Any guesses what the little red box contained?
Well, ’tis the party season!
On Monday our local American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) chapter, MozArks, met for our annual Christmas party.
We’re a small, but growing group of Missouri/Arkansas writers who meet monthly for fun, fellowship, and of course, writing-related events and workshops. We often have special speakers and periodic write-ins, and sometimes we’ll gather informally during the year to critique and brainstorm.
We’ve also traveled together to past ACFW conferences and we’ve had a ball getting to know each other better. It’s wonderful to see God at work in our lives and writing careers. (Check out some conference highlights here.)
The MozArks group is a great bunch!
Here’s a bird’s eye view of our recent Christmas luncheon. Come celebrate the season with us!
Pictured: L to R–Margie, Carol, Ruth, Cindy, Kaye
And another shot (minus me, but including Julia). We didn’t think to have our waitress take a photo of our entire group until later… and then we were too busy. Eating!
Pictured L to R–Margie, Julia, Carol, Ruth, and Kaye
Any guesses where we are?
We kicked the meal off with a delicious salad…
Then there were breadsticks. Ahhh…
And this.
Chicken Scampi. Mmm…
We also had a Christmas gift exchange—books! Because who doesn’t love books, right?
We concluded our luncheon with a brief board meeting and made tentative plans for a weekend retreat in Branson, Missouri. We’re thinking April 2015 would be a super time to refresh and renew as we head into spring. We’ll critique, brainstorm, write, and probably have some devotionals. (And… there may be chocolate involved.)
Remember that goodie box above? Did you guess it’s contents? Here you go!
Lindt milk chocolate truffles!
If you’re interested in writing and you live in the Ozarks, I’d like to encourage you to plug in with our little group. Annual dues are $10 and you can visit for free the first time. (You will need to join the national ACFW organization and those yearly dues are more, of course, but so worth the investment if you’re serious about becoming a Christian fiction novelist. See the wealth of information on their website. Next year’s national conference is back in Dallas. Woohoo!)
We meet every 3rd Saturday at the northside Panera in Springfield, MO from 2-4 p.m. Often, a few of us arrive earlier so we can visit and do lunch first.
There’s always a lot of laughter, learning, and sharing, and you’re guaranteed to walk away with a full heart and something new to “chew” on.
We’d love to have you join us!
Oh—did you guess where our Christmas luncheon was held? (Olive Garden!)
And many thanks to MozArks’ treasurer/PR guru/friend and fellow writer, Julia, for the scrumptious chocolate! You blessed us, gal!
***
Are you a member of a writer’s group or organization?
What investment have you made (or are considering) concerning your craft?
Here’s to holiday warmth and cheer! *clink*
Blessings Always,
Comments 4
Sounds like such a sweet time. I wish I lived closer!! 🙂 I almost went to a workshop close by presented by Mary DeMuth. I somehow managed to put it on the wrong day on my calendar. I missed it by one day. 🙂 But I met Anne Mateer. She came to speak at our tiny Acteen’s meeting (girls’ mission group). I’m making slow progress on meeting writers near here … but I know God’s timing is perfect. 🙂
Author
Shelli, you’re so right. His timing is perfect. And He orchestrates events and connections when we least expect them. I know God is doing a great work in your life, my friend!
I guessed it! I guessed it!
Barbara LOVES breadsticks. That gave it away.
If I lived close enough, I’d join in a heartbeat.
Author
Andrew, we’d certainly welcome you!