April 9

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

April 9, 2026

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Katherine Flotz, Ruthann Graczyk,  Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Lisa Keene, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Tom Molnar, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Shirley Vaughn, Andrew Cummins

OLD BUSINESS:

Minutes were read by Al Koch and seconded by Shirley Vaughn. 

Amy Brailey (Pres.) discussed the print options of Draft to Digital vs. KD Print for the WOH member collaboration of stories for a book.

Cindy Horgash (Sec.) voiced some of the concerns about moving some of our meetings to the First Methodist Church due to the size of our member roster. The church room has one large conference table that seats up to 12 but additional chairs can be provided throughout the room. Trent Pendley suggested we use a lectern for people to read from if needed. Lisa Keene will check the availability of Crown Point High School’s Community room. Cindy asked that confirmation be given soon so she cancel the room at the church.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) announced that WOH was accepted for the Lake County Arts Summit on May 30^th from 12:00-4:00 pm.

LITERARY NEWS:

None

READINGS:

BEVERLY BIEHR read her book proposal submission to Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing for her “Happy Retirement Years: Inspiration from Bible Seniors.”

RUTHANN GRACZYK read her short story fiction titled “One Night…” A suspenseful tale of an unexplained incident that occurred while dog sitting at her son’s home.

ANDREW CUMMINS read the summary of his first and second book, “God First/The Glory of the Lord,” detailing the importance of putting God first in our lives.

KAREN LAUPER shared a short fiction she would title “Lost Piece/Found Piece” or “The Missing Piece” about the love of jigsaw puzzles and a missing piece, that turns up many years later under unusual circumstances.

“Canopy of Leaves” was read by SHARON BUCKMAN about a tragedy concerning a 14-year-old girl who ends up losing her parents on a fishing trip and is kidnapped by a local hunter.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continued reading from his historical fiction “Lewry Lurie” that takes place on June 11, 2011. Nathan and Brad Franklin have passed by their gentrification of Blair Park on Michigan City’s west side and continue traveling along Dunes’ Highway on their way to the Michigan State line.

Once at the restaurant, the Franklin brothers are surprised to meet a contemporary of the Blair family that made their mark in Indiana and then moved to Chicago. Even though much of the history had been washed from Michigan City, their banking wealth puts them far above any of the Hoosiers they left behind. They had Rodin sculptures in their Drexel Avenue mansion, now in the National Gallery of Art and several paintings by Giuseppe de Nittis. Images of his work are available at https://phillipscollection.or/.../2022-11-12-de-nittis

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from chapter 20, Death by Agave from her book “Yerd: A Yearbook Nerd’s Epic Quest for Spiritual and Grammatical Enlightenment.” Olivia Stuart discovered that the anklet her grandmother gave her was the key to an ancient treasure buried under a pyramid-shaped red-rock mountain in Sedona that was built into a luxury resort and convention center by a media mogul. After confronting the villain who lured her there, she makes the same choice as her grandmother did 50 years earlier.

TOM MOLNAR read an excerpt from part 2 of his published novel, “Mist on the Moon.”

“If You Had to Choose” is an inspirational piece by AL KOCH. The mind cannot select the most meaningful days of one’s life. That ability is not its job description. If one wants to identify the most meaningful days of life, one must ask their heart.

DIANE STRATTON read a short story titled “A True Story That Inspires Faith,” about an incident that occurred to her and some friends and the impression it left on them.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

March 26, 2026

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

March 26, 2026 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Bernadette Fortuna, Gail Galvan, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra

OLD BUSINESS:

March 12, 2026, WOH minutes had not been posted online for approval. 

Amy Brailey (Pres.) discussed a WOH member collaboration of stories for a book. She detailed the digital work, proofing, editing, and photo cover choice to publish a book by November 2026. Members had a hand vote to move forward to publish. The deadline for submitting stories is September.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cindy Horgash (Sec.) advised WOH members that Bulldog Park has asked us to move (6) meeting dates to a new night, due to the booking of concerts at the venue. Cindy can book a room at her church, First United Methodist in Crown Point, for the Thursday nights in question at no cost. Members took a hand vote to move the dates of June 11^th & 25^th, August 13^th, September 10^th & 24^th, and November 12^th to the church.

LITERARY NEWS:

Chris Hasara has been invited again to the Basile Theatre-IN Historical Society on April 12, 2026, to read his poem while it is interpreted in dance.  

READINGS:

“The Trees That Will Not Bend” and “Tornado” were poems read by SHIRLEY HINMAN.

SHARON BUCKMAN read her non-fictional slice of life story titled, “Joys of Writing.”

JON TERPSTRA read part 2 of his short story, “The Grove,” about the happenings at the Grove and what happened to it.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continued reading from his historical fiction “Lewry Lurie.” The Franklin brothers are with two guests en route to the Duneland Beach Inn for dinner and are giving them a tour of their gentrification project, the Blair Park neighborhood in Michigan City. They describe a new residential complex tabled because of rumors of the commuter railroad’s imminent plans to double its tracks down the center of Tenth Street.

CHRIS HASARA read part 3 of his short story about his main character, “Charlie,” who continues to struggle in the corn.

GAIL GALVAN shared a phone recording of the song, Rappin’ Rabbits (A Change of Hearts) from her new children’s book, “Jack Rabbit City,” about talking rabbits that grow 6-feet tall due to magic water.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read book 5 of her series titled “New Day.” This is the continuing saga of the Slade family, which surrounds the life of son, Keith, the third child of Christine and Mark Slade, who met in Liverpool, England, in the mid-1960’s. Following the continuation of Chapter 1, where Keith and his former daughter-in-law, Kristi, explore their feelings for each other and become intimately involved.

The meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

March 12, 2026

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

March 12, 2026

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Gail Galvan, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Shirley Vaughan, Andrew Cummings (Guest)

OLD BUSINESS:

Karen Lauper approved the WOH minutes for February 26, 2026, and Trent Pendley seconded.

Amy Brailey (Pres.) thanked members who attended author Maurice Broaddus's presentation at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library this afternoon.  For more information, members can check out his website at MauriceBroaddus.com.

NEW BUSINESS:

Andrew Cummings (guest) introduced himself to the members, and everyone shared their writing genres and experiences.

LITERARY NEWS:

Cindy Horgash announced that she will be holding a book signing for the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul’s “Being Grandma” book at Barnes & Noble on April 26, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Schererville location.  

READINGS:

“Murphy O’Shay is Out of Luck” is a retold children’s story written by CINDY HORGASH about an Irishman who travels to the edge of the world to see if the wise woman will give him some luck.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continued reading from chapter three of his second novel, “Lewry Lurie” as Nathan and Brad Franklin give a tour through their Blair Park urban renewal project in Michigan City, a gentrification project during the 2011 economic crash that is a fundraising effort for the Shirley Heinze Land Trust, giving employment to their Lewry cousins who own a construction firm.  The tour details some of the original residents of the late 19^th century.

AL KOCH shared a piece titled “Parting Words.” Forever true: Parting is such sweet sorrow from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Act 2, Scene 2: Words of endearment, appreciation, and gratitude are conveyed with heartfelt meaning.

GAIL GALVAN read her poem “American Dream Keepers,” honoring our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter Becoming a Toddler from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” As Timmy becomes a toddler, he begins going through developmental milestones like a superstar. He has been making slow but solid gains with his weight, now 15 pounds at 3 ½ years old. His younger brother has been a positive model in helping him make progress.

CHRIS HASARA read his short story about his main character, Charlie, who gets stuck while loading a truck and gets a surprising visitor.

JUDY NEUMAN read her testimony titled, “No ‘Testimony’ without a 'Test!’” Based on her year-long journey through cancer with God’s help.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read book 5 of her series titled “New Day.” This is the continuing saga of the Slade family, which surrounds the life of son, Keith, the third child of Christine and Mark Slade, who met in Liverpool, England, in the mid-1960’s. This is the continuation of Keith's reunion with his estranged daughter-in-law and former employee and bandmate, Kristi, who was married to his son, Scott, until he lost his battle with Leukemia four years earlier and missed the birth of his child, Scott Jr.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

    

February 26, 2026

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

February 26, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Gail Galvan, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Lisa Keenem, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra

OLD BUSINESS:

Al Koch approved the WOH minutes for February 12, 2026, and Trent Pendley seconded.

Amy Brailey (Pres.) shared information about the author Maurice Broaddus's presentation at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library on March 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm. She asked members to consider going as representatives of WOH.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) completed the registration for Write On Hoosiers to attend the Lake County Public Library’s Creative Arts Summit on May 30^th from 1:00-4:00 pm. The library will notify her if we have been accepted.     

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Director) wants to begin a selection process for a new WOH member collaboration book. More information and guidelines will be shared soon at a future meeting. 

 

LITERARY NEWS:

None

READINGS:

“Gambling Goodies” is a non-fiction, humorous reflection by DIANE STRATTON that compares trying to get bargains while grocery shopping to gambling at a casino.

CHRIS HASARA read his short story about his main character, Charlie, who changes plans after encountering an uncommon mouse.

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem “What is Love?”

TRENT D. PENDLEY continued reading from Chapter Three of “Lewry Lurie” as Nathan and Brad Franklin give a personal tour of their restoration of Blair Park, aka the West Side of Michigan City. They are telling their guests the history of the commercial buildings along Willard Avenue and possible plans to rent to law students the tiny housing, keeping control of who lives there and circumventing Fair Housing Laws.

JON TERPSTRA read part one of his short story, “The Grove,” which is the history of a local gathering place for Riverton’s high school kids.

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from the Final Reflection Chapter 23 of her book, “Yerd: A Yearbook Nerd’s Epic Quest for Spiritual and Grammatical Enlightenment.”

SHARON PALMERI read a feature story she wrote years ago for her college newspaper entitled “Making the Grade.”The article stressed that while transcripts and grades are important, but there is more to life and success than being book smart. Confidence and pride in oneself are just as important in being successful.

AL KOCH shared a piece titled “Forgiveness.” Is Forgiveness a sign of weakness or a sign of strength? When presented as a gift, forgiveness becomes the ultimate act of love ever rendered: ”Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

GAIL GALVAN read three poems titled Creative Comparisons, Songbird, and A Million Songs from her book “Affinity for Rainbows.”

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter More Challenges from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” At 3 ½ years old, Timmy now weighs 15 pounds after being home from the hospital for 1 ½ years. He is making slow but steady progress, even though there are more challenges ahead.

“Questions” is a short piece of BOB NEUMAN’s series of random Bobfoolery questions he recently pondered.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

Speaker on March 12, 2026

PLEASE NOTE: WOH is hosting a Presentation/Q & A with the famous author, MAURICE BROADDUS this THURSDAY, MARCH 12th from 1:00PM TO 2:00PM at the Lake Station Branch of the Lake County Library .

He is a published author of many works that cover a number of genres, including science fiction, horror, urban fantasy, and young adult.  

You may know him from Marvel’s "Black Panther" works.

He is also an editor and librarian.

This presentation is hosted by WOH at the county library (Lake Station branch),

This event is made possible by Indiana Humanities.

The address is:

Lake Country Library - Lake Station Branch

2007 Central Ave.

Lake Station, IN

You can reserve your spot by calling 219-962-2409 or by reserving it on the library website.

February 12, 2026

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

February 12, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Katherine Flotz, Gail Galvan, Ruthann Graczyk, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Tom Molnar, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Mike Ripley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra

OLD BUSINESS:

WOH minutes for January 22, 2026, were not available for approval at today’s meeting.

Amy Brailey shared information about the author Maurice Broaddus's presentation at the Lake Station Library on March 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) asked for a show of hands from members who are interested in registering for a booth at the Lake County Public Library’s Creative Arts Summit on May 30^th from 1:00-4:00 pm. Several members were interested and would like to have their books displayed.           

LITERARY NEWS:

Trent Pendley will be speaking at the Duneland Historical Society at Hawthorne Park on February 19, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

READINGS:

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem “Speaking to a Mask.” When we speak to a mask, we don’t build trust; we are naively deceived.

GAIL GALVAN read the first few pages of her novella, “Welcome Home Will Forever,” about an adopted cat who settles into his new home. Gail noted that she published it as an E-book, too, with plans to record an audio version. All versions will be available on Amazon.

AL KOCH shared a piece titled “Just Thinkin.’ It is an unstructured, random review of thoughts encountered within the mind and the treasure they’ve added to one’s life journey.

TOM MOLNAR read the chapter The Background: What We Believe(d) from his book “The Universe of God and Humanity.” The world has changed so much with so many new developments; consequently, views are reducing old ideas with new ones. This can change our perspective on ourselves and even our relationship with God.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continued reading from “Lewry Lurie” and the Franklin brothers guiding their guests through Blair Park in Michigan City. They note their improvements to this Victorian-era neighborhood along Dunes Highway, with residences built before the automobile, and their enhanced landscaping for their gentrification investment.

JON TERPSTRA read part five of his short story, “Ruby,” which was set at the Riverview Bar. The narrator learns that Ruby will be passing away soon, and he will inherit the bar.           JON TERPSTRA also read part six, the conclusion of his short story, “Ruby.” The narrator absorbs the fact that Ruby is going to pass away soon and that he will be inheriting the bar from her.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read her story of the successes and failures of the meeting of the parents in Liverpool, England, in her fifth book titled “New Day.” She has completed book 1—“Dawn”, book 2—“Afternoon”, book 3—“Evening”, and book 4—“Midnight.”

MIKE RIPLEY shared his story “Nellie” about a mother who lived a long, strong life. The story is told from three points in her lifespan from the viewpoint of her son.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter Assessing the Damage from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” After a long hospitalization, numerous medical crises, and ongoing nutrition issues, Timmy’s parents begin to deal with other obstacles that affect his life. He must have surgery on his baby teeth to remove decay and cap all of these teeth.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her short story “Armed and Dangerous” The comical, but tense story of a husband and wife dealing with airport security while telling her husband to give them the Bazooka—a pocket knife he owned since he was eight, after mailing 200 Bazooka gum wrappers for the prize possession.  

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

January 22, 2026

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

January 22, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Gail Galvan, Ruthann Graczyk, Cindy Horgash, Lisa Keene, Karen Lauper, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra, and Shirley Vaughan

OLD BUSINESS:

Diane Stratton approved the posted minutes of the January 8, 2026 meeting, and seconded by Cindy Horgash.

Diane Stratton (V. Pres.) reminded members that only one meeting is scheduled for November. There are no meetings scheduled for December because of the member’s Christmas party.  

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) welcomed former WOH member, Shirley Vaughan, back to the club. This was her first time back in a while.

LITERARY NEWS:

Gail Galvan introduced her Novella, Welcome Home Will Forever. The book is now on sale at Amazon for $6.00. Profits will be donated to the Independent Cat Society.

Amy Brailey has completed her audiobook. She discussed the ins and outs of reserving the recording studio with the Lake County Library IN-audio, draft to digital, and 2-hour reservation blocks during weekdays. This is a free service at the LC Reference Library.

Shirley Vaughan shared correspondence she received from Trilogy Christian Publishing Company, offering packages and pricing for publishing and advertising her books. She discussed the various costs of their services. She also shared that self-published books are not physically sold at Barnes & Noble or other major bookstores.

Diane Stratton announced that Lake County Public Library is inviting readers to join a livestream conversation on January 28^th at 6:00 pm with Liz Moore about her book, “The God of the Woods.”

READINGS:

AMY BRAILEY shared one of her stories to solve titled “Sizing up the Situation” about a girl who goes to investigate a circus master by interviewing animals. She also read Chat GPT’s interesting version of the finished story.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter Moving Forward from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” Baby Timmy and his family begin moving forward after his long hospitalization and moving back home. Even though the progress is slow, it is progress.

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from her young adult novel, “Nerd.” Yearbook nerd Olivia Stuart attends a Region High School football game and starts to understand the different groups that make up her school.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continued to read from chapter three of his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie,” after the guys on the Stardust patio fell into headstands. This aerobics exercise made for a photo opportunity for our protagonist, Nathan Franklin. Nathan is intrigued to know about one of his guests’ family history and how they came to the decision to put Toto, Indiana, on the map.

GAIL GALVAN read an excerpt from her book “Welcome Home Will Forever.” It was a story about Will hiding from his new mom.

CINDY HORGASH read her non-fiction story, “You Need One to Enter,” as printed in the next Chicken Soup for the Soul book titled Being Grandma. The story is about the unconditional love between her mother with Alzheimer's Disease and her five-year-old granddaughter, who has the cure-all.

JON TERPSTRA read part five of his short story, “Ruby” which is set at the Riverview Bar. The narrator learns that Ruby will be passing away soon, and he will inherit the bar.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

January 8, 2026

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

January 8, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Bernadette Fortuna, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Karen Lauper, Tom Molnar, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra, and Shirley Vaughan 

OLD BUSINESS:

Trent Pendley approved the posted minutes of the November 13, 2025 meeting, and seconded by Bernadette Fortuna.

Katherine Flotz (Treas.) reminded members that the 2026 member fees of $25.00 are now due.

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Director) advised members that the WOH meeting dates from January through November will be the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays at Bulldog Park and Recreation Building (Crown Point, IN)

Diane Stratton (V. Pres.) informed members that she will continue to send out meeting reminders, but replies and RSVP’s are not needed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) welcomed a former WOH member, Mike Ripley back to the club. Members present introduced themselves.

Tom Molnar discussed Fiverr as an affordable service to hire freelance graphic designers for book covers and illustrations. They can be contacted through Fiverr.com

Amy Brailey announced that author Maurice Broaddus will be speaking to her students. His books include Marvel’s Black Panther: Tales from Wakanda and New Tales of Stephen King’s: The Stand.

LITERARY NEWS:

Gail Galvan sent a reminder that her book Welcome Home Will Forever was released on December 10, 2025. She hopes to attend the next January meeting with books on hand for sale.

Trent Pendley has been invited to speak on Thurs. February 19, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Hawthorne Park Community Center, 500 Ackerman Drive, Porter, IN.

Chris Hasara introduced information on the NFSPS 2026 Annual Contest and Rules for the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc. Members and Non-members can submit original unpublished poem(s).

Cindy Horgash received a contract with Chicken Soup for the Soul for her short story, You Need One to Enter for their “Being Grandma” book set for release on March 10, 2026.

 READINGS:

JUDY NEUMAN read her poem “Here I Go Again!” about complaining all the time and trying to change her fussy ways.

AMY BRAILEY shared one of her stories to solve titled “Disappearances” about two kids who follow a lost girl after a string of disappearances.

“Medical Conundrums” is a humorous medical poem written and presented by BOB NEUMAN.

SHARON PALMERI read her fictional mystery “Sign of the Times,” where travel across time and space gives cause for a missed meet-up and lingering effects. 

SHIRLEY HINMAN shared her poem, “Myopia.” Usual thoughts were all about me, which is why she couldn’t see the forest for the trees.

TOM MOLNAR read the first chapter, A Maiden, a Prince and a Stable Boy from his novel “Mist on the Moon.” As Cara’s father planned her future, the princess dreamt of something more romantic.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read from Chapter Three of his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie.” The story, set on June 27, 2011, details the arrival of the real-life Andrew Morris, Jay Weinberg, and Jason Shields, joining the Franklin brothers on the Stardust Patio overlooking Lake Michigan for yoga exercises.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her fictional short story “The Richest Man.” The story tells of Stephen Heintzman, a pious man who had often tried, unsuccessfully, to convert his wealthy master, Adolf Dorth, to Christianity.

BERNADETTE FORTUNA shared her short story “The Medallion.” Carla Clayton finds a gold shell-like medallion while strolling on a beach in Alexandria, Egypt. The Legend is that the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, was wearing a similar one at the time of her death but lost for all time. Like all legends with treasure involved, it has been searched for time and again. Could this medallion be the one?

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter The Comfort of Christmas from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” Tim, as an adult, must continue to navigate medical challenges. He has several strategies to manage stress, but the comfort of Christmas is one of the best.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH