P. O. Box 5039
Hilton Head Island, SC  29938
E-Mail:  admin@iwn-hhi.org
Island Writers' Network
February 2, 2009 -- Minutes
order at 7:00 p.m.  Nineteen people were present, and each introduced him or herself and spoke briefly of their writing genre and
experiences.

Program:  Norma VanAmberg introduced guest speaker Fran Marscher, editor of the Island Packet for ten years and author of
several local history books.  Ms. Marscher reminded us that writing is hard work and involves thinking before starting to write.  Set
goals for finishing segments and meet deadlines.  When finished, let it sit awhile and then reread and revise.  Good writers
should read and learn from the best books in their chosen genre.  They must have good grammar, and she recommends Strunk
and White’s Elements of Grammar.  If research is required in writing, research thoroughly before beginning.  Self publishing does
not have the stigma it used to.  She and her husband have had a self-published book to be picked up by a commercial press
later.

Secretary:  Minutes were approved as submitted by email.

Treasurer:  In the absence of Treasurer, Marilyn Lorenz, Sansing McPherson reported a balance of over $1,500.  Marilyn needs
to give up the treasury position due to an over-committed schedule and is seeking a member to take over from her.

Heritage Library report:  Iva Welton reported that the Heritage Library will relocate to the Harbourside Bank Building, 852 William
Hilton Parkway, 2A, on Hilton Head Island next to the Red Roof Inn.  IWN continues to be welcomed to use their facilities for our
meetings.  The move should take place the 3rd week in March and reopen the first week of April.  Heritage Library will be a
charity beneficiary of the Equestrian Exhibition on Sunday, March 29, at Rose Hill.  Gates open at 11:00 and the event begins at
12:30.  For the Heritage Library to get credit for tickets we must write on the order form that HL is our charity contact.

Anthology:  Consensus indicates that IWN should proceed with a second anthology project.  Discussion of theme parameters
ended with the suggestions that the secretary survey all members to ask what they think they would like to write for the next
anthology to help us determine a theme.  Since the first anthology contained so many personal reflections on why the writer came
to Hilton Head or why he/she loves it here, personal memoirs should be discouraged this time unless the piece is truly unique.  
Marketing should be a bigger consideration this time.

Open Mike will be held on Monday, Feb. 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Library.

Marketing:  Tom Crawford took five copies of the anthology to try to sell at the Savannah Book Festival on February 7th.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sansing McPherson, Secretary