CONFERENCES INFORMATION - Repost Link

Good morning, friends!

Just a quick reminder the Ozark Creative Writers Conference is the second weekend in October. Early Bird Registration closes August 31.

Don't miss out on this great conference.

Inn of the Ozarks

479-253-9768

The block of rooms at Inn of the Ozarks fill up fast so make sure you call. If they're full, they can offer great recommendations for other places - all within a couple of minutes drive from the conference center.

You'll find all the details in THIS BLOG POST

All my best!

~ Angela

CONFERENCE INFORMATION! - Ozark Creative Writers

 Good morning, friends.

OZARK CREATIVE WRITERS

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. 

INN OF THE OZARKS

(479) 253-9768

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

  

CONFERENCES & CONTESTS

Good morning, friends!

Inn of the Ozarks Hotel & Convention Center

Randy and his team do their best to make your stay one you will want to repeat.

Book 2 in my series, An Ozarks Homecoming, opens up in the adjoining restaurant, Myrtie May's

The anticipated conference news is LIVE!  

This will be my 28th (29th) year attending Ozark Creative Writers. I've missed two in their 55+ years. One the year my youngest granddaughter was born. She will turn thirteen this year and the year we all missed, thanks to the big C.

Ozark Creative Writers (OCW for short) always runs the second full weekend in October and garners some big name speakers, agents and publishers as well as talented authors sharing their knowledge and expertise. This year is another example of how hard the OCW Board of Directors works.

Held in the beautiful town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas (where my current book series is set)

Aside from great speakers, for the cost of registration you can enter as many of the 'money-winning' CONTESTS as you would like. 

If you lose track of this post, you can click on their icon on the sidebar.

I hope you'll join us!

~All my best!

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - A Final Push

 Good morning, everyone!

Well, first off, I apologize for no review of Something Blue last week. For some reason I can't get it to open on either of my Kindles and I just have not had time to sit and call customer service about the issue. 

I hope to have a review post for Wednesday on a totally different book. For now... 

The date has changed for Dean and Rhonda's visit. They will be here on the 9th! Yikers! That really cuts my time but I'm on a mission.

First off, I need spending money for Wednesday. So I'm paying myself an hourly wage (mind you - below the minimum wage but still...) so I can hit the Hobby Lobby clearance sale. 75% off paper crafting supplies is something I can't afford to miss since I use them in my 'day job'. I spoke with a manager at the store this morning and she told me they are behind but that everything should be in place later this week. When you're on a budget, you can't afford to miss big-ticket items like dies when there's a price reduction that large!

There's still time to Register!

https://www.ozarkcreativewriters.com/

I did not get any entries for OCW. I really had something in the back of my mind, but like Book 2, if I can't produce a quality product, I'm not going to just put something out there.

I did make progress on Publish & Thrive. I'm really enjoying the course though I know I'm still a couple weeks behind. I've been making time almost daily to sit and watch while taking lots of notes. I found out I may not need the LLC so postponed that appointment with Chrys. 

For this week, I fixating on three things:

1 - The studio. Since I lost a week with the visit date being moved up, I don't have a choice. 

2 - The Graphic 45 project is due on Friday. I'd love to post no later than Thursday

3 - Continue with Publish & Thrive

Hopefully, I'll see you back here on Wednesday.

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Deadlines!!

 Good morning, everyone!

The last couple weeks were completely crazy! I'm still trying to get the studio/ office redo done and now I have a deadline of September 14th. My brother-in-law and his wife will be here for a long weekend visit, arriving on the 16th. Of course, Bob comes home the week prior so I really only have two weeks to get the studio finished. Progress is being made but not as fast I'd like as I'm also working with creative deadlines.

Bee Journals

I'm on the final push to finish these three bee-themed journals. The prototype is for me but the other two are for two very special 'bee' friends. My plan is to finish these up by the weekend and get them mailed. That will let me put the remaining bee-themed items in my Etsy shop then clear the deck for the next creative project.

Graphic 45 Papers

I LOVE  working with Graphic 45 papers. The quality is amazing and the vintage images fit my style. Of course, throw in anything Halloween in the mix and I'm all over it like whipped cream on pumpkin pie!  They currently have a challenge going on to create something using their product. Winner will receive $150 credit to their store. Yes please!  Deadline is September 2nd but I'm shooting for the end of this month.

OZARK CREATIVE WRITERS

I've been attending the Ozark Creative Writers conference for the past twenty-six years. I've missed two conferences. one - when my youngest granddaughter was born then the one that was canceled due to Covid.  Each year they offer a long list of contests (with prize money) 'free' to enter for the cost of your conference registration. Unless I get something done and submitted by August 25th, this will be the first year I've not entered. I could really use the prize money to pad the author bank account for covers, business expenses, and funding research trips.  I can usually write short stories pretty quickly so I'll be really pushing on a couple of those this week. Technically, the deadline to enter is August 28th, but while I do work better in a time crunch, I hate the thought of actually entering last minute. 

I heard something from Sarra Cannon yesterday that I'd been thinking all along. An Ozarks Homecoming story isn't ready to be written. All I'm doing by forcing the story to come out, is burying everything deeper. Trust me, I really did not mean for this book to take me three years - and I have no intention of letting the other stories I have rattling around in my head (or starts in the file drawer) to take as long either - if I can help it. 

For those who don't understand, writing is a process and I'm a stickler for getting things right the first time. That was drummed into me in second grade. If you're going to do something, do it right the first time. Don't waste your time having to go back and do something over.

In the case of An Ozarks Homecoming it's imperative I get things right the first time. There is no 'do-overs' or opportunity to correct mistakes you will catch. I fear you'll call me on something then never pick up another one of my books. I can't risk that!

While I do these other things, the story is percolating in my brain. I've not turned loose of the story, I promise.

So my goals for this week:

* Catch up on Publish & Thrive course (meeting with attorney on Wednesday about LLC)

* Entries for Ozark Creative Writers aka OCW

* Finish bee journals

* At least 1 entry for G45

* Finish the cube storage unit organization.

Those should keep me out of trouble. 

I'll be back tomorrow for the wrap-up of Something Blue with my review of the anthology.

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATIONS - Where Did July Go?!

 Good morning, everyone!

Wow! We are headed into fall. I am so ready. We've finally gotten some rain, hopefully enough to get tomatoes ripening. I know we're finally going to mow the lawn for the first time since May.

After being gone an entire month, Bob came home last week. He was home for a couple of days before heading out last Saturday to spend some time with his youngest brother. He'll be home Wednesday evening. From there I only have him home for six days so we're going to be doing lots of things together.

I have been taking part in the PowerhouseAuthorSummit and finally broke down last night and bought the life-time access. I'll be talking more about that on Wednesday.

In the mean time, here is my Top 3 for this week:

* Register for Ozark Creative Writers

* Look over potential contest entries

* Finalize 3rd quarter project plans

I've registered for the conference first thing this morning before I forgot - again. There's plenty of time to still register. I've been attending the conference for 28 years - only missing one the year my youngest granddaughter was born (not counting the one canceled due to the you know what). Click on the Ozark Creative Writers logo in the side bar. 

I'll spend some time today looking over the contest entries. Mostly seeing if there's anything in my file I can breathe life in to or that I could come up with quick. I only have about two weeks left. We shall see. 

With Bob gone two more days, I'm off to see what I can accomplish.

All my best

~ Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Finding Balance

 Good morning, everyone!

Shhhh.... don't tell anyone but I'm actually ahead of the game this week. 

I'm still battling a head cold but the worst is behind me. At least I can think of two things at once. 

Bob leaves tomorrow and I can dive in to a full work schedule again. I am soooo ready to get caught up. June is going to be a busy month with something going on every weekend. Ugh! The last thing on the list is my in-laws coming for a short visit the last week of the month. I'm okay with that. They've chosen not to stay with us but they'll be here during the day so I really do need to put the house in some semblance of order. Wish me luck!

My Top 3 for this week don't even include writing... just catching up.

1 - Items into the etsy shop

2 - A 5-part art project with a deadline of May 31st. Thanks to company and a head cold I haven't gone beyond the design stage for them so I'll be super busy this week

3 - begin a major purge around the house

This should set me up for next week when I can get back to writing. I need to order the new cover for Somewhere Down the Line, do edits on the story then schedule a time to get the book formatted so I can put a much better version of the book out than what has been up the past 10 years. Having the rights back has been such a relief. 

I also need to look at potential contest entries for the Ozark Creative Writers conference coming up in October. Deadline for entries is usually mid- August. Check out the link. We'd love to have you join us! Though I will warn you that hotel rooms at Best Western Inn of the Ozarks & Convention Center fill up fast! You'll find other hotels in the area though. That is peak season so don't wait too long!

Page Lambert is our keynote this year. Page is delightful and always full of inspiration. There are others joining us but Friday night entertainment will be western author/ songwriter, singer Mike Blakely. I first met Mike at this conference over 25 years ago. You won't want to miss his sessions or his music!

That's it for me this week! Time to throw Sunday dinner together then see if I can continue my winning streak in cards. 

Tomorrow, we continue our Author Spotlight series with two more from the Something Blue anthology! Teri Wilson has quite a royal reputation and Lacey Baker is multi-genre talented! 

All my best!

~Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW & CONFERENCE UPDATE

 

Good morning, everyone!

I've been super busy over here trying to finalize my presentation for the Ozark Creative Writers conference. I've also had to deal with truck repairs. I will resuem the Author Spotlight & Review next Tuesday.

There's still time to join me at this amazing multi-genre conference. We have an Early Bird presentation on Thursday afternoon followed by a meet n greet Welcome Back party. Masks and Social Distancing are required but we will still be having tons of fun and would love for you to join us!

The Conference kicks off with our keynote on Friday morning with Bill Bernhardt. He will be talking about what Best Selling Books have in in common. 

I have two sessions (back to back) on Friday afternoon on the importance of blogging as well as a 'how to' for authors. 

Click this LINK to be taken to the main page. You'll find everything else by following any of the tabs.

In the meantime, I've kicked off my AuthorTube channel. We're talking about PREPTOBER. Don't know what that is? Check out my first video.  Future videos will run on Fridays.

I'll see you back here on Monday for more Motivation to KEEP GOING!

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - The Countdown Begins!

Good morning, friends!

Ozark Creative Writers Conference

There's still time to join us!

I'm scheduling this a full week ahead as this week is going to be nuts as I prepare for my trip to the Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs AR. I will be presenting back-to-back sessions on Friday afternoon. My topic: Blogging is not dead. 

My Top 3 for this week is really simple:

* Pack

* Clean the house

* Prep meals for Bob

Mind you, Bob is quite capable of cooking for himself. He's a very good cook. But, there's still that 1950s hosuewife upbringing that won't let me go on a trip without ensuring Bob at least has a few things he can heat up. He also eats out on occasion.

I love going to Inn of the Ozarks. The place has become 'home away from home'. I've been staying at the hotel at least once a year (except 2020) since 1996). I've made many friends there. Here is a short video about the hotel & conference center:

One of the things I hope to do is visit the Bridgeford House B & B. Bridgeford House was the inspiration for Stephanie's home in An Ozarks Christmas. I've never seen the inside. I'm hoping for a tour.

Bridgeford House B & B

There are a couple other places I'm hoping to check out as they relate to An Ozarks Homecoming. Maybe a bit of on-sight inspiration will kick this book into gear!

I've scheduled posts for the next couple of weeks so the blog won't be totally deserted. 

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Time to Tell a Story

 Good morning, everyone!

Wow!

Well, I can say first of all that last week did not go as planned. 

For starters, Bob left on Monday. From there I dove in to really making progress on clearing the studio by working through one area at a time. I managed to complete my filming area except for a shelf I need Bob to add to my shelving unit. He tried to do it before he left but the one shelf board I had wasabout 1/2" too short. In the mean time, I'm making progress elsewhere.

Yesterday, I found about 80% of my 4'x8' work table. I need it cleared for working on other areas, like cataloging the stamp sets and cutting large pieces of mat and foam core board - again, for other projects that need finished.

I also didn't get Burroughs emailed. That is tops on my list for this week. Review my contract to make sure I have dates correct, then email them a formal request for rights back. Cross your fingers because I really want to offer Somewhere Down the Line in print in time for the Ozark Creative Writers conference in October.

TIME TO TELL A STORY

I woke up this morning with the realization of why An Ozarks Homecoming is moving so slow for me. I'm so caught up in getting details correct that I've stopped giving you a STORY! The light bulb clicked on last night as I finished the last novella in Christmas at the Amish Bakeshop. When I finished The Christmas Cupcake by Loree Lough I thought, 'she told such a beautiful story'.  (No spoilers as to why since you'll learn more in Week 3 of the Author Spotlight series for this book) The sense dawned on me is that's how my first two books came about. I just told a story. 

So effective with tonight's writing sprints, I'm just going to sit with a blank page and start telling a story. I'll fix all the 'telling to showing' stuff in edits. 

Hello Kitty in honor of Sarra Cannon

Here's my Goals for the Week:

* Contact Burroughs

* Clear Sofa

* Tell the Story

That's it for my week. What is ONE THING you want to do TODAY! Tomorrow will come soon enough!

All my best

~Angela

MOTIVATION MONDAY

 

Good morning, everyone!

Another month is behind us... as well as Camp Nano. I can say without reservation that I did not meet my goal for July. I just can't write in chaos and my office/ studio has been a disaster. My goal has been to get that space organized so that I will have my peaceful writing space back. 

Since this picture was taken, I've made a new sofa cover but the area is a complete disaster at the moment. The sofa is buried beneath my sem-day job as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. That's been the project I've been working on. As I said in last week's post (or the week before) putting it out there is a great motivator. I need my space back so I hope to have reclaimed my sanctuary by next week. 

Bob leaves tomorrow - opening up my week to really dive in.

* Dedicated writing time

* August blog posts scheduled

* Continuing work on the conference items

* Following up with Burroughs

Note: I'm writing this post a couple weeks ahead. I can do that thanks to my planner. By the time this airs I hope to have heard back from my editor at Burroughs and gotten the rights back to Somewhere Down the Line. If that's the case than an additional task will be added to my list of cleaning the manuscript up (can't believe the mistakes they put back in after we'd taken them out during edits!) as well as getting my new cover ordered

That's a full week for me. What's on your agenda?  Please share in the comments below and we'll motivate each other! 

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION

 

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to a new week.

The past weekend was busy but full of love and chatter. Bob and I won't have the opportunity to travel to Texas to see his Mom and her husband but I already know that my next trip to Texas will include heading for the southern part of the state - a part I've not visited before.

Bob is home for another week but he understands I have to get back to work. I'm only focusing on the things I have to do immediately. One of the things I'll focus on is what I must get scheduled for the first few days of August before Bob heads back out on the 3rd. After that I can go back to crazy hours.

This week:

* Blog posts through August 4th

* Contract with Burroughs (yes, I've still not done that task ::; sigh :::)

        That one is really important as I'd like to have hard copies to sell at the Ozark Creative Writer's                    Conference coming up October 7-9th.  I'll be presenting two sessions on blogging/ marketing                   which brings me to point #3

* Begin outline for handout and a saleable workbook for the conference

Speaking of the conference, there's still time to register as well as enter the myriad of contest categories for your chance to win awards and CASH! 

That should keep me out of trouble this week. What items are motivating you this week? Share below. Accountability is a great motivator!

All my best                                                                                                                                  ~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION

 Good morning, everyone!

I apologize for missing this post last week. I've been working in the garden two hours in the morning. Labor-intensive work that wears me out. I've been crashing for several hours after the activity. Last Wednesday I got wise and decided I needed to just take a day and work on blog posts - including this one. But I knew then what my goals needed to be for this week.

Bob will be home on Wednesday and I've not accomplished a lot in the house that I had planned on. On the plus side, the new garden is shaping up nicely. 

For this week I need to focus on at least two items from my KanBan board. 

1 - Request rights back for Somewhere Down the Line

2 - Secure authors for September/ October and December

3 - Be consistent with Social Media, 

For that last one, I'll be making notes as I go so that I can include things in the Social Media Planner I'm trying to create in time to offer at the Ozark Creative Writers conference where I'll be speaking in October.

I've not been as productive on Camp Nano as I'd have liked. I've fixed a couple of kinks and the words are flowing again. I'd like to clear another 5,000 words this week, though I won't do much once Bob gets home. The first weekend he is home is dedicated to him unless he has a shoot or a lodge meeting.

That's my plan for the week.  What are you wanting to accomplish?  Remember, you can do anything you set your mind to - at least that's what I keep telling myself. ;-)

All my best

~Angela

TOP 3 3-8-21

 

Good morning, everyone!

After accomplishing very little last week, I'm healthy, energized and ready to work this morning. Let's begin a brand new week with lots of positivity!

First off, I finished the beta reading/ edits for June Faver's future book (2022 ?) ...  DREAMING OF A COWBOY. Excellent book! Probably one of the best in the Garrett family line to date.I fall more and more in love with Big Jim with every book I read. Her most recent book, FOREVER  MY COWBOY, came out in January. I reviewed the book HERE. You'll also find June's social media links on that post.

This week begins a 7-week series for the Author Spotlight and Wednesday Review. We'll be taking a closer look at the seven authors who wrote the 7 BRIDES for 7 SOLDIER'S series. The previous link will take you to Amazon where you can pick up all seven books rather than purchasing individually.

Tomorrow, I'll shine the spotlight on author, Barbara Freethy then Wednesday I'll review the first book in the series, written by Barbara, Ryder.  I'm looking forward to delving in to the entire series and getting to know the authors behind these seven soldier heroes.

In the mean time, here is the list we'll be reading:

Ryder (#1) - Barbara Freethy

Adam (#2) - Roxanne St. Claire

Zane (#3) - Christie Ridgway

Wyatt (#4) - Lynn Raye Harris

Jack (#5) - Julia London

Noah (#6) - Cristin Harber

Ford (#7) - Samantha Chase

After I finished the edits for June last week, I wound up with a stomach bug that took me out the rest of the week. I'm planning to get back in to Book 2 tonight. To further encourage me (accountability) and so you can see how things are going, I'm going to add a word count widgit to my side bar.  All I have to do is remember to update, which I will probably do on Mondays. That way when you see my week ahead, you'll also be able to see how I did word-count wise on the previous week.

Remember, we also have the Writer Tip Thursdays with our new video series. I don't know how many I can schedule ahead on blogger but I have them lined up for the next several weeks.

One more thing, I am speaking on BLOGGING as an author platform at the 54th Annual Ozark Creative Writers conference October 7, 8, 9 this year. I'll be talking about making the most of a blog (both as opposed to and in conjunction with a website) as well as the social media marketing required to make it viable. If you want more information about the conference just click on the button on the sidebar. I hope you'll join us for this fabulous conference!

All my best!

~Angela

CONFERENCE UPDATE - Between the Pages

Thanks to the Corona Virus, the Between the Pages Writers Conference scheduled for June  18-20 has been canceled.

All of the scheduled speakers have graciously accepted a spot in 2021.

Please see the website for complete details:  https://btpwriterscon.com/

I've had several questions regarding the Ozark Creative Writers conference set for October 8-10.

As of right now, that conference is going on as scheduled. Please see the website for their notes regarding any potential changes. I will be doing one, possibly two, workshops on BLOGGING. I hope you'll join us.

Contest list should be posting soon.

Happy writing!

OCW CONFERENCE Recap

I know I'm way behind on getting this up. The conference was over a month ago. I came home and spent the first week just not doing much of anything. Then the second week a sinus infection moved in and I've been pretty much inactive since. Thankfully, as we move closer to the holidays I'm finally feeling like prepping for celebrations.

I shared a table with Tierney James. My half was ready for Christmas. Along with my books, I had a crystal dish of mini Hershey Chocolates wrapped in bands of Christmas scrapbook paper - the cut offs from the booklets I made to give away. Those are in the cherry-wood box on the far right. I made a booklet similar to THESE found on Frances Thomas' blog.

The booklets were approx. 3" x 4" when closed. I had copies of my the front and back covers of the book printed on gloss business card cardstock at Office Depot. I placed the cover on the front, the back on the inside front then my social media links mat on the back. The inside right formed a diagonal pocket to hold a tea bag.

The folks at Bigelow Tea were kind enough to work with me in creating my promo piece. I purchased three of their Seasonal Gift Boxes, giving me a wide variety of holiday tea flavors to tuck inside.

I also offered the chance to win a tea pot/ cup/ saucer set when people signed up for my newsletter. 

I had the honor of speaking this year. I presented a workshop on Social Media - Choosing Your Top 3. I still want to put that into a workbook to have available some time after the first of the year.  I received great comments on the workshop though I felt rushed. 

Ozark Creative Writers board bring in top of the list speakers. 

Our keynote was the extremely talented Tess Gerritsen. Tess is as down-to-earth as you will ever find on the New York Times Bestselling list of authors. 

We were also enriched to have NY agent Doug Grad (Doug Grad Literary Agency ) 

For entertainment, there is Open Mic on Thursday night, performer on Friday night then the Awards Banquet on Saturday. 

This year's Friday entertainment was Tessa Kate (2014 American Idol contestant).

The highlight of the conference, for me was the opportunity to remember a dear friend, and OCW board member, Dusty Richards:

Courtesy of Encyclopediaofarkansas.net

After dinner on Friday night, several of us sat in a circle and shared memories. Here is Casey Cowan proudly wearing one of Dusty's Stetson hats. Dusty thought of Casey as a son.

My last visit with Dusty and his wife Pat was during the premiere of PAINTED WOMAN - inspired by his 150th novel, The Mustanger and the Lady. We met up in Poteau OK. I felt honored sitting with this couple as we watched the adaptation of his book come to life. You can see my write-up about that weekend HERE on my CountryAngel blog

Afterwards, we gathered at the local Western Sizzlin to celebrate his 85th birthday - the last he would see. Though I have photos very similar to these, I can't locate them. These pictures were taken by the movie photographer, Priscilla Tran. 

Dusty's dual celebration cake

Dusty with Painted Woman writers

Amber Lindley and James Cotten 

No conference is complete without food. Years of experience at OCW have shown the best food is a buffet. The plated stuff tends to become rubbery by the time you sit down to eat and who wants 'rubber chicken'?  The buffet provided by the catering at Inn of the Ozarks has something for everyone.

Saturday also offers a carving station of ham and beef roast. 

Finally, here's a few shots of people I look forward to meeting up with every year. Some I only see at OCW:

I hope you'll plan now to join us at the 53rd Annual Ozark Creative Writers Conference next year. 

Jodi Thomas is our keynote! I adore Jodi. She is a talented author and a pleasure to visit with. 

Tomorrow, I shine the spotlight on Fran Thomas. Come by and say hello!

BOOKS IN A BOX!

My first book in print and I couldn't even get excited yesterday. After the company left on Monday I got a few things done but just chilled with Bob for the most part. Then yesterday I was sick. Just didn't care. How sad is that?!  I tried working through the morning then finally just crawled into my recliner with the afghan and slept for a solid 4 hours. Hubby fixed supper and did the dishes. Yep, he is my true-life hero.

First off, when I placed the order for the books, Amazon did grant me my 2-day free shipping (thank Goddess!) but gave me a delivery date of October 11... the day I need to leave for the Ozarks Creative Writers conference! So yeah, that had me nervous. So I was puzzled when UPS brought the box yesterday. Nothing on the outside gave any indication the package was from Amazon, just multiple strips of tape that said HEAVY on all the sides of the box. 

First thing I did was get out the box cutter to uncover the mystery and was quite surprised at the contents. I opened one to make sure the corrections I'd made were in place then left the box on the deck for Bob to carry into the office when he came home.

And there it sits. Nothing really to do with the books at the moment. I do need to take an autographed copy to my proofreader and a donated copy to the local library. I have 4 copies sold at the bank. Just need to take them in. 

Now that company is out of the way - for a few days - and I'm feeling better, my first goal is to get marketing sheets off to local newspapers. I know they should have been done sooner but I was afraid to jinx something. 

Now my next few days are all about getting the giveaways done for the conference. Are you coming? There's still time to register for the Ozarks Creative Writers conference (see link on sidebar). I do know that the block of rooms at Inn of the Ozarks are sold out but there may be rooms elsewhere available. There are also several hotels within a 2 mile driving distance as well as many cottages and B & B's if you want to treat yourself. We'd love to have you!

ALMOST READY TO ROCK AND ROLL!

Okay, that might seem strange coming from someone who loves/ lives/ breathes traditional country/ bluegrass music, but like Donny and Marie - I'm a little bit Country and a little bit Rock n Roll.
I'm not sure why but I've always liked this tune from Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. I became a fan after seeing her on Happy Days. LOL

On Friday, with help (LOTS of help) from Sharon Holmes from Paperback-Press, I got AN OZARKS CHRISTMAS uploaded to Kindle and KPD. I just need to get the proof copy back from a reader then I can hit publish!  I am so excited - and exhausted. This has been a really long few weeks ... and while the end is in sight, I still have tons of work to do. 

I will be doing the cover reveal TOMORROW! I hope you'll come back for that. I'll also have the cover across the board on several Social Media platforms. Links will be below on tomorrow's post.

My projects for this week are

A) detail the house for company and get fall decor up. I am SOOOO READY for fall.

B) get the notes compiled and the beginnings of the workbook pages completed. 

I am speaking at the Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs AR October 13th (conference runs the 11-13)The workbook is a companion book that I'll have available for sale.

Company will begin arriving on the 28th. Some will leave on October 1 and the rest on October 7th or 8th.  A long stretch of when I will get very little accomplished. There are still the giveaways for the book to put together. I have all of the components, just lots of cutting and gluing in my future.

Today, I'm detailing the kitchen and doing laundry. Going to be a long day! 

How do you fit your writing time in amongst LIFE duties? Have tips to share? I'd love to hear them!

Creative Blessings

~Angela

MONDAY MUSINGS - Deadlines

Deadlines, whether self-imposed or given to us are important. They keep us on track and on our toes. I have to tell you, I will be like a ballerina for the next eight weeks. I have not one but THREE crucial deadlines that all come to a head the first of October in some form.

My main goal is to have AN OZARKS CHRISTMAS ready to sell at the Ozark Creative Writers Conference October 11-13. That means I have to finish the revisions, get my cover, pass inspection of Beta readers plus a final run edit then set up and copies ordered by end of September. Also, I'd love to have my cover by the end of THIS month so that I can have something to begin marketing when I'm on Tiereny James' Sizzle In the Kitchen at the end of this month. We're going with a Christmas in July theme (since those are the best pictures of my kitchen!) so a great opportunity to start building interest in the upcoming release.

Speaking of the Ozark Creative Writers Conference. When you register for the conference, you may enter as many of the individual contests as you want at no additional charge. I have a list of about twenty out of the twenty-six categories I'd like to enter. This gives me the opportunity to write out of my comfort zone, try out new story ideas and hopefully win some prize money. I REALLY want to enter the Oxbow Award which has been a long-standing category offered by Dusty Richards. This year, the category will be a tribute to Dusty as he passed away earlier this year. OCW just isn't going to be the same without the big guy. Those entries HAVE to be postmarked by August 25th! Yikes! Have I started? What do you think? LOL

I am speaking at the conference this year on selecting the Social Media platforms that work best for you. There is NO WAY I can cover everything in a 30 min (plus 10 min for Q & A) talk. So I want to have a companion workbook available to sell. Note that also has to be done by end of September so I can get copies ordered.

Are you seeing a pattern of craziness here?

To top it all off, I'd love to have the rough draft of Jayson's Range finished so that I can pitch the story to Tiffany Schofield. Tiffany has been waiting two years and I feel this is the year. Jayson's Range is the first in a trilogy set in late 1800s Texas. I plan to dedicate the series to Dusty Richards.

So.. as I exhale here and think I may have lost my mind, I'm off to kick things into gear. I hope to later this week introduce you to my Writer's Bible and how I'll be using the set-up to keep me on task.

Tomorrow, we get back to our Spotlight Author series. Addison Brae will be joining us for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.

In the mean time,
Happy Writing, Enjoyable Reading!

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Angela Drake - The Chosen Path

For the past few weeks, I've been talking about jumping on the indi-publishing train. I'm anxious about this new path as well as excited for the journey.

I told you yesterday I was making adjustments to my writing space so that I could be more productive. A specific space is mandatory for me to switch my mental gears from the day job writing, to the words I need to put on paper in able to become a published author.

Aside from putting my office space in order, I'm setting goals towards getting A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER into the hands of my readers - hopefully in time for the holiday season. Because the story takes place in Eureka Springs AR, I 'd love to have the book ready for sale by the time I attend the Ozark Creative Writers Conference in October.  Since this is my first indi and there's a learning curve to doing all that needs done, I'm not sure I can make the timeline. But until I actually put a the project on paper, I won't know for sure if I can make that goal. I'll let you know on Friday how I'm progressing.

In the meantime, tomorrow I'm sharing information about a great one-day workshop in Springfield Missouri. I've interviewed one of the coordinators, Tierney James. She'll be sharing what went in to planning the workshop and what they hope the attendees will take away from the educational day.