March 13, 2025

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Al Koch, Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Karen Lauper, Shirley Hinman, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Cindy Horgash, Sharon Palmeri, Lisa Keene

NEW BUSINESS:

Sharon Palmeri is updating the W.O.H. member blog. She requests that anyone with a published book, newspaper, or magazine article submit the information to her with photos and a summary of written work. Sharon also shared the club’s mission statement, blog, Facebook information, and multiple links for writers visiting the website.

OLD BUSINESS:

No items were discussed.

LITERARY NEWS:

Katherine Flotz has been asked to speak at Hartsfield Village (Munster, IN) on April 8, 2025, regarding her book “A Pebble in My Shoe.”

Trent D. Pendley will be doing a reading at the Valparaiso Public Library on May 8, 2025, with a presentation of Erma Rosenthal Frankenstein's book on Ellen Fitzimmon Steinberg.

READINGS:

AL KOCH read his short story, “Parochial School Penance,” about the times when survival lessons of punishment and penance were funny.

KAREN LAUPER read an excerpt from her memoir “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” This story describes the persistence and steadfast determination of her baby boy with momentous medical challenges who must navigate through everyday life beginning as a newborn.

“Delicately Detached” is a poem written and read by SHIRLEY HINMAN about how a rose's life and death compare to humankind’s life and death.

BOB NEUMAN read his poem “Unseen Things” about interactions with well-known idioms.

 

TRENT D. PENDLEY read from his trilogy: “It Happened in the Indiana Dunes”. This story captures the fallout the country suffers with the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftermath of Charlottesville, January 6^th, and the security methods put in place to protect the American Jewish communal institutions.

SHARON PALMERI continued her memoir "The Beginning of the Beginning-Write On!” This story is about the creation of Write-On Hoosiers, Inc.

CINDY HORGASH read the third chapter “Queen of the Swings” of her chapter book geared toward fourth-grade readers. The main antagonist Audrey Cooper has become a viable force to reckon with.

“It’s Me Again, God!” read by JUDY NEUMAN is a whimsical conversation with God where she asks the question, “Lord, did I make you laugh…when…”

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from her YA novel “Yerd” about the night before Olivia’s first day at Region High.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

 

February 27, 2025

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

Katherine Flotz, Amy Brailey, Ruthann Graczyk, Beverly Biehr, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Diane Stratton, Cindy Horgash, Beverly Stanislawski, Sharon Palmeri, Al Koch, Lisa Keene, Shirley Hinman, Trent Pendley, Karen Lauper (visitor)

OLD BUSINESS:

Katherine Flotz (Treas.) reminded members that the $25.00 annual dues are now being collected for 2025.

Amy Brailey and Sharon Palmeri completed the registration for the WOH club to participate in the 2025 Creative Arts Summit at the Lake County Public Library. They hope to have news at the next meeting about whether we have been accepted to have a booth.

NEW BUSINESS:

Sharon Palmeri asked if anyone has a published book, to please send her a summary of the book for the WOH blog page and website.

Diane Stratton shared an article on Judy Collins’ release of a book of poems for her 85^th birthday celebration. ‘Sometimes It’s Heaven’ is due to be released on March 25, 2025 and to preorder contact: https://a.co/d/zwcombu

LITERARY NEWS:

No items were discussed.

READINGS:

AMY BRAILEY introduced a picture story prompt of a mysterious cabin in the woods that she used in her classroom for a writing lesson. Amy read her story of a girl taking refuge in a cabin in the woods, and quickly finds it isn’t the refuge she thought.

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from her YA novel “Yerd” where students learn about Shakespearean Sonnets.

BEVERLY BIEHR shared her book description and proposal for “God’s Calling Seniors.” She asked for advice or suggestions for her edited proposal.

BEV STANISLAWSKI read her short story “A Matter of Time” about a destruction plan that goes wrong—really wrong—trapping the revenge seeker.

JUDY NEUMAN read her poem, “A Thief in Our House” about a house robbed by a cabinet thief. Judy also shared a second poem titled, “The Touch of Jesus” about the grace that fills her soul.

“Nail Maker” is a short story written and read by AL KOCH about a metal worker in Jerusalem who is reminded of a miracle in Bethlehem and is chosen to be a witness and apostle for the gift of Good Friday.

BOB NEUMAN read a dedication piece titled, “I Love You, Pete!” Bob gives thanks for the mentorship his father-in-law gave to his wife Judy.

SHARON PALMERI read a memoir titled "We Made it Through the Rain.” A stormy night, tornado warnings, tents, wheelchairs, garbage bags, and scuba suits were just part of the adventure of getting concert tickets.

“Healing Salve” is a non-fiction story written and read by DIANNE STRATTON on a reflection that talks about a shocked reaction to a person’s inquisitive questions. She also shares two encounters that brought encouraging kindness that offsets her shock.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

January 23, 2025

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Katherine Flotz, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Ruthann Graczyk, Beverly Biehr, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Diane Stratton, Cindy Horgash, Beverly Stanislawski, Sharon Palmeri

OLD BUSINESS:

Katherine Flotz (Treas.) reminded members that the $25.00 annual dues are now being collected for 2025.

NEW BUSINESS:

WOH members agreed to apply for a table at the Creative Arts Summit 2025 at the Lake County Public Library on May 31^st. We discussed taking shifts for the 12:00-4:00 pm time slot and displaying individual published books. We collectively decided this is an opportunity to advertise for the WOH writing club. Amy Brailey (Pres.) offered to complete the application online beginning February 3rd.

LITERARY NEWS:

No items were discussed.

READINGS:

AMY BRAILEY read an untitled piece about an invading army that searches for a child who has been foretold in a prophecy. Before they can find him, his governess spirits him away.

SHARON BUCKMAN read her fictional short story “Going Home.” An almost believable account of the abduction of her and her eight-year-old brother by a stranger after the local newspaper published an article about their father being injured during World War II.

BEVERLY BIEHR shared her book description and proposal for “God’s Calling Seniors.” She asked for advice or suggestions for her proposal.

BOB NEUMAN read his short story “Sam, I Am!” or a better title “Sam, I am NOT!” about a nine-year-old boy who like him shares a similar but different life story.

“Pure and Sweet” is DIANE STRATTON’S reflection article on how a certain group of people set a good example of kindness without needing any super abilities.

CINDY HORGASH read chapter two “Déjà vu” of her untitled Chapter book about the antics and thoughts between fourth-grade friends and classmates.   

JUDY NEUMAN read a short piece on the positive effects of a smile that she titled, “There’s Something About a Smile!”

BEV STANISLAWSKI read the first chapter of a story titled “La Señora” about a young girl searching for a gigantic oyster shell that is believed to hold the biggest pearl in the world.

SHARON PALMERI read a poem titled "Ode to My Husband” about the man who allowed her the freedom to grow.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

January 9, 2025

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Katherine Flotz, Shirley Hinman, Beverly Biehr, Diane Stratton, Amy Brailey, Cindy Horgash, Beverly Stanislawski, Lisa Keene

OLD BUSINESS:

None discussed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Katherine Flotz (Treas.) reminded members that the $25.00 annual dues are now being collected for 2025.

Amy Brailey (Pres.) asked members what they were looking for in the way of critiques or notes from other members. Many members preferred asking for critiques or suggestions before reading their material. Everyone said they appreciate the members who take the time to make written grammar corrections and idea suggestions.

LITERARY NEWS:

Beverly Biehr brought copies of her published memoir, “Casualties of Peacemaking.”

READINGS:

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem, "The Frozen Lake Spoke to Me,” about a child who longs for the lake to freeze over so she can skate.

BEV STANISLAWSKI read a Pantoum poem, "Intertwined" about two souls, two hearts that share their love throughout eternity.

LISA KEENE has finished her young adult novel "Yerd" and asked for publishing tips after reading her Plot Synopsis, About the book, and About the author.

AMY BRAILEY read “The Unexpected Prince” about a brother and sister who seek out a true love who can wake their sleeping classmates and townsfolk. Amy plans to enter her short story into a contest at Story Shares.com.

BEVERLY BIEHR read the cover from her memoir, "Casualties of Peacemaking." This book entails the political firestorm surrounding the Democratic National Convention hosted by Chicago in 1968.

CINDY HORGASH read chapter one titled “Bloopers, Blunders, and Flubs.” It is a Chapter book geared toward fourth-grade readers.  

DIANE STRATTON read her non-fiction story "Follow that Hunch" about her instincts regarding an elderly lady who appeared lost. Telling of the impressions and thoughts she pondered after speaking to her and her neighbor.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

Secretary