A Saturday Writing Conference and Medieval Gown Fun

Last weekend was quite busy. Saturday was the Fall Ozarks Writers League Conference, which was held in Joplin, Missouri, this year. I live very close to Joplin, so I didn't have to travel more than thirty minutes to the venue. As has been my task for the past year or so, I was in charge of the author book tables. That means I had to make certain we had enough tables set up and show authors to their spaces. I chose to sit with my good friend and critique partner, Mystery Author Bonnie Tesh.

Mystery Author Bonnie Tesh and Me at Our Book Table

Once all the authors had their tables set up and everyone had signed in, the conference began. Veda Boyd Jones, an author I've known for many years, spoke about connections and how they can help you grow your writing career. It was fascinating to see how one person led to another and another, which led to opportunities and career growth. Her speech was inspiring.

Next, we heard from Robb Grindstaff who educated us in scene development. He was engaging and informative. I knew he would be after having dinner with him Friday night. He delivered his speech with great enthusiasm and wit.

Penny Richards was next speaker. She gave us ideas on how to find names for characters, cities, businesses, etc. She shared some of her personal experiences and inspired us to always pay attention is to our surroundings because you never know when you might come across a great name to use in a book.

Finally, we heard from Gary Jonas. He shared his wisdom on making a living as an indie author. I was especially interested in his presentation because that's my goal; I want to be a full-time writer. He shared his experiences and wisdom with humor and hard facts. I learned a great deal.

Of course, the most exciting part of the fall conference is always the awards ceremony. I love watching my friends win awards and being recognized for their great talent. I placed in three contests this year, which is pretty good considering we had over 350 entries. I'm happy with my results.

After the conference, I came home and donned the only Halloween costume I own -- a medieval gown. My stepdaughter had a Halloween soiree at her house for the kids and requested we come in costume. Of course, I wanted to dress up for the grandkids.

I hadn't worn that gown in a few years, and I'm a bit smaller now than when I bought it, so it dragged the ground. I pulled on a pair of boots with heels to try to mitigate the tripping hazard. Then I tried to find some appropriate jewelry. That was a task beyond me, so I accented with a ring, necklace, and earrings I thought looked okay and was ready to go.

Climbing into my husband's Ram 2500 truck in the rain was a challenge. My gown first tried to trip me and then attempted strangulation when it caught the corner of the door. My boots certainly weren't made for climbing, and clambering up into Jim's big truck proved nearly too much for me. Of course, I am a determined person, so I made it. The gown even stayed in place. Getting out of the truck was just as adventurous as climbing into it.

After walking around my stepdaughter's house for a few hours, I now have a whole new respect for my ancestors. I don't know how ladies wore those gowns back in the day. I stepped on my hem every time I tried to walk. I had trouble keeping the top in place because it slid down with every move. Don't even get me started on the laces in the back that my husband had to tie for me.

I think next year I'll dress up like a lumberjack. Such a costume should at least be warm and comfortable.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

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