Heather Snow and Holly Atkinson will present Critique Mystique
Jeff Houghton
Monthly Meeting--Saturday, October 5, 2013 The Frisco Room at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO
Critique group at 10:00 a. m. followed by lunch at Panera and our speaker at 1:00 p. m.
Actor/Comedian/Writer Jeff Houghton
Actor/Comedian/Writer Jeff Houghton is scheduled to speak at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2013, in the Frisco Room at The Library Station in Springfield, Missouri.
Houghton will share his experiences in taking a leap of faith to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and the unexpected turns that led to creating the popular local show, "The Mystery Hour."
ABOUT JEFF HOUGHTON:
Jeff Houghton is a dynamic actor, writer, comedian, and host, based in Springfield, MO. Jeff was raised in Iowa City, IA. Soon after college, Jeff moved to New York City to work for the Late Show with David Letterman appearing in numerous sketches for the show. After that, Jeff began performing for Young Life camps. From there, Jeff moved to Springfield, Missouri chasing love, only to catch her and join the award winning Skinny Improv Mainstage Cast. Performing twice every weekend at the Skinny Improv Comedy Theatre, along with countless traveling shows across the country for seven years, Jeff is no stranger to the improv stage. In 2011, Jeff moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full time. After an amazing experience working in TV, film, and comedy, Jeff has now moved back to Springfield.
In 2006, Jeff began The Mystery Hour, a late night talk show performed live in the Skinny Improv Comedy Theatre that would last over five years. Acknowledging the work Jeff put in writing and hosting the sold out show, 417 Magazine named Jeff “Entertainer of the Year” in 2009. In 2010, he was named 40 under 40 for Springfield Business Journal.
Jeff has been in numerous commercials and films. He was three times nominated for Best Male Actor for the SATO-48 Film Challenge., and was named an Actor of the Year for 2011 in TAG Magazine.
Jeff is also a freelance writer, writing for Fair City News, a satirical newspaper, and for international aid organization, Convoy of Hope, as well as a monthly featured article in 417 Magazine. He also has a daily blog on his acting experiences.
Jeff has performed stand up across the country, and was selected as Bright New Faces Comedian in Washington D.C. Recently, he has performed at the legendary Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
Visit Jeff online at: http://
On Twitter: @themysteryhour
On Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/
Getting Serious About Writing a Series
Monthly Meeting–Saturday, April 6, 2013 The Frisco Room at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO
Critique group at 10:00 a. m. followed by lunch at Panera and our speaker at 1:00 p. m.
Author Lisa Wells to present “Getting Serious About Writing a Series: An Introduction”
Our very own Lisa Wells is presenting an introduction to her popular online course, Getting Serious About Writing a Series.
Learn the “musts” of writing a series.
Lisa Wells is a 22-year veteran educator. For the past 16 years, she has enjoyed a rollercoaster journey called: The School Counselor – Dramas, Dreams, and Destinies. Add the theme song to “Jaws,” and you have the feel for this fun ride.
Author of “Dibs,” a sexy romance nominated as Debut Book That Rocks and Best Book of The Year, Lisa believes writers should never quit studying their craft. When she decided to write a series and couldn’t find affordable material that taught the nuances of writing series vs. stand alone books, she designed her own how-to class. Self-appointed number one fan of Margie Lawson, she was thrilled to be given the opportunity to unveil her class at Lawson Writer’s Academy.
Twitter @lisawells1
http://
More information about the online course is available here: http://
We are scheduled to be in the Frisco Room at The Library Station this month. This is one of the meeting rooms along the front of the building, facing the big glass windows. (NOTE: If you peek into the Frisco Room and nobody looks familiar, it means we got bumped at the last minute and you’ll need to check Facebook and/or ask a library employee to see where they have moved us.)
ABOUT OZARKS ROMANCE AUTHORS:
Ozarks Romance Authors was founded in 1987. The regional writers’ group holds its meetings the first Saturday of each month (usually at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway) in Springfield, Missouri.
Originally a group for writers of romance fiction, we are now considered a multi-genre group, with members writing all types of fiction and nonfiction.
Join us for critique group at 10:00 a.m., lunch at Panera at noon, and a speaker at 1:00 p.m.
We are a registered nonprofit in the state of Missouri, and we are a member of the Springfield Regional Arts Council.
Visitors are welcome! Your first 3 visits are free. Annual dues are $25.
If you have questions about the group, please email us at OzarksRomanceAuthors@gmail
For a complete list of guest speakers and topics, visit https://www.facebook.com/
February 2, 2013 Monthly Meeting Speaker Tish Beaty, Editor of "Fifty Shades of Grey
Tish Beaty is making a name for herself not only as an author, but as an editor of "Fifty Shades of Grey."
She is represented by Louise Fury, who spoke at Ozarks Romance Authors' 2011 conference. She is a contributor to the book "Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey."
Join us at The Library Station (2535 North Kansas Expressway) in Springfield, Missouri, to hear about the phenomenon of "Fifty Shades of Grey" from someone who was there when it all began.
What can we learn from the success of this book that began as fan fiction and grew to become a best-seller? Visit Tish online at: http://www.TishBeaty.com/ https://www.facebook.com/beaty.graham.infopage?ref=ts&fref=ts
Ozarks Romance Authors was founded in 1987. The regional writers’ group holds its meetings the first Saturday of each month (usually at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway) in Springfield, Missouri. Originally a group for writers of romance fiction, we are now considered a multi-genre group, with members writing all types of fiction and nonfiction. Join us for critique group at 10:00 a.m., lunch at Panera at noon, and a speaker at 1:00 p.m. We are a registered nonprofit in the state of Missouri, and we are a member of the Springfield Regional Arts Council.
Visitors are welcome! Your first 3 visits are free. Annual dues are $25. If you have questions about the group, please email us at OzarksRomanceAuthors@gmail.com, or call (417) 597-4716.
ORACON 2013 - Save The Date
Save The Date
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Ozarks Romance Authors Annual Conference
Springfield, MO
Workshops - Pitch Sessions - Speakers - Headshots - Networking - Fun
We're putting together a fantastic lineup of speakers. Stay tuned for more details!
Hometown of Ozarks Romance Authors Voted 3rd-Most Romantic City in USA by Amazon.com
Springfield, Missouri -- where Ozarks Romance Authors is based -- was just ranked by Amazon.com as the third-most romantic city in the USA!
Our local newspaper, the Springfield News-Leader, called to interview ORA President Jill Slack to see what we think of this honor. Jill is quoted in a story on the front page of the Saturday, February 11, 2012 edition.
We saved a screenshot of the story to share with you.
Click here to open the PDF and read: SNL ORA quote 3rd Most Romantic City 2-11-2012
What did Jill have to say?
Jill Slack, president of Ozarks Romance Authors, said she thinks the rating isn’t necessarily because Springfield is a romantic place all on its own.
“I think it’s more that it’s the people,” Slack said. “It’s more of a traditional area.”
Slack also said there are quite a few writers in the Ozarks, which might be why romance book sales are higher — purchased for inspiration.
“When you’re a writer, you’re also a voracious reader,” Slack said.
Here is a link to a press release from Amazon.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110208005991/en/Amazon.com-Announces-Top-20-Romantic-Cities-America
Excerpt from the original press release:
SEATTLE--Love is in the air. Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced its list of the Top 20 Most Romantic Cities in America. After compiling sales data of romance novels and relationship books (Kindle Books and print books), romantic comedy movies (digital movies and DVDs), Barry White albums (CDs and MP3s), along with sexual wellness products, since Jan. 1, 2011, on a per capita basis in cities with over 100,000 residents, the Top 20 most romantic cities in the U.S. are:
Amazon.com’s Top 20 romantic cities 1. Knoxville, Tenn. 2. Alexandria, Va. 3. Springfield, Mo. 4. Orlando, Fla. 5. Cincinnati, Ohio 6. Vancouver, Wash. 7. Miami, Fla. 8. Murfreesboro, Tenn. 9. Dayton, Ohio 10. Columbia, S.C. 11. Pittsburgh, Penn. 12. Clearwater, Fla. 13. St. Louis 14. Erie, Pa. 15. Clarksville, Tenn. 16. Everett, Wash. 17. Gainesville, Fla. 18. Las Vegas, Nev. 19. Rochester, N.Y. 20. Tallahassee, Fla.
It's Release Day for "The Treasuer Hunter's Lady" by ORA Vice President Allison Merritt!
Congratulations to our very own Allison Merritt on today's release of "The Treasuer Hunter's Lady"!
Allison shared her excited on her blog. Are you following her blog? You really should. She's a hoot! Click HERE to see today's post about "Release Day."
While you're at it, "like" her on Facebook by clicking HERE, and follow her on Twitter by clicking HERE.
Want to read the first chapter absolutely free? Click HERE.
We're so proud of her! Let's take a look at the book's blurb, shall we?
On the outside, Romy Farrington has the perfect life—a world-famous archaeologist father and upcoming marriage to a wealthy businessman. But to Romy, her new life among the elitists is like a punishment.
For years, she traveled the world at her father's side, exploring new lands and uncovering ancient secrets. It was everything she ever wanted, until a near-fatal encounter with hostile natives forced her and her father into a life of retirement in Boston and an undesired advance into proper society.
Everything changes again when she's saved from an accident by a brash Texan in a back alley. Abel Courte may act like a care-free cowboy, but he's harboring a secret—he's searching for the Diamond of Uktena, a legendary jewel that can cure any disease known to man. He needs information Romy's father has in order to get to the jewel. When he traces the origin of the Diamond to Dakota Territory, he sets off to claim the treasure, only to find the archaeologist's fiery redheaded daughter stuck to him like a bug in sap.
In a race against time, Romy and Abel must learn to trust each other as they undertake a cross-country journey that will expose them to lands uncharted by white men, a deadly battle against the fearsome creature in possession of the Diamond and a fight to return to civilization where they might make the greatest discovery of all—love.
Grammar Girl has a video message for Ozarks Romance Authors!
We LOVE Grammar Girl Mignon Fogarty. We follow her on Facebook, listen to her podcasts, read her books, check what's new at her web site often, and her new book, "Grammar Girl's 101 Misused Words You'll Never Confuse Again," will be a door prize our our annual writers' conference in Springfield, Missouri, on July 23, 2011.
If you click on the image above (or on the link below), it will take you to a quick video of Grammar Girl thanking Ozarks Romance Authors members for our support. How cool is that?
Did you see us in the Joplin Independent July 8, 2011?
The Joplin Independent, an online newspaper based in Joplin, Missouri, ran our press release about our annual writers' conference coming up July 23, 2011.
Joplin is our neighbor, approximately an hour west of down Missouri I-44. You've probably heard about Joplin a lot in the national news lately, since an EF-5 tornado ripped through the town on May 22, 2011. As of today, the death toll stands at 159.
Joplin is beginning to rebuild, but still needs long-term assistance. If you would like to donate to Convoy of Hope, please click HERE to go to the organization's web site.
HERE is a link to the story.
The text of our press release is as follows:
Conference for fiction writers is scheduled Updated: 2011-07-08 10:12:38 SPRINGFIELD - A conference for all who write fiction sponsored by Ozarks Romance Authors is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jul. 23, 2011. The annual event will feature agent and editor pitch sessions, workshops, panel discussions, break-out sessions, and networking. It will be held at the Clarion Hotel Conference Center, 3333 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. A book signing will kick off the event from 4-6 p.m. on July 22 at Barnes & Noble, 3055 S. Glenstone Ave.
Attendees may pre-schedule one-on-one meetings to pitch their completed manuscripts with Louise Fury, literary agent with the L. Perkins Agency, or Lia Brown, editor with Avalon Books. Also scheduled to conduct workshops will be novelists Leigh Michaels, Shannon Vannatter, Eliza Lloyd, and Shannon Butcher. Their topics will include revision and self-editing, plotting, pacing, backstory, transitions, dialogue, character development and a review of the publishing industry. Winners of the annual Weta Nichols Fiction Contest, named in honor of the group's late founder, will be announced to conclude the day.
Tickets are $65, payable online via secure server here or via check at the door.A discount on sleeping rooms at The Clarion is available.
Ozarks Romance Authors is multi-genre non-profit group founded in 1987 in the southwest Missouri region. Monthly speakers help writers of all genres hone their skills and explore writing opportunities. Regular meetings are held the first Saturday of each month at The Library Station in Springfield. Visitors are welcome. More information is available by calling (417) 597-4716.
Our conference is mentioned in today's e-newsletter from Springfield Regional Arts Council
Did you see us in today's ezine from Springfield Regional Arts Council?
They usually send their e-newsletter each Monday, but since their office was closed Monday for the 4th of July holiday, the newsletter was sent today (Tuesday) instead.
SRAC mentioned Ozarks Romance Authors' Annual Conference coming up July 23, along with a link to our page on our their site. Click HERE to see our conference page on Springfield Regional Arts Council's web site.
Why did SRAC do this? Because we are a member of this fine organization that promotes the arts in southwest Missouri.
What did Springfield Regional Arts Council say about us?
Ozarks Romance Authors will host their annual conference all day July 23 at The Clarion.
This is conference for all fiction writers (not just in romance, this authors' group is multi-genre).
Registration is required.
Guest speakers will include award-winning authors, a literary agent from New York City, and an editor from Avalon Books.
July 22 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Barnes & Noble is hosting the conference kick-off with appearances from conference speaker and authors, and a booksigning event.
For more info - http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/2011-annual-conference/ Next Event (daily): Friday, July 22, 2011 - 4:00pm - 6:00pm
If you would like to receive Springfield Regional Arts Council's weekly ezine, click HERE and enter your email address.
Thinking of coming to our writers' conference on July 23, 2010? There is still time to register. Pay in advance using the link at the bottom of THIS page. You can even pay at the door that morning.
We'll have best-selling authors who are scheduled to travel to Springfield and make this one of the best writers' conferences in the state of Missouri. They have prepared fabulous presentations, workshops, and panels with information relevant to all writers of fiction (not just those writing for the romance genre).
We'll also have Louise Fury, literary agent with The L. Perkins Agency, and Lia Brown, editor with Avalon Books.
Hope to see you at The Clarion Hotel Conference Center on Saturday, July 23, 2010!
Live-Tweet of Author Louise A. Jackson's Presentation July 2, 2011
Ozarks Romance Authors' members had a special treat Saturday, July 2, 2011, as author Louise A. Jackson was our guest speaker.
Louise's presentation was titled "From an Idea in My Head to a Book in Your Hand." She took us through the basics of the publishing industry with a healthy sprinkle of her journey toward publication and how the situation changes as you continue to be published.
We used our Twitter account to live-tweet during Louise's presentation, and we will now paste the transcript below.
If you would like to know about future live-tweets, become our fan on Facebook HERE and follow us on Twitter HERE.
Our next regular meeting will be Saturday, August 6, 2011, at The Library Station on N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield, Missouri. For details about our monthly meetings, click HERE.
Our annual conference will be held July 23, 2011, at The Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri (on Glenstone, between Target and Friendly Ford). Details about our conference are available by clicking HERE.
Our speaker today is award-winning children's author Louise A Jackson http://www.louiseajackson.net
Louise is a member of Ozark Writers and Illustrators for Children
which is a group that meets here Saturday mornings
Like us, they meet 1st Sat of each month.
Children's group is having Workshop July 30 at The Library Center
Keynote is Paula Morrow, an agent who was an editor with Highlights for Children mag
Another speaker is Judy Young, a local author and former teacher
Ozark Writers and Illustrators for Children's web site is http://www.owaic.org
Another speaker at their July 30 workshop will be Vicki Grove
Our speaker today is award-winning children's author Louise A Jackson
Writing is a seamless garment. No matter the genre you write, it's much the same.
What should I write about? Who will read it? How can I make it interesting for them? Is this written correctly?
Every author asks these same questions. We can learn from each other in a variety of ways.
Today's topic: From an Idea in My Head to a Book in Your Hand
Not talking about self-pub today. There are great self-pub places, though.
Chicken Soup books couldn't find a publisher, so self-pubbed.
Now there are hundreds of publishers who would LOVE to have Chicken Soup.
You CAN be successful as a self-pub author. Louise's opinion: When you self-pub, it may be wonderful, but how do you know?
No other filter to say that you've gotten there.
Louise's personal opinion is if not good enough to pub on open market, she won't publish.
So this presentation is about traditional pub, not self-pub or e-pub.
Louise's first book began with a bit of family lore -- a clock that that was passed down
"Gone to Texas" was that book.
Every time you write a scene, your question becomes: Now what does he need, more than anything else, at this point?
"Gone to Texas" came from a family heirloom (clock) used in a fanciful way.
Don't hesitate to go with regional presses. They're smaller presses, but many are quite good.
After JK Rowling sold HP and businesses that knew nothing about publishing entered scene,
they compressed things and lost a lot. Naive men thought HP came along every other day.
Same thing happened in publishing that happened in banking.
Citibank, Bank of America bought up smaller banks. After they consolidated, regional banks started opening again
We have lots of regional banks that grew out of demand from "too big to fail" banks.
Louise's "Gone to Texas" was pub by regional press Eakin.
Peachtree Press in Atlanta is also very good.
Another book came from learning Springfield had a home for soldiers' kids orphaned by war.
Do a LOT of research! Louise is big believer in doing research.
You need MORE data than you will ever use. Then you'll probably need MORE research before finishing.
Get your idea, do lots of reseach. Begin to develop main characters.
Louise writes paragraphs in the character's voice to develop the character.
What's in his life that he doesn't want anyone to know? This drives their behavior.
Backstory is vital! Write your story, then go back and drop bits of backstory into the manuscript.
Louise strongly urges writers to work with a critique group!
@OzarksRomance Authors hold critique group 10am 1st Saturday of each month.
Louise's critique group meets weekly. She revises her work based on their critiques.
You've finished your book. Now what? Get a copy of "Writer's Market."
Do your research BEFORE sending your manuscript to a publisher.
There is nothing worse than sending your manuscript to a publisher who does not publish that genre.
Follow proper manuscript formatting guidelines -- double space, 1" margins, only 1 space after period ending sentence.
Never take for granted the editor is still at that pub house. They constantly move around.
By the time Writer's Market comes out, they may be gone. Web site might not be correct.
Pick up the phone. Call publisher. Ask if that editor is still there. If in doubt, ask if male or female.
Get the editor's name right! Develop the art of the query letter.
Conferences are vital for writers. We're having one July 23! Details: http://ow.ly/4lZmp
Louise says you can have 10 queries out for 1 manuscript, but only send ms to 1 house at a time.
Loads of info online of how to write a query letter.
Louise makes most of her publishing industry contacts through conferences.
She is going back to a national publisher (rather than regional) again for next book.
Someday you'll get call/letter saying they want to buy your book. Next to having a child, this is the best feeling EVER.
Enter contests! Put your book out there.
Louise's book "H is for Hope" helps the Rainbow Network. http://rainbownetwork.wordpress.com
Rainbow Network is a faith-based organization working to end extreme poverty in Nicaragua through housing, health care,
education, micro finance, and sustainable agriculture.
A lot of the process of writing means pieces of process take places simultaneously.
Louise was a teacher for many years and earned her doctorate in 1965.
Conferences Louise attends? Society for Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, Ozarks Writers League
Thanks for joining our live-tweet of author http://www.louiseajackson.net
Jennifer Jakes discusses the Alpha Male on Rachel Leigh's blog
Ozarks Romance Authors' very own Jennifer Jakes discussed the Alpha Male yesterday on Rachel Leigh's blog.
EXCERPT:
So what do you think, ladies? Do you find yourself drawn to Alpha or Beta males in movies or books? Action hero or Romantic Comedy? Rouge or guy next door?
Want to see what all of the fuss is about? Click HERE to visit Rachel Leigh's blog.
Rachel Leigh is a writer of erotic romance who loves mixing love with good sex and plenty of cheeky laughter. She says the aim of her stories is to turn readers on, as well as making them feel love may be just around the corner. She is basked in the United Kingdom.
Jennifer Jakes writes hot western romance novels. She is the author of "Rafe's Redemption." Click HERE to visit her web site.
The speakers for our annual conference July 23, 2011, are getting excited!
Eliza Lloyd is one of the authors coming to speak at our annual writers' conference, and she just gave a little sneak peek on her blog HERE. In fact, this is the second time she has mentioned our writers' conference, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 2011, in Springfield, Missouri. We mentioned the other occurrence HERE, along with links to Eliza's books.
If you like a sexy, steamy read, click on her titles below.
Follow Eliza Lloyd on Twitter! Her Twitter name is @elloydwriting .
Writers' conferences and conventions of this quality in the midwest are not easy to find. This year's conference is full of presentations and workshops by award-winning authors, plus our attendees can schedule pitch sessions with a literary agent and publishing house editor from New York City. Opportunities like this do not happen often in the Ozarks! If you would like more details about who will be speaking (and who will be taking pitch sessions) at our conference, click HERE.
Ozarks Romance Authors, a non-profit group for Missouri writers of all genres, was founded in 1987. The regional writers’ group holds its meetings the first Saturday of each month at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, in Springfield, Missouri.
Visitors are welcome. Your first three visits are free. For details about upcoming meetings, please click HERE.
Our annual conference will be held July 23, 2011, at The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about the amazing lineup of speakers and workshops, click HERE to visit our conference page.
If you have questions about the group, please email us at OzarksRomanceAuthors@gmail.com or call (417) 597-4716.
http://elizalloyd.blogspot.com/2011/06/ozark-writers-conferencejust-around.html
Congratulations to the Finalists in our 2011 Weta Nichols Fiction Writing Contest
Congratulations to the 8 finalists in our 2011 Weta Nichols Fiction Writing Contest!
Their entries are now in the hands of our final-round judges, literary agent Louise Fury and Avalon Books editor Lia Brown, who will be here in person at our annual conference July 23 in Springfield, Missouri.
During the conference, which will take place at The Clarion Hotel Convention Center (between Target and Friendly Ford on South Glenstone), we will announce the winners and present the cash prizes -- $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. (If you are a finalist and can't make it, we will mail your prize.)
This year, we had a record-breaking 99 submissions from all over the world, representing many genres.
Many thanks to our first-round juges. Without them, we never would have been able to see our contest double in size.
Our 2011 finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
Linda Carroll Brad San Antonio, Texas "Hannah's Promise" Historical Romance
Cecily Cornelius-White Springfield, Missouri "Snatchers" Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Alice Cummings Springfield, Missouri "The Treasure Hunter's Lady" Fantasy Romance
Rebecca Davis Cincinnati, Ohio "The Goddess of Michigan Avenue" Paranormal Romance
Lily Herman Pont Vedra Beach, Florida "Out the Backdoor" Young Adult
Brenda Littau Pallyup, Washington "Love and Zombies" Romance/Horror
Normandie Ward Fischer Gloucester, North Carolina "Heavy Weather" Mainstream
Gail Zerrade Boise, Idaho "The Patriarch" Mainstream
If you are interested in competing in our 2012 contest, please click HERE to follow us on Twitter, or click HERE to follow us on Facebook.
Would you like to be included in the fun, learning, and networking that we have planned for our July 23, 2011, conference? Click HERE for details.
Ozarks Romance Authors' store is open for business!
Looking for a great way to support your favorite non-profit group while letting more people know that you are a fabulous writer?
How about adding a few pieces of ORAwear to your wardrobe?
Here is the link to go to our store: http://www.cafepress.com/romanceauthors
You'll find some cute things like T-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, ringer T-shirts, caps, tote bags, messenger bags, teddy bears, license plate frames, and mugs.
Ozarks Romance Authors was founded in 1987 as a regional writers' group focusing on the romance fiction genre. The group was a chapter of Romance Writers of America (RWA).
Through the years, ORA evolved into a multi-genre group. Current members have been published by traditional book publishers, e-publishers, independent publishers, Kindle, Nook, and various newspapers, magazines, trade journals, and industry publications.
Members range from those who are just thinking of getting started in writing to those who have been published many times.
If you are interested in the publishing industry, we would love to meet you. Our monthly meetings are fun and informative, and our critique group can help you polish your manuscript and get it ready for agents and editors to consider.
Meetings are held the first Saturday of each month at The Library Station in Springfield, Missouri. This is just south of the intersection of Interstate 44 and North Kansas Expressway, or just north of the intersection of West Kearney Street and North Kansas Expressway. Click HERE to see a map.
If you have questions about the group, feel free to post a comment here, send us an email at OzarksRomanceAuthors@gmail.com, or call (417) 597-4716.
Barbara Bettis welcomes Misty Burke for Writers' Wednesday on her Blog!
Barbara Bettis visits with fellow Ozarks Romance Authors member Misty Burke to her blog for Barb’s popular “Writers’ Wednesday” feature. Click HERE to see the interview.
MISTY BURKE Misty Burke lives in the romantic Ozark Mountains with her supportive husband and four children. When not enjoying family time, she loves to write steamy romances. Creating exciting fantasy worlds filled with dangerously handsome heroes is one of her passions.
Misty currently writes stories for Summerhouse Publishing, Evernight Publishing, Secret Cravings Publishing, and MuseItHOT Publishing.
She is an active member of Ozarks Romance Authors, Romance Writers of America, FF&P (Fantasy, Futuristic, & Paranormal Chapter of RWA), and ESPAN (Electronic Small Press Authors' Network).
Her novel, "The Madame of Gravestone," is available online by clicking HERE.
Visit Misty online by clicking HERE.
BARBARA BETTIS Barbara Bettis is an award-winning author of historical fiction, and a long-time instructor of English and journalism at the college level.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks and is active in several writers’ groups in the area, including Ozarks Romance Authors. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America.
Visit Barb’s blog by clicking HERE. Her main web site is HERE.
Be sure to check Barb’s blog for future Writers’ Wednesday features!
Author/Photographer Brenda Brinkley is today's guest at Barbara Bettis' blog for Writers' Wednesday
Have you discovered "Writers' Wednesday" yet? It is a feature on the blog of Ozarks Romance Authors member Barbara Bettis. Each Wednesday, she hosts a special guest to discuss their writing. It's always a quick, fun read. Click HERE to see today's interview with fellow ORA member Brenda Brinkley.
BRENDA BRINKLEY Writer/Photographer Brenda Brinkley has been a published writer since 1983. After taking sporadic breaks to raise a family, she now writes passionately. She has had more than 400 articles published, and her short stories have won awards and been published in a number of anthologies. Her photography has graced magazine and anthology covers, including the January 2011 launch of Ozarks Romance Authors' magazine (click HERE) and Ozarks Mountaineer Magazine.
Her latest project is a book for children titled "Cleveland the Green Camel."
Brenda's work has appeared in Ozarks Farm & Neighbor Magazine, Ozarks Mountaineer Magazine, and several editions of anthologies such as Mysteries of the Ozarks and Echoes of the Ozarks.
Visit Brenda's blog by clicking HERE.
BARBARA BETTIS Barbara Bettis is an award-winning author of historical fiction, and a long-time instructor of English and journalism at the college level.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks and is active in several writers’ groups in the area, including Ozarks Romance Authors.
Visit Barb’s blog by clicking HERE. Her main web site is HERE.
Be sure to check Barb’s blog for future Writers’ Wednesday features!
Novelist Mia Marlowe visits Barbara Bettis' blog today
Barbara Bettis' guest today on her blog's "Writers’ Wednesday” column is fellow Ozarks Romance Authors member Mia Marlowe. Click HERE to see the interview.
By the way, Mia will be the guest speaker this Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the monthly meeting of Ozarks Romance Authors. Be sure to stop by! She will begin at 1:00 p.m. (Central Time) in the Frisco Room at The Library Station on North Kansas Expressway. We haven't seen her for many months, since she moved away from our area, and we are so looking forward to this visit and her words of wisdom.
MIA MARLOWE Mia learned much of what she knows about storytelling from singing. A classically trained soprano, she won the District Metropolitan Opera Auditions and has shared a stage with Placido Domingo. As she prepared for operatic roles, she devised back stories for her characters. Since she’s worn a real corset, and had to sing high C’s in one, she empathizes with the trials of her fictional heroines. But in Mia’s stories, they don’t die in a Parisian garret. They get to live and keep the hero!
Now an award-winning author, she writes historical romance for multiple publishing houses. Her debut title received advance ovations from romance luminaries. #1 New York Times bestseller Victoria Alexander says Mia’s Touch of a Thief has “adventure and heat and everything I want in a great story!” UK’s BooksMonthly has crowned Mia Marlowe “the queen of saucy historical romance.”
You can visit her at any of the following places: Facebook, Twitter, or her website.
BARBARA BETTIS Barbara Bettis is an award-winning author of historical fiction, and a long-time instructor of English and journalism at the college level.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks and is active in several writers’ groups in the area, including Ozarks Romance Authors.
Visit Barb’s blog by clicking HERE. Her main web site is HERE.
Be sure to check Barb’s blog for future Writers’ Wednesday features!
Kaye Calkins is Barbara Bettis' guest today for Writers' Wednesday
It's Writers' Wednesday over at the blog of our very own Barbara Bettis! Today, Barb's guest is fellow Ozarks Romance Authors member Kaye Calkins.
Barb's blog is always filled with interesting stuff from writers. It's a quick read, and you'll enjoy it.
KAYE CALKINS Kaye Calkins' first manuscript, "Deverell's Dilemma," was recently accepted by Avalon Books.
Selling your first (or any!) book is so incredibly exciting. Would you like to hear the story of how Kaye found out Avalon wanted to buy her first book? Then click HERE for the scoop. It's a great story!
Visit Kaye Calkins online by clicking HERE.
BARBARA BETTIS Barbara Bettis is an award-winning author of historical fiction, and a long-time instructor of English and journalism at the college level.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks and is active in several writers’ groups in the area, including Ozarks Romance Authors.
Visit Barb’s blog by clicking HERE. Her main web site is HERE.
Be sure to check Barb’s blog for future Writers’ Wednesday features!
Writers' Wednesday with Novelist Tracy Garrett
It's Writers' Wednesday once again over at the blog of our very own Barbara Bettis!
TRACY GARRETT Tracy is an award-winning multi-published author, who says she always loved to disappear into the worlds created within the pages of a book. An accomplished musician, she merged her need for creativity, her love of history, and her passion for reading when she began writing western historical romance. An active member of Romance Writers of America, Ozarks Romance Authors, and Dallas Area Romance Authors, Tracy now resides in Missouri with her husband and their fuzzy pal, Wrigley.
Tracy's debut novel, "Touch of Texas," is available HERE, and "Touched by Love" is available HERE.
Visit Tracy online by clicking HERE.
BARBARA BETTIS Barbara Bettis is an award-winning author of historical fiction, and a long-time instructor of English and journalism at the college level.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks and is active in several writers’ groups in the area, including Ozarks Romance Authors.
Visit Barb’s blog by clicking HERE. Her main web site is HERE.
Be sure to check Barb’s blog for future Writers’ Wednesday features!
