January 8, 2026

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

January 8, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Bernadette Fortuna, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Karen Lauper, Tom Molnar, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra, and Shirley Vaughan 

OLD BUSINESS:

Trent Pendley approved the posted minutes of the November 13, 2025 meeting, and seconded by Bernadette Fortuna.

Katherine Flotz (Treas.) reminded members that the 2026 member fees of $25.00 are now due.

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Director) advised members that the WOH meeting dates from January through November will be the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays at Bulldog Park and Recreation Building (Crown Point, IN)

Diane Stratton (V. Pres.) informed members that she will continue to send out meeting reminders, but replies and RSVP’s are not needed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) welcomed a former WOH member, Mike Ripley back to the club. Members present introduced themselves.

Tom Molnar discussed Fiverr as an affordable service to hire freelance graphic designers for book covers and illustrations. They can be contacted through Fiverr.com

Amy Brailey announced that author Maurice Broaddus will be speaking to her students. His books include Marvel’s Black Panther: Tales from Wakanda and New Tales of Stephen King’s: The Stand.

LITERARY NEWS:

Gail Galvan sent a reminder that her book Welcome Home Will Forever was released on December 10, 2025. She hopes to attend the next January meeting with books on hand for sale.

Trent Pendley has been invited to speak on Thurs. February 19, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Hawthorne Park Community Center, 500 Ackerman Drive, Porter, IN.

Chris Hasara introduced information on the NFSPS 2026 Annual Contest and Rules for the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc. Members and Non-members can submit original unpublished poem(s).

Cindy Horgash received a contract with Chicken Soup for the Soul for her short story, You Need One to Enter for their “Being Grandma” book set for release on March 10, 2026.

 READINGS:

JUDY NEUMAN read her poem “Here I Go Again!” about complaining all the time and trying to change her fussy ways.

AMY BRAILEY shared one of her stories to solve titled “Disappearances” about two kids who follow a lost girl after a string of disappearances.

“Medical Conundrums” is a humorous medical poem written and presented by BOB NEUMAN.

SHARON PALMERI read her fictional mystery “Sign of the Times,” where travel across time and space gives cause for a missed meet-up and lingering effects. 

SHIRLEY HINMAN shared her poem, “Myopia.” Usual thoughts were all about me, which is why she couldn’t see the forest for the trees.

TOM MOLNAR read the first chapter, A Maiden, a Prince and a Stable Boy from his novel “Mist on the Moon.” As Cara’s father planned her future, the princess dreamt of something more romantic.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read from Chapter Three of his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie.” The story, set on June 27, 2011, details the arrival of the real-life Andrew Morris, Jay Weinberg, and Jason Shields, joining the Franklin brothers on the Stardust Patio overlooking Lake Michigan for yoga exercises.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her fictional short story “The Richest Man.” The story tells of Stephen Heintzman, a pious man who had often tried, unsuccessfully, to convert his wealthy master, Adolf Dorth, to Christianity.

BERNADETTE FORTUNA shared her short story “The Medallion.” Carla Clayton finds a gold shell-like medallion while strolling on a beach in Alexandria, Egypt. The Legend is that the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, was wearing a similar one at the time of her death but lost for all time. Like all legends with treasure involved, it has been searched for time and again. Could this medallion be the one?

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter The Comfort of Christmas from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” Tim, as an adult, must continue to navigate medical challenges. He has several strategies to manage stress, but the comfort of Christmas is one of the best.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

    

November 13, 2025

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Katherine Flotz, Bernadette Fortuna, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Tom Molnar, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra

OLD BUSINESS:

Trent Pendley approved the posted minutes of the October 23^rd meeting, and seconded by Karen Lauper.

Amy Brailey (Pres.) commented on Katherine Flotz speaking engagement at the First Methodist Church in Valparaiso on November 9^th. Katherine had a wonderful turnout and sold approximately 37 books.

Diane Stratton (Vice Pres.) reminded members to RSVP with Sharon Palmeri if they are attending this year's Christmas Party at Teibel’s Restaurant on December 4^th.

NEW BUSINESS:

Katherine Flotz welcomed former WOH member, Tom Molnar back to the club.

LITERARY NEWS:

Amy Brailey announced that both of her books, “John Everett and the Hall of History” and “Behind the Veil,” will be released in December 2025.

READINGS:

SHIRLEY HINMAN shared two poems, “The Detour,” and “Transformation.” Both poems are responses to life’s sudden interruptions and the new, challenging directions our lives take.

DIANE STRATTON read her short piece titled “Little Things Mean a Lot” in reflection of how little acts of kindness add up and mean a lot in making the world a better place.

AL KOCH read “Heartfelt Christmas” from his Koch’s Choice article in The Write Stuff monthly newspaper. The article reminds readers that the best Christmas gift one can give comes from the heart.

The poem, “Lonely Suitors,” was read by BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI. It is a message of how special a solitary existence can be.

BEVERLY BIERH read the preface of her book “Happy Retirement Years!” about the inspiration from bible seniors.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continues to read chapter three from his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie” with the hero concluding his tour of Brighton House in the Indiana Dunes and looking for a consultant to advise where to donate Esther Levy’s Dizengoff necklace.

BOB NEUMAN read his article or diatribe, of sorts, titled “It Could Be!...It Could Be!...It Is!” about It being the blessing or bane of social media.

CINDY HORGASH read her short story based on October’s picture prompt titled “Afterglow” about a mysterious meet-up and near-death experience.

“Danny Be Good” is a true story as told to SHARON BUCKMAN by her daughter, who is a struggling single mom. The lesson is learning to help solve a problem rather than trying to judge it.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter Timmy & His Newborn Brother from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” Timmy’s family begins transitioning from Navy life to their hometown in the Midwest. Many decisions must be made, but mostly the best doctor for Timmy’s fragile medical issues.

JON TERPSTRA read the fourth chapter of his short story, “Ruby.” The narrator continues to visit Ruby at the local bar while she recalls memories of him and his father.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2025

 

October 22, 2025

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT: 

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Katherine Flotz, Bernadette Fortuna, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Sharon Palmeri, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra, and visiting students: Jonathan Moore, Kaeya Nelson, Raymond Russi, Isis Scales, Kaelyn Springer

<Photo Prompt

OLD BUSINESS:

Trent Pendley approved the posted minutes for the October 9^th meeting and seconded by Bernadette Fortuna.

Amy Brailey reminded members that they will need to RSVP with Sharon Palmeri if they are attending this year's Christmas Party at Teibel’s Restaurant on December 4^th.

NEW BUSINESS:

Diane Stratton received a message from Mark Edward Wilows that he will be featured in the local Panorama magazine.

LITERARY NEWS:

Trent Pendley said his upcoming speaking engagement will be advertised on Mark Edward Wilows’ radio program.

Katherine Flotz shared a flyer with members about an upcoming speaking engagement about her book, “A Pebble in My Shoe,” on November 9^th at 2:00 pm at the First Methodist Church in Valparaiso, IN.

READINGS:

CHRIS HASARA shared his poem, “Ghosts in the Graveyard,” about remembrances of childhood games inspired by our picture prompt of a haunting graveyard. He also read a second poem titled “To Do List,” about the mounting cost to repair a torn flag.

“All Souls’ Day Haunting,” read by BERNADETTE FORTUNA, is her short story about a paranormal sister and brother team who are asked to investigate activities happening at a church in Chicago. The sixty-fifth anniversary of the All Souls’ Day haunting in 1960 is coming up on November 2^nd. Parishioners are fearing a repeat of the event.

KAELYN SPRINGER read her inspiring poem, “My Roots,” about the internal and external scars of a tumultuous life, only to find the little girl within, the spirit that survives.

SHIRLEY HINMAN shared her non-fiction-based story, “A Depressing Halloween,” inspired by the graveyard photo prompt. During a romantic stroll in the Redwood National State Park on October 30, 1977, Shirley fell and suffered many injuries and a long recovery.

JON TERPSTRA read the third chapter of his story, “Ruby.” The narrator visits with Ruby while tending the bar, discussing a well-known factory owner, Cyrus Patton, and how he became a bitter recluse after his wife’s death.

AMY BRAILEY read her short story inspired by the photo prompt titled “Saint or Sinner.” A girl relives a childhood trip to a place that previously scared her.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read her fictional story about a mother and daughter stranded on a deserted road based on the writing/picture prompt. No title given.

ISIS SCALES shared her story “Til Death Do Us Part,” about a man who married her daughter off to Alexander Crane so their family name would earn them a higher social status.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter Timmy Gets a Sibling from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” After Timmy had been center stage for the past two years, she wondered about his thoughts when meeting his new baby brother. With Timmy’s cognitive abilities delayed and limited communication, his opinions would be concealed forever.

“Through the Seasons” is a poem written by KAEYA NELSON about the different bonds between friends and her journey to finding real friends.

BEVERLY BIERH read the tenth chapter Finding Her Voice of her book “From Happy Retirement Years.” This final chapter explores the life of Anna and how she broke from her quiet ways to find her voice to praise God.

“Letter to My Past Self” is a short story written by RAYMOND RUSSI about his 6th-grade life. He is also working and writing about other grades. 

TRENT D. PENDLEY continues the last reading of chapter three from his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie” set in June 2011. The protagonist continues to pull jewels from his mother’s handbags while his brother calculates the total value. Then Nathan shows his guest the flight path they will take to the Middle East to deposit a Russian lavaliere in the collections of the Museum of the Diaspora in Tel Aviv.

JONATHAN MOORE read his short story “The Costume” based on the writing/picture prompt. It tells of a 15-year-old Alex who visits the grave of his dead mother when he is suddenly shocked by his zombie-looking little sister biting him. Is it a Halloween prank or not?

The meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

October 09, 2025

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Bernadette Fortuna, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra

OLD BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) urged members to read the last meeting’s notes before arriving so they can be approved or amended at the next scheduled meeting. She also showed the voluntary Halloween photo prompt for members who are interested in writing a story about it for the next meeting. See prompt below minutes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Dir.) asked members about their preferences for this year's Christmas party. Members approved date of Thurs., December 4^th, including Teibels Restaurant location.

ADDENDUM TO MINUTES: The Christmas Dinner will be held on Thursday, December 4^th, at Teibel’s Restaurant—arrival time at 6:00 pm with dinner served at 6:30 pm.

LITERARY NEWS:

None

READINGS:

JUDY NEUMAN Read two of her poems. “A Thief in Our House” is about a kitchen mystery and the discovery that she is the cabinet pirate. She also read an inspirational personal testimony of what Jesus means to her, titled “The Touch of Jesus.”

TRENT D. PENDLEY continues his reading of chapter three from his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie.” Brad Franklin returns to the study carrying a box that contains one of their late mother’s cherished handbags. Inside the bag, the brothers find a silk cache filled with forgotten jewels. Brad is greatly annoyed that these jewels weren’t secreted in their mother's coffin, as were the majority of her baubles.

AL KOCH read his piece titled “Innocence’s Last Call—A Remembrance.” Parenting is a lifelong occupation requiring wisdom, understanding, forgiveness, and acceptance of life’s beginnings and goodbyes.

“The Circle Opens” is the first chapter of CHRIS HASARA’S novel, “ACT TWO.” His main character, Stanley Fisher, is an old man who is called to reprise a role as a chosen warrior for another world.

JON TERPSTRA read the second chapter of his story, “Ruby.” The narrator visits with Ruby while tending the bar, discussing a well-known factory owner, Cyrus Patton, and his hush-hush marriage to Lily.

BOB NEUMAN read his non-fiction article about his most unique birthday gift, titled “Birthday Lottery Fever!”

SHIRLEY E. HINMAN read her poem, “Flying Monkeys,” about demons trying to get to her, but God showed vengeance on them. She read a second poem, “Visits,” about her love of visiting with her grandma, and to continue the legacy to pass on to her own grandchildren

SHARON PALMERI read the chapter, “1999-2000: Sometimes a Break Comes When You Don’t Expect It, or Want It,” from her memoir. This chapter recounts the continuation of her teaching computer and writing classes in Munster and Merrillville. She also details a Book Sellers Convention in Chicago she attended, where authors gave away their new book releases and celebrities autographed their books.  Of course, she took advantage of the opportunity to add to her book collection. The year ended with her suffering from a debilitating injury from a fall and a lengthy recovery.  

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

                                                          Halloween Photo Prompt:

September 23, 2025

The meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Bernadette Fortuna, Gail Galvan (and friend), Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Cindy Horgash, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, and 4 students from Amy’s class.

OLD BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:
Diane Stratton welcomed Bernadette Fortuna back to WOH. She also introduced and thanked our guest speaker, Mark Edward Wilows, for attending this evening.

LITERARY NEWS:

None

READINGS:
In place of tonight’s meeting, guest speaker Mark Edward Wilows shared his versatile roles in the entertainment field. He shared stories of his best-known roles in “Days of Our Lives” and McDonald's commercials. Mark has had a lifelong career in media writing and journalism. He covered various aspects of media, from newspapers to radio and television. He also emphasized the importance of networking in pursuing a writing career.

 
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

September 9, 2025

 

WRITE ON, HOOSIERS!

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Chris Hasara, Cindy Horgash, Lisa Keene, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra

OLD BUSINESS:

Reminder that Mark Edward Wilows will be speaking at our next meeting on September 23, 2025.

Beverly Stanislawski suggested we have refreshments at the next meeting. Cindy Horgash and Judy Neuman volunteered to bring snacks.

NEW BUSINESS:

Sharon Palmeri checked in on a few of our former members, Sharon Dorelli and Bernadette Fortuna, who have retired, and is hopeful that they will now have more time to write and return to WOH.

Al Koch informed the club that the new History Museum in Whiting, IN will hold its official opening on September 13^th from 10 am-4 pm.

LITERARY NEWS:

Katherine Flotz has been invited to Beverly’s church, First United Methodist in Valparaiso, on November 9^th to speak about her book, “A Pebble in My Shoe.”

Amy Brailey took her students to the Knox Beyond the Book Authors Fair to meet with 40 authors, receive giveaways, and learn about podcasting.

Lisa Keene has submitted a proposal to present her book, “Yerd,” at the Journalism Education/National Scholastic Press Association Convention.

READINGS:

SHARON PALMERI read the chapter, “1998-99: John, Gateway Computers, and the Pusher,” from her memoir. This chapter recounts her husband becoming bored after retirement, taking on a job selling computers, and his experience and altercation with a very pushy salesman.

AL KOCH read his newspaper article, “Summers of a Lifetime,” celebrating the seasons of the calendar and the seasons within our hearts and minds. So many moments, so many memories. Savor the moments, treasure the memories.

CHRIS HASARA read his Wild Card Award-winning poem, “Grains of Sand,” about life passing.

BOB NEUMAN read his inspirational-humorous article, “Misteaks and Corections,” about mistakes and corrections.

JON TERPSTRA read the first chapter of his story, “Ruby.” The narrator is tending bar, and his friend, Jeff, has stopped in to see him, recalling the details of their initial conversation.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her poem of memories of a “Lonely House.” She also read her poem, “Ballerina” about the beauty of Degas' Ballerina.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continued the reading from Chapter 3 of his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie,” the sequel to his “Toys in the Closet.” This chapter takes place on June 11, 2011, and the protagonist is reciting a dream he had when visiting his house in the Indiana Dunes on December 25, 1997.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter, “Freedom at Last: It’s Permanent” from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” This chapter summarizes Timmy’s homecoming after 21 months of hospitalization and his 2^nd birthday celebration. Timmy’s diet is a challenge of trial and error with many digestive issues.   

BEVERLY BIEHR read “Simeon, Finishing Life Well”, Chapter 9,  from her book “Happy Retirement Years: Inspiration from Bible Seniors.” Simeon is remembered 2000 years from when Luke wrote about him and recognized his qualities of being righteous and devout.

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from her book “Yerd: A Yearbook Nerd’s Epic Quest for Spiritual and Grammatical Enlightenment.” After an evening of drinking and making bad choices, the main character kisses Luke Harrington. Yes, THE Luke Harrington!

The meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

Aug. 26, 2025 Minutes

 

Write on, Hoosiers! 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Sharon Buckman, Amy Brailey, Chris Hasara, Lisa Keene, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra, Ursula Saqui

 

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: 6:10 p.m.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Diane Stratton discussed having writer, TV actor, and radio host Mark Edward Wilows speak about screenwriting to our group. She mentioned possibly in September, and then said she would propose some dates and see what works best for his schedule. 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

We had a potential new member, Dr. Ursula Saqui, share that she has experience in academic and business writing, but she started creative writing murder mysteries five years ago. We went around the room and introduced ourselves. Diane advised that dues are $25/year, and we meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6 p.m. In October we will return to the 2nd and 4th Thursdays. 

 

LITERARY NEWS:

Amy invited the rest of the writers to join her as she planned to take her students to the Knox Library Author Fest on Sept. 6.

 

Jon let everyone know that non-members could submit poems in up to six categories to the Poetry Society of Indiana for $5. The deadline for that contest was Aug. 27, but there are more upcoming.

 

READINGS:

 

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter, Second Visit Home from her book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” This is a continuing summary of the joy and challenges Jimmy’s second visit home brought after 20 months in Yale University Hospital, and the measles outbreak that required the hospital to discharge him to his parents’ care with no return date. At only seven pounds, Timmy is finally reunited with his mom and dad in a happy homecoming.

 

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her fictional short story, “Lessons Learned from the Giant Pearl Search,” about Bella’s interactions with Papá Ortega as she searched for a giant pearl named La Seňora and learned that giving back is the best part of getting.

 

CHRIS HASARA played the guitar to his original song about driving a bus.

 

AMY BRAILEY read the prologue and part of Chapter 1 of her book, “Destiny: Unknown.” Armon has an encounter with bullies and tries to defend himself.

 

SHARON BUCKMAN read “A Special Life” recounting the challenges and triumphs of a “life well spent” by her friend Beverly who is a wonderful person who devoted her existence to raising seven children with her husband Jim. She now helps with her grandchildren.

 

SHARON PALMERI read, “No Guarantee” which is a medical story based on a real-life incident Sharon experienced while working in obstetrics.

 

TRENT D. PENDLEY read an excerpt from Chapter 5 of his novel, “Lewry Lurie,” his sequel to “Toys in the Closet.” Lewry Lurie is a week-long adventure in the Indiana Dunes Country with excursions to Indianapolis and Lafayette and back to Chicago where the story originated in the John Hancock building. This read notes meeting some community elders in Valparaiso for lunch with connections to Broadway musical productions, Roy Halston the fashion industry icon from Evansville as well as the manufacturing of the first golden arch sign for McDonalds. This read takes place on June 29, 2011.

 

JON TERPSTRA discussed his historical piece based on a fictional town called Riverton that is based on Ottowa and LaSalle, IL.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted:

LISA KEENE