens
Lorraine is a retired elementary school teacher. Brenda taught ESL and English at the high school level.
Members and guests discussed Writer's Digest and online classes. Both Lorraine and Brenda recommend this site and their services.
The group also discussed local authors including Meg Demakas author of Captain Jeb, Pirate Cat and Sharron Thornton author of Upir and the Monster Gang. Keiko Kasza is one of Jackie's favorite children's authors. She also currently lives in Indiana. She is the author of My Lucky Day and Badger's Fancy Meal, among others.
Joan asked if anyone had any ideas about where to submit her poem Ode.
Pam read her short story Spookified.
Cathy read Seize the Moments, a memory about a recent outing.
Luneil read the first short story she ever wrote for her first writing class entitled The Toilet Paper Incident.
Brenda read some of her short story Gus the Canada Goose.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Meeting Minutes - September 8, 2011
In Attendance:
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dzuibla
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Judy Whitcomb
Members discussed upcoming events:
Chapel Lawn Craft Fair
Schererville, IN ~ September 24th 10:00 a.m.
Magician, Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes, etc.
Proceeds benefit American Diabetes Association.
Indiana Writer's Consortium 3rd Annual Banquet
Avalon Manor, Merrillville ~ October 20th, 2011 6:00 p.m.
Write-On Hoosiers 3rd Annual Christmas Banquet
LOFS, Crown Point ~ December 7, 2011 6:30 p.m.
(See events page for more information.)
Highlights of the Meeting:
Joan added another section to her poem Ode.
Pam is thinking about writing another book in which the setting takes place on another planet.
Judy read a concrete poem Tiny Little Insect and a fractured fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood Edited.
Cathy read Communication 101, a poem about how young children seek attention in a store.
Luneil read her latest version of Chicken Cereal and asked for input from the group. She is also working on a newsletter for the library. Pam offered several suggestions and tips to get her started.
Jackie reported she received a "rejection to submit" letter from National Wildlife Federation. They are not taking outside writing submissions for any of their magazines including Wild Animal Baby, Big Backyard, and Ranger Rick. Jackie also read a poem They written by David L. Harrison. She found it in an old Highlights for Children magazine at the orthodontist's office earlier in the week. Jackie contributes to David's Poem of the Month contest on a regular basis. He has a very large fan base and really works hard to stay connected with his readers of all ages.
Pam and Jackie are still waiting to hear from several publishers they submitted works to in the spring.
Cathy, Judy, Jackie, and Pam are working on poems and short stories to submit to Sharon for the 2011 edition of Hoosier Horizon Magazine.
Members discussed compiling works and self-publishing a Magic Hour Writers book for children. Pam will start researching options and cost. Jackie will give Pam the book Publishing Basics that she obtained last year. The group needs to decide target audience and layout. Price will depend on length, number of illustrations, and publishing choices, etc. Members would like to sell book locally as well as on amazon.com.
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dzuibla
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Judy Whitcomb
Members discussed upcoming events:
Chapel Lawn Craft Fair
Schererville, IN ~ September 24th 10:00 a.m.
Magician, Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes, etc.
Proceeds benefit American Diabetes Association.
Indiana Writer's Consortium 3rd Annual Banquet
Avalon Manor, Merrillville ~ October 20th, 2011 6:00 p.m.
Write-On Hoosiers 3rd Annual Christmas Banquet
LOFS, Crown Point ~ December 7, 2011 6:30 p.m.
(See events page for more information.)
Highlights of the Meeting:
Joan added another section to her poem Ode.
Pam is thinking about writing another book in which the setting takes place on another planet.
Judy read a concrete poem Tiny Little Insect and a fractured fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood Edited.
Cathy read Communication 101, a poem about how young children seek attention in a store.
Luneil read her latest version of Chicken Cereal and asked for input from the group. She is also working on a newsletter for the library. Pam offered several suggestions and tips to get her started.
Jackie reported she received a "rejection to submit" letter from National Wildlife Federation. They are not taking outside writing submissions for any of their magazines including Wild Animal Baby, Big Backyard, and Ranger Rick. Jackie also read a poem They written by David L. Harrison. She found it in an old Highlights for Children magazine at the orthodontist's office earlier in the week. Jackie contributes to David's Poem of the Month contest on a regular basis. He has a very large fan base and really works hard to stay connected with his readers of all ages.
Pam and Jackie are still waiting to hear from several publishers they submitted works to in the spring.
Cathy, Judy, Jackie, and Pam are working on poems and short stories to submit to Sharon for the 2011 edition of Hoosier Horizon Magazine.
Members discussed compiling works and self-publishing a Magic Hour Writers book for children. Pam will start researching options and cost. Jackie will give Pam the book Publishing Basics that she obtained last year. The group needs to decide target audience and layout. Price will depend on length, number of illustrations, and publishing choices, etc. Members would like to sell book locally as well as on amazon.com.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Meeting Minutes - August 11, 2011
Date: August 11, 2011
Time: 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
In Attendance:
Paul Benninghoff
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dzuibla
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri
Judy Whitcomb
Magic Hour Writers is now on Facebook. Thanks Paul!
Joan passed out a poem entitled Ode. She stated she would prefer everyone to read it later at home. It is a personal account of her life and feelings after the recent death of her husband.
Pam is over her writer's block and has been writing more for adults lately. She has been working on a fiction piece entitled Dear Sophia that reads like a daily journal entry. The story can be found on her online blogsite. She is also excited about starting her new internet business. She has already taken the first several steps that are needed including becoming a LLC Corporation and obtaining a domain name and tax id number.
Sharon had an article posted through The Times online newspaper in the Community Section. It was about the Brickie Fest Reunion she helped coordinate. Sharon is finalizing the details of the Write-On Hoosiers Annual Banquet. The dinner will be the second Wednesday in December at Lakes of the Four Seasons, in Crown Point. The cost is $22.50. All writers are invited and can bring a guest(s), please get check to Sharon at your earliest convenience.
Jackie announced four of her photos won ribbons in the Lake County Fair and passed around pictures from her vacation.
Luneil read Live Challenges and Life, a 16 line poem.
Judy announced that the Indiana Writers' Constorium is planning its annual banquet to take place on a Thursday evening this October. Judy is on the planning committee and looking into speakers, possible sites and their menu options. All writers of any level are invited to attend. Look for flyers next month once date is secured.
Paul Benninghoff was our guest speaker.
He is the author of Images of America, Dyer published by Arcadia Publishing in 2010.
Paul began by informing the group that he is a member of the Dyer Historical Society. They had established a need for an updated book as the last and only one was printed and published in 1976 by Lake Central High School students. Paul volunteered for the job. The historical society had binders for families, local businesses, and schools, as well as binders with town minutes, other meetings, information on the fire department, etc.
Most of his information came from these archives while other information was obtained through the web and other various historical societies. He used Wikipedia as a stepping stone but always validated facts he came across. Some interviews were in video form. Hundreds of photos were gathered and captions were written. Those from the historical societies were in public domain. Paul also worked on breaking the book down into chapters and had to write an introduction for each.
The Library of Congress will do research and assist those working on a genealogy project or individuals who express a personal interest in history and are looking for specific answers.
Paul discussed some of the process he went through first to obtain Arcadia Publishing as a publisher. Arcadia books follow a strict format as well. He had a good experience working with their staff but it was his responsibility to format the book and develop a marketing plan.
Paul worked on the book for five years, much longer than he anticipated. It was unveiled for the Town of Dyer Centennial. He was assigned a public relations person to assist with book signings. Books were made available at bookstores, events and anniversaries, museums, university bookstores and coffee shops. Over two hundred were sold in the first nine months. Paul did not have to put out any money and choose to have any proceeds benefit the Dyer Historical Society.
Paul discussed his interest in the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus train wreck that occurred in Hammond, IN in 1918. He is writing an article about the tragedy for Region Rambler. He also recommended How to Write a Book Proposal by Larsen.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Time: 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
In Attendance:
Paul Benninghoff
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dzuibla
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Sharon Palmeri
Judy Whitcomb
Magic Hour Writers is now on Facebook. Thanks Paul!
Joan passed out a poem entitled Ode. She stated she would prefer everyone to read it later at home. It is a personal account of her life and feelings after the recent death of her husband.
Pam is over her writer's block and has been writing more for adults lately. She has been working on a fiction piece entitled Dear Sophia that reads like a daily journal entry. The story can be found on her online blogsite. She is also excited about starting her new internet business. She has already taken the first several steps that are needed including becoming a LLC Corporation and obtaining a domain name and tax id number.
Sharon had an article posted through The Times online newspaper in the Community Section. It was about the Brickie Fest Reunion she helped coordinate. Sharon is finalizing the details of the Write-On Hoosiers Annual Banquet. The dinner will be the second Wednesday in December at Lakes of the Four Seasons, in Crown Point. The cost is $22.50. All writers are invited and can bring a guest(s), please get check to Sharon at your earliest convenience.
Jackie announced four of her photos won ribbons in the Lake County Fair and passed around pictures from her vacation.
Luneil read Live Challenges and Life, a 16 line poem.
Judy announced that the Indiana Writers' Constorium is planning its annual banquet to take place on a Thursday evening this October. Judy is on the planning committee and looking into speakers, possible sites and their menu options. All writers of any level are invited to attend. Look for flyers next month once date is secured.
Paul Benninghoff was our guest speaker.
He is the author of Images of America, Dyer published by Arcadia Publishing in 2010.
Most of his information came from these archives while other information was obtained through the web and other various historical societies. He used Wikipedia as a stepping stone but always validated facts he came across. Some interviews were in video form. Hundreds of photos were gathered and captions were written. Those from the historical societies were in public domain. Paul also worked on breaking the book down into chapters and had to write an introduction for each.
The Library of Congress will do research and assist those working on a genealogy project or individuals who express a personal interest in history and are looking for specific answers.
Paul discussed some of the process he went through first to obtain Arcadia Publishing as a publisher. Arcadia books follow a strict format as well. He had a good experience working with their staff but it was his responsibility to format the book and develop a marketing plan.
Paul worked on the book for five years, much longer than he anticipated. It was unveiled for the Town of Dyer Centennial. He was assigned a public relations person to assist with book signings. Books were made available at bookstores, events and anniversaries, museums, university bookstores and coffee shops. Over two hundred were sold in the first nine months. Paul did not have to put out any money and choose to have any proceeds benefit the Dyer Historical Society.
Paul discussed his interest in the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus train wreck that occurred in Hammond, IN in 1918. He is writing an article about the tragedy for Region Rambler. He also recommended How to Write a Book Proposal by Larsen.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Meeting Minutes - June 9, 2011
Date: June 9, 2011
Time: 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
In Attendance:
Paul Benninghoff
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dzuibla
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Judy Whitcomb
Judy passed out handouts on contests, workshop opportunities, and articles about what publishers are looking for. One was about the art of omission - knowing what to leave out and how to be concise in your writing. Much of her information comes from Children's Book Insider and Writing and Illustrating.
Paul is continuing to spend much of his time writing for Region Rambler. He encouraged others to enter the Photo of the Month contest and notified members that outside writers are welcome. He is currently researching the 1918 circus train wreck in Hammond. The group discussed marketing strategies for the website. Joan offered to help Paul get the word out about Region Rambler.
Jackie announced the Indiana Writers' Consortium Picnic is June 25th at Tom Spencer's house in Lowell at 1:30 p.m.. Writers, friends, and children are invited to attend. You do not need to be a member. Please spread the word. We are asking for a $5 donation for non-members and $3 for members.
Luneil reported she got a rejection from Pelican June 3rd. She had submitted Barty.
Cathy is in the process of editing her book Sean O'Hara and the Leprechauns. Cathy then shared a poem entitled My Life by A. Banana. The group encouraged her to submit it to Highlights Magazine for Children.
Pam is still waiting to hear from seven publishers that she sent Frannie the Frightened Faerie to in January. She is contemplating self-publishing and has been in touch with an illustrator who does some graphics for digital scrapbooks. Pam may also need to get a commercial license to use the art as part of her book. Pam then showed members a quarterly newsletter she designed and developed for Chapel Lawn. Both Magic Hour Writers and Write-On Hoosiers are mentioned in the newsletter as we have been holding our meetings in the banquet room. She said other groups are welcome to use the space as well. Paul mentioned this meeting space may be of interest to local historical societies.
Members discussed starting up a website for Magic Hour Writers. Pam and Judy discussed the benefits of a website over a blog. Information could be easily transferred from our blog and Pam knows how to use tags and keywords within the text so browsers can find it easily. The group will look at other children's writers websites to get ideas. Pam and Judy will choose a server. A website will be easier to navigate, be more visually appealing, and is a more professional way to share information and promote our group. Yearly fees are minimal and would come out of the MHW fund.
Paul volunteered to set up a Facebook page for MHW.
Jackie announced she has been busy with photography. Several of her photos will be featured in the 2012 local Town Calendars.
Judy brought in a contract from Tate Publishing. She discussed their responsibilities and the one-time fee for a publicist. Members discussed where to find legal counsel for these types of contracts. Judy then shared the first few pages of her latest story Ariabelle and Guenever.
Next Meeting with be July 14, 2011 at 6:30 Chapel Lawn Banquet Room
Time: 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
In Attendance:
Paul Benninghoff
Joan Bodefeld
Cathy Dzuibla
Pam Gonzalez
Jackie Huppenthal
Luneil Morrow
Judy Whitcomb
Judy passed out handouts on contests, workshop opportunities, and articles about what publishers are looking for. One was about the art of omission - knowing what to leave out and how to be concise in your writing. Much of her information comes from Children's Book Insider and Writing and Illustrating.
Paul is continuing to spend much of his time writing for Region Rambler. He encouraged others to enter the Photo of the Month contest and notified members that outside writers are welcome. He is currently researching the 1918 circus train wreck in Hammond. The group discussed marketing strategies for the website. Joan offered to help Paul get the word out about Region Rambler.
Jackie announced the Indiana Writers' Consortium Picnic is June 25th at Tom Spencer's house in Lowell at 1:30 p.m.. Writers, friends, and children are invited to attend. You do not need to be a member. Please spread the word. We are asking for a $5 donation for non-members and $3 for members.
Luneil reported she got a rejection from Pelican June 3rd. She had submitted Barty.
Cathy is in the process of editing her book Sean O'Hara and the Leprechauns. Cathy then shared a poem entitled My Life by A. Banana. The group encouraged her to submit it to Highlights Magazine for Children.
Pam is still waiting to hear from seven publishers that she sent Frannie the Frightened Faerie to in January. She is contemplating self-publishing and has been in touch with an illustrator who does some graphics for digital scrapbooks. Pam may also need to get a commercial license to use the art as part of her book. Pam then showed members a quarterly newsletter she designed and developed for Chapel Lawn. Both Magic Hour Writers and Write-On Hoosiers are mentioned in the newsletter as we have been holding our meetings in the banquet room. She said other groups are welcome to use the space as well. Paul mentioned this meeting space may be of interest to local historical societies.
Members discussed starting up a website for Magic Hour Writers. Pam and Judy discussed the benefits of a website over a blog. Information could be easily transferred from our blog and Pam knows how to use tags and keywords within the text so browsers can find it easily. The group will look at other children's writers websites to get ideas. Pam and Judy will choose a server. A website will be easier to navigate, be more visually appealing, and is a more professional way to share information and promote our group. Yearly fees are minimal and would come out of the MHW fund.
Paul volunteered to set up a Facebook page for MHW.
Jackie announced she has been busy with photography. Several of her photos will be featured in the 2012 local Town Calendars.
Judy brought in a contract from Tate Publishing. She discussed their responsibilities and the one-time fee for a publicist. Members discussed where to find legal counsel for these types of contracts. Judy then shared the first few pages of her latest story Ariabelle and Guenever.
Next Meeting with be July 14, 2011 at 6:30 Chapel Lawn Banquet Room
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