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.

Join us on March 6 for an enlightening and entertaining presentation by Children's author Leslie Wyatt!  We'll gather in the meeting room of the children's section at Library Station, just north of Kearney on Kansas Expressway.  There will be a short business meeting at 9:00 and the presentation will begin around 9:30. 

Exploring the mysterious and nebulous SDT—Show, Don’t Tell.

In this 45-60 minute workshop, writers have the opportunity to brush up on the why, when, and where to show or tell, and how to do it effectively. Rich in sensory detail and geared to challenge and inspire, this presentation includes interactive writing exercises that give attendees immediate opportunity to apply what they’ve learned. A Q & A session follows, if time permits.

Bio:

Leslie J. Wyatt is a freelance writer from Clinton, MO. A two-time graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature and member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she has had more than 100 articles and stories accepted for publication in various children’s magazines, writing and parenting magazines, and anthologies. In addition to her historical middle grade novel Poor Is Just a Starting Place (Holiday House), she has two more books submitted to publishers. Leslie is the 2010 MO SCBWI Mentor, and is available for conference speaking, mentoring and editing, school visits, author events, and writing workshops for children or adults.

Of all the writing she does, Leslie loves concocting middlegrade novels the best, and is currently working on her first historical fantasy.  She lives with her husband and three of their six children in an 1880’s Victorian farmhouse out where timber meets farmland and history is rife. For more information, contact her through her website at www.lesliejwyatt.com