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!

Monthly Meeting–Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 Ellen and Jeremy Pollreisz of PixelTwister Studio to Speak on The Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Book Trailers

Monthly Meeting–Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 Ellen and Jeremy Pollreisz of PixelTwister Studio to Speak on The Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Book Trailers

Ellen and Jeremy Pollreisz of PixelTwister Studio will discuss the essential principles behind what makes a good book trailer. It will be a lively presentation with videos and lots of energy. “Ask us questions and at the end of the program we’ll announce an exciting opportunity.”

We’re a team made up of author and trained character animator. Together, word motion is our passion making book trailers a natural fit.

Jeremy Pollreisz is the Creative Director, specializing in videos that use dynamic typography. His creative energy is like Old Faithful on constant burst. He needs to share.

Ellen Pollreisz is an author whose mission is to help readers challenge the absolutes they carry around. She’s also obsessed with the process. “Screw results. Show me how you got there.” Which makes her the perfect partner in creating book trailers. Think details.

We believe everyone has a story to tell. What’s popular changes, but personal truth and passion is always en vogue.

We make stories come alive.

We’ll be in the Frisco Room at The Library Station on N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield, MO at 1 p.m.

Join our critique group from 10 a.m. to Noon. Want your work reviewed by talented writers and published authors? Bring twenty copies of up to five pages of your work to share for critique or just listen and offer advice.

Meet The Authors of ORAcon Friday, Sept. 19 at Barnes & Noble 4-6 p.m.

Come mix and mingle with a lot of published authors, including:

* Leigh Michaels | author of how-to-write books, highly sought-after writing instructor, and author romance fiction -- http://www.leighmichaels.com/

* Angie Fox | New York Times Bestselling author of urban fantasy -- http://www.angiefox.com/

* Mia Marlowe | bestselling author of historical romance fiction -- http://www.miamarlowe.com/

* Rosalie Stanton | author of paranormal erotic romance -- http://rosalie-stanton.net/

The event is free to attend and will be at Barnes & Noble Booksellers 3055 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, Missouri 65804 (Map). We'll be toward the back of the store. Grab some coffee or tea at Starbucks and then follow the noise to find us.

These fabulous authors have traveled to Springfield to speak at a fiction writers conference the next day.

If you are a writer (or hope to become a writer), please stop by to visit, and think about coming to the all-day conference on Saturday, September 20, at University Plaza Hotel. Cost to attend this fabulous, jam-packed event is just $75. Details are available here: https://www.facebook.com/events/551199241559207/

Topics that our guest speakers will cover at the conference are vital for writers of all fiction genres, not just romance.

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.

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, September 6, 2014. Editor Holly Atkinson to Speak on Tips, Tricks, Dos & Don'ts When Pitching to an Agent or Editor

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, September 6, 2014

Editor Holly Atkinson will give us insight and tips on pitching to editors and agents at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2014, at The Library Station in Springfield, Missouri.

Holly is an editor at Samhain Publishing and a copywriter at ADsmith Marketing and Advertising. 

Since she can remember, Holly Atkinson's professional ambition has revolved around fiction editing. She was fortunate to receive her first taste in editing when she was thirteen and wrote copy for a local realtor show. In 2008, Holly graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s in English, specializing in Creative Writing. Her first real job in the literary world came in the role of line editor for Lyrical Press. In 2011, she joined Mundania Press as a content editor and finally landed her dream job at Samhain Publishing in 2012.

Holly describes herself as the quintessential book nerd. In her spare time, she writes erotic romance under a penname, though she hopes to produce more mainstream works in the future so the more conservative members of her family can read her work. She lives in Missouri with her husband, loves to travel, and goes a little crazy around the holidays. Her largest writing influences include Pamela Smith Hill, Aaron Sorkin, JK Rowling, Stephen King, and Joss Whedon.

FIND HOLLY ATKINSON ONLINE:

http://www.samhainpublishing.com/author/holly-atkinson/ https://www.facebook.com/hollyda1 http://notesfromyoureditor.wordpress.com/

We'll be in the Frisco Room at The Library Station on N. Kansas Expressway n Springfield, MO.

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!

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, August 2, 2014: Insights and Tips on Writing Your First Novel from Author Mara W. Cohen

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, August 2, 2014

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 Mara W. Cohen will give us insight and tips on writing your first novel at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2014, at The Library Station in Springfield, Missouri.

Mara teaches in the English Department at Missouri State University.

With degrees from both Columbia University (NYC) and Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA), she is working on her doctorate at The Spertus Institute of Jewish Leadership and Learning in Chicago.

In addition to writing historical fiction about the Jews of Greece, she the co-director of the Telling Traditions Project, which has a mission to preserve the history of the Jews of the Ozarks and does research on American haggadot.

Along with this first novel, her first documentary "Home, Community, Tradition:The Women of Temple Israel," about the Jewish women of Springfield, MO, is available from the project.

Very concerned about preserving Jewish history, Ms. Cohen has just completed, with M. Rachel Gholson, "Jews of Springfield in the Ozarks" published by Arcadia Press.

A world traveler, she loves meeting her fans, so consider inviting her to your community.

FIND MARA W. COHEN ONLINE: http://english.missouristate.edu/MaraIoannides.aspx https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mara-W-Cohen-Ioannides-author-page/114047885299978 http://www.amazon.com/Mara-W.-Cohen-Ioannides/e/B001JSD266

No Monthly Meeting For July

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, July 5, 2014 - NO MEETING

There will be no July meeting due to the holiday weekend.

We'll see you in August.

Write on!

Join Us Saturday, June 7 as Ashli O'Connell Presents Marketing for Authors & Building a Fan Base Via Social Media

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, June 7, 2014

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.

Ashli O'Connell will speak to us about authors marketing their work and building a fan base via social media on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at The Library Station in Springfield, Missouri.

Guests are welcome! Your first 3 visits are free.

Ashli is the Web Content Developer and Editor at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri.

She produces and edits content for Evangel's website, enrollment marketing materials, and the Evangel Undergrad Facebook and Twitter. She alaso manages the Student Digital Marketing Team

Her career has also included writing and editorial positions for The Springfield News-Leader, "Today's Pentecostal Evangel" magazine and AG Chi Alpha ministries.

Ashli earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and is about to complete a master's degree in communication.

See Ashli's work online: http://www.evangel.edu/ https://www.facebook.com/evangel.undergrad https://twitter.com/EUndergrad

ABOUT ASHLI O'CONNELL:

http://web.evangel.edu/Directory/bios/index.asp?username=OConnellA

http://www.Twitter.com/ashlio

Join Us Saturday, May 3, 2014 As Novelist Ellen Harger Presents: "Three Secrets for Tight Dialogue."

You are invited to attend our fiction writers' group on Saturday, May 3, 2014, as novelist Ellen Harger Presents: "Three Secrets for Tight Dialogue."

We'll be in the Frisco Room at The Library Station on N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield, MO. * Critique Group from 10:00 - 11:55 a.m. * Lunch next door at Panera from noon - 1:00 p.m. * Meeting begins at 1:00 p.m.

ABOUT ELLEN HARGER: Our very own Ellen Harger Pollreisz (writing as Ellen Harger) says: I write women's fiction heavy with sass and snark – my two favorite adjectives. I’m a new stepmom, too, so I have an almost endless supply of writing fodder. I’m also a dog lover. In. Every. Sense. Of. The. Word. Oh, and Southwest Missouri is fabulous. In 2013 I became a published author, wife, and new step-mom. I’ve been a dog lover since birth. For five years I lived in Bean Town, but ever willing to try new places, I eagerly crossed the country to live in Oakland and Berkeley. There I polished and noodled my first novel, and started a few more manuscripts with the help of NaNoWriMo. The bug developed into a full-fledged condition. After eleven years away, and loving the symmetry, I returned to the Midwest to finalize "Strong Enough," set in a town based on Springfield. I've published a poem, "Guidelines," released my debut novel as an e-book, and written a second Women’s Fiction novel, “The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones.” The pipeline is backed up with short stories and novels waiting their turn. Time to open up the valve.

FIND ELLEN ONLINE HERE:

Website http://www.EllenHarger.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEllenHarger

Twitter @ellenharger

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6979258.Ellen_Harger

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Ellen-Harger/e/B00BOUQG26/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Join us Saturday, April 5, 2014 for Mary Muse Wilson

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, April 5, 2014 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

Join us at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014, as Mary Muse Wilson presents "Discover Your Inner Muse-Powered Super Hero."

ABOUT MARY:

During the course of my decade plus career as a published author, I’ve worked with some of the best, and largest, digital-first publishers in the industry. I wrote ebooks back when you had to explain exactly what an ebook was. My first book came out in December 2002, and I haven’t looked back.

I’ve published over 50 books in the romance genre under four pen names, worked with 9 publishers (Seven of whom are still in business, which is no small feat these days!), started self-publishing, and shared my knowledge of publishing with countless writers just like you.

There is no greater time to be in the publishing industry than right now. Writers have more options and more career paths than ever before. They also face more overwhelm, more uncertainty, and more changes than ever before, too. Let me share my knowledge with you, helping you to create your perfect path to publishing.

By introducing you to your inner muse-powered super hero (he or she was there all along!), together, you and your muse can craft a career as inspired as the stories you write.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION:

Not everyone wants to write a book, and of those who want to write one, it takes a special kind of nerve, dedication, and persistence to finish a book, and then a writer has to start on the path of publication.

Along the way well-meaning friends and family, the industry, even other authors can make a writer doubt his or her craft. However, as a writer, you have a secret ally on the road to making your writing career dreams come true--your muse.

Meet your inner muse-powered super hero and discover just how powerful your muse can be, and just how awesome your writing career can become!

VISIT MARY ONLINE:

WEBSITE: http://www.musecharmer.com/ FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/musecharmer

Join us Saturday, March 1, 2014 for Paranormal Author/Editor Jacquelynn Gagne

Make plans now to join us Saturday, March 1, 2014, with guest speaker Paranormal Author/Editor Jacquelynn Gagne. Her book, "Blood Rose," was released April 1, 2013. Jacquelynn F. Gagne is an obsessive compulsive author of all things paranormal. When she cannot be found in the real world she is usually found covered in paint, pastels, or most usually words. Among writing, photography and art, Jacquelynn is also an editor for publishing houses Midnight Hour Publishing. As well she free lances her editorial services. Jacquelynn began working on her first novel in January of 2008, while still working full time. Though Jacquelynn has been writing most of her life, it was never her intention to become a professional writer. But when obsession grabs you, it doesn’t tend to let go. In addition to writing, Jacquelynn enjoys reading everything she can get her greedy little hands on. Currently she lives in Rogersville, Missouri with her husband James and their two sons, though she has declared to one day build a library that will substitute as her house.

She is also a co-owner of Ambrosia Arts, offering editorial services and critiquing to authors. The firm also offers graphic design.

Find Jacquelynn online at:

http://www.Ambrosia-Arts.com/

http://ambrosia-arts.blogspot.com/ https://twitter.com/JacquelynnGagne

YA Author Cecily White Saturday, February 1

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, February 1, 2014

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 Cecily white

Fiction writers and aspiring fiction writers are invited to join us at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2014, as author Cecily White presents "Developing Conflict and Finding Your Voice."

Cecily is the author of "Prophecy Girl," part of the Angel Academy series. You can find "Prophecy Girl" in book stores and at Amazon here:

Visit Cecily online: WEBSITE: http://www.CecilyWhite.com/ TWITTER: @CecilyWhite GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6151198.Cecily_White

You may also know her as the tireless warrior who has led the ORAcon planning committee for the last 3 years, resulting in our annual conference being a big hit each year and attracting fabulous speakers and attendees from all over the USA.

ABOUT CECILY:

Cecily White, Psy.D., makes a habit of avoiding boredom whenever possible. She has enjoyed careers as a hand model, GAP salesgirl, movie projectionist, psychotherapist, yoga instructor, university professor, artist, dance choreographer, eating disorders specialist, psych diagnostician, book reviewer and copy editor. None of which are as much fun as writing novels.

She currently lives in Springfield, MO with two FABULOUS kids and a schizophrenic yet well-mannered cat. She can swear in Klingon, take down an alien aggressor using only her mind (or a pair of chopsticks), and kill giant spiders without getting schmutz on her shirt.

When not singing to herself, she spends time creating new worlds and thinking up ways to make this one better...

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

 

 

Q&A with Published Author Panel

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, November 2, 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.

Q&A with Published Author Panel: Ask Us Anything!

Q&A with Published Author Panel: Ask Us Anything!

Join us at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2013, for an informal afternoon with a panel made up of several of our group's published authors. Ask them anything!We all have questions about the writing process, how to get published, how to find an agent, why a writer might choose traditional/epublishing/print-on-demand, where to find cover artists for your ebooks, how to conduct a blog book tour, topics for your own blog, marketing, what it means to be within a certain sub-genre, whether contests/conferences help you get published...Jot down your questions between now and then, and we'll ask them anything and everything.

OUR PANELISTS:

ALLISON MERRITT (Becky Cummings) -- Author of "The Treasure Hunter's Lady," "The Sky Pirate's Wife," The Turncoat's Temptress," all part of the Legends & Lovers series; and the short ebooks "Return" and "One Day in D.C." (Romance / Steam Punk / Epublishing / Kindle / Series / Blog Book Tours / Blogging / Online Critique Groups / Contests) http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com/

BETH CARTER -- Six-word memoirist and author of the children's books "Who Do You Want to Be?" and "The Missing Key" (Romance / Mystery / Children's / Marketing / Blogging / Contests) http://www.banterwithbeth.blogspot.com/

CECILY WHITE -- Author of the soon-to-be-released "Angel Academy" series. (Young Adult / Paranormal / Series / Critique Groups / Contests / Conferences / Agents) http://www.cecilywhite.com/

CINDY DAGNAN -- Author of "Hot Chocolate for Couples: Practical Ways to Sweeten Your Love Life," "Scribbles – Sketches for Stressed-Out Moms," "The Lights of Home – Scenes of Home & Heaven," "The Chocolate Side of Life," and "Who Got Peanut Butter on My Daily Planner? Organizing and Loving Your Days as a Mom." (Creative Nonfiction / Blogging / Public Speaking) http://cindydagnan.com/

KAYE CALKINS -- Author of "Deverell's Dilemma" (Historical Romance / Traditional Publishing / Agents / Critique Groups) http://writewithkaye.blogspot.com/ and http://avalonbooks.com/catbloghr/1173-deverells-dilemma

LISA WELLS -- Author of "Dibs." (Contemporary Romance / Series) http://www.lisawellsauthor.com/

SARA KAY JORDAN -- Author of "Snatching Genius," "Love & Genius," Prodigy," and "I'm Ready," all part of the Moore Family series. (Romance / Series / Kindle) http://www.sarakayjordan.com/

SHIRLEY McCANN -- Author of MANY short mysteries and the book, "The Necklace." Founder of Sleuths' Ink Mystery Writers, a regional, non-profit group for writers. (Myster / Romance / Epublishing) http://shirleymccann.blogspot.com/

T. SUE VER STEEG (Toni Nichols) -- Author of "Secrets of the Sapphires," "Another Time, Another Place," "Click!" and "One Wild Weekend." (Romance / Paranormal / Time Travel / Epublishing) http://www.tsueversteeg.com/

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://www.JeffHoughton.net/

On Twitter: @themysteryhour

On Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TheMysteryHour

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.

Karen Nelson on Blogging

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, September 7, 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 Karen Nelson to speak about blogging.

Author Karen Nelson to Speak to Fiction Writers about Blogging

Join us Saturday, September 7, as author/educator Karen B. Nelson speaks to us about blogging at The Library Station (2535 North Kansas Expressway) in Springfield, Missouri.

Karen Nelson is a writer in southwest Missouri, homeschooling her children in the rural Ozark Mountains. She enjoys all genres of reading and writing, but her heart is firmly rooted in education.

Karen’s triple-certification allows her to teach a variety of age groups, in subjects ranging from literacy and creativity, to technical skills in the fiber arts. She has published numerous educational materials, including the Literature Theme Units for Goldminds' Young Adult Division, and currently serves as Curriculum Coordinator for Goldminds Publishing.

Karen's work has appeared as columns, book reviews, and articles in The Ozarks Mountaineer magazine, Mailbox magazine, DollCrafter Magazine, All Roads Lead to Branson, Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Travel Guide, Elmer Kelton News, The Old Schoolhouse magazine, Ecology & Conservation Daily News, and more.

She is also the author of the book, "Quotes for Creative Minds," which is available for Amazon Kindle and Nook.

Her work as received many awards, including those from Ozarks Creative Writers, Ozarks Writers League, Springfield Writers' Guild, Whispering Prairie Press Literary Awards, and more.

Visit Karen online at: http://kbnelson.wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Nelson-Author

Morgan Allen of ADsmith Marketing & Advertising

Monthly Meeting--Saturday, August 3, 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.

Morgan Allen of ADsmith Marketing & Advertising

Morgan Allen, Digital Content Producer for Springfield-based ADsmith Marketing & Advertising, is our guest speaker Saturday, August 3, 2013.

Get ready for an introduction to the many ways we can use the power of online marketing to find, keep, and entertain readers.

When it comes to blogging, hashtags, and internet memes, Morgan is ADSmith's in-house specialist. She helps clients keep up with their digital needs by producing quality content for their websites, newsletters, and social media posts.

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.)

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!