May 12th Meeting Notes

I apologize for the delay in posting the notes from the May meeting. Life is crazy busy still!

The Wordsmiths, nine of us, gathered at Blue Umbrella Books on the 12th of May for a meeting. It was good to see those in attendance again.

Glen was in attendance and signed copies of his new book Dearest David for Susan and Lynnmarie. The book is historical romance, a new genre for Glen. Both readers had enjoyed the story.

Susan began the meeting by recapping the April Articulture event at which 9 Wordsmiths showed their stuff in the author's room. Only Sandy Sessler was unable to join us due to an emergency. She was missed, but those who did make it had fun meeting and greeting the public and chatting among ourselves. Melissa Volker's son, Lex, was an added attraction in the room as he attended in his Kylo Ren costume (he has an amazing Mom who not only writes but sews and makes authentic-looking costume pieces including helmets!) The kids LOVED Lex as Kylo. There were plenty of photo ops and Lex did some mock light saber fights with them for additional photo ops. The authors received swag bags put together by Susan and crammed full of stuff authors like, like pens, highlighters, pocket notebooks, Post-it tabs to use as page markers during readings and silly things like fidget toys, Tangles, and goodies like mints and Kisses. Each author received a lanyard to help identify them with their Wordsmith pin attached. Oh, and the authors received WhipCity Wordsmith mugs identifying them as members. Melissa, Lindsay and Judith F-G provided feedback that Susan will pass on to Artworks of Westfield, the sponsor of the event.

Susan read a piece she had written when Kelly was in middle school called Legacy- about what mothers pass down to their daughters in honor of the 13th being Mother's Day.

Susan had given Sue F. a challenge to write something for the next meeting, and Sue came through in aces, writing about living in a multi-generational home and family birthdays. Her family is from Enfield, MA, one of the five towns with forced evacuation when the area was flooded to create the Quabbin Reservoir. It was a nice family piece, well thought out and written. She did an excellent job rising to the challenge!

Melissa spoke about how she has been helping Kate Anderson revise Kate's Dark Ink Press logo, helping establish a new imprint of Dark Ink Press called Inklings for which Melissa is managing editor, and Susan is also an editor (paranormal/supernatural/fantasy/magical realism) The website is getting a facelift as well and there's a facebook page and a newsletter in the works. Ten she talked about her new experience as an editor, sifting through recent submissions, and how difficult it is to have to reject submissions, after having been on the receiving end of rejection letters herself.

Rhonda had her Wolfgang story with her that she read to us for our critiques and comments. Kelly is currently helping her with the illustrations so she can publish it herself. It's a cute story about Wolfgang's friends helping him get his whistle back in time for Christmas. (Wolfgang is a frog that had been on the extinct list in Haiti, but is now making a comeback.) She wrote the book for the children of Haiti.

Susan brought a tray of brownies and bottled water for snacks that were enjoyed by those who indulged.

In June the WhipCity Wordsmiths will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of its founding by Susan and Kelly. Meetings began in September, but there were newsletters and the blog was up and running in June of 2017 and membership grew steadily. It has leveled out at around 30 members with about half of that number actively participating in meetings as able, and one participating long distance.

Everyone brought something to the table at this meeting and discussions were lively.

See you in June for the 1-year celebration!  (There will be no formal meetings in July & August as we enjoy vacations and time with family and summer activities. Meetings will resume in September.)