Agent has the flu

We had a fun get-together at Boxcar Willie’s in Branson for the quarterly OWL meeting. Many went with the expectation of pitching our work to an agent, but he had the flu, and so we were disappointed in that respect. He will look at our pitches, though, so perhaps that will make up for his absence. 

So many local writers attend OWL that it’s always a good day. Many of us writers spend hours and hours shut up in an office hammerng away on our computer, so we enjoy a day off and spending it with others who understand us. Only another writer can feel our pain or joy with the rejection or acceptance of our work. Only a fellow author knows the heady excitement of seeing a book in print; share the discovery of a new story idea; celebrate with us when we find a good agent or great publisher. For that reason, all writers should belong to some writing groups, if it’s only to leave the garrett once in a while. 

The auction was a huge success, raising $1500, which we can use to find other agents and editors who will attend and actually listen to our ideas. Thanks to all our members who donated items, both new and used for the sale. When our president Regina Williams asked how many new people were in attendance, a lot of hands went up, and that’s great. We know that the word is getting out about the terrific programs put on by OWL four times a year.

This time we had award winning short story author Pat Carr, who spent several hours coaching us through writing techniques which may have been new to some, forgotten by others. Pat writes terrific short stories and she’s also a good teacher.

Sunday, I spoke at founders day at the Lake Fort Smith State Park and Lake. My grandparents once lived very near where the visitor’s center is located in the park and we lived where one of the picnic sites overlooks the lake. I’ve often interviewed and written about those who settled in that valley long before either lake was there. Two lakes became one much larger body of water and last year they held a grand opening.

I enjoyed visiting with everyone Sunday about the early days in the area. The park rangers are interested in history and Brad Hyman has been especially helpful to me as he gathers old photos and stories. The park also sells all the Ozark books I can get for them, including Echoes of the Ozarks, an anthology published by OWL as a fund raiser.

If you aren’t a member and live in the surrounding four-state area,  you should check out the Ozarks Writers League. Our next meeting will be the third Saturday of  August.