Venue Changes

Hello, and welcome to a new year at ORA!

We are excited to announce that starting at our February meeting, ORA will be meeting at the Library Center, located at 4653 S Campbell Ave. Join us on February 3, 2018 to learn some of the exciting events we have coming up, including the year's scheduled book signings at Springfield's First Friday Artwalk.

Our speaker on Saturday is Christopher Johnson, a videomaker at American National. Join us at 9:30 for Critique and stay for the program. We'll see you there!

ORACON Book Signing, Friday, September 16 @ HPB

ATTENTION ORACON AUTHORS

OZARKS ROMANCE AUTHORS WILL BE HOSTING A PRE-CONFERENCE BOOK SIGNING ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 FROM 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. AT HALF-PRICE BOOKS, LOCATED AT THE PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER.

Congratulations to the 2015 Weta Nichols Writing Contest WINNERS!

Congratulations to the 2015 Weta Nichols Writing Contest WINNERS!

Historical Category

• 1st Place: Pam Bazemore, "A Choice Between"

Pam Bazemore. (Birchwood, 20 minutes NE of Chattanooga, TN) She’s attempted a number of things to find her primary role in life: secretary, cashier, piece worker, fork-lift driver and even tank driver in the TN Army Nat’l Guard. Writing short fiction and personal journals is something she’s done off and on since high school. ‘A Choice Between’ is her first novel. She has a completed second, a raw third, and eight chapters (so far) of a fourth. When not writing, she makes the claim of ‘glorified gopher’ for her husband’s business, devoted mom to their brilliant 23 year old son, and chief feeder and caretaker to six dogs she didn’t really intend to have but couldn’t give them up even if she wanted to.

• 2nd Place: Veda Boyd Jones, "Will Jolie's Excellent Vietnam Adventure"

Veda Boyd Jones (Joplin, MO) has written romance novels and children’s fiction and nonfiction books and is trying her hand at a mainstream historical novel. She reread letters she received from her husband during his army years (previous to their marriage), and using them as a catalyst, she decided to fictionalize the turmoil and angst of the Vietnam era on a young man and the young woman he loved. New ebooks: The Governor’s Daughter, That Sunday Afternoon

• 3rd Place: Lindsey Edwards, "Awaiting the Viscount's Kiss

Contemporary Category

• 1st Place: Jessie Gussman, "When Silence Speaks"
• 2nd Place: Lindy Dierks, "Who Says You Can't Go Home"

Lindy Dierks, an avid reader her entire life, began writing a few years ago. She squeezes in writing contemporary romances in the early morning hours, between a full time job, three kids, and the mountains of laundry.

• 3rd Place: Lori Younker, "Without Borders"

Lori Younker has enjoyed the world of words with her international friends for over 30 years. Whether she is learning a new language or teaching English, she appreciates the power of words to capture issues that inspire others. She has had several short stories published in anthologies some of which placed first and second in contests. Lori and her husband raised three kids in warm and woodsy Missouri. Currently, she is president of the COMO Writers’ Guild and donates her energies to recent immigrants and to her writing.

Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Fantasy

• 1st Place: Rosalie Stanton, "Hellion"

Rosalie Stanton is a multi-published erotic romance author, with emphasis in paranormal and contemporary. A lifelong enthusiast of larger than life characters, Rosalie enjoys building worlds filled with strong heroes and heroines of all backgrounds.

• 2nd Place: Allison Merritt, "Lawless"

A love of reading inspired Allison Merritt to pursue her dream of becoming an author who writes historical, paranormal, contemporary, and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. It's not unusual to find her lurking in graveyards, wandering historical sites, or listening to ghost stories.

• 3rd Place: Anne Belen, "Past Mistakes"

Young Adult/Middle Grade

• 1st Place: Mary Holm, "The Fatal Crown"

Mary Holm started writing her first novel after her twins were born as a way to stay sane between feedings and diaper changes.  Since then, she’s written two novels and is working on a third.  After graduating from Southern Illinois University with a BA in Television, she worked in production, did documentary research, and currently works as a script researcher for TV programs and movies.

 She lives in Burbank, CA with her wonderful husband of 32 years.  Her boy and girl twins are now grown and have recently made her a grandmother to two beautiful grandsons, three months apart.  On the rare occasions when she has spare time, she enjoys yoga, hiking, watching TV and tweeting.

• 2nd Place: Charles Robertson, "Ghost Tree"
• 3rd Place: S.D. Keeling, "Songs Never Sung, Words Never Spoken"

S. D. Keeling is the pen name of Sharon Keeling Davis, an award-winning photographer, aspiring author and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She is often drawn to historical and time travel fiction--not surprising since she spent five years as a grad student in ancient and medieval history.

ORACon 2015 – September 18-19, 2015

Ozarks Romance Authors' Annual Conference (ORACON) is almost here!

You are invited to Ozarks Romance Authors’ Annual Fiction Writers’ Conference! This event is NOT just for romance writers. The fundamentals of good writing are universal, and you will learn vital information about the publishing industry, no matter the genre you write. Check out our lineup of fantastic speakers and register here. We will also announce the winners for the 2015 Weta Nichols Fiction Writing Contest, named in honor of the woman who founded our group in 1987, the late novelist Weta Nichols.

The conference itself will be held Saturday, September 19, 2015 at University Plaza in Springfield, MO. Check out the agenda to see the pre-conference activities on Friday, September 18th and plan to join in the fun!

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk – September 4, 2015

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk – September 4, 2015

ORA is participating in yet another First Friday Art Walk with our signature event, Authors At Art Walk! It’s Friday, September 4, 2015, from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m., at BookMarx (325 E. Walnut St., Ste 101, Springfield, MO 65806, 417-501-1062). www.Facebook.com/BookMarxbooks

Please show up, support our members, and make sure it’s a fun night. There is no charge to attend First Friday Art Walk. You will have the chance to meet these authors, purchase their books, and have them signed. We look forward to seeing you!

Participating authors:

Rosalie Stanton — a multi-published erotic romance author, with emphasis in paranormal and contemporary, author of LOST WAGES OF SIN,  SEX, SIN & SCANDAL, FLIP SIDE OF SIN, FIRSTS, WITNESS, KNOW THINE ENEMY, and MOVING TARGET.

Ellen Harger — a writer at the Chick Lit end of Women’s Fiction and the Women’s Fiction end of Chick Lit, author of STRONG ENOUGH and THE ANONYMOUS BLOG OF MRS. JONES.

Lisa Medley — a reader and writer of paranormal romance/urban fantasy novels about monsters in love, author of The Reaper Series (REAP & REPENT, REAP & REDEEM, REAP & REVEAL), HAUNT MY HEART, and SPACE COWBOYS & INDIANS.

VJ Schultz— a writer of fiction, nonfiction and poetry, author of DEATH OF BIGFOOT & OTHER TALES, TRUTH OR DARE & OTHER TALES, UNDERCOVER LOVE & OTHER TALES, VERA’S VERSION, and THE GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT.

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk – August 7, 2015

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk – August 7, 2015

ORA is participating in yet another First Friday Art Walk with our signature event, Authors At Art Walk! It’s Friday, August 7, 2015, from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m., at the Park Central Branch Library (128 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806, 417-831-1342).

Please show up, support our members, and make sure it’s a fun night. There is no charge to attend First Friday Art Walk. You will have the chance to meet these authors, purchase their books, and have them signed. We look forward to seeing you!

Participating authors:

* Tierney James — author of the Enigma Series (An Unlikely Hero, Winds of Deception), There's a Superhero in the Library, Zombie Meatloaf and The Rescued Heart

* Brandy Nacole - author of The Shadow World series (Uniquely Unwelcome, Blood Burdens, Sacrifice: A New Dawn) and the Spiritual Discord series (Broken Faith, Raging Storm)

* Willy Robbins -  author of the children's books In My Closet and Brooding School Blues

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk – May 1, 2015

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk – May 1, 2015

ORA is participating in yet another First Friday Art Walk with our signature event, Authors At Art Walk! It’s Friday, May 1, 2015, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., at BookMarx (325 E. Walnut St., Ste 101, Springfield, MO 65806, 417-501-1062). www.Facebook.com/BookMarxbooks

Please show up, support our members, and make sure it’s a fun night. There is no charge to attend First Friday Art Walk. You will have the chance to meet these authors, purchase their books, and have them signed. We look forward to seeing you!

Participating authors:

* ROSALIE STANTON - http://rosaliestanton.com/bookshel/

* ALLISON MERRITT — http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com/

* Heather Snow — http://www.heathersnowbooks.com/

* Yvonne Erwin — http://www.amazon.com/Yvonne-Erwin/e/B007M0KQPK

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk – March 6, 2015

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk – March 6, 2015

ORA is participating in yet another First Friday Art Walk with our signature event, Authors At Art Walk! It’s Friday, March 6, 2015, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., at BookMarx (325 E. Walnut St., Ste 101, Springfield, MO 65806, 417-501-1062). www.Facebook.com/BookMarxbooks

Please show up, support our members, and make sure it’s a fun night.

Participating authors:

* CARA BRISTOL — http://carabristol.com/

* LISA MEDLEY — http://lisa-medley.com/

* LYNDA KAYE FRAZIER — http://www.lyndakayefrazier.com/

There is no charge to attend First Friday Art Walk. You will have the chance to meet these authors, purchase their books, and have them signed. We look forward to seeing you!

Mega Critique and Write-In--Saturday, January 3, 2015

Mega Critique and Write-In--Saturday, January 3, 2015 Instead of our monthly meeting, ORA and Sleuths' Ink will be co-hosting our 4th annual Mega Critique and Write-In! You DO NOT need to be a member of either writers’ group to attend. Writers of all genres are welcome.

Check out the 2015 Write-in Flyer then click here for more information and to register.

Monthly Meeting – Saturday, December 6, 2014 - ORA's annual Christmas party and Dirty Santa Gift Exchange

Monthly Meeting – Saturday, December 6, 2014 - ORA's annual Christmas party and Dirty Santa Gift Exchange

*** We’re Starting At NOON Today, Not Our Usual 1:00 p.m. ***

Ozarks Romance Authors’ Christmas party is a BLAST each year! Mark your calendar now so you don’t forget.

Rather than having a guest speaker at our 1:00 meeting, we will start the fun at noon with a potluck lunch.

A Dirty Santa Gift Exchange will follow, and it’s always full of laughs and good-natured gift stealing.

Bring your favorite dish or dessert and a wrapped (or gift-bagged) gift in the $10 range for the game. The gift can be nice, silly, writing-related or not. Regifting is welcome. All we ask is that the gift be in good taste.

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk – December 5, 2014

ORA is participating in yet another First Friday Art Walk with our signature event, Authors At Art Walk! It’s Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m., at BookMarx (325 E. Walnut St., Ste 101, Springfield, MO 65806, 417-501-1062). www.Facebook.com/BookMarxbooks Please show up, support our members, and make sure it’s a fun night.

Participating authors:

* BARBARA BETTIS, author of “Silverhawk” and “The Heart of the Phoenix” — http://barbarabettis.com/

* TERRI LEE, author of "The Bootlegger's Wife" and "Back to Austen" — http://www.terrileeauthor.com/

* S.J. MCMILLAN, author of The City of the Gods series, "City of the Gods: The Descendant" and "City of the Gods: The Betrayal", "Dark Light 3 Anthology", "Lillian's Christmas Surprise" and "An Author's Assistant" — http://www.mcmillansj.com/

* BRANDY NACOLE, author of "Uniquely Unwelcome", "Broken Faith", "Blood Burdens" and "Sacrifice: A New Dawn" — http://www.brandynacole.com/

There is no charge to attend First Friday Art Walk. You will have the chance to meet these authors, purchase their books, and have them signed. We look forward to seeing you!

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk – November 7, 2014

ORA is participating in yet another First Friday Art Walk with our signature event, Authors At Art Walk! It’s this Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., at the Park Central Branch Library (128 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806, 417-831-1342). Please show up, support our members, and make sure it’s a fun night.

Participating authors:

* LISA MEDLEY, author of The Reaper Series, “Reap & Repent” and "Reap & Redeem" — http://www.LisaMedley.com

* ELIZABETH OBREY, co-author of “Stars in Her Eyes"

* ROSALIE STANTON, author of “Lost Wages of Sin”, "Know Thine Enemy", "Ripples Through Time", and "Moving Target" — http://www.rosaliestanton.com

* T. SUE VERSTEEG, author of "My Ex-Boyfriend’s Wedding", "Twisted Fate", "Secrets of the Sapphires", "Another Time, Another Place", and co-author of "Luck Be A Lady" - http://tsueversteeg.com

There is no charge to attend First Friday Art Walk. You will have the chance to meet these authors, purchase their books, and have them signed. We look forward to seeing you!

Authors at Art Walk during Springfield's First Friday Art Walk - October 3, 2014

ORA is participating in yet another First Friday Art Walk with our signature event, Authors At Art Walk! It's this Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m., at BookMarx (325 E. Walnut St., Ste 101, Springfield, MO 65806, 417-501-1062). www.Facebook.com/BookMarxbooks

Please show up, support our members, and make sure it's a fun night.

Participating authors:

* BETH CARTER, author of "Tuesdays at Coconuts" and the children's books "What Do You Want to Be?" and "The Missing Key" -- http://www.BethCarter.com

* VJ SCHULTZ, author of "Death of Bigfoot," "Truth or Dare," and "Undercover Love" -- http://VerasVersion.blogspot.com

* ELLEN HARGER, author of "The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones" and "Strong Enough" -- http://www.EllenHarger.com

There is no charge to attend First Friday Art Walk. You will have the chance to meet these authors, purchase their books, and have them signed. We look forward to seeing you!

Fiction Writers Conference Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, in Southwest Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, MO – Whether aspiring or multi-published, authors will gather in southwest Missouri to learn from industry professionals Saturday, September 20, 2014, in Springfield. ORAcon2014, which is open to authors and readers of all genres, is sponsored by Ozarks Romance Authors, and will be held from 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center. In addition, Barnes & Noble in Springfield is hosting a Meet The Authors event from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2014.

Workshops and presentations scheduled for Saturday include traditional and self-publishing, how to capture the attention of editors and readers, plotting, what makes a manuscript appealing to an acquiring agent or editor, and manuscript editing. Speakers include:

• Leigh Michaels, Award-winning Author of Nearly 100 Books; Editor; Teacher
• Mia Marlowe, Award-winning Author
• Angie Fox, New York Times Bestselling Author
• Liz Pelletier, Publisher and co-founder of Entangled Publishing and Savvy Media Services
• Nicole Resciniti, Literary Agent with The Seymour Agency
• Tish Beaty, Literary Agent with the L. Perkins Agency
• Holly Atkinson, Author and Editor with Samhain Publishing

“ORAcon 2014 will be my third year in attendance,” said Lisa Medley, multi-published author with Harlequin. “ORAcon provided me with networking contacts, motivation and great workshops that not only educated me but inspired me. The atmosphere of this workshop is nurturing and friendly. No one, author, editor or agent, is unapproachable."

Published and aspiring authors will have the opportunity to pitch their manuscripts to industry professionals who have traveled to our area to discover new talent. The agents and editors who are accepting pitches are:

• Liz Pelletier (Entangled Publishing)
• Nicole Resciniti (Seymour Agency)
• Tish Beaty (L. Perkins Agency)
• Holly Atkinson (Samhain Publishing)

“ORAcon offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about the craft and business of fiction writing from bestselling authors, editors and agents,” said Sharon Davis, President of Ozarks Romance Authors. “With a variety of programs and opportunities to pitch your finished novel, we have something for writers of all genres, from beginner to pro.”

Attendees will receive goody bags and have the chance to win prizes. Authors, local and nonlocal alike, will be signing and selling books. In attendance will be authors Mary Caelsto Lenker, Dawna Kreis, Elizabeth Obrey, Barbara Bettis, Lynda Frazier, Ellen Harger, Terri Lee, Heather Snow, Cecily White, Kathleen Garnsey, Sharon Kizziah-Holmes, T. Sue VerSteeg, Lisa Medley, V. J. Schultz, Judy Nickles, William A. Spradley, Willy Robbins, Shirley McCann, Brandy Nacole, Tierney James, Beth Carter, Susan Keene, and Rosalie Stanton.

The conference agenda is available online here: http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-ORAcon-Agenda.pdf

To register for ORAcon 2014, visit http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/conference-2014/oracon-2014.

REGISTER PRIOR TO SEPT. 20, 2014: Members of Ozarks Romance Authors - $60.00 Non-members of Ozarks Romance Authors - $75.00 Join ORA now + conference registration - $85.00

PAY AT THE DOOR THE MORNING OF THE CONFERENCE: $80.00

For more information about the event, contact 417-827-7800 or email ozarksromanceauthors@gmail.com.

Ozarks Romance Authors, founded in 1987, is a registered nonprofit group in the state of Missouri, and a member of Springfield Regional Arts Council.

Join us for Authors at Art Walk--Friday, August 1, 2014

Authors at Art Walk--Friday, August 1, 2014

Join authors  Ellen Harger, Wanda Fittro, Allison Merritt, Beth Carter August 1 at Arts and Letters Gallery at 214 S. Campbell Ave Springfield, MO during First Friday Art Walk! Meet the authors and have your books signed!

2014 Mega Critique Group & Write-In

2014 Mega Critique Group and Write-In

Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.- 4 p.m. at The Creamery Arts Center, 411 North Sherman Parkway, Springfield, MO.

Sponsored by Sleuths' Ink Mystery Writers and Ozarks Romance Authors

Instead of our regular monthly meeting, we are holding this special event for the third year in a row!

Spend your Saturday with members of two area non-profit writers' groups to get your writing year off to a great start.

You may choose to spend this day in: A.) The Mega Critique Group B.) The Write-In C.) Spend some time in each

Critique Group involves bringing about 5 pages of your writing, double-spaced to share with the group in an informal, helpful setting. Bring at least a dozen copies. We'll let you know if you need more copies after people have registered. Get feedback and offer feedback. It's a great way to learn, even if your work is not the piece being critiqued.

For the Write-In, plan on bringing your laptop and setting up at one of the tables that will be provided. Concentrate on your work in progress. It's great to feed off the energy of a room full of writers!

PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE HERE

Lunch is provided for a $5 contribution.

You DO NOT need to be a member of either writers' group to attend. Writers of all genres are welcome.

Promotional Mega Critique & Write-In Flyer available here for download. Write-In Flyer 2013

For more information:

* Email OzarksRomanceAuthors@gmail.com

Sponsored by:

Ozarks Romance Authors http://www.Ozarks-Romance-Authors.com/

and

Sleuths' Ink Mystery Writers http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/

The Creamery Arts Center

411 N Sherman Pkwy, Springfield, Missouri 65802-3652

View Map · Get Directions

 

 

ORAcon 2013

ORAcon 2013 Saturday, September 21, 2013.

ORACon 2013 Fiction Writers' Annual Conference

You are invited to Ozarks Romance Authors' Annual Fiction Writers' Conference!This event is not just for romance writers. The fundamentals of good writing are universal, and you will learn vital information about the publishing industry, no matter the genre you write.Stay tuned for more details as plans are confirmed. We will also announce the deadline for the 2013 Weta Nichols Fiction Writing Contest, named in honor of the woman who founded our group in 1987, the late novelist Weta Nichols.

Once again, 1-on-1 pitch sessions will be available with agents/editors, we'll have a Meet The Authors/Booksigning event the night before the conference, workshops, panels, headshots, Q&A, networking, and prizes.

Authors at Art Walk

Authors at Art Walk--First Friday Art Walk Featuring Four Local Authors Friday, August 2, 2013     6:00-9:00 p.m.

LOVE TO READ? COME MEET 4 LOCAL AUTHORS!

For the first time ever, Ozarks Romance Authors is participating in First Friday Art Walk, a program of Springfield Regional Arts Council (ORA is a member of SRAC).

Stop by from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2013, to show support for these local authors. We will be at the Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square.

Authors participating this evening are:

* CECILY WHITE, author of the young adult paranormal "Prophecy Girl" -- http://www.cecilywhite.com/

* JEAN ROSENOW, author of the novel "Blessed Are the Pure of Heart" -- http://www.jeanrosenow.com/

* KAYE CALKINS, author of the historical romance "Deverell's Dilemma" -- http://www.writewithkaye.blogspot.com/

* BETH CARTER, author of the children's books "What Do You Want to Be?" and "The Missing Key" -- http://www.banterwithbeth.blogspot.com/

There is no charge to attend First Friday Art Walk. You will have the chance to meet these authors, purchase their books, and have them signed. We look forward to seeing you!

2013 Mega Critique Group & Write-In Event

Join ORA and Sleuth's Ink at The Creamery Arts Center on Saturday, January 5th for our second annual write-in and critique event. We'll be joining other writers from 10 am to 4 pm with snacks and lunch, critiques, writing, and door prizes! Don't miss out!Click here to download to flyer to distribute to other writers. This event is FREE and open to all genres of writers. You do not have to be a member to attend. Please fill out the form below to register so we'll know how to order lunch and instruct you on how many copies of your work to bring to critique if you select that option.

Event Registration Form

Name Email Event Critique Writein Both Do you have any special diet requests? (Vegan, vegetarian, etc?) How did you hear about our event?

Directions to The Creamery:

Creamery Arts Center, 411 N Sherman Pkwy, Springfield, MO 65802 View Larger Map