Submitted by: Jessica Trippe
Photos by: Cleveland Brown

Sea monkeys, yurts, and beauticians were just a few of the words that stand out from Saturday’s meeting. The day began with refreshments provided by members from Spanish Fort and Daphne. President Mavis Jarrell welcomed members and introduced visitors. Business was concluded quickly, ending with a brief unveiling of the much anticipated new website.

Sea Monkeys and Yurts

Last month’s writing contest, “I Wish I Had Read the Directions”, brought in some great entries. First and second place winners in both categories were invited to read their work. Topics were diverse, but they all did a great job incorporating the prompt. (Monthly contest are open to all current members in good standing. To view upcoming prompts and guidelines click here.)

Don’t Forget the Beautician

During her program “You Can if You Think You Can”, guest speaker Mary S. Palmer encouraged attendees to keep writing and not to take no for an answer. Though she has published ten books in various genres, Mary acknowledges it wasn’t always smooth sailing. “You have to have thick skin to be a writer,” she said.

She then suggested writers should have many beta readers from all walks of life. “One of my readers was my beautician,” she stated. Critique groups are great assets, but it is a good idea to include people who read for entertainment as well.

During her discussion on the importance of entering contests, Mary mentioned the Southeastern Literary Tourism Initiative. In 2014 she won first place for her short story “Raisin’ Cane”, which is set in Mobile during Mardi Gras.  According to their website, “part of SELTI’s mission is challenging writers to use real tourism attractions as settings in their fictional short stories and novels.”

The presentation concluded with an informative question and answer segment. President Jarrell took the floor with a few closing remarks. After the last minute announcements, the meeting was officially adjourned. Until next time, Pensters!