I’m currently attending the Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This has been the most informative conference I’ve attended to date. I took two pages of notes during our keynote speaker’s address this morning and kept the momentum going all day.
Our keynote speaker is Bestselling Author Jodi Thomas. I visited with her during our social hour on the first evening of the conference without realizing who she was. It wasn’t until this morning when someone said something about her that I realized she was THAT Jodi.
I’ve met a few successful authors, and they’ve all been great. Jodi, however, was the most down to earth, genuinely nice bestselling author I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. I chatted with her for around half an hour, and she freely gave of her vast knowledge. Let me tell you, this lady knows her stuff.
The other sessions I attended today were also informative and helpful. I haven’t attended a single thing that I’ve felt was a waste of my time. The speakers have been enlightening and approachable. They aren’t the only ones, either.
Other writers have been open and generous in sharing tips, marketing strategies, and software preferences. They’ve also been informative about pitfalls to avoid. Comparing notes on the importance of critique and writing groups made me appreciate my supporting and loving groups. Chatting about plots and research gave me all sorts of new ideas.
The members of the OCW Board of Directors have all been friendly and helpful. Two of them greeted me like an old friend and told me how glad they were I could attend. They’ve all made me feel welcome. I’m confident that experience is the norm around here. The board has worked hard to ensure everyone has a good experience.
Tomorrow is the last day of this year’s conference. I look forward to it for many reasons. First, I get to learn new things taking a peek into song writing and tips for various writing forms. Secondly, I get to spend more time with this diverse group of writers from all over the country. Lastly, tomorrow night is the much anticipated OCW Awards Banquet.
I love the Awards Banquet. Whether I place in any of the competitions I entered or not, it’s so much fun to see everyone who placed. The pleasure that washes over their faces when their names are called lifts my heart in joy. Don’t get me wrong, I hope I win a few of those awards. If I don’t, I’ll still have a great time watching my friends win.
Many people see writing as my hobby. I see it as my career. Yes, I work full-time at a day job. However, I spend nearly as many hours writing as I spend working for my agency. I spend every moment I can spare writing, researching, learning, and perfecting my craft.
The more people I meet at conferences like this one, the more I realize I’m not alone in my love and dedication to the art of the story. Write on, my friends!
Thank you for reading Ozarks Maven! If you’ve enjoyed my little seeds of wisdom and joy, please subscribe to Ozarks Maven, Like Ozarks Maven on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter @OzarksMaven.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Comments