Good morning, friends.
Today's conference is near and dear to my heart. This will be my twenty-nineth year attending - minus 2 years. 1) the year my youngest granddaughter was born and 2) the year we all missed.
Over the years I met and made friends with some amazing people. Folks like Western writer, the late Dusty Richards and his wife Pat. Romance author, the late Velda Brotherton as well as other talented authors like Linda Apple, Chrissy Willis, western author and musician Mike Blakely and W. C. Jameson.
The list could go on. I've learned so much from this conference and these people. One of my most precious memories occurred at my very first one. I won the top contest that year for a story I'd written about my 'step' mom. I also won with two poems I'd written in high school when my guidance counselor told me that writers didn't make money. That I needed to focus on a career. (at the time I wanted to be like Barbara Walters, focusing on entertainment) I thought she was doing fine for herself but guidance counselors are supposed to know, right?
Thanks to the Ozark Creative Writers conference I've been making money with my writing for the bast twenty-nine years. Those first wins gave me the confidence to do what I loved, and I still am.
There is a block of rooms for the Ozark Creative Writers but they fill up fast. If you want to go, book now! However, there are several other great hotels a short drive in Eureka Springs, even two or three that are haunted ;-).
Please join us for this fabulous conference in the beautiful Victorian town of Eureka Springs AR. We've been meeting in the same hotel for fifty-seven years, minus the year we held the conference off-site since the conference hall at Inn of the Ozarks burnt down and was just beginning their rebuild. The hotel took care of us that year as well, shuttling the attendees (around 200+) back and forth from the hotel to the venue and back. Great people at Inn of the Ozarks. Tell the folks at the front desk Angela Drake sent you. They're my besties.
If you register before August 31, 2025 you'll be eligible to enter any and all of the contests (On the Spot is available for attendees only) for a chance at prize money! We could all use that, right?
Ozark Creative Writers takes place October 9th - 11th. There is a welcome event the evening of the 9th, usually entertainment on Friday night then the Awards Banquet on Saturday night. You'll also find some down time Saturday afternoon to explore the shops downtown. I suggest taking the trolly for that as parking is scarce downtown during the 'in' season.
Click the conference and hotel links (below their respective pictures for more info and I hope to see you there!
All my best!
~Angela
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