Thursday, March 28, 2013

MARCH 20, 2013

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Michelle Vargas, Sharon Palmeri, Beverly Stanislawski, Ron Trigg, Gail Galvan, Janice Beier, Kelly Chase, Laurie Chase, Luniel Morrow, Jane Burns, George Miga, Donna Douglass, Sharon Buckman

OLD BUSINESS:

A vote of approval concerning the meeting on March 6, 2013 was given by DONNA DOUGLASS and seconded by GAIL GALVAN.

NEW BUSINESS:

SHARON PALMERI announced that a surprise guest speaker has been chosen for the Dec. 4th Christmas Party.  The speaker will focus on publishing and marketing.

LITERARY NEWS:

MICHELLE VARGAS mentioned there would be a Midwest Writer’s Mini Conference in Brownsburg, Ind. on April 13th from 9:00 A.M. to l:00 P.M.  Another Writer’s Workshop was mentioned for Greensburg, Ind. which would feature Editor/Publisher Debbie Hurt.

SHARON PALMERI also mentioned there will be a three day Midwest Writer’s Workshop from July 25th to the 27th with a registration fee of $350 for three days, $250 for two days, and $125 for one day.  Anyone interested in more information, including times and subject matter please check the website, www.midwestwriters.org.  PALMERI also mentioned that she will be serving on an Individual Artist Program panel at the Indiana Arts Commission in Indianapolis on April 10th and 11th.  The purpose of this panel to choose recipients for award grants in literature.  They will need to show that they are working on a particular project at least, do not necessarily have to be published. The Individual Artist Program (IAP) supports individual artists and specific project related costs that will have a positive impact on the artist’s career. She explained that the program is not designed for community projects.

READINGS:

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her short story “The Passover Lamb.”  The story, which had won a prize in the Tennessee magazine, Grandmothers Earth, told of a young boy taking his family’s lamb to the priest for the annual Passover sacrifice.  On his way there the lamb escaped and was unable to be found by either the boy or a helping stranger.  Later the stranger explained to the boy, after encountering Jesus being dragged to the cross, not to worry, “his sacrifice will make atonement for our sins.”

RON TRIGG read four pages of his memoir, The Alluring Temptress.  This part of his memoir, entitled “Chicken on a String,” told of his trip in West Africa to the Upper Volta in 1980 to the village of Sabou.  The purpose of the visit was to view some African wildlife.  After negotiating a deal to view some crocodiles they discovered that the crocodiles were being lured out of the water with dead chickens tied on a stick.

GAIL GALVAN first read her free verse poem entitled, “Fifties Farewell, “which told of her fond memories of that time as she now approaches the age of sixty.  Her second poem, entitled “Sunshine Kisses,” pertained to everyone having a “Happy Easter,” and ending with “new beginnings, sunshine kisses and springtime’s playful call.”

JANICE BEIER read her cover letter for a children’s story she has written entitled, Beautiful.  The letter is told from the perspective of a seed which has been planted in a backyard garden and “offers vivid descriptions of nature,” with the recurring refrain, “When, Oh When, Will I Be Beautiful.”

KELLY CHASE read two pages of her short story, “Stormy Night.”  This chilling part of her story tells of Lizzie, the house guest of Jamie, viewing the scratches on Jamie’s face and apologizing for bringing the terrible “man with wings” to Jamie’s house.  Lizzie thanks her and leaves to save her new friend.

LUNEIL MORROW read three pages of her “Development of Main Character.”  The purpose of this was to develop the characteristics of the main character in Luneil’s children stories, Lottie Nora (Mundy).  This began with giving the physical description and then telling her personality traits, background, inner conflicts, external conflicts and education.

MICHELLE VARGAS read four pages of her novel, Striving After Wind.  This forceful part of her novel dealt with Patrick stating that he wasn’t going to sell the land to the gun club.  The ensuing riot that soon followed ended with Adam trying to save the life of Tabitha and having to kill the man who was trying to kill her.

JANE BURNS read four additional pages of her novel, Atalanta.  This part of her novel began with Atalanta’s initiation.  After being led out into the fields beyond Urtygia,  Atalanta was told to “stay alert, stay focused, stay awake,” as they left her for the night, awaiting for the Goddess to come for her.

GEORGE MIGA read four more pages of his novel, Medal of Dishonor.  The novel continued with President Johnson still pursuing the rightful recipient of the Medal of Honor.  After awarding the Medal to his Secretary of the Army he is about to learn that it has probably gone to the wrong man.

DONNA DOUGLASS read four pages of her short memoir, “An Autumn in New York.”  This part of her memoir took her back to l995 at the Algonquin Hotel where she encountered an old boyfriend with his aunt and daughter.  After having a short visit by themselves in Central Park they parted with a short hug.  She learned of his death a year later from a heart attack.

SHARON BUCKMAN read four pages of the sequel to her novel, Canopy of Leaves.  This part of the sequel entitled, Beyond the Canopy, told of Anne’s constant feelings of being watched as she encounters another unexplained episode when she is outside by the river.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:
SHARON BUCKMAN

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