WRITERS GUILD ENCOURAGES AUTHORS TO MARKET WHAT THEY WRITE

The success of a series of Sunday afternoon writing classes in a Sikeston church in 1988 spurred the formation of a regional writers' support group.

With 12 charter members, the group organized as the Heartland Writers Guild. The guild now boasts membership of more than 130 published and unpublished authors of all ages and from many states. High school students have been members of the guild.

Robert Vaughn of Sikeston conceived the idea of the guild. He was teaching the writing classes in Sikeston while also holding writing workshops across the country.

A published author at the age of 20, Vaughn, now 58, has had more than 300 books published under various pseudonyms. This year he won the Spur Award for Best Western Original paperback novel for "Survival: A Story of the Conner Party."

Concerning the first writing workshop he held in Sikeston, Vaughn said: "I was surprised at how many people came from all around. When the classes were over some of us talked about how some towns are too small to support a writers' guild. So we decided to start a regional one."

He credits charter members Connie Bennett and Barbara Hill of Dexter and Joe Keene of Kennett as being instrumental in guiding the guild to prominence.

As the guild grew, members voted to sponsor a writers conference in conjunction with Southeast Missouri State University, and in June 1990 the first one-day workshop featured New York lecturer/agent Alice Orr and book packager Paul Block.

Robert Foster, university president at the time, said, "We have all heard the old axiom 'Publish or perish.' Those of you gathered here know what that is all about. Something inside you drives you to write and urges you on to the next step of publication."

With 120 people in attendance, the conference was determined a success, and in early August of this year, the sixth annual Heartland Writers Conference was held with more than 130 writers in attendance.

The conference, held in Sikeston, also attracted New York agents and editors, a Hollywood producer and more than 30 published authors.

Among the speakers were New Madrid High School graduate William Johnstone, author of 140 published works, and Connie Bennett of Dexter, who was nominated for a RITA award this year for her novel "Single With Children."

Tom O'Haver, a producer with New Line Cinema, discussed ways for screenwriters to sell to Hollywood.

Dr. Mary Case, chief medical examiner for St. Charles, Franklin and St. Louis counties and a leading forensic pathologist in the country, helped mystery writers with their questions about poisons, serial killers, DNA evidence and violent deaths.

There was also a writing competition with prizes awarded in 10 genres. Winners, to be announced, will get a private interview with the agent or editor of their choice.

Jacqueline Close of Jackson, conference coordinator, said, "I don't know of any other conference that provides so much access to the professionals that have buying power."

The historian of the guild, Jeanie Stewart of Hayti, collects information about guild members who become published writers or who in some way receive recognition.

"People send me newspaper clippings and photos taken of them," said Stewart. "I put it all in a scrapbook. We've gotten a lot of new members lately."

New members include Michele Campbell of Oak Ridge and Donald Coltrain of Cape Girardeau.

Campbell has been published in the Southeast Missourian. Her inspirational article, "Pharmacist Gives Gift to Mom of Three" appeared in the April 4 issue of the newspaper.

Bennett, the Dexter writer, had her latest book, "Suspicions," published in February by Harlequin Intrigue. She has been president of the Heartland Writers Guild.

The group includes members from St. Louis, Jefferson City, Paducah, Ky., and Jonesboro, Ark. There is a member from Florida and several from Texas.

Members meet the second Sunday of each month at the Sikeston Library. Programs are presented. Topics include technical writing, how to contact editors, how to meet deadlines, dealing with rejection slips, how to submit manuscripts and learning different writing techniques.

The Heartland Writers Guild has a monthly newsletter produced by John and Carol Fisher of Kennett. The newsletter lists members who have recently been published; it also publishes poetry submitted by members.

The newsletter, The Heartland Heartbeat, also lists information relating to how writers can market their manuscripts.

The Heartland Writers Guild promotes and supports published and unpublished authors of all ages.