February 2026 Meeting Minutes

by | Mar 6, 2026 | Meetings

Northern Virginia Writers Club

February 2026 Meeting Minutes

2/21/2026         1:00 PM

    1. Call to order – Carolyn started recording
      1. Meeting started at 1:06 pm
    2. Roll call
      1. In-person attendees: 42
      2. Online Attendees: 4
      3. Newcomer introductions
        • William Rockwood – fiction
        • Abderrazzak Kouar (Zac) – fiction, non-fiction, published novella
        • Colin Breedlove – fiction, hopes to have book published by end of year
        • Pamela Hines – poetry
        • Margie Hamner – children’s books
        • Darcy Reichard
        • Matt Burke – non-fiction, memoir, travel writing
        • Olivia Jefferson-Shiau– short fiction, poetry
        • Christine Herrman – miscellaneous
        • Mark O’Keefe – Former journalist, spiritual biography of late grandmother
        • Gerald J. Kobialko (non-member) – detective novel, mystery genre
    3. Triumphs and lessons learned
      • Toby Dorr – Two new books coming out in March, available for pre-order
      • Lois Wren – shout out to Dave Wessel – organized Winter Book Festival
      • Cheryl Somers Aubin – Two essays published
      • Marissa Naggi – First book signing at Barnes and Noble, may be new bookstore opening in downtown Manassas
        • Writers’ Room – explained how to set up author bio, etc.
      • Sonora Taylor – querying
      • Carolyn McBride – querying
      • Lisa Terry – just published (unclear)
      • Jeremey Wernow – Unpublished author, working on first novel and looking for Beta-Reader
      • Kay Summers – book coming out next May with Sibylline Publishers, interviewing publicists
    4. Approval of minutes from last meeting
      1. Marissa Naggi approved
      2. Isabelle Missud seconded
      3. Unanimously approved
    5. Officer’s Reports
      1. President & Website Coordinator Carolyn McBride
        1. Reminder to review Amended Bylaws before March vote – given notice of changes in last two meetings to bylaws – main change is dues payment structure to rolling dues
        2. Isabelle Missud – proposed bylaws change to add President to the board. There is an even number of board members, should have odd number for breaking ties in votes. Also, President is deciding on strategies but doesn’t have voice or vote on decisions made.  As far as budget, President is in limbo because not part of the discussion.
          1. Michelle McBeth said that this was discussed amongst board members about the structure of nonprofits and the need of a tie breaker vote. The thought is that the President should be included in Board Meetings, so they have understanding of decision process but Tom Dewitt looking into rules for vote to be in compliance with Non-Profits.  Board will be discussing again in March.
          2. Carolyn McBride explained that current board consists of the officers at the time of incorporation and board formation.
          3. Susan Picerno said that she is a board member of another nonprofit – there are 8 board members. The rule is that for a winning vote have to have over 50%
        3. Request for teen internship opportunities in publishing careers. Carolyn McBride announced Alumni Author Mentorship Program with Falls Church High School, asked for businesses to support a nine-day internship for seniors interested in journalism or writing starting in June focusing on communications, audio book production, small press, etc.
      2. Vice President & Community Manager Marissa Naggi
        1. Keep viewing website (Writers’ Room, etc.)
      3. Treasurer AJ George – Absent
        1. Renewal reminder – deadline for member renewal is Feb 28
      4. Secretary Stacey Porcaro – presented idea to have Northern Virginia Writers Club stickers – can be put on laptops, etc. Good advertisement.
      5. Membership Chair Isabelle Missud –
        1. There are currently 122 members. 12 new members joined since last meeting.  We hit our target of membership to cover basic cost.
      6. Event Coordinators: Lois Wren, David Wessel, Kate Goggin, Jennifer Milder, Patricia DiVecchio
        1. Lois Wren – reported on activity at all Barnes & Noble’s taking book signings from NVWC.  Guidelines posted on website
          1. Daydrift Café – mixed review but has potential – every Saturday filled until mid-June.  It’s a nice café, parking, they advertise for the signings
        2. Dave Wessel –
          1. Posters are available for NVWC Winter Book Festival 2/28/2026 if anyone has places to hang them. There are 20 authors signed up.
          2. Schedule for festival and fairs has been provided to the board to look at funding for 6-7 events. If anyone interested participating there is a form to fill out.  Events are getting full if funding comes through.  Funding comes from dues and participating authors pay some.
        3. Kate Goggins – absent
        4. Jennifer Milder – absent
        5. Patricia DiVecchio – brings snacks for the meetings. Please connect with her if interested in helping.
      7. Social Media Coordinator Allie Nelson – absent
        1. There is a public Facebook group Northern Virginia Writers Club Official. All are welcome to post on page.
      8. Golden Nib Coordinator Lori Eaton – Golden Nib is part of Virginia Writers Club, Members of NVWC should submit entries to our club and winners will then be submitted to the VA writers club. Please note that there are specific formatting requirements as winning entries will be compiled into a journal.  Link on website – July 15th deadline for our submission.  Have to be a member of both clubs to submit.
    6. Old Business
    7. New Business
      • Virginia Writers Club upcoming events
        • March 18 webinar: Healthful Living Through Better Nutrition – geared towards authors
        • April 7 webinar: Golden Nib Formatting 101 Class
        • VWC Journal Submissions due March 31 – for nonfiction and goes directly to VWC
    8. Business from the Floor – Lois Wren asked if we can get more NVWC bookmarks. Plan is to get name tags, more bookmarks, and possibly stickers when budget is approved.
    9. Featured speaker: Allison K. Williams – Choosing Your Publishing Path
    10. Adjournment – meeting adjourned at 3 pm