Oct. 07, 2023

National League of American Pen Women—Denver Branch

October 7, 2023 Minutes

  1. The meeting was called to order at 9:33 a.m.
  2. Members in Attendance: Linda Volin, Ann Klaiman, Carol Ehrlich, Karen Gonzales, Diane Chambers, Atlanta Sheridan, Sue Luxa, Andrea Antico, Karen Gladstone, Eleanor Binnings, Rachel Seakamp, Kelly Ann Compton
  3. Guests in Attendance: Marj Becker, Aleta Kazadi, Sara Frances (came in at end of meeting)
  4. Inspirational Reading: Andrea shared some writings she had done via AI, using the words writers, Halloween, make it rhyme.
    1. Eleanor mentioned that because of AI, she has changed some things in her teaching.
    2. A discussion on Pre-technology vs. AI took place.
  5. September minutes were approved after Linda mentioned a couple of changes she had made.
  6. Treasurer’s Reports: July ending balance was $1,028.24; August and September had an ending balance of $738.22. The Treasurer’s reports were approved.
  7. Membership:
    1. Alfreda Beartrack Algeo is our newest member.
    2. There are no current applicants.
    3. Guest Marjorie requested information about our Denver Branch members. Linda will send her the book we put together a couple of years ago and also directed Marjorie to our Denver Branch website.
  8. Website:
    1. A notice was sent reporting a new limit on disk space. Virginia checked with Bluehost to see if we needed to purchase more space. She was assured that we have adequate space and there will be no need to purchase more.
    2. Our Cloud storage was getting full because Virginia was using an online app for backup of the site. She found that our web host provides storage for backups, so she deleted the clouds storage and switched to Bluehost storage.
    3. There are no other problems with the site.
  9. Critique Group: We currently have six members participating. We have room for two more.
  10. Outreach: Tapestry for Peace—
    1. Karen Gonzales will check with Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School again to see if they are interested in a panel.
    2. Diane shared that we have three panels left.
    3. Kelly Ann wondered if the panels could be cut so they would be smaller and possibly easier to give away.
  11. Programs:
    1. October: Kim Galloway on storytelling
    2. November: Fauzia Burke—Beyond the Hype, on AI
    3. December: Historical fiction
    4. January: Members’ panel on getting published
    5. Other programs suggested—Carol E. proposed “how to write a query letter.” Karen Gladstone wondered about cover design, as the cover of a book is very important. If any member has ideas about possible programs, please email those ideas to Rachel, Diane, or Karen Gonzales.
  12. Old Business: Andrea spoke to a creative writing teacher at George Washington High School about our branch holding a possible writing contest.
  13. New Business: Karen Gonzales reminded members that they need to update their information on our branch website.
  14. Announcements:
    1. Diane reported on the book fair event she participated in.
    2. As a group, we need to look for more author events to participate in.
    3. Windsor Gardens Book and Craft Fair: Andrea reserved two tables for us. The fair takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving. Let her know if you are interested in participating. The cost of the tables ($60) will be divided by the participants.
    4. Sue is moving to Windcrest.
    5. Linda will send next month’s Zoom invitation.
    6. Linda shared that our branch is in The Pen Woman magazine again.
  15. The meeting was adjourned at 10:27 a.m.

Following the business meeting, Kim Galloway presented a workshop on storytelling.

Respectfully submitted,

Kelly Ann Compton, Co-Secretary

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