Video highlights from our 2010 conference!

This 30-second video features highlights from Ozarks Romance Authors' 2010 conference, "Romancing The Ozarks: Dancing With Words."

The conference was held July 10, 2010, at The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., in Springfield, Missouri.

Conference speakers were:

• Kensington author Kimberly Killion (www.kimberlykillion.com) and Harlequin author Megan Kelly (www.megankellybooks.com) presented "The Road so Far: The First Year After the Call."

• Ginger Kolbaba, editor of Marriage Partnership magazine (www.christianitytoday.com/mp), a publication of Christianity Today International, presented "Writing for the 21st Century Woman."

• Mary-Lane Kamberg (http://kansascitywriters.com) presented "What's So Funny?" She has more than twenty years of writing experience and is the author of seven books. Her articles have appeared in Better Homes and Gardens, Marriage and Family Living, Christian Science Monitor, Healthy Kids and many others.

“Each year, our conferences are so inspiring for new and seasoned writers alike, but this year’s lineup of speakers will bring some really talented authors to town,” said Kathy Mullens, 2009-2010 president of Ozarks Romance Authors, said in the press release that was issued prior to the conference. “We look forward to sharing their expertise with the local writing community, and we’re excited to present this scholarship to Ozarks Literacy Council.”

A portion of the proceeds from the writers' conference was donated to Ozarks Literacy Council, based in Springfield, Missouri.

Ozarks Literacy Council conducts programs including one-on-one tutoring, and outreach events and partnerships with other nonprofits, such as sending free books home with children who are part of Ozarks Food Harvest's backpack programs. According to Nicole Thom-Arens, Ozarks Literacy Council's program director, Ozarks Literacy Council served 97 adults and 8,600 children in 2009. For more information, visit www.OzarksLiteracy.org.

The afternoon of July 9, 2010, a booksigning event was held for the conference speakers at Border Books & Music, 3300 S. Glenstone Ave., in Springfield's Primrose Marketplace shopping center.

Borders also provided staff members and a mini-bookstore during the conference to allow attendees to purchase books written by the authors who spoke.

Published members of Ozarks Romance Authors also sold and signed books throughout the day, including Jennifer Jakes, Beth Carter, Cindy Sigler Dagnan, Lisa Wells, Brenda Brinkley, and Shirley McCann.

ORA's 2009-2010 President Kathy Mullens was interviewed by the local CBS affiliate, KOLR-10, and appeared on the news that evening. That news story (including the video) is available online here: http://ozarksfirst.com/search-fulltext?nxd_id=293565

Ozarks Romance Authors is a non-profit organization for writers of all genres in the southwest Missouri region. Monthly speakers help writers of all genres hone their skills and explore writing opportunities.

Meetings are held the first Saturday of each month at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, in Springfield (Greene County), Missouri. Visitors are welcome! The first three visits are free. More information is available by calling (417) 597-4716 or by visiting www.Ozarks-Romance-Authors.com.

Become a fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/OzarksRomanceAuthors or follow the group on Twitter @OzarksRomance.

Teen Author Henry Stratmann III Signs Books At ORA Meeting

Our June 2, 2007, meeting was extra special as we welcomed Henry Stratmann, III, the teenaged son of member Dr. Maryellen Stratmann. Henry signed copies of his book, "Eye Has Not Seen: An Anthology of Short 'Short Stories.'" His book is available online at Starship Press.

Information about Henry and his book, from his web site:

EYE HAS NOT SEEN: AN ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT STORIES by teen journalist Henry Stratmann III, age 16

What do you get when you mix H. G. Wells with Ray Bradbury and O. Henry?

The answer: Henry Stratmann III.

This sixteen-year-old takes you on a memorable journey in his first anthology of short “short stories." With just a few strokes of his pen, he connects you to intriguing characters from the past, present, and future.

Climb on board the roller coaster of his imagination and buckle up for the ride! These are stories that all ages will enjoy.

About the Author: Henry's favorite activity is daydreaming. He began writing down his musings at the ripe old age of six, when he started a family daily newspaper. He is a typical teen-ager and attends high school in Springfield, Missouri.

To order Henry's Anthology of Fiction Fables, send check or money order for $6.99 (sales tax included), plus $2.00 for shipping and handling to:

Fiction Department Starship Press, LLC 4319 South National, No. 135 Springfield, Missouri 65810-2607

Or order through our bookstore on this website using PayPal or your credit card.

Ozarks Romance Authors, a non-profit group for 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.

Join us for critique group at 10:00 a.m., lunch at noon, and our meeting/guest speaker at 1:00 p.m.

Visitors are welcome. Your first three visits are free.

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.

NOTE: When the first Saturday of the month falls on a holiday weekend, we often reschedule. If you’re thinking of visiting and it’s a holiday weekend, please email us to find out if we have rescheduled.