Abilene Writers Guild Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2007
Center for Contemporary Arts Building
Ginny Greene opened the meeting. She again mentioned that "we are players of words, and put words into play." She loves the word tessellated, which refers to a patchwork quilt, and she thinks about that word when she flies over farms and sees the patchwork look of the land.
We welcomed Bill Neal, who is a new member, attended his first meeting.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved.
Financial report: $2,198.74
Brags:
- Lynford Sharp has written "A Buffalo Gap Kid Takes Life By the Horns," which is the story of Bill Johnson. Bill did this mainly for his children and genealogy purposes. Lyn completed this book AFTER having had bypass surgery! Way to go, Lyn.
- Bill Neal, a retired attorney, has written "Getting Away with Murder on the Texas Frontier," which has been published by the Texas Tech Press. He also had an article published in the Panhandle Plains Review.
- Sharon Ellison has signed a contract with US Naval Institute to publish her story, "Reunion," in the December 2007 issued of Proceedings Magazine. She also furnished a photograph with the story, and will be paid $25 for the photo IF they decide to use it.
- Marvin Johnson had triple by-pass surgery in December and was at our meeting. Hooray, Marvin!
- Karen Witemeyer proposed a book on women of the Bible to Faith Works Publishing in New York. It is also a daily devotional book, and things look very promising this project! Excellent, Karen!
- Barbara Rollins finished "To Dingwall, Y’all," which takes place in Scotland. She has a new, well-connected editor "friend" in Scotland who is reading the manuscript now! Aye, good job, Barbara!
- Jan Carrington received her first royalty check for stories published in the Anthology last July.
She has had two children’s stories accepted, and hopes that Half a Banana Press will make them into two children’s book. Yoo hoo, Jan!
- Brandon Davis reports he published his column this week and enjoys getting paid for it! Good work, Brandon.
- Pat Faragali in New Hampshire sent Nancy Masters an e-mail by mistake recently; but the mistake has turned into an opportunity for Nancy to go to New Hampshire as a featured speaker! Pat and her group in New Hampshire promote our AWG contests regularly. They also sponsor the Worgle Flomp National Poetry Contest, which offers some big prize money.
- Ginny Green submitted a story to "Cup of Comfort." She got an email stating she was a ‘finalist’, then received her submission for editing. They liked her edits, so now she is waiting on further confirmation of publication. Yippee, Ginny.
Member Contest:
There were 15 entries in the January "New Beginnings" contest, which were judged by Bradon Tharp. 3rd place winner was Barbara Rollins’ "Beginnings"; 2nd place winner was Jan Carrington’s "Fresh Start"; 1st place winner was Pat Capps MacAfee’s "New Path." Congratulations to the winners and all who took the time to enter! For February, write something about "Romance."
Bylaws:
Barbara Rollins asked that suggestions for changes to the bylaws be given in writing to any board member. The Board will then discuss these suggestions, present them in March and all members will vote on proposed changes in April.
Monthly Refreshments:
Sue Davis reports this is covered through May.
PROGRAM:
Nancy Masters introduced Nanci Liles, Director of Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, who did a program on "Public Relations and Marketing."
Ms. Lyles explained how her group promotes Abilene in Texas and elsewhere. She encouraged us to think about the similarities in how the ACVB promotes Abilene compared to the way a writer should promote his or her writing and/or speaking opportunities.
Some suggestions were:
- Know your market - some of the ACVB markets are leisure, group and conventions, & motor coach. There are always subgroups in each market.
- Match your market to your product. Know your competition and what is selling.
- Abilene hosts about 200 meetings per year. There could be opportunities for writers to talk about their work. The ACVB could provide information about the scheduled meetings, and provide the meeting facilitators information about some AWG members who would be available.
- Don’t describe yourself as ‘unique’ or ‘special.’ Those words are overused. Use your personality to ‘sell yourself’ --- again, know your product and your market. Learn and utilize what she called the "15-second elevator talk." What would you say in an elevator to tell someone who you are and what you do?
The ACVB would be willing to put our activities on various calendars around the State and Nation. Most need six month lead time, but some only require information three months ahead.
A link from the ACVB website to the AWG website was suggested. After much food for thought, the meeting was adjourned.
Our thanks to Jo Cox and Sue Davis for the good refreshments during networking time!
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Ellison, Secretary