This will be a hybrid meeting, one with a Zoom option for those who can’t attend in person.
In June we bid goodbye to two of our three Wordsowers leadership members, leaving Lollie Hofer flying solo. In July Wordsowers founder, Kat Crawford, flew in to share her heart. This month we need to hear from you. Whether you’ve been a member from the onset or started coming recently, your input is invaluable. This reorganization meeting will determine Wordsowers future.
This month, please join us at Omaha Christian Center 4215 N. 92nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68134
Important: Park in the north parking lot (lower lot) off of 92nd & Taylor. Follow the signs to the Wordsowers meeting room. (From the north lot there are only three steps to traverse.)
Often we go to meetings hoping to glean knowledge, to gain tangible help to propel us along. Sometime we find those insightful nuggets; sometimes we come up empty.
That’s why this 2018 kick-off meeting is all about you. What do you need to propel your writing forward?
This meeting is an open forum. We plan to invite the rest of 2018’s monthly speakers based on the needs presented at the January meeting.
Please bring a snack, beverage, and your input. This meeting is open to all.
After the meeting we’ll gather for our relaxed Afterglow chat session at Village Inn, 7837 Dodge St.
We meet the fourth Thursday of the month
6:00-7:45pm at the W. Clarke Swanson Library.
The meeting room is on the basement level. Park on the east side of the building and walk into the lower door.
Author and speaker Miranda Sherman says, “Writing a book is all fun and games but what you do after is key. Learn what’s important in marketing yourself and your book after it’s in print. Miranda Sherman is the author of two books, “The Mighty Fork; Healing Your Mind and Body with Food” (now in its 2nd edition) and “The Mighty Fork Student Workbook.”
Miranda is a popular speaker, teaches classes on an ongoing basis to audiences young and old, blogs, manages her website, and is constantly looking for new ways to get her message out that food can heal you. She’s currently working on her 3rd book about the importance of traditions.
Author/Editor Lee Warren shares, “Why Genre Matters.”
Readers have certain expectations when they buy books.
Romance readers expect a HEA (happily ever after).
Readers of women’s fiction expect strong female protagonists.
Memoir readers expect the author to be vulnerable, while devotional or how-to book readers expect insight.
If you don’t meet genre/reader expectations, your manuscript will be met with resistance. Join us to learn more about genres so you can determine which ones to target with your own writing, and, ultimately, satisfy your readers.
What an animated discussion at our first WordSowers meeting at the 72nd and Dodge Borders location, May 5, 2011. Didn’t think about it until later, but Kat, Angela, Jon and Teresa (KAJT), started their new leadership team roles on the National Day of Prayer—a great beginning for a new season in life with Wordsowers.
Attended by: Lee Warren; Merrie Hanson; Elizabeth Meyer (Angela’s daughter who after the meeting said, “I really liked listening to all the stories.”) Angela Meyer; Kat Crawford; Susan Gontarek; Jon Miller; Rachel Steenson; Katie Ziegler; Teresa Tierney and Pasquale (Pat) Mingarelli.
News:
● Lee Warren is writing full time for the Christian Post. Suggestion—take a minute to check out http://www.christianpost.com/author/lee-warren/.
● Jon Miller has been accepted as camp counselor at Okoboji, Iowa. One of his articles has been printed and he has three more accepted for publication—great job, Jon.
● Susan Gontarek has sent six chapter of her book “Grace in the Mirror” to Carol Umbarger for editing. Susan also has a new website: susangontarek.com
● Teresa Tierney is the new admin for Wordsowers.com
● Kat Crawford is the new contact for Sally Stuart’s Christian Writer’s Guide
● Jon Miller built a blog http://omahawordsowers.blogspot.com/2011
● Teresa, Angela and Kat submitted articles. (Love the quote on my wall: “You cannot sell what you don’t submit.”)
● Pat Mingarelli, Katie Ziegle and Rachel Steenson are new to the group, but not to the writing and speaking world. Welcome!
● Check out Pat’s photography at http://www.wildheartphotograpy.com/
If I’ve forgotten something shared, forgive me. You can add comments or email one of the KAJT and we’ll add the info.
Several brought travel articles or a memoir to read aloud and then we discussed chapters 13 and 14 from the book “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser.
Next WordSowers meeting will be held June 2nd upstairs in the Borders 72nd and Dodge location. We will continue with two challenging chapters: 15, “Science and Technology” and 16, “Business Writing.” Exercise your brain, bring 150-250 words you’ve experienced that relates to these chapters.
Reporting, The Lionhearted Kat
Left to Right: Pat, Susan, Katie, Kat Rachel, Angela, Jon, Lee, Merrie
