WRITE ON HOOSIERS
May 14, 2026
The meeting was called to order at 6:06 pm
MEMBERS’ PRESENT:
Amy
Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Bernadette Fortuna, Katherine Flotz, Gail Galvan, Ruthann
Graczyk, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Lisa Keene, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Tom
Molnar, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton,
Jon Terpstra, Andrew Cummins
OLD BUSINESS:
The
minutes of April 23, 2026, were read and approved by Trent Pendley, and Al Koch
seconded.
Bob and Judy Neumann attended the meeting briefly to update members on their recent
health challenges and to thank everyone for their cards and prayers.
Amy Brailey (Pres.)
reminded members participating in the Creative Arts Summit on May 30, 2026,
from 12:00-4:00 to please arrive no earlier than an hour before the event starts
for set-up. Members are responsible for bringing their books to promote and
sell.
NEW BUSINESS:
Amy Brailey (Pres.)
stated her students will attend the next WOH meeting on May 28th.
Her students will read their pieces if time is available after the members
read.
Lisa Keene secured
the small-group instruction room at Crown Point High School for WOH meetings on
6/11, 6/25, 8/13, 9/10, 9/24, and 11/12. Lisa will provide a map at the next
meeting showing the school’s main entrance, along with a new schedule for
members to follow.
Cindy Horgash (Sec.) stated she will contact the First United Methodist
Church to cancel the June-November dates she booked for the club before the
venue change to a larger space.
Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Dir.) and Gail Galvan supplied written instructions
for submitting short stories, poems, and book excerpts for the new Write on
Hoosiers book. Instructions for KDP Press were discussed, including spacing,
font, word count, and content suitability. Submission deadline is July
30, 2026. Sharon asked for a show of hands on how many were planning to
submit 3-4 pieces for the book. As many as (14) members present raised their
hands, and (5) were unsure at this time.
Sharon
advised members they will need to discuss and vote on the book's title, and
asked Amy Brailey (Pres.) to provide a photo for the cover. Amy stated
she has not worked with KDP Press but would research it when time allowed.
LITERARY NEWS:
None
READINGS:
SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poems “The Pond” and “Lonely, but Not Alone.”
Many times, real beauty and purpose in life are fashioned in trials and in the
simple lessons of nature.
JON TERPSTRA read part 1 of his fictional story, “Riverbillies,” about
a group of middle-aged guys who think it's a good idea to open a floating club
on the river. Hijinks ensue.
SHARON BUCKMAN continued to read from her book, “Canopy of Leaves.” This
chapter of the book tells of a fourteen-year-old girl’s abduction and terrible
experience of being raped by a backwoodsman on her second day of captivity.
TRENT D. PENDLEY read the opening lines of Chapter Four in his historical fiction,
“Lewry Lurie.” On Tuesday, June 28, 2011, the day begins with the
Franklin brothers at Brighton House, and younger brother Brad finds Nathan
reviewing an album containing photographs of their massive art collection with
biographies of each artist, and their provinces. Nathan irritates his brother by
suggesting they purchase the Pyramid building in Michigan City. Brad tries to
curb Nathan’s spending, reminding him of the recent Michigan City graduate
they’ve begun to sponsor and a sculpture created in his likeness to promote a
modeling career.
TOM MOLNAR
read Chapter One of his book, “Dark Age Maiden.” Lady Carina is the
favored daughter of the lord of the manor. She boldly refuses to marry the man
he chose for her. Now, her father’s fortress is under attack, and she escapes
before dawn to reach the mysterious count he told her about. Before long, she
finds herself caught up in the great Saracen attack on France as well as a very
personal assault on her heart.
As
the great Islamic army advances from Spain deep into Europe, Carina experiences
the power of love, though she doesn’t truly believe in love. But time is
running out for her and for her country. The much-feared Saracen army may soon
be standing at the gate. Can Europe survive the assault, and what of Carina? Is
she prepared to surrender her heart?
KAREN LAUPER read from her nonfiction book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven?”
During another hospitalization at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago,
Timmy’s great-grandmother dies unexpectedly. A double medical crisis for the
family to deal with. Timmy had a special relationship with his
great-grandmother.
“Don’t Hang Up,” read by SHARON PALMERI, is part 1 of 4 of her short story
about Maria, an interior decorator whose husband was in the Army. Upon meeting
a prospective client at a restaurant, the client seemed desperate to use
Maria’s phone. After using it, she returned in tears, telling Maria that she
was very, very sorry…to be continued.
AL KOCH read
his piece titled “Benchmarks,” about signs along life’s journey.
RUTHANN GRACZYK read her short story “Teamwork,” about two strangers
coming together one evening to rescue a pair of baby raccoons from the roadway.
CINDY HORGASH read her non-fiction story “Cinderella at Starbucks,”
about her first experience in a coffeehouse, where she unwittingly gave her
name as Cinderella for the order.
LISA KEENE read
an excerpt from Chapter 13 of her book “Yerd.” Yearbook Adviser Ms.
Lilly Goulde has a transformative day with her staff in Sedona.
The
meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully Submitted:
CINDY HORGASH
