Abilene Writers Guild Meeting Minutes
Center for Contemporary Arts Building
April 24, 2003
President Rollins called the meeting to order.
Minutes from the March meeting are posted with one amendment already made. Minutes were approved as amended.
Gail McMillan reported a balance of $4,050.08, and 103 members. Barbara Rollins reported she had dues from the 104th member.
Brags and Sags were shared. Shirley Strawn reported that Gladys' Hume's book signing went well with approximately 30 people at the signing. Visitors and new members were introduced.
Barbara Rollins led a discussion concerning furnishing the plates, cups and napkins for refreshments.
Barbara Rollins announced that AWG is now an affiliate of the National Association of Women Writers. This affiliation gets AWG members a $10.00 discount off NAWW dues.
The Board of Directors nominated Ginny Greene as the 2003 Arts Award nominee. The awards ceremony reception is Friday, June 27, 2003 from 6:30 to 7:30, followed by the musical Oklahoma! at the Paramount Theatre.
The Contest Committee reported 113 people entered 297 entries. 100 were from Texas, and 13 from other states. There were no international entries this year. Nancy Masters reported on the judges and gave details of the June 14 workshop. The keynote speaker is Peggy Fielding from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who will speak on "Start Selling What You Write Now." Joan Neubauer from Austin will lead a session on self publishing.
Barbara Rollins reported in Stewart Caffey's absence and on behalf of the nominating committee comprised of Stewart Caffey, Betty Thomason and Laura Thaxton. Nominations are: John Busby as Vice President; Nancy Masters to fill out John Busby's term; Gail McMillan as Treasurer; Barbara Darnall and Millie Sayer as Directors; Elaine Coleman as alternate. During the May meeting, nominations from the floor will be entertained, and the Guild will vote on the 2003-2004 Board of Directors.
Revisions to the Bylaws were offered, discussed and approved.
Nancy Masters presented the program, giving out handouts on how to write for children, a website soliciting greeting card submissions, how to locate markets to sell to , and what to write about. Mary Craig explained her book proposal to Capstone Press. Mary will be a test case to see how a book goes from initial contact to finished product.
Nancy Masters announced that on May 3 from 1-4 at the Bible Bookstore, Lake Monholland will be signing her new book. Dale Ogren has funded a scholarship for someone to attend the June workshop since she cannot be there.
Nancy Masters presented books she is giving away as a result of Spring cleaning. The youngest members got to choose first.
The meeting adjourned, and the members enjoyed refreshments provided by Augustine Tennant, Gwen Choate, Laura Thaxton and James White.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary W. Craig, Secretary
May 1, 2003