What's OWL?
OWL MISSION STATEMENT
(Adopted Nov. 2018)
Ozarks Writers League, informally known as “OWL,”supports the desire of writers, artists, and photographers throughout the region to expand their knowledge of the craft,and to connect with and encourage the creativity of others. In addition, OWL endeavors to provide a resource of regular conferences and gatherings with an emphasis on promoting literacy, writing, and art in the Ozarks.
More details of bylaws see our Bylaws page.
OUR MEETINGS
The Ozarks Writers League is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting writing, literacy, photography, and art. Since 1983, OWL has welcomed individuals at all stages of their development, whether they be an aspiring writer or seasoned author. We emphasize mutual assistance and fellowship among our membership.
Meet OWL President
Veda Boyd Jones

Bio: Veda Boyd Jones is the author of 9 romances (Avalon, Barbour Books) and 38 books (fiction and nonfiction) for children (Scholastic, Lucent, Lerner, McGraw-Hill, Chelsea House, Barbour Books, Wendy Pye, DK) and over 600 articles and short stories in magazines (Woman’s World, The Writer, Writer’s Digest, Highlights for Children, etc.) She also has 10 original ebooks on Amazon and annually adds a Christmas romance novella. She earned an MA in history at the University of Arkansas (long ago) and recently received an MFA from the low-residency Stonecoast program from the University of Southern Maine. She’s a member of The Author’s Guild, American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBSI), OWL, and the Joplin Writers’ Guild. She’s a lifetime member and past president of the Missouri Writers’ Guild.
She’s the widow of Jimmie (who was the best architect in Joplin) and mother of three sons and grandmother of three young children.
2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS:
President: Veda Boyd Jones
Vice President: Ronda Del Boccio
Secretary: Summer (S.V.) Farnsworth
Treasurer: Russell Gayer
BOARD MEMBERS:
Past President: Margarite Stever
Past Treasurer: Russell Gayer
Membership Director: Bonnie Tesh
Fundraising Chair: John Crawford
Social Media Director: Ronda Del Boccio
Board Member at Large: Brenda Black
Board Member at Large: Diana West
Webmaster: Ricky Yates
Writing Contest Director: Ronda Del Boccio
Youth Writing Contest Director: April Brock
Art Contest Director: Rochelle Wissoff-Fields
Historian: Linda Runnebaum
Media & Newsletters
Douglas County Herald - "Ozarks Writers League Showcases Southern Authors"
Harrison Daily News - "OWL To Share Author Tips at Upcoming Meeting"
KRZK Radio - Interview with OWL President Karen Nelson about February 2014 meeting
Branson Daily Independent, September 27, 2013
Taney County Times, February 19, 2014
Press Releases
2014 Art & Photo Contest Winners
