Matt Patton and myself spent a few days in Oklahoma’s capital city last weekend for the Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. writers conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel. We both flew in on Thursday morning to make sure we got there in time for the speakers dinner that evening at Panera Bread.
We arrived at the hotel to a busy lobby, full of writers and speakers that had gathered to get caught up and talk about the upcoming conference. One of our newest authors, Judy Snavely (pictured here in the middle of Matthew and myself), is the publicity chairperson for the OWFI and she became our personal assistant the entire time we were there. Matt and I immediately hit it off with Judy and she was most generous with her schedule hauling Matt and I around in her car, getting us lunch, working our table, and introducing us to the OWFI dignitaries.
One of our favorite authors and speakers was also in attendance, Gordon Kirkland. Gordon was just named Leacock Award Winner in Canada for the third time so of course he treated us all to a free drink in the hotel lounge on Thursday night. On second thought, the hotel hosted this free reception, GORDON!
Friday morning, I was quite impressed with the turnout of Oklahoma writers…430 paid registrants in all! After the opening remarks, including a 5 minute (and not a second longer) AuthorHouse introduction by yours truly, attendees were shuffled off into one of three sessions covering everything from Blogging to Writing Poetry and Making Money at it. Throughout the day, a conference room was set up for writers to meet with agents and editors from around the country one-on-one. Agents such as Dan Lazar with Writers House and Robyn Russell with Amy Rennert Agency were on hand along with the “Book Doctor” Robyn Conley.
The evening was quite entertaining and relaxing with a cocktail reception for new OWFI members in a suite, complete with cookies and other snacks. It was certainly “standing room only”, but a good way to network with the local authors. After the reception, we helped ourselves to another Embassy Suites reception with, you guessed it, free drinks and snacks. Gordon was buying again and I had a chance to chat with Ron “Red” Maier and Michele Bardsley, both with interesting books in print.
After a wonderful chicken dinner, Amy Shojai went through a powerpoint presentation of “Famous Authors” which included about 30 attendees that had been published in the last 12 months. Perhaps the highlight of the slideshow was the photo of Amy on the screen with seemingly darker hair color which brought a “what happened to your hair” comment from Gordon. She regained her composure after the brief interruption.
Feedback from the attendees to the sessions throughout the day was very positive. One lady from Texas just happened to be in the hotel taking her husband to the local hospital for treatments. She was a closet writer with five completed manuscripts at home. Excited to hear about the conference going on, Dorothy Cady, the OWFI president, allowed her to attend one of the afternoon sessions at no charge. A retired school teacher taking care of an ailing husband, she didn’t have the money to pay for the sessions, but she certainly had great interest in writing. Thanks Dorothy for accommodating your newest fan!
Overall, I’d give the OWFI Conference a 9.5 on a 10 point scale. On the positive side, the content tracks were superb, volunteer base and management was exceptional, and networking opportunities were great. Only two minor dings on the negative side. First, the OWFI has outgrown the Embassy Suites and space was a bit limiting at times with the bookstore, basket auction, and receptions being held in out of the way locations. Next year, they are moving down the street to a larger facility which will be welcomed by many. Second, the keynote speaker on Friday morning could have been a little stronger. I felt that Jennifer Blake, recipient of the Golden Treasure Award for Lifetime Achievement and author of over 40 books, was an exceptional speaker Friday night. She more than made up for any opening session let downs that morning.
We will definately be back next year. This was our first appearance in Oklahoma, but it won’t be our last. Judy Snavely will be president next year and we’re already talking about being more involved. I look forward to seeing “ya’ll” next year with another visit to the beer margarita suite.
