What a wonderful authors' day sponsored by the Winfield Public Library December 9. D5 members sold books and participated in reading their works. D5 members attending were Michael Poage, Connie White, Gretchen Eick, Ann Fell, Tammy Hader, Griz Racobs, and Sandee Taylor. Other participating KAC members were Melody Cole, Jared Vaughn, and Karis Ens from District 6. Ronda Miller from District 2 also attended.
The November D5 meeting was called to order at 1:31. The first hour of the meeting was dedicated to tuning into the state-wide speaker. The presenter this month was Thea Rademacher, and the topic was “Scam or Opportunity”. Ms. Rademacher talked about the different avenues to publishing a book and what red flags to look for when dealing with each type of publishing. She also mentioned how artificial intelligence is affecting the work of authors. She provided an opportunity for audience members to ask questions.
Following a brief break, the D5-specific portion of the meeting began at 2:36. Treasurer Ray Racobs reported the current checking account balance. The library room rental fee has been paid for next year. Connie White made a motion to accept Amy Boyd as next year’s treat coordinator, and Tyler Henning seconded. President Sandee Taylor announced an upcoming event on December 9 at the Winfield Library. New members attending the meeting were welcomed, and the retreat committee gave a brief report about their findings so far. They will next work on a budget and questionnaire to submit to the board. Leaders of local critique groups briefly described their groups and the location and time of their meetings. President Sandee Taylor reported that the room in Evergreen Library is rented for next year and that she will be sending only one monthly email. Attendees were given copies of the proposed bylaws, and Vice President Gretchen Eick read the candidates for 2024 officers. The bylaws and officers will be voted on at the December 16 meeting. Following a brief writing exercise, the meeting was adjourned at 3:30. Amy Boyd, secretary The October D5 meeting was called to order at 1:30. The first hour was dedicated to tuning into the state-wide speaker. The speaker this month was Craig Lancaster, who talked about different paths to publishing. He talked about his experiences with different ways of publishing his books and what he learned from each of those experiences.
Following his talk, there was a brief state-wide business meeting. The meeting started with recognitions of different members throughout the state, including D5 members Nicole Snyder and Ann Fell. Attendees then elected new state officers, and then the newly elected officers introduced themselves to everyone. Following a short break, D5 President Sandee Taylor started the D5 business meeting. She introduced attendees to the newest D5 member, Willie Washington. Treasurer Ray Racobs reported that the account remained unchanged in October and still stands at $7,148.39. The retreat committee reported their findings about possible locations for next year. Congratulations were extended to D5 members Martha Wherry and Connie White for their awards from the state writing retreat, and Nicole Snyder wwas recognized for her service as webmaster. President Sandee Taylor then announced the upcoming vote on officers and bylaws at the December meeting, told attendees about the various small groups led by D5 members, and encouraged attendees to try doing NaNoWriMo. The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 Amy Boyd, secretary Julie Ann Brin
****KAC 2023 Poet of the Year Whimsy 1st: Renaming Yoga Poses for Greater Accuracy Whimsy 2nd: What Am I Made of? Whimsy honorable mention: Prescribe Japanese Forms 2nd: Railroaded Arlice Davenport Theme 2nd: How to Write a Poem Theme 3rd: Once You Have Rounded the Sun Janice Northern is a D7 member but recently moved to Wichita. Free Verse 1st: Why Bue Eyes Cry Free Verse 3rd: The Wilding of Cynthia Ann Parker Free Verse honorable mention: You Are Not Diminished Whimsy 3rd: Slicing a Cantaloupe The September D5 meeting was called to order at 1:40. Following introductions, attendees from the August D5 writing retreat gave a brief report from it. There was then a brief discussion of hosting another retreat next year. Tyler Henning, Sam Barret, Connie White, and Ann Fell volunteered to be on an exploratory committee to plan next year’s retreat, which will tentatively be held in August.
Treasurer Ray Racobs reported that the account balance. President Sandee Taylor reported that the group has one new member. There was also a discussion of a potential Zoom critique group on Tuesdays. Vice President Gretchen Eick then gave a report from the recent state board meeting. The program for the meeting was an open mic. Attendees took turns reading pieces they had brought to share, with time for comments and critique in between each one. The meeting was adjourned at 3:35. Amy Boyd, secretary D5 member Charlotte Crawford submitted this news. Myrne Roe, long-time KAC member, recently held a book signing at Watermark Book for her new book-- Now That I Am Older: Poems and Short Stories.
Her poems get to the very heart of things. Whether she is talking about a funeral—her own—or squirrels, or pondering a wedding ceremony and how fleeting life's defining moments are, or just what it is like to live a full and examined life, her wisdom and inner truth is a salve to me." Now That I Am Older (published by Post Rock Press) is a collection of poems and short stories written by Myrne Roe exploring her life of eighty-seven years. You will find yourself rereading the honest, poignant, and sometimes cynical narratives of Roe’s reflections about Kansas people, places, and events. I encourage you to check out this book and support a local author by purchasing it. D5 Book Contest Winner
Martin Kansas History Book of the Year: Jim Minick Without Warning: the Tornado of Udall, Kansas D5 Literary Contest Winners 1st Craft Chapbook: Martha Wherry 1st Playwriting: Cynthia Ross 1st Short Story: Sarah Crespo 2nd Narrative Poem: Cynthia Ross 3rd Playwriting: Sandee Lee 3rd Flash Fiction: Sandee Lee 3rd Memoir: Gretchen Eick Honorable Mention Theme: Connie White Honorable Mention Theme: Sandee Lee Honorable Mention Flash Fiction: Gloria Zachgo Honorable Mention Flash Fiction: Sandee Lee The winners were announced Sunday at the KAC 2023 Writing Retreat. I apologize if I missed someone. The results of the annual KAC District 7 writing contest have been announced. District 5 authors did very well. Here are the D5 winners in each category.
Poetry story form 3rd place: “Love Story” by Connie White Poetry non-story form 3rd place: “Whimsical fun” by Crystal Dahl Prose Non-theme 1st place: “Impossible Dream” by Sandee Lee (Sandra Taylor) 2nd place: “Stranger Danger” by Connie White 3rd place: “I Need to Change the Way I Feel” by Ray “Griz” Racobs Honorable Mention: “Two Tomatoes with Tales” by Gloria Zachgo “Stormy Day” by Connie White “Scar” by Tyler Henning Prose Theme 1st place: “One Determined Lady” by Sandee Lee (Sandra Taylor) 2nd place: “Reflections” by Gloria Zachgo 3rd place: “Writing Can Be Fun” by Ray “Griz” Racobs Honorable Mention: “Do You Want to Expostulate” by Ray “Griz” Racobs Cuppa Creations began as a creative writing group nearly two years ago. Now, schedules have changed and we don't want to fall apart. We are considering meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday each month from 1-3 PM at a local coffee shop to be determined. We do writing prompts, open mic, and critique, and are determined to encourage one another! If you are interested in joining, please send an email to Cuppa Creations moderator.
The August 19 D5 meeting was called to order at 1:30. The first hour of the meeting was dedicated to tuning into the state-wide speakers. The speakers for the meeting were Nancy Kopp and Catherine Hedge, who talked about writing memoirs. Their presentation touched on different ideas about why to write memoirs and gave practical tips to attendees about how to write their own memoirs.
The D5-specific portion of the meeting started at 2:15. President Sandee Taylor welcomed two new members in attendance, Cindy Molello and Tyler Henning. Treasurer Ray Racobs reported the current balance of funds. Attendees were reminded about the upcoming D5 writing retreat and were informed that there were still four spots left. After a brief break, attendees were presented with an example memoir piece. After it was read, attendees critiqued it based on what they had learned during the main presentation. The meeting was adjourned at 3:30. |
Enter your email address below to receive updates as they are posted to this website.
|