March 18th 2007

Today we held our March meeting at Beagle Books in Park Rapids MN.

We have generally been holding our meetings on the third Sundays, but for April we will have to hold it on the fourth Sunday–the next meeting will be on Sunday, April 22, 2007 from 12:30 to 3 PM at Beagle Books in Park Rapids MN. Some of our key people could not make it on the third Sunday in April, so we moved it to the fourth Sunday for better attendance. We will be at our earlier time for April from 12:30 to 3 PM–probably back to our normal time in May.

Present: John T, Jody, Scott, Sharon, LuAnne, John C, Russ.

TALKING STICK 16:
We have been receiving envelopes of submissions. We have one judge of the three chosen. Members are reminded to get their submissions in soon. Early May 1 deadline, only about 5 or 6 weeks left.

WRITERS’ FESTIVAL AND BOOK FAIR:
Coming up soon, Saturday March 24, 2007 from 9:30AM to 3:30 PM–Bloomington Art Center. Workshop preregistration required. www.BloomingtonArtCenter.com or call 952-563-8587.

SUMMER EVENT:
Northwoods Art and Book Festival in Hackensack MN on Saturday Aug. 25, 2007 from 10AM to 4 PM. Always a great time. Contact Joanne at moren@uslink.net or 218-675-5135.

WRITING INFORMATION:
Writer’s Digest writersdigest-newsletter@fwpubs.com.
Many contests for writers.
Also check out www.thisispush.com for writing contests and book publishing.

MISCELLANEOUS:
Scott showed us a book that was recently published–one where he was a ghost writer. Congrats, Scott!

WRITING EXERCISES:
Sharon got some good writing books for Xmas and will try to bring some writing exercises that we can do at the end of each meeting.

WRITING TIP:
When you are stuck with your writing, not sure where to go with your topic–try free association. Just sit and write thoughts, ideas, topics, tangents, that come to mind regarding your subject. This should help you see a pattern and a place to focus on in your writing.

OUR WRITING:
John T read some poems and an essay.
Scott read poems.
John C read short stories.
Jody read a memoir.
LuAnne read a poem.

Good meeting, everyone!! Hope to see you next time.