Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Critique Group Adventures and Mysteries of the Ozarks (Volume IV)

Tuesday's critique group at the Rendezvous Cafe in O'Fallon is always an adventure, but some days it's more exciting than others.

Today was memorable.

Lou Turner, Nick Nixon, and Marcia Gaye gave updates on their trek last weekend to the Ozarks Creative Writers' Conference in Eureak Springs, Arkansas.

Lou is on the OCW board and was instrumental in planning and organizing the conference.

Nick performed to stellar reviews by attendees and an extra special review by keynote speaker David Morrell. 

Marcia was a big winner at the awards ceremony.

At critique group today we had five readings. As always, readings and critiques are learning experiences.

Lou also hand-delivered my copies of Mysteries of the Ozarks (Volume IV), edited by Ellen Gray Massey from Ozark Writers, Inc., and published by High Hill Press. 

My story "The Night the Circus Came to Town" is included in the anthology, along with about two dozen other stories. I can't wait to read them all. 

Last Saturday I received a check from Ellen for my story. Today one critique member asked if she could buy a copy, and of course I sold her one at a huge discount. I'm not going to get rich like this, but it is a rewarding experience to see my words in print and know others will read them too.

Holding a book in my hands that contains one of my stories is a rush. It's a feeling that never grows old.

17 comments:

  1. woo hooo Donna! Good for you. Looks like you and Lynn and I are going on tour???

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  2. I am glad for you--that you have had such a good day, that you have your words in your hands!!! Such a thrill I know!

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  3. Hi Linda,
    Thanks. It is exciting.
    Looks like it. The signing for Storm Country should be a blast! I am so looking forward it. We'll have to come up with a catchy name--and I think Pat is also part of it.
    Donna

    Hi Claudia,
    Thanks. I'm looking forward to the Storm Country anthology, too. A few contributors from around here are planning a joint book signing.

    Donna

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  4. Congrats on your story, and kudos to the person who chose the cover. That alone would make me pick it up off the shelf for a perusal.

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  5. I know most people love the place, but Eureka Springs is one of the creepiest places I've ever visited.

    David Morrell gives an awesome presentation.

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  6. Hi Val,
    Thanks. I believe the editors picked the cover.

    Hi Carol,
    Did you visit the Crescent Hotel while you were in Eureka? It's supposed to be haunted.

    Donna

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  7. Just remember . . . it's Volume IV!!! You can order both it and Vol III on OWInc website and Amazon and if Amazon.com doesn't have the others I still have them in stock and you can get in touch with me. Lots of bang for the buck! And I'm in all of them. Whoopee!

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  8. Hi Betty,
    Thanks for the reminder.

    Congratulations on being in all four volumes!

    I'm in Volume I and Volume IV, and I also have a few copies on hand if anyone is interested, they can also shoot me an e-mail.

    One way or another we'll get the word out about what a great anthology it is!

    Donna

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  9. Here's an idea: GIVEAWAY! See, you get a story published in a book (say, like MYSTERIES OF THE OZARKS IV), then you get all your comp copies, and then you have some kind of contest on your blog and give one of the books away.

    I'm just saying that would be kinda fun. Don't you think? ;-)

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  10. Hi Cathy,
    You know how we think aiike.
    It would be fun!
    I'm planning to do that late this month or early next month.
    Donna

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  11. Aww that's so nice. I'm not going to get rich either. I keep giving away copies to all my friends. LOL

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  12. Hi Jennifer,
    It's good to have a lot of friends, though.
    Donna

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  13. Congratulations Donna, holding your words in print never grows old. Good job.

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  14. Congrats, Donna! It doesn't get old. :) How exciting!

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  15. Hi Sally,
    Thanks. You are right.

    Hi Karen,
    Thanks. It is exciting.

    Donna

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  16. Oh, I love the title of your story, Donna. It's so compelling. Congratulations on the publication of your story in Mysteries of the Ozarks! I'm betting it will be the first of many sales to come your way. Bravo!

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  17. Hi Clara,
    Thanks. No matter how many stories I've sold and had published, the feeling is still thrilling.
    Donna

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