Below is a list of Guest Speakers from KAC District 1:
Sat., Apr. 21, 2012
“Instilling a love of reading”
Kyler Carpenter has long worked as a children's librarian at the Topeka and Shawnee
County Public Library. He discussed
library
programs for children of
various age groups, encouraging them to learn to read,
and
performed samples of his delight musical repertoire.
[Photo, left in collage, used courtesy of TSCPL]
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 Sat., Mar. 17, 2012
“Read-Around”
Members are encouraged to attend and bring writing to share in a group reading. Perhaps you were recognized with an award in one of the 2011 KAC writing contests in October, 2011? Or you have other writing you'd like to share. Bring your work and read it aloud.
[Three-minute time limit.]
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Sat., Feb. 18, 2012
“Gathering a Treasure”
Ken Ohm and Don Pady, District 1, Topeka, talked about their literary interests, their teaming to write Hidden Gold; Lost Treasure in the Flint Hills (2011)—the myth of treasure, their fictional account of burying and finding such treasure in Lynn County, Kansas—and the reception their work is getting.
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Sat., Jan. 21, 2012
 “Orange Elephants and Inverted Giraffes”
Our speaker was Gary K. Clarke, District 1, Topeka. For decades, Gary K. Clarke led photography safaris all over Africa. As Director Emeritus of the World Famous Topeka Zoo and, later, as President-for-Life of Cowabunga Safaris, Clarke has built a wealth of knowledge about the people and animals of Africa. He collected thousands of photographs, and presents them in a limited-edition, coffee-table size extravaganza, Gary Clarke's Africa.
Beautifully printed, his book shares his experiences about the wild, the beautiful, and the unexpected. Gary shared his
stories and photographs (delivered with a measure
of his world-famous sense of humor).
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Sat., Dec. 17, 2011 — 
“Knowing It Cold, Writing It Hot”
Our speaker was Thomas Fox Averill, English professor/Writer in Residence at Washburn University and author of the new novel, rode.
He spoke about using research in writing and did readings from rode, his newest novel, based on the popular 1950s ballad, "The Tennessee Stud," written by Jimmy Driftwood.
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Sat., Nov. 19, 2011
“Telling Their Tales —A Search for Authenticity”
 Award-winning playwright/screenwriter Marcia Cebulska shared her struggles and techniques for telling the stories of real people.
Marcia is best known to Kansans for her play Now Let Me Fly, commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board decision; Touched (on the life of Kansas playwright William Inge, commissioned for the 25th anniversary of the William Inge Theatre Festival) and Visions of Right (based on the Phelps ministry). Through Martha's Eyes, for which Marcia wrote the Kansas-set screenplay, was aired nationally on PBS.
Marcia currently is working on The Greensburg Project, (working title), on the tornado and rebuilding of Greensburg, KS, a collaboration with the William Inge Center and Cornerstone Theater of Los Angeles.
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No October 2011 meeting.
Members were encouraged to attend the 2011 KAC Convention in Coffeyville.
Sat., Sept. 17, 2011
Read-Around!
Those participating were: Elizabeth deFord, Duane Herrmann, Madeline Cowell, Max Yoho, Evie Green, Mark Bouton, Phil Morris, Patricia Bonine, Doris Peery, Annabelle Corrick, Barbara Brady, Glory Hemmingway, Carol Yoho, Lee Goldstein, and Reaona Hemmingway. A wide variety of prose and poetry was shared to the enjoyment of the audience.
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Sat., Aug. 20, 2011
 Ken and Doris Peery, District 1, Topeka, shared work they'd helped publish by Ken's cousin, Maury Pierson, who was a Topeka artist, ship modeler, salesman, and closet writer. Having no children, Maury shared a small box of his writings with Ken, expressing the hope that someday they might be published. Ken and Doris worked on the booklet, hoping to publish before Maury's passing but he died in July, 2008. The keyboarding was made difficult by frequent bouts of laughter. When completeed, the book was bound with a spiral binding and titled "Wit and Philosophy" by "an old curmudgeon" Maury Pierson. Copies were mailed to Maury's living cousins. Ken and Doris read selected portions of his writings.
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 Sat., July 16, 2011
Max Yoho, District 1, Topeka, received an "ARTy" award of ArtsConnect of Kansas in May, 2011, as "Distinguished Literary Artist." Max discussed his love of language, focus on Kansas heritage, and the art involved in creating his fourth novel, With the Wisdom of Owls (2010). Max recently  finished novel #5 and shared hints about this new work.
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Sat., Jun. 18, 2011
Barbara Brady, District 1, Topeka, is a clever writer of many articles and essays, including those published in several Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Her newest success is a story, "Comeuppance," pubished in the new Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul. She is also frequent winner of KAC Writing Contests, and shared some secrets of her success.
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Sat., May 21, 2011
 James F. (Jim) Hoy, May District 1 speaker, is Professor of English at Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas.
Hoy's academic interests include medieval English literature, Western American literature, Australian Outback folklife and literature, and Great Plains folklore. He has published over a hundred articles, both scholarly and journalistic, and is author/co-author of nine books.
He spoke about traditions of American folklore: myths (folk religion), legends (folk history) and tales (folk literature). He also spoke of researching his newest book, Cowboy's Lament: Frank Maynard, A Life on the Open Range, published in 2010 as part of Voice in the American West series, Texas Tech University Press, Lubbock, TX. Maynard was a Kansas cowboy, living in Towanda throughout the 1870s, and writer of "Cowboy's Lament," the folk song edited into, and better known as, "Streets of Loredo."
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Sat. Apr. 16, 2011
District 1 members had TWO OPINIONS for our April meeting.
Option 1: Some members met on at McFarland's Restaurant, Topeka.
A Read-Around followed lunch and our business meeting.
Option 2: District 2 had their April meeting in Emporia on April 16 and extended an open invitation to all districts. Progrm included a tour of the William Allen White house and a Read-Around on the porch, then lunch at Wheat State Pizza. The meeting provided travelers with a spring road trip.
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 Sat. Mar. 19, 2011
Reaona Hemmingway , District 1, Topeka, discussed her experiences writing and publishing twelve novels and a collection of short stories in three years. Three of them, plus a collection of short stories, have been published. using print-on-demand services. Reaona's book titles include September 11, Baseball Card Hero, Mariah, and Home for Christmas.
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  Sat. Feb. 19, 2011
Joe McFarland, District 1, Topeka, discussed his autobiography, My Time on the Clock: The Shaping of a College President. He shared what stimulated him to write the book, how and why he selected his publisher, and used self-deprecating humor to present a kaleidoscopic picture of events in his life: growing up in western Kansas in the 30s, following military service in Korea, and his career in education. He touched on his steady avocation officiating football at high school and college levels.
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Sat., Jan. 15 2011
Valerie Reif and Tanya Walsh, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library Reader Advisory Librarians, discussed Dashiell Hammett and his detective novel, a Kansas Reads choice:The Maltese Falcon.
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Sat., Dec. 18, 2010 -- Read Around, including KAC Literary winners (as announced at our 2010 KAC Convention, October 1-3) and others who wished to read.
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 Sat., Nov. 20, 2010
Mark Bouton discussrf his new book, How To Spot Lies Like the FBI, complete with a PowerPoint presentation. Read the feature on Mark published in the Topeka Capital-Journal on Saturday, November 27, 2010. "No lie; Ex-FBI agent spots fibbers," written by Jan Biles.
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October -- No meeting. Members attendede the 2010 KAC Convention, Oct. 1-3, Lawrence.
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 Sat., Sept. 18, 2010
Barbara Waterman-Peters, District 1, Topeka, talked about NoTo, North Topeka Arts District, and how writers might take part. KTKA video / website Barbara as a BFA, Washburn University, and MFA, Kansas State University. Active in numerous arts organizations, she has been co-chair of the Arts & Culture Alliance (now called CREATe) under the Quality of Life Foundation of Heartland Visioning since early 2009. She is currently on the Board of Directors of the North Topeka Arts District (NOTO). We also conducted officer elections at the meeting.
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Sat., Aug. 21, 2010
George Paris, District 1,  Topeka, talked about his first novel, A Distant Home. Can Emily survive in the crowded, unfinished rural Kansas home of her extended family to which her new husband has brought her? George's story is based on the life experiences of his mother. George has a web site, ByGeorge, detailing his work as an artist, an actor and playwrite, and as a writer.
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 Sat., July 17, 2010
Eric McHenry, English Department, Washburn University, is the author of Potscrubber Lullabies (Waywiser Press, 2006), which received the Kate Tufts Discovery Award from Claremont Graduate University. His poems have appeared in  The New Republic, Northwest Review, Harvard Review, Orion, The Guardian (U.K.) and Slate, and he has been a poetry critic for the New York Times Book Review since 2001. Eric discussed a few of his influences as a writer, which include the city of Topeka, his two children, and Peggy of the Flint Hills. He will read from Potscrubber Lullabies and from his forthcoming book of children's verses, Eat Your Trees. 7/23/2010 |
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 Sat., Jun. 19, 2010
Dr. Robert N. Lawson, Washburn University professor emeritus, spoke with us about his recent novel, The Bridge of Dreams, published by Woodley Press; his Collected Sonnets; and two chapbooks, Mishima and Hunting Kudu (Chapter 5 from Cry to Dream Again, an unpublished novel by Lawson's colleague Bob Woodley). 6/19/2010
Doctor Lawson's Washburn web site
www.thebridgeofdreams.com
Spring 2010 Center for Kansas Studies newsletter (a PDF file) Dr. Lawson is mentioned on page 2.
6/19/2010
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Sat., May 15, 2010
Read Around. Twenty-one members shared their writing with other KAC members — reading up to 3 minutes of prose or poetry per individual. 5/16/2010
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Sat., Apr. 17, 2010
Phil Grecian, playwright/actor/live performance reviewer/mass media specialist, spoke with us. Among the plays Phil has written is A Christmas Story, similar to the popular 1983 movie based on the writings of Jean Shepherd. Phil also is known for his performance in a one-man show as Mark Twain and appeared recently in TCT's production of Curtains.
District Two members visited the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, inviting District One members to join them on tour. Members of both districts then traveled to the KAC D1 meeting at McFarland's Restaurant. 4/18/2010 |
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Sat., Mar. 20, 2010
Valerie Reif and Tanya Walsh, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library Reader Advisory Librarians, discussed Truman Capote and his research in Kansas and writing of In Cold Blood. Also, read "In Cold Blood, half a century on," by Ed Pilkington, in The Guardian, Nov. 16, 2009. 3/21/2010
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 Sat., Feb. 20, 2010
Gary Clarke, District 1, Topeka, spoke about his experiences as director of the World Famouc Topeka Zoo and his new book, Hey, Mister—Your Alligator's Loose! Gary is known for his interesting, hilarious—even side-splitting—talks, and he quickly had his audience laughing with him.
2/22/2010
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Sat., Jan. 16, 2010
“Cold reads are the best reads”
Here's how it worked. Dennis Smirl brought us two radio plays and picked the players semi-randomly. (Actually, he picked the "hams".) Then, players set at the front of the room and took a rip at performing a play they've never heard before—reading cold! It was all great fun! 1/16/2010
 
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Sat., Dec. 19, 2009
“Read Around”
Those in attendance who won literary awards at the 2009 KAC Convention read winning pieces. Other members also read brief samples of their writing. 12/20/2009
—photo by Doris Hurd
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Sat., Nov. 21, 2009
Chris Hamilton, District 1, Topeka, is professor of Polltical Science at Washburn University and recent new member of Kansas Authors Club. Chris discussed his historical novel, The House Rules, and his years of research into the true story of Terry Householter of Concordia, KS -- a high school track star who lost his life during an act of Marine heroism during the Viet Nam War.
11/22/2009
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No October meeting.
Instead, we held our 2009 KAC Convention
Sat., Sept. 19, 2009
 Dennis Smirl shared a few, brief comments. First, the sheer fun of writing plays and sharing them. Second, the act of writing a play forces the writer to concentrate on dialogue—and particularly so, a radio or podcast play, as you only have dialogue with which to work. Then, the Write Stuff Players [Dennis Smirl, Randall Martin, Patsy Sweden, guest artist Karen Hastings, Mark Bouton, and Steve Laird] presented a short play, "Ponytail," in radio/podcast format—a fun and informative half-hour. 9/22/2009
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 Sat., Aug. 15, 2009
“Inspiration, Deadlines & Creativity”
Singer/songwriter Rick Bruner discussed the sources of inspiration and the proactive use of deadlines to complete works and projects. He used examples of his own recent work and discussed how deadlines resulted in two completed recording projects; one of which took less than a month. He also shared some of the ways he looks for inspiration and illustrated the results by performing some of his original songs. 8/25/2009
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Sat., July 18, 2009
Read-around. The program was received with enthusiasm. The following people read prose and poetry they had submitted to the annual KAC literary contest: Sam Pierson, William Karnowski, Trudy McFarland, Mary Sanders Cox, Barbara Brady, Reaona Hemmingway, Glory Hemmingway, Elizabeth Nichols, Barbara Lerma, and George Paris. 7/21/2009
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Sat. Jun. 20, 2009
Planning session for Oct. 2009 KAC Convention
Details of what is planned so far are posted on our Convention web site. We'll further discussed what's bing planned, what might still be planned, what we need in the way of help with in hosting this event, and resources we might still put into play to guarantee a good convention for all who attend! Read also: June meeting minutes. Recently added: Accommodation information, Registration form, & Meal Menus See also: 2009 Workshop Presenters and Program Schedule
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Sat., May 16, 2009
“A View from the Balcony:
A Historical Reading of To Kill A Mockingbird”
 Valerie Reif and Tanya Walsh, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library Reader Advisory Librarians, gave a multi-media presentation on Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, providing a social, cultural, and historical overview of the novel and circumstances surrounding its composition, publication, and legacy.
This is the program replays the program they did in conjunction with TSCPL's Big Read community project on To Kill A Mockingbird. Our speakers offered the whole history of Harper Lee, her across-the-street neighbor, Truman Capote, and how she came to write the book. 5/17/2009
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Sat.., Apr. 21, 2009
“Sharing Poems”
Read-around. Members shared a favorite poem, their own work or work of another, with the group. A time limit of three minutes was enforced. We has twenty readers.
As a surprise, KAC was given the main floor at McFarlands to ourselves for the length of our meeting. We usually meet in the basement meeting room. Select a collage thumbnail to see the larger version. 4/26/2009 
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 Sat., Mar. 21, 2009
“Best Kept Secrets at the Library”
Sherry Best, Director & Curator, Sabatini Gallery, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, spoke about the historic references available in Special Collections and Genealogy. The Topeka Room has myriad historic references: newspaper and obituary archives, city directories going back to 1870, some of the earliest books about Kansas history, biography and business files, and the Topeka and Kansas collections. Special Collections include several types of books that should appeal to authors, and the Baker Genealogy Center has databases, resources, and training. Many of our residents don't know about these resources—yet! They can be a great help for authors who want to write about historic Kansas, or even get some ideas for stories or verification of facts. 3/22/2009
Sat., Feb. 21, 2009
“Using Conflicts in Your Writing”
Mark Bouton, District 1, Pottawatomie County, earned degrees in sociology and law, then joined the FBI, nabbing killers, kidnappers, and bank robbers across America for 30 years. He played a key role in identifying the Oklahoma City bombers. He uses his background in tracking down real criminals to write mystery/suspense novels. He has three published novels, with a fourth due out in July. 1/10/2009
Sat., Jan. 17, 2009
“Collaborations: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”
 Dennis Smirl is a native Kansan and graduate of Pittsburg State University. He has a Masters Degree from Appalachian State University, and a horde of graduate hours in the field of Computer Science.
His writing began in the 1970s. After writing some of his own fiction, he discovered that writing well is a lot harder than it looks. Dennis has completed seven science fiction novels, two detective novels, and has yet to find a reputable agent for his work. He has also written more than 40 short stories and collaborated on several more. One of the collaborations was a prizewinner in the Writers of the Future contest and was then anthologized by Donald Wolheim in his World's Best SF anthology.
Retired, he continues to write every day, and is currently at work on a series of short stories he calls the “Sheriff Barnes Stories.”
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Sat., Dec. 20, 2008
“Baci...Living with an infamous Siamese.”
 Barbara Waterman-Peters shared work from her new book, Baci. It is a humorous work about her infamous Siamese cat which Barbara wrote, illustrated, and designed.
Barbara Waterman-Peters was born in Topeka. She received her BFA from Washburn University, her MFA from Kansas State University, taught at both institutions, and has been active in many arts organizations. Her award-winning artwork has been shown internationally. The artist has done numerous book illustrations and book covers.
Waterman-Peters is also a writer, currently for Topeka Magazine. Other publications have been Forum, The Muse, New Art Examiner, The Paper, seveneightfive Magazine and Ceramics Arts which is a  magazine printed in the Czech Republic. She was included in Insight Out, A Write Stuff Christmas, and the 2007 Inscape. The author is a member of Kansas Authors Club, Write Stuff, and the Topeka Branch of the National League of American Pen Women in both Arts and Letters.
Baci is her first book as author, artist, photographer and designer.
Sat., Nov. 15, 2008
 “How to Turn a Poem into a Book, and...My Next Crazy Adventure”
 Raylene Hinz-Penner, English department faculty, Washburn University, spoke. She read from her 2007 book, Searching for Sacred Ground: The Journey of Chief Lawrence Hart, Mennonite, and shared a couple of poems which are giving her itchy feet to start on the next research adventure!).
Reylene grew up on a dairy farm near Liberal, Kansas, did graduate work at K.U., an MFA in poetry from W.S.U., taught for two decades in the English Dept. at Bethel College, North Newton, KS and came to the Washburn English Dept. five years ago. She is a teacher, a poet, an advocate/public spokesperson for literature and the humanities, a traveler, and is currently working again on her theory about the terrain's influence on our lives. (Next book: Liberal After the Dust Bowl; stay tuned!). 11/29/2008
Sat., Oct. 18, 2008
Members & friends, District 1 , who won recognition in the Literary Writing Contest at the 2008 Kansas Authors Club convention held in Dodge City on Oct. 3-5, 2008, were invited.
- Sam Pierson, winner of the J. Donald Coffin Award, wearing a crown, read her 3 rd place short story, If Only .
- Gwen Funsten, 1 st HM in Classic Form read Matching Wings.
- Evie Green, 1 st HM for Inspirational Prose read Tiny Miracles.
- Judie Miller, 4 th place Memoir read Daddy's Hands .
- Barbara Brady, read 1 st place Haiku, Eggplant on a Vine, and 1 st place Themed Poetry, Words I Want .
- Steve Laird, read 1 st place short story, The Magnetic Personality of Fella.
- Kristine Polansky, read her 1 st place Free Verse poem, The Prairie is Burning, 2 nd place Classical poem, Graduation , and 2 nd place Narrative Verse, You've Got to Blame Somebody.
- Duane Johnson read his 2 nd place Story for Children, The Prophet of the Forest. 10/21/2008
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 Sat., Sept. 20, 2008.
Sam Pierson, District 2, Lebo, discussed her experiences leading to writing a non-fictional account of a home break-in, the subsequent investigation, and conviction of those known to be involved. Sam's work is entitled Without Warning. She is author of several books for adults and also books for children.
Sam's guest was Special Agent Bill Halvorsen of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, who discussed his role in the investigation of the robbery and conviction of two perpetrators in the case. 9/22/2008
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“Read Around” Interested members were given three minutes each to share their writing by reading to the group.
8/19/2008
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 Sat., July 19, 2008
 Daniel Jaramillo has spent thirty years in local Topeka law enforcement. His book, Fortitude: Without Acknowledgement, is a fictionalized account of events very like the facts of the case involving himself as whistle blower in a possible drug scandel within the Shawnee County sheriff's department. The scandal eventually resulted in the ouster of then-Sheriff Daave Meneley by a two-judge panel on Feb. 24, 2000. Jaramillo spoke of his experiences and the writing of his book. 7/19/2008
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 Sat., Jun. 21, 2008
“Hosting the KAC Convention in Topeka”
Adrianne Meyer, Sales Coordinator for Visit Topeka will speak about how her organization can assist District 1 in planning for the 2009 Topeka KAC convention. 6/21/2008
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Sat., May 17, 2008
 “Kansas Center for the Book”
Roy Bird, Director, Kansas Center for the Book, discussed the Center's activities and how KCFB connects Kansas writers with libraries and supports literary events.
Roy mentioned recent honors for KCFB, made by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, "for successful transition to a new home at the State Library of Kansas, and its subsequent development into a highly-visible statewide resource program for promoting Kansas books and authors through many projects, including the new Kansas Notable Books list; the Kansas Reads annual one-book discussion project; sponsorship of the Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Project, and renewed participation in the Letters About Literature project after a four-year hiatus."
Roy states, "This award is for everyone who has participated in any way with any of the KCFB projects. Quite a few attended this KAC District 1 meeting today! 5/22/2008
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Sat., Apr. 19, 2008
“What's So Special About Special Collections?”
 Jeanne Mithen & Warren Taylor are librarians in the Topeka Room of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. They demonstrated the range of the wonderful, "special" books in their collection. Besides the ever-popular fore-edged books, they brought pop-up/moveable books (they're not just for kids!); artists' books, which may tell or illustrate a new or an old story in a three-dimensional, sculptural way; and examples from William Morris's Kelmscott Press edition of The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer. The Kelmscott Chaucer is an outstanding example of nineteenth-century book production and one of the most lavishly decorated typographic works of the post-medieval era. 4/20/2008
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“Writing for the Theatre”
Shannon Reilly, the Artistic Director for the Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy. Shannon shared what he looks for in producible modern plays, suited for community theatre productions: settings. cast, costume and business intersts. He also touched on what pleases a Topeka audience. 3/19/2008
 Sat., Feb.16, 2008
“The Art of Storytelling”
Storyteller Rosie Cutrer told two storues adapted from literature. One was "Gabriel Ernest," based on a short story by Saki, and the other was a piece based on a poem by Robert Frost, "The Witch of Coos." Rosies web site is www.rosiecutrer.com. 2/25/2008
Sat., Jan. 19, 2008
“Read Around II”
Since it was so much fun, but so few were able to attend our December meeting due to the bad weather, we extended our read around for the January 19th meeting. Those who won awards at the Fall 2007 KAC Literary contest and other members and guests took short turns at reading their work. 1/22/2008
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Sat., Dec. 15, 2007
“Read Around”
Those in attendance who won literary awards at the KAC Convention read winning pieces. Other members also read brief samples of their writing. 12/29/2007
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Sat., Nov. 17, 2007
“Selling Your Story to Hollywood”
 Esther Luttrell, District 1, Topeka, has a reputation as a screenwriter and movie producer. She was producer and co-writer for Lithium Springs, Ocean Entertainment. Her newest book is Screen Writers Q & A, and she writes movie and DVD reviews for Kaw Valley Senior Monthly
Do I need an agent? Who can you trust out there? What keeps someone from stealing your idea while you're shopping it? Can I sell it to TV? Who is buying for TV? Do you approach the network itself? If so, how? Esther answered those questions—and more. 11/19/2007
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 Sat., Oct. 20, 2007
“Prairies of Possibilities”
Duane Herrmann, District 1 , Topeka, one of “the most recognized poets in Kansas,” had his poem "On the Hillside" featured in Midwest Quarterly, Summer 2007. His poem "Remembrance" is archived at kansaspoets.com, where he is also featured with an author's page.
Duane read from most recent collection: Prairies of Possibilities, dedicating his reading in memory of Lois Donohue (former KAC member) and Hattie Warner (who taught him to read). 9/19/2007
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Sat., Sept. 15, 2007
 “Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror:The Hazards of Being a Genre Novelist ”
Wm. Mark Simmons, District 6, Hutchinson, has six novels in print. His first novel, In the Net of Dreams, was finalist for the Compton Crook Award and made Locus Magazine's “Best List” in 1991. In 2007 his sixth novel, Habeas Coprses, has been reissued in paperback and a seventh, Dead Easy, was published in hardcover. The first, novella-length installment of Pathfinder, a long-form, post-apocalyptic fable, was published in August. Mark is represented by Lucienne Diver of the Spectrum Literary Agency. 9/18/2007
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 Sat., Aug. 18, 2007
“How to Start a Novel”
Mark Bouton, District 1, Pottawatomie County, is a thirty-year veteran of the FBI, worked high profile cases across America, including solving the Oklahoma City bombing case. His first novel, Max Conquers the Cosmos, won KAC's Donald J. Coffin Award in 2004. Marks more recent novels include Cracks in the Rainbow, and Max Unlocks the Universe.
Mark is currently writing another mystery novel, a book of nonfiction, an autobiography, and focusing on several other writing projects. 8/18/2007
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 Sat., July 21, 2007
“How to Have a Successful Book Signing”
Errol Anderson, District 1, Topeka, wrote The Job Coach inspired by his personal experiences helping Special Ed students hold down real world jobs. In 2004 Errol founded Golden City Publishing, publishing The Job Coach.
Errol now has a new manuscript: Sign And Improve Your Bottom Line. It is a “How To” book instructing authors in the art of conducting more profitable book signings in bookstores and other venues. He shared merketing tips with KAC members at the July meeting. 7/26/2007
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 Sat., Jun. 16, 2007
“Writing History of the Civil War Era”
Tom Goodrich has a reputation as an excellent and thorough historical researcher. He recently collaborated with his wife, Debra, another Topeka writer of historical non-fiction, on The Day Dixie Died: Southern Occupation, 1865-1866. Tom discussed his abiding interest in Kansas history and his work on many books, including The Darkest Dawn, Scalp Dance, War to the Knife, and Black Flag. 5/22/2007
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 Sat., May 19, 2007
Amy Fleury of Washburn University: “Breathing Poetry”
Amy is a native of rural northeast Kansas, earning her MFA from McNeese State University. She is an associate professor of English at Washburn University, where she teaches courses in creative writing. She also serves as managing editor of Woodley Memorial Press. Her book of poetry, Beautiful Trouble, won the 2004 Crab Orchard First Book Award of the Southern Illinois University Press. Her poetry has been published in several journals. 5/22/2007
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Sat., Apr. 21, 2007
 Dennis Smirl, District 1 , Topeka
“Be Your Own Publisher:Chapbooks Made Easy.”
Dennis is a new member of District 1, a Kansas native, former Air Force officer, salesman, school psychologist, research psychologist, college professor, and small businessman. He has always been a writer. He provided handouts with hints on what works and what doesn't, as well as how to keep costs to a minimum. 4/22/2007
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 Sat., Mar. 17, 2007
William J. Karnowski, District 4, Wamego, presented
“A Poetry Workshop”
Bill's books of poetry include Pushing the Chain, Painting the Train, and Catching the Rain. His chapbook of motorcycle poems is Glory Days, Hardtails, and Highways. Bill is president of Kansas Authors Club District 4. He is a frequent reader at Poetry Night at the Classic Bean. 2/19/2007
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 Sat., Feb. 17, 2007
Marshall Clark, District 1, Topeka, spoke about personal experiences in
“An Eclectic Life: Who Am I?”
Marshall’s articles about historical research have been published in the Kansas Journal of Military History and Kansas Preservation. Marshall is a member of District 1 and member of The Write Stuff. 1/24/2005
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  Sat., Jan. 20, 2007
Debra Stufflebean, District 1, Topeka,
spoke about her novel, Untold Secrets, a novel of interwoven stories inspired by Debra's personal experiences and the lives of her mother and grandmother.
Visit Debra's web site: Kansas Writer
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Sat., Dec. 16, 2006
![[graphic: holly]](D1images/holly2.gif)  
Barbara Waterman-Peters, District 1, Topeka, helped us create our own handmade books. Those attending brought short pieces of their own writing to be put in the books. Materials and assistance were provided.
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Sat., Nov. 18, 2006
District 1 members & friends read winning entries
—read briefly from their winning Literary Contest and book award entries:
above: Kris Polansky, Naomi Patterson, Trudy McFarland, Julie Miller, Sam Pierson,
Carol Yoho, Matt Porubsky. Not shown: Duane Johnson, Bill Karnowski
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Sat., Oct. 21, 2006
 George Paris, District 1, Topeka, spoke on what he had learned while attending the 2006 Summer Fine Arts Festival in Fairbanks, Alaska.
George received degrees from Southwestern College, Winfield,KS, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, and Union Theological Seminary (Columbia University), New York City. He is an artist, an actor, a clergyman, a teacher, and a prize-winning author of poetry, fiction and non-fiction.
Currently working on his first novel, he is also a member of the Saturday Night Literary Club.
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 Sat., Sept. 16, 2006
David Hartley spoke on Leonardo DaVinci and the religious debate raised in Dan Brown's best selling novel, The DaVinci Code.
David was raised in Kansas City. He attended Johnson County Community College, then received his undergradaute degree from the University of Kansas. In 1983 he earned his MA in Art History, and in 1986, his MFA in Painting, both also from KU. Currently he is an Adjunct at Washburn University where he teaches art history and drawing. He has a longstanding interest in Leonardo da Vinci.
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 Sat., August 19, 2006
Anne McCourtie, District 1, Mayetta, spoke abouthow authors can use experiences from their own lives as a springboard for storytelling, with special tips on how to handle writing about the less pleasant, but equally important, events and people who helped to shape our lives.
A long-time writer, she has published two novels and three children’s books as well as short stories, poems and nonfiction articles. Her first novel, The Haunting of Emily, was nominated for the J. Donald Coffin award in 2004 by the Kansas Authors Club District 1.
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 Sat., July 15, 2006
Carol Yoho, District 1, Topeka, manages the statewide KAC web site. She shared ideas concerning Creativity—the process, the gift, the obligations, and the challenges of living as a creative individual—insights she gained while attending a workshop at the 2005 national conference of the Association for Women in Communications in Lubbock, TX.
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Sat., June 17, 2006
Roy Bird, District 1, Topeka, spoke about his three books: Kansas Day By Day (366 events in Kansas History, one for each day of the year including leap year), In His Brother's Shadow (story of Custer's younger bBrother) and Civil War In Kansas.
He talked about how each book came to be, offering publishing & merchandising tips to authors.
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Sat., May 20, 2006
 Gary Clarke, District 1, Topeka, was fresh from a triumphant presentation at Osa & Martin Johnson Museum's Safari Film Festival in Chanute, KS, in April, delivered a few surprises for District 1. Gary is known as “One Great Story Teller.”
Gary is former Topeka Zoo director, president of Cowabunga Safaris, and author of I'd Rather Be on Safari, nominated by District 1 for the Coffin Award in 2003.
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Sat., Apr. 15, 2006
 April was National Poetry Month!
To celebrate, District 1 honoed the poets in its midst. Each was invited to share a poem during the program segment of the meeting. Those who are not poets read a favorite poem by another author. To give everyone a chance a two-minute limit was imposed. The meeting proved an opportunity to hear marvelous poetry read by those who know it best! Naomi Patterson, District 1, Topeka, hosted the reading.
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Sat., Mar. 18, 2006
  Dale Vaughn, District 1, Topeka, spoke about his books and the major part Kansas played in the start of the Civil War. His book The Chance, historical fiction depicts the story of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry. His next book will be Blackjack ’56, which many consider to be the first battle of the Civil War.
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Sat., Feb. 18, 2006
 Pete Goering, executive editor of the Topeka Capital-Journal, spoke about how much fun it is to be a columnist in Topeka where there is so much column fodder. What never changes is people griping about city government. That may not be good for the city, but it's great for columnists! He also answered questions about the paper. Goering has worked at the paper for 34 years, starting in the sports department. He has served as executive
editor twice, most recently
moving into the office
in November 2004.
In addition, he writes
three columns a week,
one for the sports
section and the other two for news.
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Sat., Jan. 21, 2006
 Tom Parker, District 4, Blue Rapids, spoke about his recently released book dispatches from kansas. A native of West Texas, he has worked as a warehouseman, heating and refrigeration technician, security guard, burglar alarm repairman, dental equipment repairman, journalist and freelance writer. His newspaper column, This Place, won the Kansas Press Association Award of Excellence for 2003. Several of his stories have been published in Bird Watcher’s Digest. He  has received numerous other awards for his articles and stories, and continues to write a weekly column, The Way Home, for the Washington County News in rural northeast Kansas. He and his wife Lori escaped the rat race in Denver in 2001 and now live in Blue Rapids, Kansas, a town so small it doesn’t even have a blinking light. You can read Tom's blog on-line.
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Sat., Dec. 17, 2005
Barbara Waterman-Peters, District 1, Topeka, helped us create our own handmade books. Those attending brought short pieces of their own writing to be put in the books. Materials and assistance were provided.
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Sat. Nov. 19, 2005
 Tom Averill, Writer-in-residence and Professor of English at Washburn University of Topeka, spoke about his most recent collection of short stories and answered questions about the craft of writing short  stories. Ordinary Genius, was published by the University of Nebraska Press in April 2005. Averill has also written two novels: Secrets of the Tsil Cafe, 2001, and The Slow Air of Ewan MacPherson, 2003, which won an O. Henry Award. Averill's first collection of short stories Passes at the Moon, published by Woodley Press, won Kansas Authors Club's J. Donald Coffin Memorial Book Award in 1986. Averill teaches courses in Creative Writing and in Kansas Literature, Folklore, and Film.
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Sat., Sept. 17, 2005
George Paris, District 1, Topeka, shared ideas gleaned from the Creative Writing Workshop at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, where he spent two weeks in July. The workshop included all genres—fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. George read a little writing generated at the workshop, quoted some inspiration from the faculty, and offered a hands-on writing experience from the workshop.
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Sat., Aug. 20, 2005
Ron Cobb, District 1, Holton, author of Memories of Bosnia, will speak. Ron served as Command Chaplain with the 35th Infantry Division of the Kansas National Guard at Fort Leavenworth on their SFOR 13 NATO Peacekeeping Mission to Bosnia.
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Sat., July 16, 2005
Marshall Clark, District 1, Topeka, shared stories from his newly published book, An Eclectic’s Buffet—personal observations, travels in Africa and around the world, and a generous helping of his inimitable sense of humor. Marshall’s articles about historical research have been published in the Kansas Journal of Military History and Kansas Preservation. Marshall is a member of District 1 and the sole male member of The Write Stuff.
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 Sat., Jun. 18, 2005:
Amy Fleury read from her book of poetry, Beautiful Trouble, which won the 2004 Crab Orchard First Book Award of the Southern Illinois University Press. She also fielded questions about writing poetry. A native of rural northeast Kansas, Amy earned her MFA from McNeese State University. She is an associate professor of English at Washburn University, where she teaches courses in creative writing. She also serves as managing editor of Woodley Memorial Press. Amy received the 2004 Kansas Arts Commission Artists Fellowship in Poetry. Her poetry has been published in several journals.
Also: Duane Herrmann shared his excitement for a recent trip to Germany with members.
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 Sat., May 21, 2005
Storyteller Mona Magee shared “Stories We Live By,” chosen specially for writers. Mona is a lay pastor with the Presbytery of Northern Kansas and former director of Doorstep, Inc. She uses stories to convey the meaning of her messages.
Dr. Robert Lawson, District 1, read “Animal Sacrifice in the ‘Early’ Fiction of Tom Averill,” which received Honorable Mention for Write About a Kansas Author, Prose, in the 2004 Kansas Authors Club Contest. Don Pady, District 1, read poems by Kansas poet Thomas Brower Peacock.
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Sat., Apr. 16, 2005
Robert Webb read and discussed The Shrubberies and other poems by Ronald Johnson.
 Johnson was a Kansas native who had a thirty-three-year career as a poet and produced nine books of poetry. The  Shrubberies, his final sequence of poems, was written while he worked at Ward-Meade Park in Topeka during the 1990s. Published posthumously, it has increased his still growing stature as a poet.
A longtime fan of Ron’s poetry, Bob Webb was editor of the Washburn literary magazine Hemlock when one of the first critical studies of Ronald Johnson’s work was published in its pages in 1967. Bob discussed Johnson’s association with Objectivist, Black Mountain, Concrete, and Visionary styles. Susan Marchant, Manager of Special Collections, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, and Bob Webb displayed some of Johnson's published works. Copies of The Shrubberies were available for sale. See below, Upcoming Events for May 25th
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Cracks in the Rainbow,
a thriller, is due out in
August. Bouton is a mem-
ber of KAC.
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Sat., Mar. 19, 2005
Mark Bouton, District 2, Carbondale, is a thirty-year veteran of the FBI, worked high profile cases across America, including solving the Oklahoma City bombing case. He discussed the high and low points of his career, as well as how his back-ground and informed his novels.
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| Max Conquers the Cosmos, a mystery which won the 2004 J. Donald Coffin Award for best published book by a Kansas Authors Club member, was featured as recommended reading in the March/April issue of Pages magazine and is now available as a trade paperback. |
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 Sat., Feb. 19, 2005
William J. Karnowski, District 4, Wamego, read from his poetry, including “A Sunday in Acapulco,” which won third place in Rhymed Verse in the 2004 Kansas Authors Club Literary Contest. Bill has completed two books of poetry Pushing the Chain and Painting the Train. His third book Catching the Rain will be probably be printed this year. He also has a chapbook of motorcycle poems titled Glory Days, Hardtails, and Highways. He is a member of Kansas Authors Club District 4 and lives in Wamego. He is a frequent reader at Poetry Night at the Classic Bean has recently had poems published in “Kansas Plus.”
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Sat. Jan. 15, 2005
Errol Anderson, District 1, Topeka, author of The Job Coach (2004), shared his thoughts on writing, a brief excerpt from his novel, and a few humorous poems about his writing experience.  Errol is a member of District 1. Barbara Brady read her poem, “Thomas Averill: Filled with Taste,” second place winner in the Write About a Kansas Author Category of the 2004 Kansas Authors Club Literary Contest.
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Sat., Dec. 18, 2004
Holiday Celebration
 Members of the Topeka-based writing group The Write Stuff read selections from their new anthology, A  Write Stuff Christmas, which includes poetry, prose, and recipes. Readers included Karen Sells Brown, Edna Ferguson, Agnes Kazminski, Anne McCourtie, Trudy McFarland, Judie Miller, and Sam Pierson. Some samples of recipes from the book were made available for tasting. Dale Vaughn read “The Christmas Hero” by Marshall Clark, which won 3rd place in Memoirs in the 2004 Kansas Authors Club Literary Contest.
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Sat., Nov. 20, 2004
Naomi Patterson, District 1, Topeka, read fresh new poems written since the publication of her latest book, For Crying Out Loud (October 2004). She has published two other books of poetry, Living Out Loud and Thinking Out Loud. A consistent winner in the Kansas Authors Club annual literary contest, Naomi was awarded the Kansas Authors Club Achievement Award in 2002.
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Sat., Oct. 16, 2004
No speaker; a working meeting to get ready for our Centennial Celebration.
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Sat., Sept. 18, 2004
Max Yoho, District 1, Topeka, shared free verse from his latest book, Felicia, These Fish Are Delicious, a collection of poems, essays and short stories. Max also shared some thoughts on writing: rather than writing pages, we should write richness. Many details of the Kansas Authors Club Centennial Convention to be held October 22-24 in Topeka were finalized.
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Sat., Aug. 21, 2004
 Sonneteers
Robert N. Lawson, District 1, Topeka, whose Collected Sonnets have just been published by Woodley Press, read two of his sonnets and spoke about the sonnet form and Woodley Press.
Eleanor Bell, Topeka, who served as editor of Bob’s book of sonnets,  read her sonnet “Colossus” to commemorate the recent reopening of the Statue of Liberty.
Bob and Eleanor will present a workshop on the Sonnet at the 2004 Kansas Authors Club Centennial Convention in October.
Convention Planning is gaining momentum. 85 registrations have been received. Have you sent yours?
Sat., July 17, 2004
 “Approaches to Fundraising”.
Jim McHenry, Development Director of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, offered suggestions for raising major gifts to support our Kansas Authors Club Centennial Convention. Anne McCourtie, District 1 nominee for the 2004 J. Donald Coffin   Memorial Award, spoke briefly about her novel, The Haunting of Emily. The Reverand Charles Sheldon (David Weyhrauch) read a greeting to Kansas Authors Club members. Important 2004 Kansas Authors Club Centennial Convention business was addressed following the program.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
 “How to Get Published in Kansas”
Nancy Ramberg, editor of Kansas Magazine, shared information about the magazine and publication guidelines.Buster Jenkins, District 2, Ottawa, Hall of Fame fiddler and author of Tougher'n a Boot, provided a few fiddle tunes. His wife Betty provided accompaniment. Kansas Authors Club 2004 Centennial Convention business was addressed.
Sat., May 15, 2004
“A Journey, Not a Destination
—Writing About Life Experiences”
Eleanor Bell, Topeka poet, writer, and editor,  shared a few experiences from her new book, Secondhand Rainbows, a collection of poetry and related essays. She is currently seeking a publisher. Eleanor’s first book of poetry, Flights Through Inner Space, was published by Woodley Press in 1980 and republished in an expanded and revised edition in 2000. Marshall Clark read his story "The Operation," which is included in the new issue of Inscape.
Sat., Apr. 17, 2004
 Karen
Brady, program consultant for the Kansas Arts Commission, discussed guidelines for the Kansas
Artist Fellowships ($5,000) and Mini Fellowships ($500) in various categories awarded each year by the Kansas
Arts Commission. Grant awards are based on artistic merit and recognize sustained achievement and excellence.
Plans for the 2004 Kansas Authors Club   Centennial Convention to be held in Topeka, Oct. 22-24, will top the agenda.
Max Yoho read his memoir "Paean," which received
1st Honorable Mention in the 2003 Literary Contest.
Naomi Patterson gave a short report about Writers
in the Schools.
Sat., Mar.
20, 2004
Elise and Clare Higgins presented books they wrote and illustrated at school in 5 th and 8 th grades and told about their experience with the Written and Illustrated By project.
This is the same project which resulted in the publication
of Anna
Riphahn's The Timekeeper.
 Evie
Green read her memoir, "A Boy and
a Tiger," which placed in the 2003 Kansas Authors
Club Literary Contest. Planning
for the 2004 Kansas Authors Club Centennial Convention
to be held in Topeka, Oct. 22-24, topped the agenda.
George Paris and friends
presented the script for the banquet panel. Standing in for early Kansas Authors
Club members was LeRoy Dagg forWilliam Allen White; Faye
Wilson for Margaret Hill McCarter, & David Tangeman for
Eugene Fitch Ware.
Sat., Feb.
21 , 2004
“Using Creative Writing
to Enhance
a Business”
Linda
Geffert, District 1, Topeka, told how her book The Adventures of Slim
Chance and Sadie Straightarrow had its beginning
in stories she wrote for the menu of Lizard Lips Grill
and Deli in Toronto, Kansas. Linda moved last
year from District 3 where she was a member of Flint Hills
Writers. Her new business, the Electric Cat Cafe in Paxico,
has inspired a new story about “electric cats” Queenie
and Thaddheus. Linda has also written poetry, a column,
and history.
Bob Lawson read his
poem “William Stafford:   A
Giant Within Us,” which won first prize for Theme
in the 1999 Kansas Authors Club Literary Contest.
Barbara Brady read “The Jelly Jar,” which
won second place in the Inspirational Category for 2003.
Business included planning for judging the local Reading Rainbow
Young Writers and Illustrators Contest sponsored by KTWU and for the 2004 Kansas
Authors Club Centennial Convention to be held in Topeka, October 22-24.
Sat.,
Jan. 17, 2004
 Mark
Bouton, District 2, Carbondale, is author of mystery novel Max
Conquers the Cosmos. He spoke on “How to Become
a Published Author.” He was an
investigative FBI agent for thirty years. He uses his background
in law enforcement and his interest in astronomy and cosmology
throughout his new book just published by Five Star, Waterville,
Maine. Mark, who lives in Carbondale, is a new member of
Kansas Authors Club.
 
A program of holiday readings by our members
featured “A Christmas to Remember” by Judie
Miller, who won 3rd Place in Memoirs in the 2003 Kansas
Authors Club Literary Contest, and other selections of prose and
poetry by members past and present, some from a 1991 District 1 Christmas
Memories publication.
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Sat., Nov. 15, 2003
“Stories: Spoken
and Written Words”
Rosie
Cutrer, a professional storyteller and
member of Kansas Authors Club District 1, performed stories
based on folklore and on her own life experience. Shediscussed
the relationship between the spoken and written word—how storytelling relates
to writing and writing relates to storytelling. Music plays a
role in Rosie’s storytelling, and many of her children’s
stories include songs she has written. Rosie is also a talented
actress, recently appearing as Marion Hollander in Don’t
Drink the Water with Topeka Civic Theatre.  She
aspires to publishing some of her stories.
Naomi
Patterson read two narrative pieces: “Christina,” first
place in Narrative Poem in the 2003 Kansas Authors Club
Literary Contest, and “Marathon,” second
place in Memoir. The business meeting considered plans for the 2004 Centennial
Convention, publicity, and promotion of the Youth Contest for 2004.
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Sat., Oct. 18, 2003
Jan Biles, weekend editor for the
Topeka Capital Journal and coordinator of
the news series "Our Town," spoke about the book,
Topeka Remembers,  on
Topeka history.
George Paris read “Autumn,”
his first place entry, 2003, in Rhymed Verse. |
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Sat.,
Sept. 20, 2003
Trudy McFarland, District 1, Topeka, read excerpts from the fictional diary she is writing
based on her mother’s life, Diary of a German War
Bride. She weaves narrative of family stories with memories,
incorporating some of the historical happenings of the time.
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“How to Get Published in Kansas”
Ottawa, Hall of Fame fiddler and author of Tougher'n a Boot, provided a few fiddle tunes. His wife Betty provided accompaniment. Kansas Authors Club 2004 Centennial Convention business was addressed.
