July 9, 2026

 

July 9, 2026 – Called to Order at 6:10 PM

 

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Andrew Cummins, Nicholas Daykus, Bernadette Fortuna, Katerine Flotz, Gail Galvan, Ruthann Graczyk, Shirley Hinman, Lisa Keene, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Tom Molnar, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Diane Stratton, Shirley Vaughan.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Trent asked for an update on the book we are putting together.  Amy advised that Sharon has received very few submissions so far.  If you are planning to be in the book, please submit your entries to Sharon.  The deadline is July 30, 2026.  Each member is encouraged to submit 4 short stories or novel excerpts, or 8 to 10 poems, depending upon the length, for a maximum of 4,000 words overall.  Not all will be published, but it will give the selection committee several to choose from.  Font is Times New Roman, size 12, 1.15 spacing.  They should be sent in Word or PDF.  Excerpts are acceptable if the book is self-published, but you must mention when and where it was published.  Keep in mind that it is intended for family reading and will be on sale on Amazon.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey announced that she will be in Africa for the next meeting.  She also brought her books: one is Draft to Digital and the other is KDP, and they show the difference in quality.  Her new book is “I Teach for Entertainment,” which relays the conversations she has with kids in the classroom.

GAIL GALVAN mentioned her audiobook, New Jack Rabbit City, which includes 4 original songs, is available on Amazon, or you can download it on Audible. 

SHIRLEY VAUGHAN advised that her and Amy’s books are being sold at Miles Book Store in Highland (Kennedy & Jewet Streets).  He carries approximately 84,000 books, does author signings, and prefers that the books be signed before he sells them.  He accepts one copy first to assess your writing capabilities, then requests two copies for sale.  If they are sold, he will contact you for additional copies and receive 40% of the sales.  They also have book binding capabilities.

 

READINGS:

SHIRLEY HINMAN read “The Fence Was Gone,” a story about a Jack Russell who meets her match with Scruffy from down the street and becomes very insecure when her owner dies and her fence is gone.

GAIL GALVAN read from her book “Skelly the Skunk Saves Freedom Day on Plant Ka-reecher” which is about the new mean rat ruler who wants to lock up all the skunks on the planet.  Skelly the skunk saves the day, though, and saves Freedom Day.

SHIRLEY VAUGHAN read an excerpt from her novel entitled “Heaven’s Plan.” It tells how the ‘Peace Sign’ originated in 1958.

BERNADETTE FORTUNA read a poem “Favorite Cups of Joy” about four favorite beverages that titillate the author’s tongue and bring moments of joy in a cup.

AL KOCH read a short story from his column Koch’s Choice entitled “When I Wore a Younger Man’s Clothes.” To understand and enjoy life’s journey, one needs to “see” with both eyes and heart.  Wisdom is hidden treasure at both ends of the rainbow within the gift of each day.  Aging is the price one pays to discover, enjoy, and share the goodness, thoughtfulness, and kindness of those who touch our life.

TOM MOLNAR read an excerpt from his short book “Time Out for Happiness,” which delivers insightful thinking on how to minimize sadness and increase joy.  It features quick pick-me-ups as well as longer-term strategies.  Once we discard the ways that don’t bring happiness and focus on those that do, like sharing with others, we will be well on our way to living a happier life.  The truths found in this book are affirmed by those who have spent much of their working lives finding real answers to what brings happiness and joy.

SHARON BUCKMAN read an excerpt from her book “Canopy of Leaves,” which relays that while the 15-year-old girl is planning her escape, she realizes that her captor has planned too well to keep her imprisoned as he went to town.

NICHOLAS DAPKUS read an excerpt from his book, “This Is a Beginning,” where Mr. Butterfly is leading Pugberus, the three-headed Pug, into the forest where he notices ruins among the trees and nature reclaiming the land.  At a stream, the hungry Stomacus insists they eat, so Pugberus removes the satchel containing the magic First Aid Cookie Kit from his back.  He notices an approaching turtle as Mr. Butterfly, who becomes impatient with Pugberus, flies away.  He engages in conversation with the turtle and offers him a bite of one of the cookies.

KAREN LAUPER read an excerpt from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” This is Part 2 of ‘Timmy Goes to School’ where at 8-1/2 years old Timmy officially begins Public School. Besides missing several days in the 2^nd semester due to another hospitalization, it was a great beginning.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read Chapter 4 of his book “Lewry Lurie” where, while talking in the study of Brighton House, Nathan and Brad Franklin examine a collection of linen postcards from a 1947 family road trip along Highway 66 that their grandparents, Uncle Irving and Aunt Sylvia, and other relatives took shortly after World War II.  The postcards and accompanying photographs spark a wide-ranging discussion about family history, including connections to prominent Lurie relatives in San Francisco and Hollywood, the family’s association with the Mark Hopkins Hotel and Gene Autry, and a near-tragedy involving Deborah and a Catalina Island excursion.  The conversation turns more somber as the brothers reflect on the long-suppressed death of Irving and Sylvia’s young son, Billy, whose loss profoundly affected the family and became an unspoken sorrow passed down through the generations.  Nathan and Brad also discuss the discrimination faced by Jewish families in mid-century America, the importance of preserving family artifacts, and the likelihood that the family acquired their treasured Georgia O’Keeffe painting during the same 1947 journey.  Through the postcards, photographs, and memories they evoke, the brothers gain a deeper appreciation for their family’s history, resilience, and the role that seemingly ordinary keepsakes play in preserving a legacy that might otherwise be forgotten.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read the continuation of Chapter 2 from the novel “New Day,” which is the saga of the Slade family, where son Keith is reunited with his two grandsons and comes face-to-face with Kristi’s parents for the first time in almost four years.

 

The Meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM.

Respectfully submitted:

Ruthann Graczyk

June 25, 2026

 WRITE ON HOOSIERS

June 25, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Andrew Cummins, Katherine Flotz, Ruthann Graczyk, Cindy Horgash, Lisa Keene, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Shirley Vaughn, and Nick Dapkus (guest)

OLD BUSINESS:

The minutes of May 28, 2026, were read and approved by Shirley Vaughn, and Al Koch seconded.  

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Dir.) reminded members that time was running out for personal bios and story submissions for the WOH upcoming book.  The deadline is July 30, 2026.

Shirley Vaughn alerted members that the WOH 2026 Summer and Winter Meeting schedule listed incorrect dates for July.  The meetings will be held on July 9^th and 23^rd at Bulldog Park.

NEW BUSINESS:

Nick Dapkus (guest) introduced himself to the members and spoke of his interest in writing.  In turn, members introduced themselves and spoke of their writing experiences.

LITERARY NEWS:

Sharon Palmeri was asked by Gail Galvan to announce that the audio version of her book “New Jack Rabbit City” is available on Amazon (free to play).

Al Koch announced that the story of his lifelong marriage to his beautiful bride was printed in the newspaper.

READINGS:

SHIRLEY VAUGHN read her poem “Life” that she plans to enter in the new WOH book. 

KAREN LAUPER read Part 2 of her book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” At 8 ½, Timmy begins public school in a special education classroom.  Timmy’s mom begins easing up on her overprotective parenting style as Timmy reaches a new stage in his life that his family sees as God’s will.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read the continuing saga of the Slade family, titled “New Day,” which surrounds the life of son Keith, the third child of Christine and Mark Slade, who met in Liverpool, England, in the mid-1960s in Book 1 – “Dawn.” The following is Chapter 1, where Keith and Kristi express their love for each other. The beginning of Chapter 2, where Kristi prepares for her two sons to be reunited with their grandfather.

AL KOCH read a piece titled “The 28^th Amendment to the United States Constitution – A Proposal.” Celebrating the 250^th birthday of the USA, and an idea whose time has come-the 28^th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

“Oh, Say but I’m Glad” is the piece read by BOB NEUMAN about counting his blessings.

“Don’t Hang Up,” read by SHARON PALMERI, read the last part 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.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

June 9, 2026

     No Meeting tonight. Too many storms, and tornadoes!

 

May 28, 2026

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

May 28, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Bernadette Fortuna, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Karen Lauper, Sharon Palmeri, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Shirley Vaughn, Andrew Cummins, and students: Kaelyn Springer, Kaeya Nelson, Jonathan Moore, Zoey Mitchell

OLD BUSINESS:

The minutes of May 14, 2026, were read and approved by Shirley Hinman, and Cindy Horgash seconded.   

Amy Brailey (Pres.) reminded members of the Creative Arts Summit on May 30, 2026, from 12:00-4:00. When asked how many were attending, (5) members raised their hands. Members were told they were responsible for selling their own books.

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Dir.) asked members to start submitting their stories to writeonhoosiers@yahoo.com for entry into the WOH members’ upcoming book. Submission deadline is July 30, 2026.

NEW BUSINESS:

Chris Hasara announced he will be participating in the Regional Idol competition on Wed, June 3^rd, at the Bulldog Park Pavilion at 6:00 pm.

LITERARY NEWS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) announced her latest book, “I Teach for Free Entertainment,” is out and available on Amazon. She is still waiting for copies to sell. Amy also stated her student’s book, “Stories in Bloom,” is also available for sale.

Chris Hasara has two poems, “A Man of My Age” and “Eulogy,” published in the anthology called Lost Child.

READINGS:

CHRIS HASARA read his poem, “Retire,” about the hopes of a man planning not to have to work. His second poem, “Round,” is about the last day of school bleeding into summer and summer’s end. His third poem, “A Man of my Age,” deals with the world, getting old, death, and dying while struggling with Arrested Development.

SHIRLEY VAUGHN read a description of three of her published novels that she plans to display with books during the upcoming Creative Arts Summit. She also read from her first published book, “The Path of Their Existence.” It’s about an advanced planet being threatened by a young man who plays with the military computer system. This causes the threat of nuclear war.

BERNADETTE FORTUNA read her short story “I Should Have Listened” based on a true experience, juggling tasks to dissolve her sister’s estate between Northwest Indiana and Indianapolis, which didn’t coordinate too well. Thinking there was time for an important FedEx delivery to arrive turned into a flat tire adventure and a lesson in listening to the inner voice

KAELYN SPRINGER read her poems titled “Contrast Poems.”

TRENT D. PENDLEY read Chapter Four, Part Two of his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie,” and of a painting of Karen Lewry that is now in the POCO Museum in Valparaiso, IN.

“Baja Blast (Limerick)” was written and read by KAEYA NELSON.

“Don’t Hang Up,” read by SHARON PALMERI, is Part II of 4 of her short story about Maria, an interior decorator whose husband was in the Army.  Maria checked to see who the woman called.  Shortly after that, something disastrous happened…to be continued....

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem “Full Blast,” about a summer of calm and peace disrupted by loud music and noise pollution from a neighbor. This poem reveals that frustration.

JONATHAN MOORE read his poem “He Who is My Hero.”

KAREN LAUPER read her nonfiction short story, “A Mother’s Day Surprise.” A past garage sale customer brought me a potted Jack-in-the-Pulpit plant due to a conversation we had one year earlier. I had told him that I had never seen a Jack-in-the-Pulpit. He remembered and brought one to me, and it happened to be Mother’s Day, a happy surprise.

ZOEY MITCHELL read her poem, “Summer.”

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

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 

 

April 23, 2026

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

April 23, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Gail Galvan, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Karen Lauper, Sharon Palmeri, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Shirley Vaughn, Andrew Cummins

OLD BUSINESS:

April 9, 2026, minutes were not available on-line to be approved.   

NEW BUSINESS:

Diane Stratton (V. Pres.) read letter from the Lake County Library regarding submission of books, crafts, photos, etc. to be dropped off at Merrillville Library for the display case for upcoming Creative Arts Summit. Shirley Vaughn made a WOH sign for the display. Books can also be donated for attendee raffle prizes.

Trent Pendley suggested that members pass out their reading material at the beginning of meetings to save time. Members agreed this was a great idea.

LITERARY NEWS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) announced that she had students enter the Young Author’s Conference. One of her students won the 1^st Place award for their writing entry. Amy’s students will be attending the WOH meeting on May 28^th.

Beverly Biehr notified Diane Stratton that she received an e-mail from Eerdmans Publishing that her book proposal had been received and guaranteed her that each proposal is read and considered.

READINGS:

CHRIS HASARA read the last chapter of his short story, “Charlie.” After Charlie is rescued, he comes to terms with a new direction for his life.

GAIL GALVAN read a few pages from her children’s book, “New Jack Rabbit City.” Gail has just about completed the audio version.

SHARON PALMERI read her inspirational poem, “Ebony (in memory of John Milton).” After reading about the 1651 author’s blindness and personal losses, she was inspired to write this poem.

KAREN LAUPER read from her nonfiction book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” Even though Timmy is making progress, he still has serious medical crises that put him back in the hospital. Happy pictures were shared during cheerful time where Timmy displays this signature smile.

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.

“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 when a severe storm turns a beautiful day into a nightmare. A heavy oak tree falls on the boat crushing her parents and she is later found by a back woodsman who decides to keep her.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continued reading from Chapter Three of “Lewry Lurie” that takes place on June 11, 2011. The Franklin brothers and five other guests making a table at the Duneland Beach Inn in Michiana Shores, discussing more of the art treasures amongst the former collections of the Chauncey J. Blair family. Including works by Nadelman, Giuseppe de Nittis, Claude Hassan, Chavannes and Rodin in their 1897 home on Drexel Ave. Nathan wonders if there was a connection with his ancestor John Warne Gates whose 1897 mansion was on South Michigan Ave.

AMY BRAILEY read Chapter 2 titled, “Destiny: Unknown.” Armon starts questioning his guardians about his parents.

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem “The Unruly Stray.” The cat’s name is Ornery, a roaming unruly stray who is welcomed to Shirley’s back porch. Parts of the story is based on true events.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

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