I have written previously about making 2024 the Year of Joy. I have also written previously about always having something to look forward to experiencing. I am looking forward this May to the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. conference (OWFI).
I also write a lot about entering writing contests. A few years ago, I started entering the annual OWFI contest. Best of all, there are always more than 30 categories to enter for one price. You can check out all those categories (and become a member) at OWFI.org.
Although I had attended the Saturday night banquet twice where the names of the winners are called, 2023 was the first year that I attended the conference, too. Best of all, the conference exceeded my expectations.
I did not get to go to every session because various sessions overlapped. Every session that I attended, though, was fantastic. By this time, I had been writing professionally as an appellate attorney for more than thirty-five years. And I learned so much at the OWFI conference. Best of all, it turns out you can teach old dogs—er, I mean—long-time writers new tricks.
Why did I decide to write a blog about this? After all, I’m the worst promoter of anything that ever existed. Still, best of all, I believe in you, each of my readers, and I believe in OWFI. I wanted to give you these opportunities. Good news is always to be shared!
Best of all, I treasure any award received from OWFI. Best of all, in the published category, the trophies are awesome. Also, best of all, you can receive a digital badge for a first-place win.
Best of all, entering the OWFI contest categories and attending the conference will bring you a sea of awesome possibilities. I loved making new writing friends and gaining new invitations to speak to writing groups and submit written works to various places.
Best of all, OWFI each year presents itself to me as a challenge to continue my freelance writing. Although I did not publish any books in 2023, I’m already motivated to complete some of the books I have started writing. Best of all, not only will I reach a goal to publish, but I will also be eligible for the published books categories in next year’s OWFI contest.
Best of all, the list of benefits regarding OWFI membership could go on and on, but I won’t. You probably want to quit reading this so you can instead polish some of your writing and enter the OWFI contest. See you at the conference!
I have a confession to make to you. I’ve attended the OWFI conference and awards banquet for many years and have noticed certain names are announced as winners over and over. Your is one of those names. So when I learned you are also associated with Oklahoma City Writers, I determined that would be a good group of writers from which to learn and be inspired. I joined OCWI and am glad I did. As much as we’d all love to be best selling authors, for most of us the joy of writing comes from having the opportunity to do something we love and being around people who share that same joy. You are spot on in what you say about not only the support we receive from writing groups but also the motivation that contests provide.
Lisbeth, you always encourage me with writing and seeking out all kinds of opportunities. So, thank you--that's the best!