Regional Non-Profit Writers' Group’s Annual Conference

A regional writers' organization will hold its annual conference July 10, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Ozarks Literacy Council.

Ozarks Romance Authors, a non-profit organization founded in 1987, has scheduled "Romancing the Ozarks: Dancing With Words," to take place 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 10, 2010, at The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., in Springfield.

Ozarks Literacy Council conducts programs including one-on-one tutoring, and outreach events and partnerships with other nonprofits, such as sending free books home with children who are part of Ozarks Food Harvest's backpack programs. According to Nicole Thom-Arens, program director, Ozarks Literacy Council served 97 adults and 8,600 children in 2009. For more information, visit http://www.ozarksliteracycouncil.org/.

Conference speakers are as follows:

*   Kensington author Kimberly Killion (kimberlykillion.com) and Harlequin author Megan Kelly (megankellybooks.com) will present "The Road so Far: The First Year After the Call."

* Ginger Kolbaba, editor of Marriage Partnership magazine (christianitytoday.com/mp), a publication of Christianity Today International, will present "Writing for the 21st Century Woman."

• Mary-Lane Kamberg (kansascitywriters.com) will present "What's So Funny?" She has more than twenty years of writing experience and is the author of seven books. Her articles have appeared in Better Homes and Gardens, Marriage and Family Living, Christian Science Monitor, Healthy Kids and many others.

"Each year, our conferences are so inspiring for new and seasoned writers alike, but this year's lineup of speakers will bring some really talented authors to town," said Kathy Mullens, president of Ozarks Romance Authors. "We look forward to sharing their expertise with the local writing community, and we're excited to present this scholarship to Ozarks Literacy Council."

Register by July 1 for $45. Register after July 1 or at the door for $50. For more details about the conference, visit www.OzarksRomanceAuthors.com.

Ozarks Romance Authors is a non-profit organization for writers in the southwest Missouri region. Monthly speakers help writers of all genres hone their skills and explore writing opportunities.

Meetings are held the first Saturday of each month at The Library Station in Springfield. Visitors are welcome, and more information is available by calling (417) 882-5323 or by visiting OzarksRomanceAuthors.com. Become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/OzarksRomanceAuthorsor follow the group on Twitter @OzarksRomance.