July 2025 Meeting Minutes

by | Jul 24, 2025 | Meetings

Northern Virginia Writers Club

July 2025 Meeting Minutes

7/19/25         1:00 PM

  1. Call to order
    1. Meeting commenced at 1:05 PM
  2. Roll call
    1. In-person attendees: 25
    2. On Zoom: 8
  3. Newcomer introductions first
    1. Nick Colletti working on drama
    2. Mike McNealy previously published Skeleton Course, working on screenplay sequel
    3. Tabbie Mann two novels published, new ideas percolating
    4. Melody Kramer two self-published books
    5. Tea Johnson ready to start writing
  4. Triumphs and failures
    1. Steve Frost working on audiobook version of his novel
    2. Lois Wren announced Barnes and Noble themed author events in Gainesville and Fair Oaks
    3. Melody’s book to be featured in Boys and Girls Club
    4. Katherine Schweit’s book has been recognized by several outlets
  5. Approval of minutes from last meeting
    1. 2nd by Kevin Connor
    2. Unanimously approved
  6. Officer’s Reports
    1. President Carolyn McBride
      1. Members under 18 w/parent, no portal access
      2. Junior member category was recommended
      3. Recommendation to find out what VWC does
    2. Vice President Casie White
      1. Update on Aug. 16 member social (in lieu of picnic)
      2. Snack contributions encouraged
    3. Treasurer AJ George
      1. Absent
    4. Secretary Kevin Connor
      1. Nothing to report
    5. Membership Chair Isabelle Missud
      1. Portal still in beta mode
    6. Event Coordinators: Lois Wren, David Wessel, Jennifer Milder (absent), Patricia DiVecchio (absent)
      1. Springfield Barnes and Noble may be coming soon
      2. Maybe Georgetown B&N in the future
      3. Arlington County Fair in August
      4. Taste of Fairfax at the Fair Oaks mall on Sept 14
      5. Fredericksburg Oct 11 and 12
      6. Joe Elk book launch on 7/20 at Elaine’s
    7. Website Coordinators: Carolyn McBride, Rotty Mendez (nonmember, absent)
      1. Writers Room portal in development
    8. Social Media Coordinator Allie Nelson
      1. FaceBook group membership for members only but posts public
      2. July Brainstorm & Brew: Meetup moved to Elaine’s 7/30
      3. Brainstorm & Brew: Carpool to VWC Symposium 8/2
    9. Golden Nib Coordinator Suzanne Davenport (absent)
      1. Submissions closed 7/15
  7. Old Business
    1. None
  8. New Business
    1. Capital Christian Writers Fellowship – conference 10/17-18, looking for speakers for 10/18: https://ccwritersfellowship.org/
    2. Portal demo
      1. Call for beta testers, moderators for critique groups, portal manager
  9. 15-minute networking
  10. Featured speaker: member Scott Frost’s comprehensive guide to independent publishing
  11.  Adjournment
    1. Meeting adjourned at 3:04 PM