Ozark Writers and Illustrators For Children is a non-profit group centered in the Springfield, Missouri area, who are interested in children's literature.  Some of us are published and some are hoping to be.  We produce novels, nonfiction, articles, and short stories.  We discuss markets, trends, publicity, queries, and all aspects of our craft.  We meet the first Saturday of every month at the Library Station, 2535 N Kansas Expressway in Springfield from 9-11 a.m.  A critique session follows at approximately 11:30. 

 

Next meeting: September 4, 2010--LIVE FROM CHATAUQUA!

Every year, The Highlights Institute (as in Highlights For Children) sponsors a retreat for children's writers and literature aficionados to gather, network, learn from professionals and work on their current projects.  It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for published and unpublished authors alike.  Last month, our own Louise Jackson was privileged to experience a Chatauqua week, and she'll be sharing the magic with us.  The program will begin around 9:30, after a short business meeting.  We could also use your input for planning programs for the coming year, so come with suggestions!

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Thanks to everyone who showed up for our second annual OWAIC summer workshop!  Our attendance was the best ever and except for a few little glitches (next time we may bring our own toilet paper!) the day ran like clockwork. 

Our main speaker Suzanne Lieurance shared her expertise in writing as a CAREER--

not just a hobby, dream, or

something-you'll-get-around-to-as-soon-as-you-have-the-time. 

Suzanne is a great encourager and motivator--just the ticket for climbing out of the summer doldrums.  She showed us how to

·       Set realistic goals

·       Establish a web presence

·       Find something to feel good about every week

·       Celebrate the little things in little ways

Other takeaways:

Everything you do as a writer should have a purpose!

Don't start a promotional idea or project because it sounds like fun--think it through and make sure it'll work for you.

Distinguish between goals and objectives: objectives are where you're going, goals are how to get there.

Set realistic goals.  For instance, if you set out as a beginner to "write every day," you may be setting yourself up for failure.

Do you think you can't make a living as a writer unless you sell millions of copies? 

Do you believe an agent is essential? 

Have you delayed setting up a website or blog because you don't have a book published yet?

If your answer is "yes," you've fallen for a myth.  There are all kinds of ways to make money writing for children that don't necessarily lead to your book being reviewed in Publishers Weekly.

Outside the temperature climbed to 98, but we didn't mind Suzanne lighting a fire under us. 

Here are some comments:

I thoroughly enjoyed the OWAIC workshop this year.  Wonderful speaker and great information for beginners and experienced writers as well.

                                                                                          K.T., Springdale, AR

Whether you are published or not, write for children or adults, or just want to learn, you will benefit from the OWAIC conference--it's a fantastic day filled with learning and laughter.                                                                       SKA, Buffalo, MO

The conference was great for info and inspiration.  Well worth the money!  Well worth the time--

                                                                                LTS