MEMBERS PRESENT:
Sharon Jesik, George Miga, Judy Whitcomb, Liz Wilson, Laura Chase, Kelly Chase, Jessica Bard, Arthur Wilkerson, Cathy Dziubla, Kathy Flotz, Sharon Palmeri, Sharon Buckman
GUESTS PRESENT:
Jane Burns
NEW SUGGESTIONS:
Sharon Palmeri asked the members if they liked the idea of a "traveling story." It would start with one of the members writing the first paragraph and giving it a title. This member would then send it back to Sharon Palmeri who would then forward it on to another member to be continued and then returned to Sharon...as so on. Each member would have one week to add to the story This would continue on without anyone knowing who wrote each paragraph --except Sharon. The "traveling story" was agreed upon and agreed to be read at the Christmas Party, if not earlier.
Sharon Palmeri also asked the members if they would like to repeat producing another "Hoosier Horizon Magazine" for this year. It was unanimously approved. The magazine would again be pre-ordered and distributed at the Christmas Party.
NEWS:
Jane Burns stated she moved to this region (Lowell) only eleven days prior from southern Missouri. She was previously a volunteer for a dog rescuing unit. She enjoys writing Greek mythology and is presently revising a novel she started one year prior.
George Miga has decided he is going to continue working with only one book for the present, "Medal of Dishonor." He has begun making some changes that were suggested by his son and a friend.
Judy Whitcomb has been so busy with extra curricular activities that she has been unable to do any writing. She is one of the IWC PoPP contest judges (along with Sharon Palmeri, Jackie Huppenthal and Katherine Flotz) for the poem competition at the Lake Street School. Winning entries from the each grade level will be selected from the 333 participants, and winners will receive awards as well as magazine publication. Judy also mentioned she has received her second rejection letter for one of the children's stories she has written.
Liz Wilson stated she has almost finished the final revision of her novel Bottomside.
Laura Chase has been very busy with the care of her parents and therefore left with very little time for writing. She was able to do a small amount of work revising her present novel.
Kelly Chase stated she hasn't been able to do any writing due to school finals.
Jessica Bard stated she has been able to do some writing, poems and a short story.
Cathy Dziubla has been busy working on her children's book (two chapters to go.) She also stated she has been busy trying to sell a lot they own.
Kathy Flotz has also been busy helping to judge the poetry contest at the Lake Street School.
Sharon Palmeri stated she has gone back to her old job as a Media Technician IUN (radio station). She has also been busy judging the IWC PoPP poetry contest as well as working on a painting story she had previously started. Sharon will be teaching a Writers Workshop and Publishing in the 21st Century for the Merrillville Adult and Community Education. She is also serving as vice president for the Hobart High School Alumni Association.
Sharon Jesik has been busy working on her novel Corn Dancer and writing poetry.
Sharon Buckman stated she has finished her novel and will now begin revision.
THIS & THAT:
The Prairie Writers Guild will be hosting a reading for their book at the Mellow Brew Cheesecake House in Dyer. The event will be on Feb. 19th from 2-5 P.M. and will also feature music. Several WOH members have had stories and poems published in their book.
READINGS:
Kathy Flotz read the continuation of her new book, The Journey. The man, Tom Wilson, who was saved during the Second World War by a widow and her children, has finally decided to send a check and start looking for a home for her and her children after being chastised by his secretary.
Sharon Buckman continued with her book, Canopy of Leaves. The story is nearing the end of the escape of a young girl from a backwoodsman in Kentucky. In trying to save her dog, who was traveling with her, she allowed the captor to catch up with her.
Cathy Dziubla wrote a short article called, "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow." The story related to the beautiful falling snow, that we all witnessed in the morning, and how lucky it made her feel to be living where she did.
Jessica Bard read her four stanza poem, "Ten Sixths Past The Hour." The comical poem asks for help to find the time from the readers busy day, and to find her heart, which she thinks she left "right next to my mind."
Sharon Jesik continued with her novel, Corn Dancer. As the friends of the deceased, Doty, try to find the answer to her death they become caught in a mountain snowfall and avalanche.
Jane Burns read her two page short story entitled "Yarn." The story relates to an argument between a brother and sister as the sister continues to talk to her mythical playmates, a Raggedy Ann doll named Anne and the narrator named Erin.
Liz Wilson continued with her novel, Bottomside. The story deals with some fictitious "little people" who caused a great deal of damage to the apartment of a girl named Zophie. It starts with her trying to get up and take pictures of the departing "little people," and continues with the main character named Isaac who also tries to deal with the attack.
Laurie Chase continued with reading the revised version of her book, Badradin. The main character, the half human Dr. Togalaz, is still under scrutiny as the Commander of ship tries to find more answers to her identity.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted:
Sharon Buckman
