Reta Stewart Allen
Bio: Has written for publications in Springfield, Chicago and Minneapolis as well as national publications over the past 30 years. Won a national profile award by NAMPA (North American Mature Publishers Association). A series on the "Ozark Jubilee" television show written for Springfield! Magazine became the award-winning country music history book, "Remembering the Ozark Jubilee, Starring Red Foley." Authored a localized history of Route 66, "Route 66 Rail Haven: An Offspring of the Mother Road," and six children's books. Has seven children, 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren ("...at last count--We're a very creative family.") Also taught art in adult and children's classes. Currently edits and designs material for other writers. Please visit my website at www.retathewriter.com.

Shannon Appleberry

Theresa A. (Terry) Bade
After a successful career as a legal secretary (paralegal), I decided to obtain an English degree at SMSU. But, instead of going on to law school as I had planned, my tracks led me to freelancing. It didn't take very long for me to get my first article published. I sent in an article entitled "Does the Pope Really Wear Sneakers?" to Bob Glazier at Springfield! Magazine in the fall of 1984. By spring, that article appeared in print. I was paid $35 and a year's subscription to the "best magazine in town" and was hooked!

I wrote continuously until 1999 when I finally put away my sneakers and retired when my husband saw that he needed to quit work. It was so enjoyable and rewarding to freelance. I believe I have 150-plus published articles with my byline and one with my husband's byline, a necessity for one of my articles. I wrote mostly humor but also researched history and wrote profiles for many publications, including a weekly for The Mirror, a Catholic diocesan publication here in town. I remain a writer! Even in retirement. . .

Mandy Barke
I have written since I was twelve. I have a sucessful freelance career with numerous articles, tributes and speeches published. My passion is fiction and I have an agency from New York marketing my first novel titled, Whispers of the Mind. I'm also a musician, singer and songwriter. If you like folk,country,southern gospel, or bluegrass then check out my group the Clarke Street Strings. I've recently written my 12th song and will possibly publish a songbook.

I also go by my Apache name, Preyasi. Feel free to follow my career on myspace or on twitter as Preyasi.

Sheila Barrett

Roger S. Baum

Charlene Baum

Marsha J. Becco
A quintessential baby boomer-- grew up in the 50's, college in the 60's, divorced in the
90's, retiring in the 10's. I'm on my third "career"--if what I do deserves such a fancy name--
School teacher, Army NCO, Safety clerk for a trucking company. I have been with the Guild
about five years and I am primarily a poet, unpublished, alas.

Gail Breite

Anna Beth Brock

Laura Ann Burdette

Katherine (Kay) Chaudhri
After teaching for 30 years, nineteen of which were overseas, I retired to Springfield in 1994. At that time I had a contract to write supplementary science materials for the overseas American schools. After fulfilling that contract in 1996, I wrote Making His Own Way, based on letters and a diary left by my great-grandfather who fought in the Civil War. The fact that I have a Bachelor's degree in chemistry and a Master's in history explains this variety of interests. My recent book, Crowded with Voices: Thirteen Years in the Middle East came out in late July. Read more on the website: www.crowdedwithvoices.com

Brian Conway

Larry Cunningham
I am a retired Marine Corps Lt. Colonel, fighter squadron commander, cattle rancher and high school science teacher. I am a runner, a writer, a reader and have given many poetry readings and writing presentations to writing conferences and groups, including the MSU Moon City Series. I write short fiction, essays, articles and poetry and am completing my fourth novel in manuscript form. Honors include first-place awards from the Ozark Creative Writers, Inc., multiple Grand Prizes for Fiction from SWG and my poetry book, Velvet Scars, won the 1997 Pegasus Award for best book of poetry from the Oklahoma Writers' Federation. I am a long-term SWG member and have served as vice president, treasurer, contest chair, conference chair and nominating committee.

Judy A. Dees
Former teacher of almost 25 years, wife of Randy almost 20 years, mother of two daughters, nan of three grandchildren, owner of Mr. B's Ice Cream & Deli in Branson. Newly published author of VERSES FROM ABOVE: Praise the Lord! - On Man and Nature - Garden of Abuse and deep into Verses From Above II. High school newspaper co-editor, contributing writer for church bulletins , AR Christian Education Assoc. newsletter, and Bind Us Together newsletter. A few poems published in college publications and local newspapers but no "claim to fame" yet! VersesFromAbove.com and www.JudyAnnDees.com in progress with devotionals and newsletter to former students. I am excited to be a member of SWG! From the membership directory, I can tell SWG is a greatly diversified group with many talents.

Don DePriest

Leola Dreiling

June Ellen Price Easley

Daniel Ernce

Yvonne Erwin
As I am the current Secretary of the SWG, my face is generally the first one you will see as you come in the door at the Heritage. I was born in Minneapolis, MN and have had the opportunity to live in different parts of the United States. Throughout my life I've been blessed with an eclectic group of friends and acquaintances. Presently, I work as a legal assistant in Springfield; I have two grown sons and my genre is Women's Fiction. I hope to see many new faces at the meetings this year!

Velvet Fackeldey

Dan Ferguson

Hugh A. Flowers
Bio: I retired as a Bank Examiner with the FDIC in 1994 and then consulted for another 10 years doing the same type of work for various banks. I recently have published two novels. "Oklahoma Tomboy" is a fictionalized story based upon my mother's childhood memories. The most recent publication, "Fountainhead" is a Sci-Fi novel that involves time-travel to the far future by the protagonist John Bridges and another family caught in the same timewarp. They battle a strange new world and its savage mutant inhabitants.

Loretta J. Goodwin
Past treasurer and sometimes auditor of SWG. I have been published in local, regional and national magazines and newspapers. Credits include a weekly column, "Kids' Korner," in the Ash Grove, Missouri, Ash Grove Shopping News for five years. My photographs have been published in magazines and won prizes at the Ozark Empire Fair. I have been married to Kenneth for 52 years. We have three children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ken and I were self-employed (auto upholstery) for 36 years. We retired in 2008. My first paid-for article was published in Springfield! Magazine.

Ginger K. Grant

Sondra C. Gray

Wayne Groner
I wrote Dumb Luck or Divine Guidance and The Pastor?s Guide to Fund-raising Success. My articles and book reviews have been published online and in print magazines including: Your Community Hospice, Ozarks Magazine, Springfield Business Journal, Rural Missouri, Congregations, onPhilanthropy.com, and CharityChannel.com. I have written Sunday school lessons for adult learners.

I have also written articles, brochures, newsletters, case statements, and magazine articles for college fundraising campaigns. I have been a workshop and conference presenter for national professional organizations including the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

I retired from fulltime employment in 2004 and continue to present fundraising and ministry workshops to nonprofits and churches and to advise fundraisers. I present a monthly workshop at the Springfield Library Cente for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers. I consistently receive best-of-the-best ratings from visitors to AllExperts.com for my responses to fundraising and nonprofit management questions.

I am a member of the Community Editorial Advisory Board of the Springfield News-Leader.

Cindy Jean Inouye

Gerrie Kolb

Sherry Iott

Connie Hjelmeng-Johnson

Eugene Johnson
I retired after thirty years in the telecommunications field. After retiring and moving to Durango, CO I became a professional blacksmith and toured the art circuits of the southwest.
I earned a private and a commercial pilots license and owned two different aircraft. I volunteered my aircraft and my piloting skills to Angel Flights of America ( formally Air Lifeline) flying patients for the Ronald McDonald House.
After moving to the Springfield area in 2005 I was bitten by the writing bug. My first book: Cherokee Lost was published 7/23/09. I'm writing under the pen name Gene Guthrie. I have two more works in the mill.

Iver Johnson

William Johnson

Barbara Jones

George B. Joslin

Charles D. (Charile) King

Nancy King

Carolena LaPierre
Retired nurse/surgical scrub tech. Mother of 3 natural, 4 adopted special needs children & past foster parent of 150+ foster kids. I had articles published in local papers and regular column in school paper when in High school. Wrote manuals, flyers and a childrens' book for foster agencies and written for the National Hellen Keller Institute publication. No pay for these but they were distributed over many states. Have ghost written biographies, done family reunion memory books, and 3 cook books. Had a front page article in "Home Times" newspaper (the only paying piece). I am now working on a book , "Living With the Fosters."

Mindy Lawrence

Joe Levanti
CAREER:
Actor, playing many character parts with the "Disney On Parade" Arena Touring Show for two years and later appearing with Cathy Rigby in her first "Peter Pan" Show as one of Captain Hooks Villainous Pirates and "Nana" The Family Nurse Dog. Continuing my Show Biz Career on the technical side of the Biz working props on many game shows, sitcoms and as Head Prop Person on the Soap Opera "General Hospital" for 18 years. -
INTERESTS:
Cofounder of the Ozark Garden Railway Society - and
Cofounder and promoter of the
Arts & Live Theatre Center of Southwest Missouri Inc. -
a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation (dba) Horseshoe Theatre - Monett. -
FAVORITE AUTHORS:
Earl Nightingale - E. Joseph Cossman - Dottie Walters.
SELF PUBLISHED BOOK:
Free Publicity - How to Obtain It For Your - Club - Business - Church - Organization - Association or Yourself.
QUOTE:
"I Look forward to learning about contracts, copyrights, writing a weekly column,and sharing ideas with SWG members."

Rose Lombardo

Clarence W. Martin

Sharon Masterson

Shirley McCann
My fiction has appeared in Woman's World, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and The Forensic Examiner, as well as numerous confession magazines. I maintain a website at http://shirleymccann.com and a blog at http://cleverchronicles.blogspot.com. I can be reached at fictionrus@aol.com

Morey McDoniel

Sue McDonald
Honorary Life Member

Almo Leslie McElmurry

Charlie Meeks

Lurenda (Rendy) Morris

Jacquelyne Mountcastle

Sherry Nash

Barbara Nunn

Joyce O'Neal
I joined SWG in the late 80s. I have won writing and poetry awards and currently edit Ozarks' Senior Living Newspaper. I have published two books of poetry, a children's health-related book and a cook book. I remain a member of Springfield Writers' Guild for guidance, fellowship and friends. I was President of the group in 2003.

Jennifer Pace

DeLane Parrott

Wanda Sue Parrott
Like Mark Twain, I love little cigars; unlike Twain, I no longer smoke, lick or sniff them. We share imagination, a writer's tool, so--having left Missouri on the run in May 2009--am now the poet dubbed "The Last Indian on the Trail of Tears." I am part Chickasaw, age 74, a retired journalist/writing teacher with more than 1 million words in print under 18 pen names. I am working on my second million now, with several book projects in work. As co-founder and producer of the National Annual Senior Poets Laureate Poetry Competition, I invite you to check the contest out. My greatest "sale"? Making $91,000 for "Springfield Soliloquy--The Trail of Tears--Missouri," the most any living poet ever made for a poem in history. Greatest love? SWG members! Visit me in Monterey Bay, California or at "Weeping Waters" on www.amykitchenerfdn.org

Kim Piddington

Joyce C. Ragland
After life as a K-12 music teacher, life as a University Professor/Assistant Dean, I'm fortunate to have early retirement. My career allowed me to live and work in Missouri (public schools in Conway, St. Charles, and Clayton, and Truman State U); Illinois (Eureka College and Aurora U); Tennessee (East Tenn State U); and, an invaluable time at the University of Saskatchewan. I've traveled in many states, and a half dozen or so foreign countries. I have background info for many fiction short stories and 3-4 novels and now--finally- the opportunity to devote many hours to writing. Like most people I've met, now that I'm back home and in fun writers' groups, I have to write. Must get those thousands of words on paper or, or, or else I'll explode and you'll see words and phrases flying where there used to be flesh and bone. Life back home is great. I now belong to the Missouri Writers' Guild, Springfield Writers' Guild, the Ozark Pen Masters Guild, and the Pen Masters Critique Group. After having several academic articles and a couple of books printed, I'm having a great time writing fiction. My 80,000 word manuscript tentatively called A Route 66 Family (not pronounced root--I grew up there) is sent up the proverbial flag pole as we "speak." Wish me luck!! I also have formed my own 501(c)3 company, and raise funds for local Alzheimer's patients; currently, my favored research activities involve Music Therapy with Alzheimer's patients. It is -- amazing and somehow, magical. I live with my Geographer husband, two poodles named Pete and Jake, and one "real dog" (or so my husband says), a Golden Retriever named Sasha Jane.

Phyllis Rhodes

Henrietta W. Romman
I have been blessed by God with these gifts in my writing career: teacher, speaker and four published books of poetry and inspiration. As a Middle-Easterner from Sudan, Africa, I wrote a cookbook of cultural menus, "Middle Eastern Cooking Made Easy And Fun" –a subject I have been teaching at OTC. With Arabic as my native language, I served five years as Translator with CMM (Centre For Ministry to Muslims) and served as editor for their magazine, NUR-EL-HAQ. I have been writing a monthly column for the Ozarks Senior Living Newspaper for 10 years, and have compiled over 80 of those columns in my new book, "To God Be The Glory - - from Africa to Missouri." I am working on my fifth book, "Praying the Psalms with Jesus." Another novel in preparation is a book of memoirs, "To a New Homeland on Wings of Eagles," by God's Grace. My website is: yarira.com.

Lee Ann Russell
Past President (twice) and Honorary Life Member (joined in 1974). Author of How to Write Poetry, Ballad to Villanelle. Publication credits include Old House Journal, Springfield! Magazine, Farm and Ranch Living, The Ozarks Mountaineer, All Roads Lead to Branson, The News-Leader, Senior Living, Eureka Springs Times Echo and others. One-act play, Decision, performed by Aloha Performing Arts Company in Hawaii in 2003. Winner of Ozark Writers' League Cliff Edom Photography Award in 1995, 2002 and 2003, and Dan Saults Writing Award in 1999 and Writing Contest in 2002. Gives presentations and poetry readings to writing and civic organizations (MSU Moon City series and SBU). Also member of Missouri Writers Guild, Missouri State Poetry Society, Poets & Friends and National Federation of State Poetry Societies. Winner of myriad prose, poetry and photography awards.

Joanne Ryan-Evans

Vera Jane Goodin Schultz

Steven P. Servis
I'm a recent graduate of Missouri State University with a degree in creative writing. As a junior I had fiction published in Taj Mahal Review. Recently, I had a short story published in Piker Press, an online literary magazine. I run an advertising firm from my home in Branson, Missouri, and I sell t-shirts on my website for dough. I was born in Camden, Maine and lived there until I was eleven. My parents moved to the Ozarks in 1995 to be closer to family, and have Iived been here ever since. Currently, I'm working on a book of short fiction. I have plans to begin a novel soon. Please visit my website at www.stevenservis.com

Nancy Shelton
I retired from a teaching career and now work at part-time positions related to education. I have had several non-fiction articles published locally, but I most enjoy writing children's stories. I am a grandmother to my daughter's six children, ages 7-20. Additionally, I volunteer in schools and church, coordinate an active storytelling group and review children's books. When I have time, I enjoy theatre, travel, bridge, and square dancing. Life is good; I appreciate all the choices I have had over the years.

Betty Shortt

Taylor Sly
My name is Taylor Sly, and I'm an author. My book, The Catniptopia Chronicles: The Prophecy Unfolds, was published last year on Oct. 3, 2008, when I was 12 years old. My newest book, the sequel to the Catniptopia Chronicles, is due this year on Oct. 2. I live in Republic, MO with my parents, two siblings, and four cats.

Marilyn K. Smith
Twenty-plus years ago, I attended my first Springfield Writers' Guild meeting. At that time, a few of my reminiscing articles were published in the Springfield News-Leader, as well as a handful of letters to the editor, and I was writing a weekly column in the Buffalo Reflex (A Tale or Two which continues to this day). With perseverance and determination, I can now add the following writing credits: The Ozarks Mountaineer, Springfield! Magazine, Ozarks Watch, Ozarks Reader, Reminisce, Fair Grove Heritage, Marshfield Mail, Fair Grove Interchange, Fair Grove Gazette, The Possum Trot Quarterly, Hodgepodge, Golden Words, Geniis at Work, The Index, The Best of Reminisce (a book), Grist (anthology), Every Day is Father's Day (a book by Jane Hale), and Ozarks' Senior Living Newspaper (article or two each month, former Associate Editor). With nearly 2,000 published articles under my belt, I can attest to the value of what I learned at the Guild meetings.

Pamela Sue Smith
When my mother-in-law moved to a nursing home, I continued writing a newspaper column called "Stringtown-Onward" which she had written for many years for the Miller Press. In my past I have been a Sunday School Teacher for 14 years, Regional Secretary for Frito-Lay in Kansas City, MO, a legal secretary for several firms and a temporary secretary for a church in Springfield and Chesapeake Fish Hatchery Secretary. In 1997 my only son died. I am divorced and have two dogs. Being Manager of a "dime store" keeps me busy, where being the "Fudgemaster" allows me another outlet of creativity - making Fudge! In my "off hours" I teach quilting and sewing and am in the process of writing quilt patterns. Writing poetry since high school I have one poem published with hopes of more in the future. I auditioned for a play and became "Lady Bracknell".

Alden Stewart

Dr. Henry G. Stratmann
In my day (and night!) job I'm a cardiologist in private practice, and Clinical Professor of Medicine at St. Louis University. My writing credentials include being author or coauthor of some seventy publications in major medical journals such as Circulation and the American Journal of Cardiology. Maryellen, my wife of twenty-five years and a fellow physician, and I have coauthored two teenage sons and a book on cardiovascular health. I've sold four science fact articles and twenty science fiction stories to a major SF magazine, Analog Science Fiction and Fact. My interests encompass all of the sciences as well as history, philosophy, theology, political science, literature, and both listening to and composing classical music. A lifelong interest in electronics and computers led me to obtain an Extra Class amateur radio license and A+ certification as an Information Technology technician.

Dr. Maryellen Stratmann

Hope Suttles

James M. Waddell

Sherlu R. Walpole

Wayne E. Warner
Honorary Life Member

Mary I. West

Nick Weyland
I have now written two books, "The Keepers of the Castle" as well as "When Knights Wore Shining Armor" since retiring from immigration enforcement, both mirroring my former career. I have discovered that a writer/author's future endeavors often involve reflections upon the past. My future now shifts gears once more to involve a story recalling a former time and location where I incidentally graduated from high school, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. SWG membership provides a great way to share thoughts and pick up new ideas to incorporate into all of life's experiences.

Dr. Jerry Wible
I am a retired ear, nose, throat physician/surgeon. I am also retired from the Army Reserves, with over nine years in the Air Force which paid my way through med school. The Army sent me to interesting places such as Kosovo and Iraq. The Air Force sent me to Omaha, Neb. and Dayton, Ohio--denying me a tour in Alaska. So, yes--I prefer the Army.

I am a scuba diver and had a brief flying experience. I enjoy skeet shooting, fishing, and racquetball. Divorced with two grown children and a granddaughter.

I am interested in writing novels, and have an agent semi-interested in one. Mainly, I write action/romance; but also a Young Adult and an historical docu-drama. Got my fingers crossed on getting published.

Thomas (Tom) Withers

Pat Woodward
Now serving as treasurer of SWG and formerly secretary during 2007 and 2008, I help with the 66-year-old group's infrastructure. I most enjoy being editor of the monthly newsletter, The Freelancer (a sample of which I will, upon request, send to you electronically), and the annual membership booklet. I wish I could say I have worn off the "E" key on my computer by producing publishable compositions, but it's probably just gone because I'm wordy. Our group in 2009 ranges in age from 12 to 91 with a great mix of teachers, nurses, housewives, newspaper columnists, students and retirees. I guarantee you will enjoy our speakers, meetings and having lunch at the Heritage with those lovely folks. You'll also learn a few things about writing! Please send your membership application to me.

Allan Young
Writer, editor, publisher, speaker, collegiate writing instructor. Eighty-plus published books in all genres, including seven engineering reference and college textbooks, three books of poems and four anthologies, plus thousands of articles and short stories for periodicals. Writer of first paid magazine article in sixth grade, Editor-in-chief of high school newspaper. First book published at age twenty-one. President--and major stock holder--of Cannon Publishing Company, Inc., owning newspapers and magazines and Fairlane House, publisher of hard and soft cover books. Speaker and seminar conductor for dozens of writers groups--as well as technical and business organizations--on communications, enhancing your workplace image, public speaking, all phases and types of writing and publishing and other subjects. Instructor of Continuing Education courses in writing at OTC. Manufacturing engineer by education, Navy veteran, marine pilot, marine engineer, riverboat captain. One-time teacher of Latin and math, baseball pitcher, airplane pilot and police officer.