GSU Writers Ink
The GSU Writers Ink group is on hiatus recharging their creative energies. A notice will be placed on this site when they start up again.
For information regarding this group, please contact Lydia Morrow Ruetten at lruetten@govst.edu or 708.534.4110.
GSU Writers Ink Bibliography 02/01/12
Previous Meetings
December 8, 2011
Cancelled
November 10, 2011
It was suggested that we might put some items on display in the Friends display case in the library, maybe short stories with props (think about it). Tellebration, the story telling event is accepting donations for the producers’ charity. The event is at 7 p.m. next Saturday in the E-Lounge. Lynne read, “I called Lilly” a story written for Tellebration. Eric is thinking about Facebook or Wiki, or Google Plus for our group for sharing ideas. Eric will set this up and we will try it in January. Susan is working on a romantic novel idea. We discussed an open mic even for February 9th with a Valentines themed love stories. It was decided to cancel the December 8th meeting, and continue to meet on the second Thursday through 2012. Next time we will discuss Intellectual Life Grant opportunities and the Journal of Ordinary Thought.
October 13, 2011
The group had to postpone the “open mic” event scheduled for November 10th because of the E-F wing construction. Everyone has been too busy to write. Lynne & Deirdre are planning to go to the “Speak for yourself meeting” on Saturday.
September 8, 2011
Lynn announced she will be participating in the “The Artist’s Way” class being offered at the Union Street Gallery in Chicago Heights. Lydia reported having a paper accepted. Dee is preparing for the play she is in on September 24th -- “Hot Flashes!” at Prairie State College. She was also inspired by last months’ writing assignment. Susan is working on her genealogy, and Eric is writing a song for the Karaoke Idol contest at the GSU Summer picnic. We talked about GSU participating in the “Three Words” program that is being discussed on Good Morning America. The group decided to once again have an “open mic” event for our November 10th meeting.
August 11, 2011
Lynn brought to our attention “The Artist’s Way” class being offered at the Union Street Gallery in Chicago Heights (http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/TheArtistsWay2011.htm). She stated that it is a program to foster creativity (the GSU library owns “The Artist’s Way: a Spiritual path to higher creativity” call number: BF408.C175 1992). We participated in a writing exercise Lynn brought where we chose a photo for the cover of our novel and gave it a title and wrote the first sentence (or maybe a couple more). Eric read his short story, “My summer vacancy.” Lynne also shared her summer vacation story with us. There is a new online magazine looking for submissions, www.inthesnake.com. We talked about liars contests in storytelling where you not concentrate on the facts. Deidre also mentioned the children’s story-telling television program, http://greenscreenadventures.tv.
July 14, 2011
Lydia talked about being contacted by ThisWeek@GSU to be promoted on a future broadcast. We discussed our mission and purpose. We decided to schedule another “open mic” event for this fall, possibly in October. Lynne filled us in on her story telling for the Chicago Public Library. Dee discussed working on one of her fairy tales, which she entitled as “The Ordinary King series.” We had several ideas for a writing assignment. For August, try to write a fictional version of “What I did (or would do) on my summer vacation.” For September, Start your next sentence with the last few words from the previous sentences (i.e., I went to the store. The store was …)
June 9, 2011
This was our “open mic” event that we opened up to the entire campus community. Ten individuals joined us in the Cafeteria Annex to read or just listen. We even had a story with a sing-a-long! We look forward to hosting another community event this fall.
May 12, 2011
Dianne read two of her stories, “Fall colors” and “The ride.” Andrea also read one of her stories, “Allison & Karen” and one of her poems, “Dash dash.” Dee is still working on her screenplay and Lydia is working on an update of the “Employee Free Choice Act.” Andrea brought issues of “The Journal of Original Thought” for us to look at. We will be discussing pursuing the idea of a theme based publication at the July meeting. It was suggested we consider writing a grant to cover the costs of a publication. We also talked about the “Open Mic” event scheduled for June 9th in the GSU Cafeteria Annex from noon to 1 p.m. Lydia will work on publicizing the event. Lynne is working with the cafeteria for specials for the event, reserving the cafeteria annex, and having a podium, microphone, & stool set up. Everyone will be invited to bring something to read or perform, and enjoy their lunch with us.
April 14, 2011
Susan read a story and one of Lydia’s. It was decided that 4 people would perform for the open mic even on June 9th. Lynne will play her guitar.
March 10, 2011
We had a new member of the community join us; welcome Andrea. Andrea told us about The Journal of Ordinary Thought where a topic is selected and individuals submit articles and poetry about the specific topic. She will bring a copy for us to look at next time. Also, “Google” the journal, you’ll find some interesting things. We talked about putting together an anthology of works; give it some thought, we’ll talk more about it next time. Lynn is going to take the Progressive Story and rewrite it. To encourage our creativity, for next time it was suggested we: 1. Write a haiku (Remember: The most common form for Haiku is three short lines. The first line usually contains five (5) syllables, the second line seven (7) syllables, and the third line contains five (5) syllables. Haiku doesn't rhyme. A Haiku must "paint" a mental image in the reader's mind. This is the challenge of Haiku - to put the poem's meaning and imagery in the reader's mind in ONLY 17 syllables over just three (3) lines of poetry!) and/or 2. Write a short story, no longer than 900 words, with the Theme of Spring (and whatever that means to you, or where it takes you). We are planning an “open mic” event for June 9th. Lynn is checking to see if the cafeteria annex is available. We would encourage folks (not just ourselves, we will open it to the GSU Community) to bring stories, excerpts, and songs to share with everyone. It was thought we should get a commitment from at least 4 people up front to participate. We will market and promote the event ahead of time in the GSUview and wherever else appropriate. See you on Thursday, April 14th.
February 17, 2011
We found out today that we are booked the same day as the Mystery Readers, so we will change our meeting dates beginning next month to the 2nd Thursday of the month; same time, same place. Dee reported tabling her mystery while working on assignments for a screenwriting class. Tariek is working on poetry. We briefly discussed the coffee house idea and tabled it until our March meeting. Lynne was absent but sent word suggesting reserving the Cafeteria Annex for the event. We can prop open the doors and encourage people to come in and listen or even participate. Bill, in the cafeteria is very accommodating, we might be able to enlist his support for our “Coffee House” idea by bringing in typical coffee house fare or deals on coffee and sundry for the event. We will need time to market and solicit participation.
January 20, 2011
We were very pleased to have a new person join us, a community member from the area who has published and was looking to stay motivated in his writing. We also celebrated Val, whose book was published last week, “Dyviniti Memoirs.” Val talked about her experiences with the self-publisher, her inspiration, and read an excerpt of the book for us. Dianne is firming up her illustrations on her children’s book and working on a historical novel. Susan is working on turning a short story into a book. Tariek has written a few spiritual works, but would like to write novels, maybe a pseudo-biographical work. Since Tariek has published, he cautions everyone looking for a publisher to thoroughly check out their background before signing anything. Dee is working on a screen play for Easter and continuing her murder mystery. Lydia will be working on a piece for a vintage minibike club magazine. Eric is still thinking about his short stories, and considering publishing the songs he has written. We discussed the possibility of hosting a coffee house venue where we read our writings. Lynn and Lydia will work together to pick a date (in March); we will discuss more next month. We also raised the possibility of self-publishing a collection of our works. Our meetings will be held on the third Thursday of month for 2011; all are welcome.
November 15, 2010
We talked about the meeting schedule for 2011, Lydia will send out a survey. Since everyone is anticipated to be very busy next month, the December 13th meeting will be cancelled. Lynne recapped her "Legend of the Headless Horseman" event. We discussed the possibility of hosting a coffee house venue where we read our writings at least once a semester.
October 11, 2010
Lynn talked about her upcoming story telling event, "Legend of the Headless Horseman." Lydia reported that she is no longer working on the project she was researching for in August. Eric talked about his winter-land story that he has been working on for about a year now. We talked about reviving the progressive story, maybe someone even claiming it to rework and rewrite it (giving credit to the original authors). We discussed the possibility of producing a book for self-publication. Perhaps we could include short stories, poetry, photographs, and sketches. Think about this idea before our next meeting. If you know of a self-publisher and wish to research it before the next meeting, bring the information with you (Lynn is bringing details on Lulu.com, and Lydia on CafePress.com). We will also need to investigate copyright issues.
September 13, 2010
Lynn read her rendition of "Legend of the Headless Horseman.
August 9, 2010
Dianne is busy reading, Lydia is doing research, and Eric is transcribing field notes for the federal land survey for Monee Township. Lynne wrote a short story which she believes will blossom into something larger incorporating the statement, “As I watched the fireworks, my thoughts went to another time”. Everyone is encouraged to write a short story, poem, narrative, or paragraph for the next meeting incorporating the following statement, “As I watched the fireworks, my thoughts went to another time” or to write about something that draws you (e.g., a piece of artwork, something on campus, an encounter that you witnessed, or an incident that you can’t get out of your mind. Lydia was asked to send out reminders of the meetings. The next meeting is September 13th.
June 14, 2010
We all mentioned how we missed the progressive story and hope that it can continue. Lynn has rewrote a mermaid story. Eric has been focusing his writings on a Freud book from a book discussion group at his alma mater. Dee and Eric talked about the story ideas they are currently working on. Everyone is encouraged to write a short story, poem, narrative, or paragraph for the next meeting incorporating the following statement, “As I watched the fireworks, my thoughts went to another time”. The next meeting is July 12th.
May 10, 2010
Eric read his unfinished spring story to us about his Alma Mater. Lynn shared her idea for her spring story which was an incident that occurred after a spring storm which toppled a tree with a squirrel nest in it, and the mother squirrels activities to move her babies. Dee began a Mother’s Day story, “Momma’s coming home” but stopped writing because it was so sad. She is beginning to write a story about an old mare that wants the pot holes fixed. Everyone is encouraged to write a short story for the next meeting focusing on any of the following: spring, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, commencement, vacation, Easter, Passover, spring break. The next meeting is June 14th.
April 12, 2010
Lydia shared a note from Laurel and made sure everyone saw the Phoenix article. Lynn read her latest article about a dog rescue. Dee will be working on a Hannakah story over the summer. We talked about seasonal/holiday writing exercises. Everyone is encouraged to write a short story for next meeting focusing on any of the following: spring, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, commencement, vacation, Easter, Passover, spring break. Dianne will follow up on the Progressive story.
March 8, 2010
We were pleased to have Stephen with us from the Phoenix; he is writing an article about the group. Everyone congratulated Archie; he has received edits from his editor on his book, “Morning Star.” When he completes the changes, his book will be going to press. He shared the first and second chapters with us. Colleen is currently working on poetry, Dee is rewriting the Easter play for church, Eric is in the thinking stage, and Lydia read a couple paragraphs from a recently published article. Folks were encouraged to write limericks for submission to the Civil Service Senate. We mentioned the need to reestablish our accountability partners to keep motivated. Our meeting has been changed to the second Monday of the month, still at noon in the Library Administrative Conference room.
August 6, 2009
The group members looked at a book written by David J. Lythberg; we will invite him to our group to discuss the processes he went through to get published. Val, Lynne, and Dee read for us. Lydia “dibbed” Grace’s story, and we briefly discussed an online journal. Our next meeting is scheduled for September 3rd. You’re encouraged to write/bring a one-page short story. Kathy will read for us next time.
July 2, 2009
The group members talked about the items they’re working on. We spent some time discussing the progressive story. It was decided to let everyone have input into the story for a second time, then the group would revisit as a whole. The first 2 sections will be set aside for now and the adoption details will be revised. Members were encouraged to join the LinkedIn Group called: Authors, Writers, Publishers, Editors, & other Professionals. To view the Martha’s Vineyard stories that Lynn mentioned, visit: http://www.brigish.com/newsletter.cfm?cntid=7. Our next meeting is scheduled for August 6th. You’re encouraged to write/bring a one-page short story.
June 4, 2009
The group did not meet today due to the preparations for graduation and other obligations of group members. Our next meeting is scheduled for July 2nd.
May 7, 2009
Kathy read a poem and an article to the group that she had written. Dianne told us about LinkedIn, a networking site and shared copies of “How would you define a good writer/author?” Val and Susan both read what she had written as an addition to the progressive story we’ve all been working on. We had a short discussion on where the story is and where it is going. Val is going to work her piece into the existing piece and share it with the group. When she has updated the story she will send it around. Please call “dibbs” and take another turn. We will discuss the story further at our next meeting on June 4th.
April 2, 2009
The group discussed the progressive story we’ve been working on. We will all take one more turn before discussing the direction the story will take at our next meeting. We began discussing whether this will be a short story, a short story in a book of stories, or a novel. Lynne called “dibbs” and will refine the story. We will all continue to work on it as a Word 2003 document. Group members were encouraged to write articles for the GSU 40th anniversary writing competition; which are due on April 30th. Group members are encouraged to run their entries by this group before submission. Our next meeting is May 7th; Kathy will be reading for us.
March 5, 2009
Colleen is investigating women’s poetry journals for a place to submit her latest works. All present had written a “memory” to share today. Lynne pointed out that a group of memories make a nice quilt. The group members present decided to write a progressive story; Lynne will begin. The guidelines set forth include writing 2-5 paragraphs, and having a 3-4 day turn around. When Lynne is done, she will send what she has written to the group and someone else will let everyone know they’re taking the story from there. And, the process will continue.
February 5, 2009
Colleen found a website: www.Poetry.com that folks should check out. The suggestion to write a Haiku for today’s meeting was very popular; Dee, Colleen, and Lydia read some of there’s for the group. Dianne is doing research on a young woman in the early 20th century going into the depression or WWII. She is working on a book loosely based on her mom. She mentioned how “Google earth” let her look at what she believes to be a farm her mother grew up on. We also talked about “My memory” books. If anyone is interested, write a short story for next time on one of your memories. Dee still has her character “in the kitchen.” She is also beginning to draft a Christian romance. Dianne is reading a book by Jean Ray Laury entitled, “Creative Woman’s Getting-it-all-together-at-home” which talks about other artists getting together to help with your own process (what we’re doing at lunch once a month). We tossed out the idea of a “progressive story” for March. Lydia is putting together the Friends portion of the Information Please (library newsletter) and anyone that would like to submit a poem, or excerpt for the GSU Writers Ink portion, please send it to her by February 20th.
January 8, 2009
Janet talked about the items she has written. Colleen read her latest works, a poem and several Haiku. Janet will read next time. It was suggested we look into submitting maybe an item a month (whole or excerpt) to GSUView. All are encouraged to try their skills at writing a Haiku (it’s three lines written one right after another, with 17 syllables -- the first line contains five syllables, the second has seven, and the last has five) for next time. Meetings for the year will be the first Thursday at noon. Also check out the bibliography at: http://www.govst.edu/library/t_gsu_library.aspx?id=11564 and see if you have anything to add.
December 4, 2008
Archie reported that he is finished with all but one chapter of the first draft. Archie offered to send us a website he found that, while it is about self-publishing, apparently has a lot of worthwhile information. We talked about the possibility of a 5th Annual Emerging Writer’s Competition – something to look forward to in February. Dianne mentioned the primary sources available on the Library of Congress site from the Great Depression.
November 6, 2008
Lynn read to us. John and Lydia reported on submitting an Intellectual Life Grant with the 3 programs suggested at last months’ meeting. Archie reported that a publisher looks for between 80,000 and 120,000 words for a first time writer. John talked about the Nuts and Bolts of Writing blog from his Lansing group. The next meeting will be on December 4th, Dee and Archie will read for us. We will also discuss our schedule for next year.
October 21, 2008
Lynn talked about Lulu.com and her experience with developing a dog rescue calendar as a fundraiser. Someone suggested that we start a literary magazine and we solicit artwork, photography, and writings from students. Sheree talked about planning programs for 2009 for GSU’s 40th anniversary. She talked about a contest for all to submit a 750 word document on “what GSU means to you.” Perhaps the top 40 would be published in a magazine (online or CD or hardcopy). Programs were suggested for 2009 such as self publishing, agent/publisher, and an illustrator. We decided that we will meet on the first Thursday of the month at noon in the Library Administrative Conference room (if it is available). It was decided that the name of the group will be GSU Writers Ink. We will revisit a new group leader in the future. Sheree said she would read for us next time. John reported that the shopper he has been writing for has expanded from just Thornton. Next time, we will investigate whether we want to do writing assignments. Rashidah is doing a writing workshop at Artsfest on November 6th and others are encouraged to attend. Dianne will go a GSUview article about our group. Some of the group picked accountability partners.
May 20, 2008
The members of the group present today decided to reconvene in the fall with a combined group made up of the Children’s Authors Wannabes and the Novel Writer’s Knock-outs. The new name of the group that is on the table is GSU Writers Ink. The hiatus will give individuals several months to work on their writing activities. At the meeting on September 16th (at noon on the balcony) a regular meeting schedule will be set up, the name of the group will be determined, and a new chair of the group will be decided (must be a member of the Friends of the GSU Library). If you would like to read any of your materials to the group for feedback, please bring this with you.
April 29, 2008
Those present did want to merge the Novel Writer Knockouts and the Chidlren’s Authors Wannabe’s; bring your suggestion for a new name to our next meeting. We discussed the possibility of an online journal, and the constraints of a print subscription. Val shared one of her works with us. John is not working on anything right now but is reviewing On Demand movies for the South Holland/Thornton Shopper. Colleen is assisting Cyrus with his works. Lydia has not progressed any further with her works. Lynne talked about her 3 day creative writing course and read one of her works to us. Sheryl talked about her editorial commentaries. We also talked about the self publisher, www.lulu.com.
March 26, 2008
Dee discussed her mystery screen play and read her children’s story to us. Jeff is still plugging away at picking a publisher, and Diane is thinking about her next story. There was a short discussion on copyright. We are changing the date of the meeting for next month in hopes the Novel Writers will join us and talk about a possible merger. This group is excited about their idea of an online journal and interaction with more people. We will also further discuss a name change to the group.
February 20, 2008
Jeff shared his sample library illustrations and storyboard, Diane is working with her illustrators, and Dee and Peter are working on plays. Lydia read to the group and accepted their feedback. Dee will read for us at the next meeting. We will also discuss the possibility of merging the two writing groups.
January 15, 2008
Collette announced that she has a contract for her book, “Kyle and pennies from heaven” and an agent. Diane read her story to us. Our next meeting will be a joint meeting of the Children Author Wannabe’s and also the Novel Writer Knock-Outs.
November 27, 2007
Jeff read his story to us today and accepted feedback from the group.
October 23, 2007
Marilyn Foster and Tiffany joined us from Lumen-US Publications (Park Forest). They discussed how a manuscript gets accepted and what the anticipated costs of publishing a book through them. One of our group submitted his publication that day, good luck Cyrus!
September 11, 2007
We discussed our individual stages of where each of us are in our progress. We also discussed what we know about the publishing industry. We also discussed self-publishing.
August 14, 2007
Robbie O’Shea brought Matt Ambre to our meeting. Matt illustrated Robbie’s book, “I’m brown and my sister isn’t.” Matt and Robbie shared their experiences with us and Matt shared brought some of his artwork to show us.
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updated 2/8/13.
