May 14, 2026

 

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 28^th. 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