Over the past several years the monthly writers' meetings held by the Jackpine Writers' Bloc have come and gone with the times and the people. Late in the year of 2002 they were brought back to life with vigor by Tarah Wolff and Sharon Harris. They continue today joined by experts, amateurs and lovers of all of the various genres of writing (we always welcome new writers!). To the right are the highlights and the minutes from our past meetings starting in October of 2002 and below is our most recent meeting.

Present today: Sharon, LuAnne, Luke, Joanne, Rhoda, John, Russ, Scott, Jerry, and Christine.

PRESS:
Northwoods Press is doing a preview story on TS17 and how it is progressing. The Review Messenger might also run it.

BLOOMINGTON BOOK EVENT:
This year LouAnn Muhm took some of our books to this event and sold some. Richard Hagen from the Cities assisted her at the table.

TALKING STICK 17:
Our deadline was March 1, our Editorial Board met on March 15. The submissions for the book have been chosen and the top ones have been sent to the judges. The judges have already picked the first and second place winners. One top winner is from Park Rapids, one from Eden Prairie, and one from Wabasha MN.

PRAALC MEETING:
Scott attended the last meeting and will attend future ones too. He reminded us that it is important for artists to network and attend and promote each others' events.

WRITING EVENTS:
Check out the Loft for future workshops. They have workshops coming up for Young People in July. 612-215-2587 www.loft.org
New York Mills Cultural Center will have a reading by Bill Holm on May 9, 2008. See their website for more information.
The Geraldine R Dodge Poetry Festival, Thursday Sept. 25-28, 2008. Waterloo Village, Stanhope, NJ. League of Minnesota Poets Bus Tour. www.grdodge.org/poetry for more information. Questions 218-330-1146 or email DodgeOrBust@gmail.com. www.mnpoets.org
Mary Oliver, poet, book Red Bird, gave a talk and a reading in March.

BOOKS ON WRITING:
Russ mentioned a book by Steven Pinker on verbs and how they are used in construction of sentences.

Good books we recommend are: On Writing by Stephen King, Bird by Bird by Ann Lamont.

Several writers read things that they were working on. It was a good day and fun to see each other again.