WOH MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 17, 2010

GUESTS PRESENT: Nancy Ritz

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Beverly Stanislawski, John Boufis, Sandra Nantais, Tom Spencer, Lisa Groszek, Pamela Gonzalez, Jackie Huppenthal, Kelly Chase, Laurie Chase, Sharon Jesik, Katherine Flotz, Sharon Buckman, Sharon Palmeri, Mike Musak, Judy Whitcomb

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Sharon Palmeri announced that the new Hoosier Horizon books will distributed at the Christmas Party on December 1st. She was able to achieve a reduced cost of $6.50 per book.

NEWS:

1. Nancy Ritz, our newest guest, related that she resides in Calumet City and met Sharon Palmeri in l99l when she attended one of her writing classes at Purdue. She enjoys writing poetry and short stories and is presently working on a novel.

2. Sharon Jesik stated she is presently working on her novel and has been enjoying making stuffed sea horses for her grandchildren.

3. Laurie Chase is continuing working on her novel. She also reminded WOH members of her invitation to attend the Christmas program at the Bethany Chapel in Lowell. The program is entitled "Smokey Mountain Christmas" and features both Laurie and her husband.

4. Jackie Huppenthal stated she has been busy writing poems and working with her photography. She also stated that Judy, Katherine and herself had some of their poetry printed in the "Edge of the Prairie" magazine.

5. Pamela Gonzalez has been busy babysitting for her grandchildren. This has introduced her to some of their childrens books and possibly given her some ideas for writing future books for children.

6. Lisa Groszek mentioned that she has presently written 30,000 words for the 50,000 word contest she is entering for National Writing Month.

7. Tom Spencer reminded us that his poetry group will be meeting again in Lowell on Saturday, Nov. 20th. We discovered, through another member, that he also won an award in a poetry contest given by the League of Minnesota Poets.

8. Sandra Nantais has been busy showing some of her works at the Porter County Holidaze. The program is presented at the Porter County fairgrounds. She stated she has also been busy writing some Polish stories, remembered from her childhood.

9. Judy Whitcomb has been working on a story that she stated will not be a children's book this time. She did find out, however, that publishers for children's books are very interested in stories involving science and ecology.

10. John Boufis stated he has presently been so busy attending various school meetings that he has been unable to do any writing. He plans on changing this during the Thanksgiving break.

11. Beverly Stanislawski is still busy with her poetry and is presently waiting to hear from a Texas contest she entered a short time ago.

12. Sharon Buckman stated she has been at a stand still since both her printer and copier broke on the same day.


13. Mike Musak is trying to work on an unfinished murder mystery screen play. WOH members are hoping he will bring some of his newest work to a meeting so they can try out some of their acting skills.

14. Katherine Flotz and her husband attended another speaking engagement at the Rensselaer Middle School concerning her book, "Pebble in my Shoe." This is also leading to another speaking engagement at a North Judson school. She has sold over 30,000 books at this point. Katherine also stated she received an E-mail from a Toronto man stating he would like a hard copy of her book - he a had a relative that was also in the same internment camp mentioned in her book.

15. Sharon Palmeri stated that she and Katherine were unable to attend our last meeting due to a prior commitment. They attended the Legacy Foundation for Writers where they were awarded a plaque and very large poster, the type used for an easel presentation. She also mentioned a networking event for writers in the Lafayette community entitled "An Afternoon to Write About", on Dec. 4th and concerning the topic of how to develop a writing habit.

READINGS:

SHARON BUCKMAN continued with the last chapter of her book, "Canopy of Leaves." The young girl, trying to escape from her captor, finds an old row boat. After getting it uprighted she pushes it out into the river with her dog, belongings and herself inside, only to find after a few minutes that they are beginning to sink.

SHARON JESIK also continued with her story, "Corn Dancer." In this part of her book the friends of the deceased were trying to find an explanation for their previous encounter with her spirit, by heading towards the foothills of the San Mateo mountains and a man that they thought might have some answers.

PAMELA GONZALEZ read a two page memoir of the things she remembered, and loved, the most concerning her "gramps." The delightful story had a surprise ending when we learned that "gramps" was really her grandmother. The story was entitled "Christmas With Gramps."

LAURIE CHASE read "You Gotta Love That Country Music," a very humorous reading of the various country stars and the songs they made famous.

KELLY CHASE continued with her story, "The Ring." In this part of the story, she tells a friend of her boyfriends deception with a cheerleader. When the boyfriend later joins her she decides to pretend that everything is normal.

LISA GROSZEK read chapter one of her book, "Spirit Heath." The story tells of the death of a l08 yr. old man as the spirit leaves his body, witnessed by his caregiver of the past five years, and his conversation with "Senior Eleanor," as she tries to introduce him to his newest existence.

TOM SPENCER brought his newest poem, "The Curse of Age." The four stanza poem, as related by the title, tells what happens to the mind with age, leaving the daughter to wonder if this will also be her fate.

SANDRA NANTAIS read a story relating to her childhood memories entitled, "North Hammond Rat Pack." The story told of the Saturday night parties in her parents basement and how much they meant to her family as well as all of their friends.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her three stanza poem entitled, "Soldiers of the Corn." The poem related the rows of corn, standing at attention during harvesting time, awaiting the enemy - the John Deere tractor.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.


Respectfully submitted:

Sharon Buckman

WOH MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Beverly Stanislawski, Sharon Jesik, Tom Spencer, Sandra Nantais, George Miga, Mary Wooley, Sharon Buckman, Liz Wilson, John Cotey, John Boufis, Michelle Vargas, Kelly Chase, Laurie Chase

NEWS:

1. Tom Spencer announced that his poetry club, in Lowell, took ten out of the ninety-one awards given by the Indiana State Federation of Poetry Club (ISFPC). He also stated he attended the State Reading for Poetry at McCormick Creek State Park and his group will be hosting this event in the spring.

2. Beverly Stanislawski astounded us all by stating that she had taken fourteen different awards this past month, some monetary, from five different states, Ohio, Arkansas, Indiana, Texas and Florida - all poetry.
Congratulations Beverly!

3. John Boufis stated he has been busy chairing the School Improvement Committee. He also informed us he belongs to the Title One Reading Program (a program designed for "at risk" children to bring up their reading skills).

4. Sharon Jesik has been busy writing and doing research on the Zuni native American tribes, a necessity for the book she is writing. She stated they seem to have a language all of their own.

5. Sandra Nantais stated she has been busy with her photo club, which included driving to Turkey Creek.

6. Laurie Chase has been busy starting a new novel, "Biding His Time." She also issued an invitation for our group to attend the free musical at her church, Bethany Chapel, on Dec. ll th - she and her husband are in the Christmas musical.

7. Kelly Chase is still very busy writing and doing her high school homework.

8. George Miga has been busy trying to re-arrange his third novel, "Gray Gorillas," as suggested by a friend. He is also thinking about finding a script writer for his first novel, "Final Mission, Grant and Lee."

9. Liz Wilson stated she recently visited most of her family members in Lafayette; all of the children that attended ended up getting sick.

10. John Cotey has been very busy working two jobs and attending Calumet Community College where he is taking classes in child psychology.

11. Mary Wooley stated she took a trip to Houston followed by attending a class reunion in her hometown of Palacios, Texas. She is also working on a 50,000 word contest for National Novel Writing Month.

12. Michelle Vargas stated she had an article printed, "Light of the World," for the Lutheran Witness Magazine. She has also been working on two skits, object lessons for sermons, for her church.

13. Sharon Buckman has been busy working on her novel, "Canopy of Leaves, " as well as trying to help in closing up their cabin for the winter.

READINGS:

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her poem, "I LOVE ART," a poem explaining her love of all art, a portrait or landscape, as long as she can fathom the various and styles and colors.

MICHELLE VARGAS describes her wonder as a child in the various lights at Advent time in her church. The short story is entitled "The Lights of the World." She also describes the fear of her hair possibly catching on fire from the various candles.

SHARON JESIK continued reading from her novel, "Corn Dancer." In this part of her novel, Luck, the best friend of recently deceased Doty, goes into a shocked state as other friends witness him being almost completely covered with sand. After he is rescued from this they discover the "sand" was really dead bees.

TOM SPENCER brought his seven stanza poem entitled, "In Mind of Time." The poem tells of the aging of the mind, passing from the teenage years to later years and asking the reader to enjoy the memories.

SANDRA NANTAIS read her article, "Gotchies." Gotchies, plural polish name for underwear, was part of her childhood memories, especially at Christmas when her grandmother's Christmas gift to her was a full box of "gotchies."

LAURIE CHASE continued reading her novel, "Dual Heritage." In this continuation, Dr. Togalaz, who is half human and half allizorn, is trying to adjust to the ship she has been assigned to. Most of the colors, etc., are not consistent with the things she is used to and she asks to have them replaced.

KELLEY CHASE continues with her story entitled, "The Ring." After finding out that tragedy had actually fallen upon a girl who was trying to date her boyfriend, she felt very guilty, especially since it had happened in the way she had originally hoped.

LIZ WILSON continued with chapter one of her novel, "Bottomside." In this suspenseful novel the main character, Zophie, becomes alarmed when hearing strange noices coming from outside of her patio doors. After opening the doors and stepping outside she almost freezes in terror when she sees strange small people beneath her balcony.

JOHN COTEY read his short story entitled, "Finders Keepers." This half true story tells of his memory of an event which happened in his teen years. After finding out his parents were planning a trip to Florida, John plans a party in their absence, a party which included a case of beer. The beer was found by his parents shortly before their departure, needless to say the party never happened.

MARY WOOLEY read her short story, "Mary's Fairy." The story tells of a ten year old girl, living with her grandmother, and living in her make believe world which includes a small fairy that her grandmother cannot see.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:

Sharon Buckman

MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 20, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Sharon, Jesik, Sharon Buckman, Kathy Flotz, Beverly Stanislawski, Cathy Dziubla, Sharon Palmeri, George Miga, Lisa Groszek, Jackie Huppenthal, Sandra Nantais, Laurie Chase, Tom Spencer, Judy Whitcomb, Kellly Chase, Pam Gonzalez

NEWS:

l. Beverly Stanislawski told of her car accident which had occurred on her way to the last Write On Hoosiers meeting. Her car took most of the bruising.

2. Sharon Buckman stated she had just returned from a camping trip with her husband and friends to find a new laptop computer laying on her dining room table, a belated birthday present from her husband.

3. Kathy Flotz will be attending another speaking engagement at Purdue University concerning her book, Pebble in My Shoe. She will also attend another one at a Rensselaer Middle School where she has already sold forty books.

4. Judy Whitcomb has attended the Indiana Writers’ Consortium and stated the organization received a grant in the amount of approx. $l600 from the Crown Point Community Foundation for a pilot children’s poetry project POPP (Power of Poetry Project.

5. George Miga attended two schools for the handicapped, IDTC, in Lafayette and Indianapolis, to help start a crisis management program.

6. Tom Spencer just returned from Ohio and stated that Murphy’s Law is now Toms Law (?).

7. Laurie Chase stated she has just had both parents in the hospital with a death of another family member at the same time. Both parents are now doing better.

8. Sandy Nantais attended Autumn Days in Lowell as well as a fine arts show in Illinois. She stated it was a great day, however, it was followed by a GPS adventure that wasn't so great. To top it all off she lost her cat.

9. Lisa Groszek stated she has been working with her students on a project for National Writing Month. She also lost her cat, must be that time of year.

10. Jackie Huppenthal has been busy with her two boys starting basketball, and she has been teaching tumbling to preschoolers as well as coaching toddler soccer.

11. Kathy Dziubla said that she was continuing with writing her children’s book, and also encouraged all of us to "get out and vote."

12. Sharon Jesik has been writing some poetry after attending Tom's poetry classes.

13. Kelley Chase stated she hasn't had much time to write due to homework.

14. Pam Gonzalez also has had little time to write due to her work schedule.

15. Sharon Palmeri has been busy with the Indiana Writers' Consortium’s Children’s Project, as well as helping the Hobart Alumni Assn. obtain tax exempt status and also working on her high school reunion committee. She has completed the last of six workshops she attended sponsored by the Legacy Foundation. The workshops dealt information on strategy, clarity of purpose, fund-raising, roles, accountability, and resources for the not for profit organization. With all of these commitments she had no time for writing anything for tonight.

READINGS:

SHARON JESIK read four pages of her book, Corn Dancer. In this part of the story the friends of deceased Dotty have entered her house to find her paintings hung upside down as well as other items weirdly misplaced.

SHARON BUCKMAN continued with "Escape," the last chapter of her book. In this chapter the young girl, trying to escape her captor, flees through wooded terrain in the hills of Kentucky with her captor not far behind.

KATHY FLOTZ continued with Chapter Two of her new book, The Journey. This part of the story relates to the mother's remembrance of taking in an American flyer near the end of World War II and hiding him in their home during the Christmas holiday.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her poem, Do Not Cry About a Broken Heart. The four stanza poem tells of the pain of a broken heart that is presently in despair but can someday bring joy again after it has repaired.

LISA GROSZEK continued with her "untitled story," which concerned a spirit named Dominic trying to warn his ex-wife and others of the impending danger by the things he types on a computer screen.

JACKIE HUPPENTHAL wrote a free verse poem about her feelings after being betrayed by a good friend.

SANDY NANTAIS read her five stanza poem, "Purgatory." The poem, complete with pictures, tells of the "sad souls shifting between truth, disbelief, hope and despair," in a cemetery locking them behind iron gates.

LAURIE CHASE continued with her book, "Dual Heritage." The story tells of the difficulty of Dr. Togalaz, an Allizorn physician, getting along with other races, specifically humans, on board the ship she has been assigned to.

TOM SPENCER brought his poem, "Late Winter Reflections." The poem tells of the necessity of gray winter days which eventually bring "rebirth of life."

KELLY CHASE read a story, untitled at the moment, concerning a boyfriend caught kissing another girl. The girlfriend wishes a tragic accident upon the "other girl" which soon became a reality.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:
Sharon Buckman

WOH Minutes Oct. 6, 2010

Members present: Sharon Palmeri, Kathy Flotz, George Miga, Sharon Jesik, Cathy Dziubla, Judy Whitcomb, Tom Spencer, Sandra Nantais, John Cotey, Liz Wilson, Kelly Chase, Laurie Chase, Pam Gonzales, Lisa Groszek, Bev Stanislawski.

News
Sharon Palmeri opened the meeting showing the Hosier Horizon cover design. Tom Spencer also distributed proofs of some writings for the magazine for the authors to edit. Today was the last day to submit entries. The magazines will cost approximately $6 each. Sharon needs to know the number of copies members want so printing can proceed. Please give her your order soon. She also passed out release forms for all magazine writers to sign.

Tom Spencer will be a guest speaker at the Ohio Poetry Day, Oct. 15-16. His P.O.V. (point of view) writing presented an interesting way to recognize and to enjoy a story with omniscient point of view.

Sandra Nantais will be a vender for Fall Fest in Lowell, featuring photography. “The Crazy Cat Lady” taught us all about some felines, including beautiful color photos.

Judy Whitcomb shared some concerns about her daughter’s surgery. Her “Nonie’s Revenge” offering showed just how involved and emotional dog owners can become. We laughed through most of her reading.

Lisa Groszek told about having a book signing of Lonesome Isle at Mellowbrew Cheesecake House. Lisa kept us wondering if her untitled book character Dominic was really alive or dead. The mystery continues….

Cathy Dziubla has been traveling and writing two more chapters of her book.

Kathy Flotz spoke at Lowell and Wheatfield libraries, sold more of her Pebble in My Shoe books, and made some connections for additional talks.
Pam Gonzalez has been busy working and writing submissions for Hoosier Horizons.
Mike Musak is still looking for more information about writing/submitting screen plays.
His humorous play, The Bar, gave three of our men an opportunity to “ham it up” as they read the parts.

Laurie Chase spent some time editing her book and correcting car troubles. She gave an “Evelyn Wood’s speed reading of her selection from Dual Heritage, featuring her protagonist who is half human and half Allizorn.

Beverly Stanislawski reported winning two HM in Ohio’s Poetry Day contest and several awards in the Poetry Society of Tennessee competition, including a second, third, and 5 HM’s. Her short story, ”The Friendly Card Game” told of some humorous happenings between friends at a bridge game.

Kelly Chase (minus her braces and with new red hair) kept us in suspense wondering if her characters Ranee or Nicole, from Unintentional Treasure Hunting would keep the jewels, especially that beautiful ruby ring.
Sharon Jesik spends time writing, working, and editing. Her reading, from Corn Dancer, with its marvelous descriptions and narration, caught us up in a death investigation involving Luck and Cinda.

Sharon Palmeri is busy as ever with teaching, writing, and helping with Hoosier Horizon plans. She offered “Sign of the Times” from a prompt that asked one to pick any book, turn to page 56, go down 5 lines and write the first full sentence as the first sentence of your new story. Her offering had us guessing just what time it was and what would happen to our hero and his “computer” friend.

John Cotey spends time writing and in his extra job. “Do I Look Bald in This” was his humorous reading which told of his attempts to emulate one of his childhood heroes, Han Solo, and the reactions from his sisters and others to his choice of fashions.
Liz Wilson working on completing the last draft of her urban fantasy novel. Her offering, “Bottomside,” was quite “electrifying” as one character Hadrian lit up like a Christmas tree as he felt the effects of the “spell.” Good background about Chicago in the tale, too.

George Miga continues to work on three novels and search for agents and publishers. He also told us about a Writer Beware list of bad agents he had found.

MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Beverly Stanislawski, Sharon Buckman, Sandra Nantais, Tom Spencer, Kelley Chase, Laurie Chase, Pam Gonzalez, Michelle Vargas, Sharon Jesik, Jackie Huppenthal, Judy Whitcomb and Sharon Palmeri

NEWS:

1. Beverly Stanislawski happily announced that she had taken first place for a literary award from the Life Press Christian Writers Assn. for her short story, "The Passover Lamb." She received a monetary award as well - congratulations Beverly.

2. Sandra Nantais stated she had just recently returned from California and hasn't had much chance to do any writing.

3. Tom Spencer reported on his Labor Day party stating it had gone very well and he thought everyone had a good time. He also stated the deadline to submit poems for the Poetry Book is Saturday.

4. Kelley Chase, hiding her light under that bushel, did not want to reveal that she marched in the Labor Day parade.

5. Laurie Chase, still working on having her niece edit her book, stated she became an aunt again this past week.

6. Pamela Gonzalez stated her husband is insisting that she submit her "Frightened Fairy" poem to a publisher by Saturday - she's looking for one.

7. Michelle Vargas, who joined WOH today, stated she received an E-mail from the Lutheran Witness Magazine stating they had accepted her piece, "The Light of the World." It will be in the November issue.

8. Sharon Jesik told of an author friend of hers, Scott Phillips, who had written "Ice Harvest," a book later turned into a movie starring John Cusak, has written another book.

9. Jackie Huppenthal stated she and her family went to Tom Spencer's Labor Day party and had a wonderful time. She also has an author friend, David L. Harrison, who had written a book on volcanos. Jackie found out the book had been talked about in her son's class at school and after telling her friend he sent a letter to the class.

10. Judy Whitcomb stated the "Magic Hour," the writers club for children's books, had Kathy Flotz as their guest speaker last week and it went very well.

11. Sharon Palmeri, after going through her various writings for the WOH book, decided to do a little more writing. She also told of having to take her dog, Chrissy, for surgery involving fatty tumors.

12. Sharon Buckman stated she has been enjoying the extra writing she has been involved with pertaining to her book, "Canopy of Leaves."

READINGS:

SHARON BUCKMAN read the first two pages of the last chapter of her book. The chapter, "Escape," told how the thirteen year old girl managed to get free and is presently in the process of living in the wilderness trying to find help.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her prize winning story, "The Passover Lamb." The story told of a young boy, Jonathan, taking his lamb to the priest for the annual Passover sacrifice. The lamb escaped in the process of trying to get him there, causing Jonathan to come in contact with a stranger who tried to help him. The story has a surprise ending.

SANDY NANTAIS had written a true short story involving her recent trip to California, more specifically, a laundromat. The story, "Bush & Stockton Street Coin Laundry," told of seeing so many people living in the streets of San Francisco and of one particular old man who entered the laundromat just to steal her full cup of Starbucks coffee.

TOM SPENCER wrote a one page short story, in the second person, entitled "Self Evaluation." The story told of the dilemma of a man fishing in an old boat that had capsized and trying to figure out how to get back into it.

MICHELLE VARGAS read the beginning of chapter one of her non-titled book. The story told of her desire to avenge her father's gruesome death and the courage she and her friend had to achieve this.

SHARON JESIK read a few more pages of her book, "Corn Dancer." In this part of the story, Luck, a close friend of the deceased Dotty, was trying to go through her art gallery files, hoping to find a possible clue as to her murderer; instead he believes he encounters her ghost.

JACKIE HUPPENTHAL read her nine stanza poem of the average life of a frenzied housewife. The poem, addressed to her husband, tries to explain it all to him, hoping he won't add to her stress by remarking it is still a mess.

KELLY CHASE continued with her story, "Unintentional Treasure Hunting." This part of the story told of the teenage girls finding a hidden room in the basement of the deserted house and ended before they could find out what was inside.

LAURIE CHASE continued with her book, "Dual Heritage." The story continues with Dr. Togalaz, a woman who is half human and half Allizorn, trying to apply for a position at a medical facility without giving them all the details of her past physical history, being half human.

SHARON PALMERI read her short story entitled, "On Call." The story relates to the time she worked as a technician in obstetrics and tries to understand why it seems more babies are always born under a full moon.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:
Sharon Buckman

MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Pamela Gonzalez, Kelly Chase, Laurie Chase, Tom Spencer, Sharon Jesik, Judy Whitcomb, Mary Wooley, Sharon Palmeri, Jackie Huppenthal, Kathy Flotz, Sharon Buckman, Pat Stevens

GUESTS PRESENT:

Liz Wilson, John Cotey, Michelle Vargas

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Sharon Palmeri stated she had received various E-mails from some of our members who haven't been at our meetings recently. They consisted of the following:

Audrey Warzyniak has been busy taking care of her mother who has been ill for the past several months.

Lisa Groszek mentioned she hasn't been able to come due to conflicting dates.

John Boufis was unable to attend this past meeting due to a friend's death.

Sandra Nantais is still in California -- she has a funny story we would like her to relate when she returns.

Beverly Stanislawski was unable to attend our last meeting due to illness.

Paul Mulligan hopes to attend our next meeting. He has had conflicting employment dates.

Mark Richardson, who has been gone from WOH for a while explained that with four kids of various school ages, soccer, and other responsibilities week nights are difficult for him to get out.

GOOD PR:

Writer's Magazine has published some information about us, making a total of three different sources concerning WOH when you add in our web site and our blog.

REMINDERS:

Palmeri also reminded members to get their stories and poems in to Tom Spencer by the next meeting for Hoosier Horizon Magazine so he can start working on formatting the magazine.

She also reminded members who plan to attend the Christmas Party to get their money in soon.

NEWS:
Due to the attendance of three new guests, our members again took time to relate some information about themselves as well as their writing preferences. From this time forward each new guest will be given a one page copy of each member's bio. Since these bios also appeared at the last meeting only the guests, new members, and those who were not at the last meeting will be listed here today, but will appear in our archived minutes:

1. Pat Stevens, a new member, is presently writing an autobiography. He stated he enjoyed receiving all the good information he received at our last meeting.

2. Pam Gonzales stated she has just recently started getting back into writing. She has been working on a short story. The idea for the story came from the funeral home where she is presently employed.

3. Michelle Vargus, a new guest, enjoys writing which concerns different genres. She has recently written for the Christian Writer's Guild.

4. John Cotey, also a new guest, stated he enjoys writing science fiction and poetry.

5. Liz Wilson, our last new guest, stated she attended Calumet College and is presently on her third draft of a novel she is writing.

6. Mary Wooley, formerly a staff reporter for a daily newspaper, has just recently finished a novel for which she is seeking an agent. She also enjoys photography.

READINGS:

PAM GONZALES read her delightful story entitled, "A Royal Jumping." The story told of an older woman attending her deceased sister's funeral and the special attention she demanded for herself. The surprise ending came after she jumped into her sister's casket and had to be carried out of the funeral home.

KELLY CHASE, had to write her short story, "Unintentional Treasure Hunting," during her study hour at school. The story told of several teenage girls going through an old deserted house at night. The only light they had worn their flashlights and as it ended they were getting ready to go downstairs.

LAURIE CHASE read three pages from Chapter One of her fantasy novel, "Dual Heritage." The story concerns a young woman, half human and half Allizorn, wanting to leave Zoristall, the place where her father lives and where she has been persecuted for being half human.

TOM SPENCER relayed his poem, "Legacy of Rita." The five stanza poem told of the preparation involving the hurricane, Rita, and of the change of attitude for following hurricanes.

SHARON JESIK read four pages of her book, "Corn Dancer." This part of the story related to the art gallery of their deceased friend and how they should dispose of it and her other belongings.

JUDY WHITCOMB continued with her story, "My Grandma is a Science Teacher." Grandma, the teacher, explains to her class about the importance of gravity in her chapter, "Center of Gravity."

MARY WOOLEY read two pages of her story, "Play Like I'm Sheena - Queen of the Jungle." The story tells of the life and poverty of seven young children living at home with a mother who seemed to have a severe mental problem as well.

KATHY FLOTZ continued with her novel, "The Journey." The story takes place following World War 11 and tells of a young mother and her two sons, while trying to locate her missing husband, is contacted by a young American flyer they befriended during the war.

SHARON BUCKMAN continues with her novel, "Canopy of Leaves." The young teenage girl, who has been held captive for the past four months, is beginning to activate her plan of escape.

PAT STEVENS read two pages of his autobiography, "Patrick." In his revised version of the autobiography, Pat reveals to the psychologist that his father's death may have been a homicide, committed by his stepfather and involving his mother as well.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted;
Sharon Buckman

MINUTES FOR AUGUST 18, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Beverly Stanislawski, George Miga, Sharon Palmeri, Sharon Buckman, Kathy Flotz, Sharon Jesik, Kelley Chase, Laurie Chase, Tom Spencer, Sandra Nantais, Jackie Huppenthal, Judy Whitcomb, Lisa Groszek

GUESTS PRESENT:
Patrick Stevens
NEWS:

Each member took time to introduce themselves to our new member as well as stating their writing preference.

l. Sharon Palmeri introduced herself as a teacher who also enjoys writing poetry, memoirs and short stories.

2. Sharon Buckman stated she has been a member of WOH for several years. She enjoys writing short stories and is presently working on a book.

3. Beverly Stanislawski enjoys writing poetry as well as an occasional short story.

4. Sharon Jesik is a recent member from Kansas who enjoys writing poetry and is presently working on a novel.

5. Patrick Stevens, our new guest, is a emergency medical technician who teaches nursing students and paramedics.

6. George Miga, a retiree from BP, enjoys writing and has written several novels.

7. Kelley Chase, a high school student in ROTC, is presently working on a book about pirates. She intends on someday becoming a neurologist.

8. Laurie Chase is presently working on two science fiction novels and one thriller; she also works in a group home.

9. Sandra Nantais enjoys writing free style poetry. She intends to write a memoir at a later date.

10. Tom Spencer invited everyone to a Labor Day celebration at his house in Lowell, IN. Tom is known for his wonderful poetry and also writes an occasional short story.

11. Judy Whitcomb enjoys writing children's stories, helping to start Children’s Magic Hour Writers club. Judy also wrote a chapter, Volume 2, for Teachers and Researchers.

12. Jackie Huppenthal combines her love of writing, mostly children's stories, with photography. She recently won second place in a photo contest at the Lake County Fair.

13. Kathy Flotz has already written one novel and is presently working on her second. She has been invited to be the guest speaker for the Magic Hour Writers Club.

14. Lisa Groszek is presently working on part two of her second novel. She invited everyone to the book signing of her first novel, "Lonesome Isle", at the Melabrew Cheesecake House on Aug. 28th from 2:00 to 6:00.

READINGS:
SHARON BUCKMAN read a short story, she had written several years prior, enititled "Our Guardian Angels." It was a true story told of her son's near account with death while wearing a skier's life saving belt and being caught in an upside down position in the water.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read a short story entitled "Sun Spots." The very cute children's story told of a grandfather explaining to his grandaughter about a "prideful sun," and ended with the punishment being a solar eclipse.

JUDY WHITCOMB wrote a story entitled, "My Grandma is a Science Teacher." The story told of the downfalls of having a grandmother who was also a science teacher, however, it had a very happy ending when the grandaughter also discovered the up side as well.

JACKIE HUPPENTHAL, again combining her love of writing with photography, wrote a four stanza poem entitled, "Leopard Frog." The poem, written about a frog in her back yard, was accompanied with pictures.

SANDRA NANTAIS read her four stanza poem entitled, "Blue Denim Jeans." Her poem told of her love of the "well washed, well worn, " denim jeans, the love of her life.
SHARON JESIK continued with her story "Corn Dancer." The story continues with a seance given for a recently departed friend and the intrusion of an "uninvited guest," instead.

TOM SPENCER suprised us by taking a break from poetry and read a short story, "Drugstore Plowboy." The story told of the plight of a "never do well" plowboy who couldn't seem to keep a job. In the end he even botched his own suicide.

LISA GROSZEK read her continued "untitled story," of a surprise caller who she had thought died several years prior. The caller, appearing on her computer screen, set her in a panic mode and concerned her son.

KATHY FLOTZ continued with pages three and four of her newest novel, "The Journey." The story tells of the ordeal of an immigrant and her two children in search of her husband and a new home in war torn Germany after World WarII.

PATRICK STEVENS read part of his autobiography. The two pages he read concerned the death of his mother and how it had affected his family.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45P.M.

Respectfully submitted:
Sharon Buckman

WOH MINUTES FOR AUGUST 4, 2010

GUESTS PRESENT:
Kirstin Kottka

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Beverly Stanislawski, Sharon Buckman, John Bouris, Laurie Chase, Kelly Chase, Kathy Flotz, Sharon Jesik, Mary Wooley, Lisa Groszek, Jackie Huppenthal, Judy Whitcomb, Tom Spencer, Sandra Nantais, Sharon Palmeri

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Sharon Palmeri stated that she would appreciate anyone attending the WOH Christmas Party pay in advance, if possible. The amount of $l7.50 per person will be given to the LOFS Clubhouse to help reserve the space needed for our party. Sharon also asked for members to turn in their prose and short stories (no more than five pages total) as soon as possible.

NEWS:

l. Laurie Chase stated she has been trying to have her niece edit her book, "Dual Heritage."

2. Kelly Chase has started doing some writing on a story for WOH.

3. Kathy Flotz hasn't been doing any writing for the moment.

4. Beverly Stanislawski has been busy vacuuming water out of her basement caused from the recent floods

5. Sharon Buckman stated she was unable to attend the last meeting due to a very busy family reunion that involved her and their cabin.

6. Kirstin Kottka announced she just recently got a job. She also stated she has been revising her novel.

7. Mary Wooley stated she has been busy working on a mystery novel.

8. Sharon Jesik stated she has been enjoying writing again and is presently working on a story that, for the moment, is nameless.

9. Sharon Palmeri has been doing a lot of writing for a class program.

10. Lisa Groszek has been busy promoting her book "Lonesome Isle."

11. Jackie Huppenthal has entered two of her poems in different contests. One poem in a children's book and the other in the League of Minn. Poets.

12. Judy Whitcomb stated she has been busy revising her weather unit.

13. John Boufis was happy to announce he has started writing again. He will read some of it this evening.

14. Tom Spencer announced he will need all of the submissions for Hoosier Horizons by the third Wed. in September.

15. Sandra Nantais has written a poem, in cascade form, which she plans on reading tonight.


READINGS:

Beverly Stanislawski read her newest poem, "Silent Guardian." The poem tells of a graveyard, Beverly frequently passes, with two cedar sentinels standing guard at the entrance and some of the weathered inscriptions on the headstones telling a story of their own.

Sharon Buckman read two pages from her fourth chapter of her book, "Canopy of Leaves." The story involved more of the plot of a young teenage girl trying to escape her captor.

John Boufis first read a one page synopsis and later a one page fragment of his book "Tears of the Soul." The story dwelled on the character, Andronicus, who believed he had witnessed the murder of his brother and later found him to be alive.

Laurie Chase read the prologue of her fantasy novel, "Dual Heritage." The book, which might have a title change later, tells of a young Allizorn woman (name given to a future race) who has the misfortune to be half Allizorn and half human.

Kelly Chase read her delightful story, "Bloody Mary and the Pirate Queen." The story tells of a merchant ship being taken over by pirates and the request of the captain to be killed quickly. It has a surprise ending.

Sharon Jesik read her story, "Corn Dancer." It told of the death of a close friend and the suspicion of her murder. Sharon was encouraged to continue with the story and turn it into a book.

Mary Wooley told a sad story, in poetry form, called "This Long Grievous Night." The story involved the loss of a mother's last born child, as well as her other children, in a senseless war, and the agony she now had to endure.

Lisa Groszek read two pages of the sequel to her already published book, "Lonesome Aisle." The story dwelled on a young son named Mitchell and his remarkable advancement through his school years. The ending of the second page left us all wondering about the next few pages to come.

Jackie Huppenthal continued the memoir she had started a few weeks prior. The memoir was a "I Remember When," project given by WOH and told of her return from Alaska to Indiana. The memoir was told in her teenage version and enjoyed by everyone.

Tom Spencer read his four stanza poem, "Burning Books Within the Mind." The poem was beautiful, as usual, and he was advised to submit it into the Hoosier Horizon.

Judy Whitcomb read a five paragraph story called, "Epilogue." It told of the bi-annual meeting of a group of friends called the T-girls, and the missing friend that would no longer be there. Judy was also advised to continue with the story.

Sandra Nantais read her five stanza, cascade poem, called, "Ode to the Tee." The very cute poem told of the wonderful merits of the tee shirt.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.


Respectfully submitted:
Sharon Buckman

WOH Minutes for July 21, 2010

Write on Hoosiers met on July 21, at Borders, with 16 people in attendance.

Members Present:
Mary Wooley,Sandra Nantais, Tom Spencer, Jackie Huppenthal, Sharon Jesik, Cathyh Dziubla, Kathy Flotz, Beverly Stanislawski, Sharon Palmeri, George Miga, John Boufis, and past member Janice Beier

Guests Present:
Kelly Chase, Laura Chase, Lisa Groszek, Kristin Kottka,

Sharon Palmeri opened the meeting and greeted the new attendees. She then asked what we should include in WOH minutes since it is an open blog on the web. The consensus seemed to be to limit information to our writing experiences. She also mentioned that Magma Cum Murder Conference is coming up in the fall for any mystery writers. FOR INFORMATION SEE LINK AT TOP RIGHT OF OUR BLOG

Jackie brought several cover ideas for the Hoosier Horizons magazine. They were passed around and votes were taken. Sharon also reminded the group to get their submissions ready for the magazine. Tom will help with the details later.

Kathy Flotz mentioned that she will be speaking at the Tri Creek Historical Society in Lowell, Sept. 8.

Readings included the following items:

Mary Wooley, presented part of her novel, Play Like I'm Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, which was about a southern girl's view of life with her wandering, teacher father.

Kristin read part of her supernatural short story, "My Witchy Life"

Sharon Jesik's Corn Dancer told us a little about mystery-ghost novel that she is writing.

Cathy took us to her backyard and helped us envision her "Morning Visitor" which included birds kissing the head of a frog.

Kathy retold one of her favorite remembrances of relatives reuniting in "I Remember When."
Beverly read her poem, "A Bit of Verse" which reminded us how special poets and their creations are.

George did not read, but told about writing three samples of queries to send to book publishers in the future.

Sandra's poem about "Keds" was an creative answer to a prompt to write about your favorite piece of clothing.

Lisa presented two pages from her paranormal novel, The Lonesome Isle. Sharon bought the copy.

Jackie's "error" in printing the title of her poem "The Little Bat" was rally a stroke of genius. The title printed upside down and looked like the bat she was describing.

Sharon Palmeri offered her reply to a prompt asking one to write the last line of a proposed book. The sentence was to be interesting and compelling. Hers was both.

Tom's "Accidental Adventure" story taught us about some new writing techniques, including free modifiers and extra long sentences, as we heard the tale of a youth's imaginary actions.

The meeting closed with Sharon reminding people of our Christmas party, Dec. 1, at Four Seasons Club House. Price for the buffet is $17.95, each. WOH will be combining with two other writing groups, and all members may bring guests.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:40 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:

Beverly Stanislawski

WOH MINUTES FOR JULY 7, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Sharon Buckman, John Boufis, Jackie Huppenthal, Sandra Nantais, Tom Spencer, Sharon Palmeri, George Miga

GUESTS PRESENT
Kirstin Kottka

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Sharon Palmeri stated that there would be a picnic for the Indiana Writers Consortium (IWC) on July l7th. The picnic will be held at the Community Park Lions Shelter in Munster from l2 - 4 P.M.

NEWS:

l. Tom Spencer stated he has been writing some short stories along with his poetry. He also stated he will be volunteering at a booth for the Lowell Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the booth is to advertise various writing groups in Northwest Indiana and will be at the Lowell Labor Day Festival in August.

2. Sandra Nantais has been exploring various photo clubs, her new interest. She also stated she has been forced into another interest out of necessity, shooting chipmunks.

3. John Boufis has temporarily put aside writing for his new interest, leather work. He has been making, sewing by hand, various leather products, such as, gun and knife holsters. He brought several samples of his work which were quite impressive.

4. Jackie Huppenthal has been continuing with writing poems and children's stories. She has also entered four photos in the Lake County Fair. She told of her family's camping experience over the fourth of July weekend, which involved curious lights coming from a tree her son had cut into.

5. George Miga told of an agent he had in the past that had recently passed away at a young age. The agent had been of great help to him with his book, "Final Mission." He is presently working on a query letter for his book, "Spin Doctor." He has sent out several queries to seven or eight agents.

6. Kirstin Kottka, our newest guest, stated she presently lives in North Judson with her husband and three sons. She enjoys writing stories of the supernatural, especially when they involve vampires, etc. She presently is working on three separate books.

7. Sharon Buckman stated her fourth of July weekend involved a small amount of writing. The major part involved float trips on the Tippecanoe River and entertaining her family at their fishing cabin.

8. Sharon Palmeri discussed many events going on with family and friends the past couple of weeks (wedding, birthdays, graduations, etc.) She also told of hearing of a tragic illness of her best friend's husband. This gave Sharon pause to evaluate her own life and she admitted that all the "busy" things she did seemed insignificant to maintaining her health. Sharon also talked of the WOH magazine revamping project that was previously discussed. She asked if we should stay with the magazine name "Hoosiers Horizon" or pick out a new name. The consensus seemed to be to keep the old name. Cover and possible illustrations, and cost for the magazines were also discussed.

READINGS:

SHARON BUCKMAN read her story, "A Dark and Stormy Night," which was the result of a prompt given by WOH in June. The story told of a young mother staying alone in her house on her birthday. A rather scary turn of events led to a wonderful birthday present.

GEORGE MIGA read his query letter, "The Spin Doctor." WOH members were first given a copy of the letter to read, putting ourselves in the editor's position. It was agreed, we all liked the letter but given George's wonderful credentials we felt he should start with that first followed by the outline of the story.

SANDY NANTAIS read her "shower poem," entitled "Garden Hose." The poem was very cute and shaped in the design of a shower at the bottom. She also read a poem entitled, "Cardboard Box," a list poem which told of sledding down a hill on a card box. We all related to this.

TOM SPENCER wrote the poem, "Eulogy of the Public Servant." The five stanza poem gave a "not too nice" description of our political public servants.

JACKIE HUPPENTHAL read her memoir, relating back to her teen days, entitled, "I Can Remember When." This was a prompt given by Kathy Flotz in June. The memoir, taken from Jackie's diaries, told of her earlier life, beginning in Indiana and ending in Alaska. Everyone enjoyed her teenage version of events and look forward to hearing the completion of it at our next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:
Sharon Buckman

WOH MINUTES FOR JUNE 16, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Beverly Stanislawski, Judy Whitcomb, Sandra Nantais, Tom Spencer, Sharon Palmeri, Sharon Buckman, Kathy Flotz, Jackie Huppenthal

GUESTS PRESENT:
Fred Sweezey

NEWS:

l. Sharon Palmeri stated she had called to make reservations for the Christmas Party. It will be on Wednesday, December lst at the Lake of Four Seasons clubhouse, same as last year. The clubhouse has requested an early deposit, the fee is $l7.95 per person. Sharon said she is expecting about 30 to 40 people to attend this year. The early deposit will also help her to know exactly how many to expect. She also attended a workshop on "Roles." It included warm-up activities with a description of different types of people and placing them in various categories. This workshop was held at the Genisus Center (behind the Post Tribune building). All workshops are free to those accepted into the program.

2. Tom Spencer said he had just recently returned from the National State Poetry Convention. Next year’s convention will be held at the Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. The l0l2 convention will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville. He also stated a few of the rules have changed and prose poetry can now be entered. He was hoping that Beverly Stanislawski would make a few entries.

3. Sandra Nantais's daughter has just graduated. They celebrated by going to Tall Trees, a nature conservatory in Valparaiso. It was enjoyed by everyone.

4. Judy Whitcomb stated she is still doing the weather as the curricular developer at Northwestern University, a program directed for middle school.

5. Jackie Huppenthal stated she had been involved in organizing a grade school reunion. The reunion turned out to be a success and had a great turnout.

6. Beverly Stanislawski has not been doing any writing lately due to some health issues. It seems, among other things, she had a problem involving her lawn mower not wanting to go up a hill. The lawnmower won.

7. Kathy Flotz stated she had just returned from Wisconsin. They have been enjoying watching a video of themselves taken at their speaking engagement in Dakota, Ill.

8. Sharon Buckman has also been laying off from writing lately since her grandson has been home from school.

9. Fred Sweezey stated he has been busy constantly changing previous writings.

READINGS:

KATHY FLOTZ wrote a diamond shaped poem taken from page 56, 5th sentence, of her book "Pebble in my Shoe." The sentence, "After my father left for the army, we prayed each night for him," and the poem, was a beautiful tribute to her father.

SHARON BUCKMAN wrote "Sentence of the Month," which was taken from page 56, 5th sentence, of the book "The Broker." The sentence, He pulled some bills out of his pocket and laid them on the file," went on to tell the story of a doctor becoming irritated with a patient who entered her office when it was closed and wanted to be seen.

FRED SWEEZEY read a number of misc. sayings which involved a number of deep thoughts and memories.

TOM SPENCER had written a poem which received honorable mention entitled "The Travesty of Lobbyist." The five stanza poem told of a man coming to the states expecting to find all the freedoms he had heard so much about and his various disappointments.

SANDRA NANTAIS continued with her poem "30 N Michigan Avenue." Her four stanza poem, telling of a black marbled building in Chicago, told of some of the history of the building. It was decided that instead of being read going downwards with each stanza, as she had written it, could also be read going across the page, and still make a good poem.

JUDY WHITCOMB wrote a story taken from page 56, 5th sentence, in President Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope." The story, entitled "Unbalanced," told of the problems facing a young boy after years of a friendship with one young girl and suddenly finding a girl friend in his teenage years.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read a short story she had previously written entitled, "The Odd Bird." The story told of a very ugly bird, shunned by other birds and later having the last laugh at becoming the most beautiful bird of all.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:
Sharon Buckman

WOH MINUTES FOR JUNE 2, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:
George Miga, Judy Whitcomb, Jackie Huppenthal, Cathy Dziubla, Kathy Flotz, Tom Spencer, Sandra Nantais, Pamela Gonzalez, Sharon Palmeri, Sharon Buckman

GUESTS PRESENT:
Fred Sweezey


NEWS:
l. Sharon Palmeri suggested we might want to give some consideration to inviting two other writers’ groups, Writers Expressions and Magic Hour Writers to join us in our holiday party. Everyone agreed this would be a good idea. The invitation was also extended to Tom Spencer’s poetry group. He said that he would bring it up at their next meeting. Sharon also discussed bringing back the WOH literary magazine this year. She mentioned that submissions need to have guidelines as well as a deadline. It was decided that she would e-mail and/or post the guidelines on the blog to all active members. Tom Spencer volunteered to format and print the entrees into book. Sharon mentioned that several of our members are great with cover design. Sharon also mentioned she received guidelines for submissions from the Indiana Historical Society for a book contest and mentioned that she would e-mail any interested person the pdf file she received.

2. Sandra Nantais stated she has been enjoying writing her free style poetry as well as personal essays.

3. Tom Spencer mentioned he has been working with a group to find a place in the Merrillville area for a poetry convention that is coming up next year. It was suggested that the Radisson would work well. He also will be attending the Minnesota National Poetry Convention.

4. Sharon Buckman told of her Memorial Day weekend, with all family members attending, including dogs, at their small fishing cabin in Winamac, IN. Even with all the confusion, a good time was had by all.

5. Kathy Flotz stated she will be attending another speaking engagement in Dakota, IL pertaining to her book, "Pebble in My Shoe."

6. Cathy Dziubla has been continuing with her short story writing as well as working on a book.

7. Jackie Huppenthal has been working on her book, "Sally Mae and The Little Wolves." She also does fine art presentations at her childrens' school on a monthly basis. This past week she took a copy of her book to the classroom with her to get the childrens' reaction - they seemed to love it.

8. George Miga stated he has been working on two books simultaneously. He finds that when he runs out of ideas for one book, "Medal of Dishonor," he continues with the other, " Spin Doctor."

9. Pam Gonzalez has been recovering from knee surgery. She also has been enjoying being reunited with her military husband who recently returned from Iraq. She stated she has decided to take some of her poems, written for young readers, and try to submit them into various contests.

10. Chuck Brown, a recent new member of WOH, has moved to Bellemeade, Tenn., a suburb of Nashville. He will be employed by the Historical Battleground Society for research, a category he sincerely loves.


READINGS:
JACKIE HUPPENTHAL read "Medusa's Rock Garden," it was based on the word of mouth, stone. She enjoys the online club and gave us all some thought as to introducing a word, or sentence of the month, into our club as well.

CATHY DZIUBLA read her short story of a true happening which took place in her backyard. Her account of trying to disperse all the geese in her backyard (as well as a turtle) was very humorous, even though she had to admit her conversation with them never really took place.

KATHY FLOTZ read the beginning of a book she started some time ago. The story, "The Journey," took place at the end of the war in l945 and told of the immediate hardships for some of the refugees, focusing on one family in particular.

TOM SPENCER read a poem he had written entitled, "Poetry of Mind." The beautiful four stanza poem told of the proper way to form a poem.

SANDRA NANTAIS read, "30 N Michigan Avenue," the first part of a free style poem of a black marbled building in Chicago.

PAM GONZALEZ read her eighteen stanza poem entitled, "Frannie the Frightened Faerie," a delightful account of a faerie that was afraid to leave the security of her flower home.

SHARON PALMERI read a part of her memoir entitled, "The Swiss Miss" trades her cocoa for skis. This part of her memoir told of how she met her husband and the embarrassment of her first ski lesson. Though she felt it went badly, he later invited her out to a drive-in movie. The rest, as they say, is history.

SHARON BUCKMAN read a continuation of her book, "Canopy of Leaves." The captured young teenager devises a plan of escape and begins to follow through with it.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Sharon Buckman

MINUTES FOR MAY 19, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Beverly Stanislawski, John Boufis, Cathy Dziubla, Sharon Buckman, Katherine Flotz, Sharon Palmeri

GUESTS PRESENT:
Cynthia Echterling, Sandra Nantuis, Janice Lewis, Barbara Funke

NEWS:
l. Sharon Palmeri stated she has been going through her old memoirs and trying to get them organized into book form. She is also working on the idea of a book binder for WOH members.
The binder would contain a few series of poems, short stories, etc., donated by each member.

2. John Boufis has been going through his old writings and recently found one that he had forgot he had written. It was a pleasant surprise.

3. Janice Lewis, a new guest from Hobart, stated she would like to write a book containing her memoirs. She was attending today’s meeting to hopefully get some ideas.

4. Sandra Nantuis, who enjoys writing poetry, stated she attended Sharon Palmeri's non-fiction writing class.
She has worked for the Lowell newspaper and is presently taking a short hiatus so that she might improve her other writing skills.

5. Cathy Dziubla has been doing some writing on articles that have special meaning for her.

6. Beverly Stanislawski stated she has won another prize for her original octetra poem, a style she created. She is an inspiration for all of us to keep trying.

7. Kathy Flotz has just returned from a four day trip with her husband and is now enjoying a little rest and relaxation. This includes a little backyard bird watching.

8. Sharon Buckman just returned from a five day camping trip with her husband. Though she wasn't able to do any writing she enjoyed the much needed relaxation and was able to do some reading.

9. Cynthia Echterling, who enjoys writing science fiction, stated she has written a book which is soon to be published online by Whiskey Creek Press. The book, "Help Wanted Humans - No Experience Necessary," is to published in two sections.

l0. Barbara Funko, our new guest from Chesterton, stated she retired four years prior from teaching English and Theater Arts. She enjoys writing poetry and recently took first place in a free verse poetry contest in Utah.

READINGS:

SANDRA NANTAIS read a true short story entitled, "Streetwise". The story told of her trip to Chicago, exiting at Millennium Station and heading to Michigan Avenue, a trip she routinely makes. She encounters a number of homeless people, stopping to talk to some of her favorites and always purchasing a Streetwise magazine, a magazine that is published to help the homeless by its proceeds.

CATHY DZIUBLA read an article she had written entitled "It Could Be A Chemical Imbalance." The article concerned the complexities of the brain and the actual problem of diagnosing and treating homosexuality. Her article inspired conversation among the members as to possible reasons.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her award winning, octetra style poem, entitled, "Dance of Love". The twelve line poem followed all of her own rules and was beautifully written.

KATHY FLOTZ read an article she had written entitled, "Miracle of Birth in Our Backyard." The article was written about the robins nest and the resulting four birds they watched grow and later had to rescue after two of them fell out of the nest.

SHARON BUCKMAN continued with two pages of a new chapter from her book, "Canopy of Leaves." The story tells of the plan for escape of a captured teenager and the amount of endurance required of such a young girl.

CYNTHIA ECHTERLING read a few pages of her new book "Help Wanted - Human, No Experience Necessary". The story tells of a press conference being given by several aliens and the comical misunderstandings between them and the reporters interviewing them.

BARBARA FUNKE read her free verse poem, "Wind Farms Capital." Her award winning poem concerned the Mohave Wind Farms and had been entered in a social and political contest.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:
Sharon Buckman

MINUTES FOR MAY 5, 2010

MEMBER PRESENT:
Jacqueline Huppenthal, George Miga, Sharon Palmeri, Tom Spencer, Beverly Stanislawski, Judith Whitcomb

GUESTS PRESENT:
Anthony Dixon, Cynthia Echterling, Sandra Nantuis

NEWS:
1. Jackie Huppenthal has been spending most of her time on creating illustrations for her children’s book Sallie Mae and the Three Little Wolves, a fractured fairy tale based on the Three Little Pigs story. She shared some of her watercolor illustrations. She is distantly related to Joanne Worley who is from Hammond.

2. Cynthia Echterling, our guest from Lowell, has a science fiction book being published by Whiskey Creek Press that will be out in January. The story centers on the main character an ordinary kid from Hammond who gets a job as an interpreter for a group of aliens. The original book was over 100,000 words so the publisher broke it down into two books. She is working on a sequel.

3. Tom Spencer is writing and enjoying it. He reminded everyone that there is an Open Microphone Round Robin taking place May 14th at the Hebron Comfort Inn. The North West Indiana Poetry Society sponsors this event. On the 15th of May a morning event will have a keynote speaker who will speak on the topic of poetry in education. At 1:00 P.M. on the 15th, at the Lowell Library, a visit with Emily Dickinson will take place. An actor will portray Emily Dickinson. He encourages all to come and enjoy the events. Tom would like to put together a group to go to the Shakespeare festival in Stratford, Toronto Canada next April. He surveyed the group for interest. Several people were interested.

4. Sharon Nantuis, another guest from Lowell, had worked for the Lowell newspaper but had taken a 1.5-year hiatus from the job. She took Sharon Palmeri’s Non-Fiction writing class to get back in touch with her writing and to become more creative with the writing. She enjoys writing poetry. In the future, she hopes to use her father’s letters from Korea as a basis for a book.

5. Beverly Stanislawski who enjoys writing poetry and short stories has won another prize. This one is from the state of Alabama. She created an original poetic style, an octatetra, and won the 1st place prize. In addition, she took 3rd place for a Japanese Haiku submitted in another division of the contest. Look for an announcement of her awards in the Post Tribune. She is working on a poem inspired by a phrase from a Psalm: “Night pregnant with evil”.

6. George Miga who has been to Sharkespeare’s home in the original Stratford upon Avon, lectures at IUN and does training a Valpo. Retired from Amoco, he likes to build on the writing he did in the course of his work life by creating works of fiction. On opus, about Grant and Lee was published by Publish America about 20 years ago. He continues to work on Spin Doctors and Grey Guerillas (about 50% done.) He shared an adventure with us about flying during a tornado.

7. Anthony Dixon, our guest from Lake Station, is interested in filmmaking and trained at Columbia College for a short while. He is interested in screen writing and writing for children. The genres he prefers western and science fiction writing genres.

8. Judy Whitcomb has been busy writing non-fiction for her work and not Sharon’s class.

9. Sharon is eager to take a little break after her non-fiction class and get out in her garden. She said the children’s writing project for IWC will be piloted in Crown Point. She has been busy with researching grant opportunities for the children’s project. She enjoys all types of writing but is currently focusing on poetry and memoirs. She suggested that WOH put together a book of their works. Tom offered suggestions since a group he is connected with did that. Submissions would be limited, 5 poems or short story(ies) under 3000 words (Multiple short stories if total words did not exceed the limit.) Tentative deadlines for submissions would be September 15th with October 1st as the final. The project is still on the table for discussion.

READINGS

JACKIE HUPPENTHAL shared a “seeing poem” with us. The poet, Robert Froman, used the words of the poems to form a light bulb. She presented her poem, about hot springs. The words floated and were anchored over a picture she took on her honeymoon.

JUDY WHITCOMB read her poem I Heard a Child that embodies her journey through teaching. Tom corrected a preposition.

SANDRA NANTUIS presented a Villanelle poem New Orleans. A photo that inspired the poem accompanied it. Sandra took the picture in New Orleans and thought the picture itself was poetry. The poem captures the image of a young man playing the guitar in a doorway.

TOM SPENCER provided us with two versions of the same poem. The poem captures the terrifying approach of and devastation caused by a tornado. Most felt the second format suited the poem better.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI, after reading her daily paper, was inspired to write Hate Is Like a Boomerang. The poem cautions us against the use of hate because eventually it will come back to you.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:
Judith Lachance-Whitcomb

MINUTES FOR APRIL 21, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Sandy Lundin, Kathy Flotz, George Miga, Arthur Wilkerson, Beverly Stanislawski, Cathy Dziubla, Sharon Buckman, Sharon Palmeri

GUESTS PRESENT:
Rudy Foresta, Jessica Bard

NEWS:
l. Sandy Lundin stated she has started writing a memoir for Mr. Ned Zelkovich, a Serbian refugee captured during World War II and held in Germany from the age of l5 to l8 yrs. old. Now in his 80's, he has led a very interesting life and Sandy is enjoying relating it.

2. Kathy Flotz, after visiting their cottage in Wisconsin, came back to attend a Historical Society meeting in Pecatonica, Ill. Kathy and her husband, George, were then given a pleasant surprise when they attended another speaking engagement for her book, "Pebble in my Shoe." The children at the Jane Adams School in Chicago, met them at the door with flowers and then ushered them into a room where they had assembled a replica of Kathy's hometown, Gakowa, Germany. The replica was assembled without the aid of pictures, only by Kathy's description in her book. They have attended many speaking engagements - I'm sure this one was the best.

3. George Miga stated he has been working on two different query letters for his book, "Spin Doctor." He also brought his laptop along so he might play the trailer (short video) that Kathy Flotz's granddaughter had made up in school concerning Kathy's book. It was very well done.

4. Jessica Bard, Arthur Wilkerson's granddaughter, said her favorite writing was fantasy based stories. She also enjoys playing the piano and painting.

5. Arthur Wilkerson has continued with his poetry that he enjoys writing, mostly for friends who have passed away and then given out after their funeral. He has also begun a book entitled: How The Donkey Got Religion.

6. Cathy Dziubla just returned from her vacation which included a trip to Maryland to visit family. She plans on getting back to working on her book, "Sean O'Hara and the Child Leprechaun."

7. Rudy Foresta, a recent student of Sharon Palmeri, lives in Dalton, Ill. but was raised in Chicago. He stated he is an avid reader and enjoys writing short stories. He is now working on a novel.

8. Sharon Palmeri has been working with Kathy Flotz and several others on a children's writing project committee for the Indiana Writers’ Consortium. The project is still in planning stages but she hopes that they could get a grant for a contest, awards night and printed magazine. She has also been attending the Great Lake Award Initiative (sponsored by the Legacy Foundation) which focuses on flexibility and perfecting the roles that are important in creating and sustaining robust nonprofit organizations.

9. Sharon Buckman stated she has been busy gardening, assembling some of her past stories for revision and babysitting for her grandson.

READINGS:

SANDY LUNDIN read a part of the memoir she is presently writing. The story concerned the mother and father-in-law of Ben Zelkovich, the subject of the memoir Sandy is presently writing. It is a captivating true story of how they were forced to live in Nazi Germany with a surprise ending that you can read about when Sandy publishes her book.

KATHY FLOTZ read her short story entitled "The Adventures of Mikki and Mini." It is a story of two little mice (as told by the mice) of the hard time they had trying to find a nice warm place to spend the winter. It is probably not a story you would want to give to your grandchildren to read, however, since it had a very sad ending.

GEORGE MIGA read the two query letters he had written concerning his book "Spin Doctor." Both of the well written query letters were critiqued by the other members and it was decided that he should probably send the second letter. The second letter had a much more direct and descriptive approach.

JESSICA BARD read her short story "The House Brownie". House brownies, we found out, are "little elves that can turn into a Bogart (a mischievous brownie) if they are not well kept". The story had a happy ending since Mistress Jenna found a way to keep the little elf happy.

ARTHUR WILKERSON read his poem "The Blood Red Rose." The poem was in memory of Donna Springman, a friend of Arthur's, and told of the special love she gave and how it changed most everyone simply by her presence.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI first gave a description of a traditional pantoum and then read her example of a pantoum entitled "Yesterday's Album." The poem was very well written, of course, and decided by most members that it was a poem too hard for them to try.

CATHY DZIUBLA read a short story of her trip to Maryland this spring. The story "Spring In Maryland," told of the blossoming cherry trees and the delight of most of the people she encountered. She believed that the exuberance of most everyone related to the long, especially hard winter the Maryland residents had encountered. She also told of witnessing an African American couple coming down an escalator and the husband bending down to talk to the unborn child his wife was carrying.

RUDY FORESTA read his story entitled "The Escape." Rudy's fictional story had originally been written as a project in Sharon Palmeri's class and told of a man entering a large building and leaving the reader to guess, from the various clues given, just what type of building it was. Very few got it right until he was asked for his "library card."


The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:
Sharon Buckman

MINUTES FOR APRIL 7, 20l0

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Tom Spencer, Chuck Brown, Pam Gonzalez, George Miga, Jackie Huppenthal, Sharon Buckman

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Tom Spencer announced that they would be having an "Open Mike" at the Comfort Inn in Hebron, May l4th from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. The purpose, after signing in, is to have an audience for your work as well as being critiqued, if you so desire.

NEWS:
l. George Miga stated he has not been able to get to his writing, his favorite pastime. Instead he has been busy getting caught up on work and exercising. He has not yet heard any responses from his previous submissions of short stories and is still looking for an agent for his book "Medal of Dishonor."

2. Pamela Gonzalez has been having knee problems and is contemplating surgery. Her writing has had to take second place through all of this, however, she was able to write a memoir for Sharon Palmeri's class. She also stated her husband will be coming home from Iraq next month. Possibly, after everything gets back to normal she will be able to get back to the writing she loves the most, fictional stories for young adults.

3. Chuck Brown's father just recently passed away. With all the details this entailed he was forced to put aside the research he had been doing for a book concerning real history found in poetry.

4. Tom Spencer stated he has been busy writing every day. He also reactivated his membership in Writers' Village University (on the internet). He stated he was one of the original founders, sometime in the l980's, which now has a probable membership of approximately 200. This was of great interest to several of our members since you are able to go online for the various classes and work at you own leisure.

5. Jackie Huppenthal submitted several entries to the Prairie Writers' Guild (out of Rensselaer, In). She later read one of her submissions entitled "Indiana Corn." We had all forgotten so much could be done with corn.

She also stated she had taken first place for the poem she sent to the David L. Harrison Word of the Month contest and is presently thinking of trying to self publish her book "Fractured Fairy Tale."

6. Sharon Buckman has been busy trying to revise some of her short stories.

READINGS:
Tom Spencer entered his revised poem "Co-habitation", originally written several years prior. It was a beautiful poem centering around the fall months and the "wake of sleeping souls." It was enjoyed by everyone.

Chuck Brown read his one page entry entitled "Courage." It concerned the amount of courage required for a young boy to dive off a high diving board into a pond and surrounded by all of his friends. He was encouraged to continue with it since we all thought it would make a good short story.

Jackie Huppenthal read her poem, "Indiana Corn." The seven stanza poem, we all felt, was a perfect submission for the Prairie Writers' Guild.

Sharon Buckman read her revised poem entitled, "Procrastination." The poem, as the title states, told of how we all fall into this category and later told of the consequences.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:l5 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:

Sharon Buckman