Friday, November 20, 2020

Meeting Minutes November 19, 2020

6 members met over zoom from 6-7:40

Our discussion was dominated by upcoming local events.

Swanton Arts Council (SAC) is going ahead with plans for the second "Emotion Speaks" arts display. The hope is to have an in person reception to launch the display. The cost to enter is $10. Partipants will receive an 8x8 canvas. Their display, writing, art, etc must fit on this canvas. The new director of the project is Hilarie Santiago. Direct question to her at swantonartscouncil@gmail.com .

Future theme for "Emotion Speaks" might be Solitude.

Proposal for our group. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas is a topical novel focused on systemic racism in the US. Would members be interested in writing a response to this novel? Possible prompt might be a quote from the book. Our responses might tie in with the Swanton Book group or possibly a community event in the future. The book and movie are available on Amazon/Prime Video. You can also borrow a copy through the Swanton library. Paramters for this project will be discussed at future SWG meetings. Tentative deadline for a response would be April or early May 2021. Please visit the Swanton Public Library website HERE for help gettting a copy of the book or accessing the Green Mountain Consortium for a copy. The members who met this evening seemed interested in the project but we really need wider support for this important conversation.

2021 Edwin M. Church Award. Entries must contain a train element. The expected length is 1,500-3,000 words. Proposed deadline is August 1, 2021. The winner will be announced at the Swanton Arts Spectacular, which is traditionally the second Saturday in September.

We discussed the idea of an annual membership fee to the Swanton Writer's Group. $10-$20. Proposed benefits of membersship: early access to writing events/workshops, subscription to the email list, entrance to an annual writing contest sponsored by the group. Possible long term goal of a contest would be an anthology. It was agreed that further discussion should be undertaken when more members can attend, hopefully in person. Please keep the idea in mind and direct comments to Becky or Michelle.

Three members read their work: Ev, Judy and George (new member who enjoys writng poetry)

The next meeting via zoom will be Thursday December 17, 2020 from 6-7:30. Becky will send a link to all members.

Newsletter for January 2024

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