April 20, 2024 Monthly Meeting
KAC District 5
Today's state portion featured Tim Bascom speaking on “Necessary Lies in Essay and Memoir.” Tim spent most of his childhood and teen years in Ethiopia, where his parents were missionaries. His books include Running to the Fire: An American Missionary Comes of Age in Revolutionary Ethiopia (2015), Chameleon Days (2020), Climbing Lessons, A Story of Fathers, Sons, and the Bond Between (2021). Mr. Bascom said a memoir must be factual, but certain liberties can be taken to engage the reader in the story. The major points of a memoir should be factual, but liberty can be taken in the “can’t remember” details. (“Was it cold that day or not? I don’t remember, but wrote, ‘The day was so cold that it hurt even with gloves on.’”) He said to “sketch” stories factually and then fill in with imagined details. Always use show with tell and use much dialogue, interrupting dialogue with questions to allow the other person to state more details. If you can’t remember details, inserting “unremembered” conversations is acceptable. Don’t worry too much about facts, but be true to the chronology.” Some further tips for preparing a memoir:
1) Ask involved family members for their memories of the event, a strategy that can greatly enrich a memoir's narrative.
2) Figure out why you remember the incident (did it happen because of another important day or event?)
3) Study family photos relative to the event.
4) Google NASA sites to find out the weather at the time of the event or to connect your memory to other world events of the time.
After all, “Memoir is yourself trying to figure out why the memory exists.”
For the second hour, Janice Northern and Arlice Davenport spoke on ekphrasis, a literary description of or commentary on a visual piece of art. They shared their poetry and comments on various objects and paintings, each telling a unique story. Their tips included:
1) Try NOT to make your piece or poem the “last word” on art. (Leave space for others.)
2) Your creation should stand alone, whether or not the reader can see the piece of art.
3) For the individual who is able to observe the object of your piece, your work can either anchor the art in the observer’s mind or free the observer to expand on your ideas.
Business Meeting:
Welcome: Sandee Taylor welcomed fourteen in-person participants and two Zoom attendees.
Membership: Amy Kliewer reported four new members: Aubri Burgess, Abbi Lee, Brook McAfee, and Nicolette Ellison. Please welcome them.
Writers in Community: No report this month.
Treasury: Tyler Henning reported the balance.
Announcements:
● Get your entries in for State Literary Contests. Entries opened on April 1 and close on June 15.
● The State Convention (Words Take Flight) is scheduled at Rock Springs Ranch, 1168 KS-157, Junction City, Kansas. Details are on the KAC State website.
● Open mic, 2nd Tuesday each month, 7-8 PM via Zoom; see newsletter for the link.
Our next meeting will be May 18.
Connie White, Secretary
March 16, 2024 Monthly Meeting
KAC District 5
The State speaker today was Ann Vigola Anderson (Posts of a Mid-Century Kid and Adventures of a Bottle-fed Calf). Ann has been a writer virtually all of her life. Her topic was “An Intrepid Marketing Plan for Authors and Poets” or “What to do after you’ve sold fifty books to your family and friends.”
1) LEARN: Never quit reading; Participate in Kansas Authors Club and critique groups; learn from rejection (enter contests); visit bookstores; get an editor; ASK for help.
2) Find worthwhile events where you can share a table and show your books; offer yourself to present at civic clubs such as Rotary, PEO, small libraries (especially in small towns) holiday events, toy stores.
3) Watch out: Don’t get scammed; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
4) Employ social media and post every day, but don’t repeat unless there is an event.
If you missed her talk, members can find it on KAC state site.
Business Meeting:
Welcome: Sandee Taylor welcomed twenty-one in-person participants which included four guests.
Membership: Amy Kliewer reported no new members and reminded us to keep inviting people.
Writers in Community: Gretchen Eick asked us to let her know if we are interested in promoting KAC to schools (speaking, sponsoring writing contests, presenting to teacher groups)
Treasurer: Tyler Henning reported no expenses this month and gave the current balance.
Retreat Committee: Samantha Barrett was unable to attend, so Sandee reported for her. Our first D5 writers’ retreat is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2004, from 9 AM to 4 PM, at Sandee Taylor’s home, 6577 N.W. 30th St, Towanda, Kansas. There is no cost. D5 is providing food and drinks. Sandee recommended that we bring lawn chairs for more comfortable seating. You to need to register. The link will be provided in a newsletter at the end of the March.
April Spring Into Writing: We are having an April writing challenge similar to NaNoWriMo
except that each entrant will set their own writing goal. We were encouraged to find an accountability partner, and goals will be celebrated at the retreat.
Announcements:
1) KAC literary contests begin April 1 and close June 15.
2) Convention (Words Take Flight), October 4-6, Rock Springs Ranch, 1168 KS-157, Junction City, Kansas. Details are on the KAC website.
3) Open mic, 2nd Tuesday each month, 7-8 PM via Zoom; see newsletter for the link.
The meeting closed with readings by some of the 2023 contest winners. Those reading included Julie Brin, Arlice Davenport, Cammie Funston, Martha Wherry, and Gretchen Eick.
Our next meeting will be April 20.
Connie White, secretary
February 17, 2024 Monthly Meeting
KAC District 5
The State Zoom session was a presentation by M. Christine Benner Dixon on “Writing Glitter, How Art Gets Into Everything.” I would encourage anyone who missed this to watch the recording. She listed many devices for getting out of writer’s block, speaking of setting a place and time to write, “finding a door to your writing ‘house’,” various “paperless prompts,” and spoke of various activities that count as writing, describing activities that may give us story ideas.
Business Meeting:
Action item: We have scheduled our first writers’ retreat at Sandee Taylor’s home for April 27, 2024. The discussion concerned how to pay for the costs of the retreat and after the discussion, Janice Northerns moved, and Tyler Henning seconded to pay retreat costs from the District 5 Treasury. This was approved by hand vote.
Samantha Barrett also proposed that for the month of April, we announce a self-guided writing challenge similar to the NaNoWrMo. Members could commit to writing a certain number of words per day, or commit to a poem a day, etc. At the writing retreat, there would be a judging of how stated goals were met and prizes awarded. Sam also proposed that we encourage one another through D5 Facebook posts during that time. Ray (Griz) Racobs suggested a photo contest. Janice also suggested Ekphrastic writing based on a chosen painting.
It was moved by Tyler and seconded by Tammy Hader that we use the month of April 2024 as a “NaNoWrMo-type” writing challenge. This was approved by hand vote. Details are to be discussed at the March meeting.
Other Announcements:
The State Convention will be October 4-6 at Rock Springs Ranch near Junction City, Kansas. The theme is Words Take Flight. State Literary contests run from April 1 to June 15, so begin now to prepare your entries. Rules for the contests are listed on the State website.
The State has an Open Mic session on the second Tuesday of each month, 7-9 PM. If you are interested, refer to the KAC newsletter each month for the Zoom link,
Officer Reports:
Treasurer: The current bank balance was reported. On January 30, a check for $1,000 was written to the State KAC, including $500 for payments to monthly presenters and $500 to offset the honorarium for the keynote speaker at the Convention in October 2024.
Membership: No new members this month. Several members renewed their membership.
Writers in Community: No report.
Retreat Committee: See discussion in the business meeting above.
Critique Groups:
Cuppa Creations meets the second and fourth Wednesday each month from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Cinnamon’s Deli, 205 S. West Street. Currently we have four regular-attending members and would be happy to receive three or four more. If interested, call Connie White at 316-210-2917.
Sunflower Writers is a Zoom group meeting the THIRD Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM. Sandee Taylor facilitates the group, and they could use 2-3 more contributors.
Sunflower Scribes: Another Zoom group facilitated by Sandee, meeting on the FOURTH Tuesday from 7-9 PM each month. At this time, the group is full.
El Dorado Critique Group: This group meets at the Reliance Bookstore in El Dorado on the second Wednesday afternoon. If you are interested, please talk to Sandee Taylor.
Connie White, Secretary
January 20, 2024 D5 Monthly Meeting
The State portion of our January meeting was a panel discussion with K. L. Barron (novel: Thirst), Laura Lee Washburn (poetry: The Book Of Stolen Images), and D.L. Winter (YA Fantasy: Alister, the Magnificent). The panel responded to questions about their experience with writing processes, entering contests, and their advice for those publishing for the first time.
After a short break for refreshments, we heard Roy Beckemeyer, via Zoom, speaking on poetry. Roy demonstrated and defined several poetry styles and how to turn memoir and other prose into poetry. He has such a gift with words. I should invest in a better Thesaurus! I suggest that we have him back to teach us more on these subjects.
Business Session:
Action items: After discussion, a motion was made, seconded, and approved by raised hands to give KAC $500 to defer the cost of presenters over the year. A second motion was made, seconded, and approved by raised-hand votes to contribute another $500 to offset the cost of the keynote speaker for the KAC Convention in October 2024.
Officer Reports:
Treasurer: Since there were no expenses and no new monies received, The December total is unchanged.
Writers in Community: Nothing new to report.
Membership Liaison: No new members to report.
Retreat Committee: Our first writers' retreat is scheduled for April 27, 2024, location to be determined later. This will be a one-day retreat held in a nearby location. We are hoping to possibly do a two-day retreat in the summer.
Critique Groups: Cuppa Creations currently meets the second and fourth Wednesday afternoons each month at Cinnamon Deli, 205 S. West Street 1:30-3:30 PM. We would like to increase our attendance. If you are interested but the time slot is inappropriate, please talk to Crystal Dahl or Connie White.
Sunflower Writers: This is a Zoom group, facilitator Sandee Taylor. meeting the THIRD Tuesday each month 7-9 PM. They could use two or three more contributors. Contact Sandee.
Sunflower Scribes: Another Zoom group by Sandee, on the FOURTH Tuesday of the month, 7-9 PM. This group is full at this time.
El Dorado Critique Group meeting at the Reliant Bookstore in El Dorado the second Wednesday afternoon each month. If you are interested, please talk to Sandee Taylor.
Connie White, D5 Secretary
January 15, 2024 D5 Board Meeting
Elected and appointed officers present: Sandee Taylor, Janice Northerns, Ann Fell, Tyler Henning, Amy Kliewer, Ray Racobs
Discussion Items:
1.How we can strengthen involvement/improve D5
a.Refreshments at meetings: A signup sheet has been started.
b.Investigate letting schools and colleges in our area know what KAC has to offer young writers. The development of a committee to form a plan was suggested.
c.Member involvement: Through personal contacts, we hope to encourage non-active members.
2.The D5 board recommends we reimburse KAC $500 to cover our share of the expense for the monthly speakers. This will be brought up for a vote at the D5 January meeting.
3.The D5 retreat committee is planning a possible April 27 retreat. More details will follow.
4.The possibility of D5 providing a partial scholarship to the KAC convention for one or more D5 members was tabled.
5.D5 Board would like to help with the KAC Convention speaker expense in the amount of $500. This will be brought to a vote at the D5 January meeting.
KAC District 5
Today's state portion featured Tim Bascom speaking on “Necessary Lies in Essay and Memoir.” Tim spent most of his childhood and teen years in Ethiopia, where his parents were missionaries. His books include Running to the Fire: An American Missionary Comes of Age in Revolutionary Ethiopia (2015), Chameleon Days (2020), Climbing Lessons, A Story of Fathers, Sons, and the Bond Between (2021). Mr. Bascom said a memoir must be factual, but certain liberties can be taken to engage the reader in the story. The major points of a memoir should be factual, but liberty can be taken in the “can’t remember” details. (“Was it cold that day or not? I don’t remember, but wrote, ‘The day was so cold that it hurt even with gloves on.’”) He said to “sketch” stories factually and then fill in with imagined details. Always use show with tell and use much dialogue, interrupting dialogue with questions to allow the other person to state more details. If you can’t remember details, inserting “unremembered” conversations is acceptable. Don’t worry too much about facts, but be true to the chronology.” Some further tips for preparing a memoir:
1) Ask involved family members for their memories of the event, a strategy that can greatly enrich a memoir's narrative.
2) Figure out why you remember the incident (did it happen because of another important day or event?)
3) Study family photos relative to the event.
4) Google NASA sites to find out the weather at the time of the event or to connect your memory to other world events of the time.
After all, “Memoir is yourself trying to figure out why the memory exists.”
For the second hour, Janice Northern and Arlice Davenport spoke on ekphrasis, a literary description of or commentary on a visual piece of art. They shared their poetry and comments on various objects and paintings, each telling a unique story. Their tips included:
1) Try NOT to make your piece or poem the “last word” on art. (Leave space for others.)
2) Your creation should stand alone, whether or not the reader can see the piece of art.
3) For the individual who is able to observe the object of your piece, your work can either anchor the art in the observer’s mind or free the observer to expand on your ideas.
Business Meeting:
Welcome: Sandee Taylor welcomed fourteen in-person participants and two Zoom attendees.
Membership: Amy Kliewer reported four new members: Aubri Burgess, Abbi Lee, Brook McAfee, and Nicolette Ellison. Please welcome them.
Writers in Community: No report this month.
Treasury: Tyler Henning reported the balance.
Announcements:
● Get your entries in for State Literary Contests. Entries opened on April 1 and close on June 15.
● The State Convention (Words Take Flight) is scheduled at Rock Springs Ranch, 1168 KS-157, Junction City, Kansas. Details are on the KAC State website.
● Open mic, 2nd Tuesday each month, 7-8 PM via Zoom; see newsletter for the link.
Our next meeting will be May 18.
Connie White, Secretary
March 16, 2024 Monthly Meeting
KAC District 5
The State speaker today was Ann Vigola Anderson (Posts of a Mid-Century Kid and Adventures of a Bottle-fed Calf). Ann has been a writer virtually all of her life. Her topic was “An Intrepid Marketing Plan for Authors and Poets” or “What to do after you’ve sold fifty books to your family and friends.”
1) LEARN: Never quit reading; Participate in Kansas Authors Club and critique groups; learn from rejection (enter contests); visit bookstores; get an editor; ASK for help.
2) Find worthwhile events where you can share a table and show your books; offer yourself to present at civic clubs such as Rotary, PEO, small libraries (especially in small towns) holiday events, toy stores.
3) Watch out: Don’t get scammed; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
4) Employ social media and post every day, but don’t repeat unless there is an event.
If you missed her talk, members can find it on KAC state site.
Business Meeting:
Welcome: Sandee Taylor welcomed twenty-one in-person participants which included four guests.
Membership: Amy Kliewer reported no new members and reminded us to keep inviting people.
Writers in Community: Gretchen Eick asked us to let her know if we are interested in promoting KAC to schools (speaking, sponsoring writing contests, presenting to teacher groups)
Treasurer: Tyler Henning reported no expenses this month and gave the current balance.
Retreat Committee: Samantha Barrett was unable to attend, so Sandee reported for her. Our first D5 writers’ retreat is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2004, from 9 AM to 4 PM, at Sandee Taylor’s home, 6577 N.W. 30th St, Towanda, Kansas. There is no cost. D5 is providing food and drinks. Sandee recommended that we bring lawn chairs for more comfortable seating. You to need to register. The link will be provided in a newsletter at the end of the March.
April Spring Into Writing: We are having an April writing challenge similar to NaNoWriMo
except that each entrant will set their own writing goal. We were encouraged to find an accountability partner, and goals will be celebrated at the retreat.
Announcements:
1) KAC literary contests begin April 1 and close June 15.
2) Convention (Words Take Flight), October 4-6, Rock Springs Ranch, 1168 KS-157, Junction City, Kansas. Details are on the KAC website.
3) Open mic, 2nd Tuesday each month, 7-8 PM via Zoom; see newsletter for the link.
The meeting closed with readings by some of the 2023 contest winners. Those reading included Julie Brin, Arlice Davenport, Cammie Funston, Martha Wherry, and Gretchen Eick.
Our next meeting will be April 20.
Connie White, secretary
February 17, 2024 Monthly Meeting
KAC District 5
The State Zoom session was a presentation by M. Christine Benner Dixon on “Writing Glitter, How Art Gets Into Everything.” I would encourage anyone who missed this to watch the recording. She listed many devices for getting out of writer’s block, speaking of setting a place and time to write, “finding a door to your writing ‘house’,” various “paperless prompts,” and spoke of various activities that count as writing, describing activities that may give us story ideas.
Business Meeting:
Action item: We have scheduled our first writers’ retreat at Sandee Taylor’s home for April 27, 2024. The discussion concerned how to pay for the costs of the retreat and after the discussion, Janice Northerns moved, and Tyler Henning seconded to pay retreat costs from the District 5 Treasury. This was approved by hand vote.
Samantha Barrett also proposed that for the month of April, we announce a self-guided writing challenge similar to the NaNoWrMo. Members could commit to writing a certain number of words per day, or commit to a poem a day, etc. At the writing retreat, there would be a judging of how stated goals were met and prizes awarded. Sam also proposed that we encourage one another through D5 Facebook posts during that time. Ray (Griz) Racobs suggested a photo contest. Janice also suggested Ekphrastic writing based on a chosen painting.
It was moved by Tyler and seconded by Tammy Hader that we use the month of April 2024 as a “NaNoWrMo-type” writing challenge. This was approved by hand vote. Details are to be discussed at the March meeting.
Other Announcements:
The State Convention will be October 4-6 at Rock Springs Ranch near Junction City, Kansas. The theme is Words Take Flight. State Literary contests run from April 1 to June 15, so begin now to prepare your entries. Rules for the contests are listed on the State website.
The State has an Open Mic session on the second Tuesday of each month, 7-9 PM. If you are interested, refer to the KAC newsletter each month for the Zoom link,
Officer Reports:
Treasurer: The current bank balance was reported. On January 30, a check for $1,000 was written to the State KAC, including $500 for payments to monthly presenters and $500 to offset the honorarium for the keynote speaker at the Convention in October 2024.
Membership: No new members this month. Several members renewed their membership.
Writers in Community: No report.
Retreat Committee: See discussion in the business meeting above.
Critique Groups:
Cuppa Creations meets the second and fourth Wednesday each month from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Cinnamon’s Deli, 205 S. West Street. Currently we have four regular-attending members and would be happy to receive three or four more. If interested, call Connie White at 316-210-2917.
Sunflower Writers is a Zoom group meeting the THIRD Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM. Sandee Taylor facilitates the group, and they could use 2-3 more contributors.
Sunflower Scribes: Another Zoom group facilitated by Sandee, meeting on the FOURTH Tuesday from 7-9 PM each month. At this time, the group is full.
El Dorado Critique Group: This group meets at the Reliance Bookstore in El Dorado on the second Wednesday afternoon. If you are interested, please talk to Sandee Taylor.
Connie White, Secretary
January 20, 2024 D5 Monthly Meeting
The State portion of our January meeting was a panel discussion with K. L. Barron (novel: Thirst), Laura Lee Washburn (poetry: The Book Of Stolen Images), and D.L. Winter (YA Fantasy: Alister, the Magnificent). The panel responded to questions about their experience with writing processes, entering contests, and their advice for those publishing for the first time.
After a short break for refreshments, we heard Roy Beckemeyer, via Zoom, speaking on poetry. Roy demonstrated and defined several poetry styles and how to turn memoir and other prose into poetry. He has such a gift with words. I should invest in a better Thesaurus! I suggest that we have him back to teach us more on these subjects.
Business Session:
Action items: After discussion, a motion was made, seconded, and approved by raised hands to give KAC $500 to defer the cost of presenters over the year. A second motion was made, seconded, and approved by raised-hand votes to contribute another $500 to offset the cost of the keynote speaker for the KAC Convention in October 2024.
Officer Reports:
Treasurer: Since there were no expenses and no new monies received, The December total is unchanged.
Writers in Community: Nothing new to report.
Membership Liaison: No new members to report.
Retreat Committee: Our first writers' retreat is scheduled for April 27, 2024, location to be determined later. This will be a one-day retreat held in a nearby location. We are hoping to possibly do a two-day retreat in the summer.
Critique Groups: Cuppa Creations currently meets the second and fourth Wednesday afternoons each month at Cinnamon Deli, 205 S. West Street 1:30-3:30 PM. We would like to increase our attendance. If you are interested but the time slot is inappropriate, please talk to Crystal Dahl or Connie White.
Sunflower Writers: This is a Zoom group, facilitator Sandee Taylor. meeting the THIRD Tuesday each month 7-9 PM. They could use two or three more contributors. Contact Sandee.
Sunflower Scribes: Another Zoom group by Sandee, on the FOURTH Tuesday of the month, 7-9 PM. This group is full at this time.
El Dorado Critique Group meeting at the Reliant Bookstore in El Dorado the second Wednesday afternoon each month. If you are interested, please talk to Sandee Taylor.
Connie White, D5 Secretary
January 15, 2024 D5 Board Meeting
Elected and appointed officers present: Sandee Taylor, Janice Northerns, Ann Fell, Tyler Henning, Amy Kliewer, Ray Racobs
Discussion Items:
1.How we can strengthen involvement/improve D5
a.Refreshments at meetings: A signup sheet has been started.
b.Investigate letting schools and colleges in our area know what KAC has to offer young writers. The development of a committee to form a plan was suggested.
c.Member involvement: Through personal contacts, we hope to encourage non-active members.
2.The D5 board recommends we reimburse KAC $500 to cover our share of the expense for the monthly speakers. This will be brought up for a vote at the D5 January meeting.
3.The D5 retreat committee is planning a possible April 27 retreat. More details will follow.
4.The possibility of D5 providing a partial scholarship to the KAC convention for one or more D5 members was tabled.
5.D5 Board would like to help with the KAC Convention speaker expense in the amount of $500. This will be brought to a vote at the D5 January meeting.