Preceptor Pi Chapter members of Beta Sigma Phi learned what it takes to be a romance writer when they met  Oct. 4 at the 10th Street Pizza Hut with Jeri Brozek as hostess.
Judy Krebaum introduced Sandra Vink as guest speaker. She talked about her work as a writer of romance novels. She is now finishing her 31st novel, which will be coming out in the fall of 2012. She said 2.8 million copies of her books have been sold so far. They have been published in many languages and she displayed several of her books in English and in several other languages.
Vink described the process of getting a book published, first by having it approved by a publisher, then submitting the written manuscript and going through the editing process. It takes about 12 months from the time the publisher receives it to the time it goes on the market, she said. Since she has experience as a medical lab technician, Vink has chosen the medical field as the basis for many of her books.
 For the October meeting, members brought items that they will donate to Cherry Village for bingo prizes for residents. Krebaum presented a Beta Brief on results of the BSP International Poetry Contest published in the Torch magazine.
Susan Brown, social chair, thanked Cindy Meitler for hosting the chapter’s Sept. 23 barbecue. Themes in Beta Sigma Phi this year focus on states, cities or regions of the country. Theme for the barbecue was “Memphis” with Elvis Presley memorabilia as decorations.
 The next social event for the chapter will be a couples’ evening with a “Texas” theme at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22, at First Christian Church. The next meeting of Preceptor Pi will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at the home of Jeanne Schmitt. Susan Brown will be co-hostess. Linda Jerke will be responsible for the program.