HOT STUFF AT THE AUGUST MEETING!
The August meeting was the deadline for the Poetry Contest. It was also the first meeting after the decision to switch from Wednesdays to Tuesdays. President Shay Gable provided a writing exercise that proved to be a rousing success: everyone started with "the most boring sentence you can think of", and then created an opening paragraph based on it. There were a lot of exciting and unexpected results. Rounding things up was the "Five Minutes of Fame" featuring member Mary Dixon, who presented a very short story she had written based on historical events.

NOTICE: Our meetings have switched to the SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH. We will still meet at Barnes & Noble at 6:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER MEETING extra: Marianna Mudd, manager for Barnes & Noble, informed us that they will have a touring author in-house that evening. Check out the store website for details, in case you would like to remain and listen in.

MEMBERS-ONLY CONTESTS:
"BEST FIRST PARAGRAPH" Contest:
Deadline for this contest is the September meeting! This is the very first paragraph in a short story or novel -- that all-important passage that peaks reader interest enough to propel them into the rest of your work. Remember that "hook" we are always talking about? Well, this is it! Tweak and fine-tune that paragraph until it sizzles! You may submit up to two (2) entries. Entry format is standard: 8-1/2" x 11" white, unlined paper; DS; Times New Roman or Courier, 12 pt.; 1" margins all sides. For this contest only, you may also submit via email. Please add the entry as an attachment in Rich Text Format (.rtf) only. The title of the entry, plus your contact info should be in the body of the email. The attachment should have only your paragraph and its title. Please put "MWG PARAGRAPH CONTEST" in the Subject Line and email entries to: Terry Mominee -- sewbabysew@wowway.com, for forwarding to the contest committee.

"BEST SHORT STORY WITH A HOLIDAY THEME" Contest:
This will be the final contest of 2010, and is due at the November meeting so that the awards can be given at the December meeting. The story should embrace one of the following holidays as its theme: Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Word Count: 1,000 or less. All standard formatting as for the other contests. Entries for this contest should be hand-delivered at the meetings, or mailed to the MWG -- no emailed entries, please.
NOTE: Entries may be mailed to: MWG, P O Box 8182, Evansville IN 47716.

"MWG: MAKING WRITERS GREAT! CONFERENCE"
Our first writers conference will soon have its own online presence. The list of presenters includes university professors from Butler, DePauw, Murray State, and the University of Evansville. Writers Digest's own Jane Friedman has graciously agreed to be our Friday evening Keynote Speaker as well as a presenter. The editor of the Evansville Courier and Press, Mizell Stewart III, will be the speaker for the Saturday Luncheon, followed by poetry readings from the Poet Laureate of Indiana, Norbert Krapf. Efforts are underway to secure several industry professionals for one-on-one opportunities.
The Conference date and venue are Friday, Sept. 30th and Saturday, Oct. 1st of 2011, at the Evansville Marriott Hotel on U.S. 41 North. This will be a major informational event for writers in the Tri-State area. Check back monthly for more information as it becomes available. You won't want to miss out on this exceptional opportunity to broaden your knowledge base and network with fellow writers and industry professionals.

SIDE BAR: Are you interested in starting or joining a small group for critiques, skill-building, or just getting together for a cup of coffee between the regular meetings? If so, let us know and we'll help you get connected!