Ozark Writers, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation organized in the state of Missouri. Its goal is to foster, encourage and promote writers from the Ozarks and to expose the reading public to the literature of the region.

JANE HALE

PRESIDENT

Jane writes a series of children's holiday mysteries Land books, as well as a weekly column, Buffalo...As I Remember It for the Buffalo Missouri County Courier newspaper.

To accomplish this, the members conduct talks, go to book signings and other media coverage and promotional literary activities throughout the state of Missouri and around the country.

VICKI COX

VICE PRESIDENT

Vicki is a free lance writer with 500 magazine and newspaper articles to her credit.  She is also the author of     RISING STARS AND OZARK CONSTELLATIONS as well as five children's biographies.

The six member board of directors are all published authors in varying types of literature and offer a rich, diverse tapestry of the written word. 

CAROLYN GRAY THORNTON

 SECRETARY

Carolyn has written two books based on her weekly newspaper column Middle Age Plus and co-authored a  game book based on her family's experiences.  Her newest book Whither Thou Goest? You've Got To Be Kidding,  takes a humorous look at life as a minister's wife.

Their works range from  novels to adult and children's books to life stories to cook books.  There is something for everyone to enjoy.

ELLEN GRAY MASSEY 

TREASURER

Ellen has written eighteen fiction and nonfiction books, co-authored a game book based on her family's experiences and one original musical play as well as being advisor/editor for BITTERSWEET, THE OZARK QUARTERLY and BRIARWOOD, a Lebanon Missouri heritage magazine

They have also published poetry and many magazine and newspaper articles and several also write weekly columns for local newspapers

BETTY CRAKER HENDERSON

 PUBLICITY DIRECTOR

Betty has published poetry, articles, newspaper columns, short stories and a novel.  Her most recent is Child Support and she is working on a period novel and juvenile book.

They are all active members of their communities.  Three are retired teachers but continue to enrich others by teaching at Elderhostels to broaden the rich Ozarks culture with people from all over the world.

SHIRLEEN SANDO

 DIRECTOR

Shirleen currently serves as a publishing consultant for Skyward Publishing.  She has written a low-fat soy cookbook BEYOND LOW-FAT BAKING:CANCER FIGHTING FOODS FOR THE MILLENNIUM.  She has co-authored two children's television scripts.  She also serves a documentary advisor to one of America's premier documentary film makers.