Abilene Writers Guild Meeting Minutes
Center for Contemporary Arts Building
July 24, 2003
President Barbara Rollins called the meeting to order.
Minutes from the June meeting were approved as posted on the website.
Treasurer Gail McMillan reported a balance of $2,005.90 with 71 paid members.
Brags and Sags were shared by members Barbara Rollins, Nancy Robinson Masters, John Busby, Bettye Martin-McRae, Mary Craig, Jan Carrington, Lana Straub and Marvin Johnson.
President Rollins announced that the Guild has a new website, http://AbileneWritersGuild.org.
Nancy Masters reminded the membership that the August newsletter is the last one which will be sent to non-paid members. That newsletter will include a membership list, and no one will appear on the list who has not paid 2003-2004 dues.
Ellen Webb asked whether AWG has critique groups. President Rollins explained that we had such groups last year, but have not renewed them. She said we would look at the issue again in September.
Nancy Masters explained about the members-only contests. July's topic was Christmas and the judge was Santa Claus. August's topic is Flash Fiction. Entries must be 500 words or less on any topic. Vice President Busby announced the winners of the July contest.
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3rd place - Karen Witemeyer, "Hands of a Carpenter"
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2nd place - Shirley Strawn, "Home for Christmas"
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1st place - Cynthia Stroman, "Choosing"
President Rollins reminded everyone of our 2004 workshop with NY Times bestselling author, Tess Gerritsen.
Mary Craig gave her report on her book proposal, and informed the members on a contest sponsored by WordWright.biz and Texas Writers League for a $7,500 book contract and PR campaign. Entries must be non-fiction manuscripts 30,000-50,000 words.
Nancy Masters introduced Millie Sayre, the speaker for this month. Writers paint pictures with words, and the process of producing art is the same, whether it's words on paper or paint on porcelain. Ms. Sayre is AWG's newest Board member. In her 80s, has been painting since 1949 and now wants to learn to write so she can author a book about her paintings. She is one of 123 porcelain painting teachers in Texas and has won awards for her porcelain, watercolors and oils. She demonstrated how paint is applied to or wiped out of the pattern. In an effort to help AWG raise money to fund the 2004 workshop, Ms. Sayre offered some of her work for a raffle. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. The prize will be awarded to the lucky recipient at the end of the August meeting. Nancy Masters and Gail McMillan are in charge of ticket sales. Members and guests may purchase as many tickets as they desire.
The meeting adjourned and attendees enjoyed refreshments provided by Ginny Greene, Ellen Webb and Cheryl Vorhauer.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Wynn Craig, Secretary
July 25, 2003
Respectfully submitted,