National League of American Pen Women—Denver Branch
March 1, 2025 Meeting Minutes
I. Linda called meeting to order at 9:33am.
II. Members in attendance: Linda Volin, Diane Chambers, Karen Gonzales, Atlanta Sheridan, Virginia Small, Ann Klaiman, Kelly Ann Compton, Rachel Seekamp, Sue Luxa Risa Waldt Guests: Angela Cortes, Tiffany Nieslanik
III. Andrea Antico gave an inspirational reading on magical writing.
IV. February minutes were approved. All in favor.
V. Kelly Ann reported a balance of $250.91 in the account. Dues are collected next month. Committee Reports:
a. Membership: Diane welcomed Tiffany Nieslanik who is working on a science fiction novel. She heard about Pen Women from Meet-Up. There were two RSVPs from Meet-Up.
b. Website: Virginia reported that the SSL certificate ensures you don’t get hacked and Bluehost removed the fee. The site needs an overhaul. Pen Women need a place for the site to backup. Rachel will chat with Virginia since her husband is an iCloud IT.
c. Eleanor wasn’t present. Kelly Ann reported that the Critique Group met and meets on Zoom from 4:30-6:30pm every other Friday, next meeting March 14th. You need to send up to 15,000 words a week early. You receive written feedback.
d. Historian: Sue mentioned she got the box of archives from Aurora, but hasn’t opened it. She will ask Denver Public Library if they want them. Also, Windcrest asked if the Tapestry is permanent or temporary. Sue asked what day Pen Women should go to Windcrest? May 5th or another Monday in May was suggested.
e. Rachel reported Najah Lightfoot will present today. Virginia Small will present Creating Captivating Illustrations in April. In September a Candice Cokelee
VI. Announcements: Linda mentioned the Bi-Annual NLAPW wants participants for panels, deadline October 1st for proposals. The Vinnie Ream Award competition is open for artists and writers. Consider working with other members on a cross-genre project. Editors are asking for stories of 600 words and looking for book reviewers. Linda will send out the information if there are topics of interest for the National NLAPW Zoom meeting.
VII. Virginia and Andrea may submit as a cross-genre for children’s book and illustrations.
VIII. Meeting adjourned at 10:20am. Ann moved to adjourn. Kelly Ann Seconded. All in favor.
Najah Lightfoot presented at 10:30am on Magical Writing.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Gonzales, Co-Secretary