Writing Group Calendar

To make information more accessible to the public regarding meetings and events related to writng, a Google Calendar has been set up for the Maryville Chapter of the Missouri Writers Guild, where meeting information will be posted, as well as member book signings, poetry readings, presentations, and special events, conferences, book launches, or special appearances that may be of interest to members. 

Maryville Chapter MWG Meeting

Next Writer's Meeting

Meeting September 25, 2018 7:00 p.m.

Carol Carpenter's Poem is Published

We want to congratulate poet Carol Carpenter on the recent publication of her poem Early Summer on the Naturewriting site. We invite you to check out her poetry and others by clicking here.

Author's Showcase at Maryville Hy-Vee

8-9 a.m. Susan Cronk, Richard Eisenberg, Lee Jackson

9-10 a.m. Richard, Lee, and Don and Sue Nothstine

10-11 a.m. Richard, Don and Sue, Amy Houts

11 a.m.-Noon Don and Sue, Amy

Noon-1 p.m. Carol Carpenter

1-2 p.m. Irene Alexander

2-4 p.m. Susan Cronk

Died Innocent - The New Novel by Don Nothstine

Author and Maryville chapter member, Don Nothstine, has published his first novel, Died Innocent. 

It is presently available through  Amazon and through his publisher, Amazing Things Press of St. Joseph.  


Congratulations, Don, on this terrific achievement.

Amazing Things Press is hosting a book launch to introduce the works of its authors on November 12, 2016 from 1-4. More information may be found in the invitation pictured below. 

ShowMe Writers Masterclass Coming Soon!

This information regarding the ShowMe Writer's Masterclass Conference was recently received. This is a valuable opportunity for writer's to hone their skills a bit and maybe pick up some great new writing habits. Take a moment to check out the information.

Advance reservations are recommended. Sounds like a great lineup of talented instructors. http://www.showmewriters.com/

The Missouri Review's Annual Contest is Now Accepting Submissions

This flyer related to The Missouri Review's annual contest was recently transmitted. Please take a moment to consider this valuable opportunity. If you wish to read more about it, click here.

Visiting Author Anna Loan-Wilsey

On Saturday, November 14, 2015 author Anna Loan-Wilsey gave an excellent presentation on the subject of researching and writing the historical mystery. She is the author of the Hattie Davish historical mystery series published through Kensington Publishing Corporation.

A more detailed perspective of the event may be found in the Maryville Daily Forum article by reporter Jennifer Ditlevson-Haglund.

A Deceptive Homecoming is the author's latest release. It is set in the town of St. Joseph, Missouri. Readers familiar with the cityscape will likely recognize the locations referenced. The author is currently working on the fifth book in the series, which will take place in Washington, D.C.

The Maryville Chapter of the Missouri Writer's Guild is grateful to Anna for taking time to give this presentation and we wish her the very best success in her continuing series of mysteries.

MWG 2015 Conference

From beginning to end, the conference that purported to get the Missouri Writers Guild back on track was a success.

The first day, the members spent the time with intros and the next day’s agenda. 

We all agreed that new blood and a fresh outlook is needed in the organization.

The members decided on nine subjects:

• Contests

• Conference Planning

• Membership Qualifications

• Resources

• What can the Guild do for the Chapters

• What the Chapters can do for the Guild

• Obligations

• Communications

• Leadership Development

The attendees were instructed to pick two topics to attend on Saturday. This member chose Contests and Membership Qualifications.

Contests. Our discussion about contests covered several different topics, from establishing qualifications to entering the state contests and opening contests to those living outside Missouri.

Qualifying entries was discussed as well as how judges are determined and vetted. It was determined that judges need to enjoy the genre they are judging for a contest.

Many chapters hold contests involving the local youths. The St. Louis chapter is especially focused in this endeavor. Anthology contests were encouraged to bring in revolving funds for prize money.

Membership Qualification. This subject was a hot topic in this member’s view, the differences between Full and Associates. 

One very outspoken young lady told of her self-published books. She became a full-time writer on her sales and expressed her dissatisfaction with the term “associate”. Her book sales were substantial. But because she wasn't a traditional author—Agented or Small Press—she didn’t qualify for the “full” designation. Although the difference in benefits were small, she felt ostracized by the title Associate.

This member brought up the recent change in membership qualifications for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, SFWA. This organization now allows self-published authors who are making a certain amount of revenue with their books to join. 

In addition, the conference included: 

• Discussion about how and when yearly dues should be collected.
• Traditions, locations and dates for future conferences
• Grants and how to advertise them
• Support for the individual chapters.
• Surveys
• Website improvement.

Clearly, this member is working hard

Historian Paul Bass was superb. He gave the members a thorough talk about MWG’s hundred years and encouraged chapters to write their own history as well.

Overall, it was a fine event for this fledgling author to attend. I thank the members and the Guild for the opportunity.