Welcome to the Missouri Writers’ Guild
The Missouri Writers’ Guild is the statewide organization for professional writers in all genres.
Members of the Missouri Writers’ Guild and its chapters provide workshops, networking opportunities, market information, contests, and many other activities to assist writers in developing their careers.
The Guild holds an annual writing contest to honor the year’s finest writing by its members, chapter members, and conference attendees. And the winner is . . . click here for a list of our latest winners. Over the years, this popular contest has greatly expanded with cash prizes and certificates awarded in each category.
The annual writing conference gives writers the opportunity to hear outstanding speakers and to receive information on marketing, research, and writing techniques.
The Guild has many chapters throughout the state, providing regular opportunities to network with other writers, listen to presentations by successful writers, and learn more about the craft of writing. Look here to find info on other writing groups in Missouri, too.
Want to know what our members have written? Take a look at the links on the Books by Members menu section to see recently published books by MWG authors.
We invite you to join us and get inspired to write! We accept members who live anywhere in the world. Questions? Contact our President at president@missouriwritersguild.org.
Results of the 2021 Presidents Writers Contest
Walter Williams Award
First Place
The Potato Masher Murder by Gary Sosniecki
Second Place
Family Redefined: Childhood Reflections on the Impact of Divorce by Kimberly Ewertz
Third Place
Walk Your Path by Jessica Marie Baumgartner
Show Me Your Best
First Place
Midnight Assassinations and Other Evildoings:
A Criminal History of Jasper County Mo by Larry Wood
Second Place
Fair Grove Home of the Wommack Mill by Marilyn Smith
Third Place
Just One Song by Lynn Stevens
Finalist
Tales of the Missouri Indians Dennis R. Edwards
Best Short Story
First Place
Skin Dowdy by Angela Yuriko Smith
Second Place
A Ruse for Romance by Billie Holladay Skelley
Third Place
The Newspaper Carol Norma King
Finalist
To Build a Better Coffin by Fedora Amis
My Winning Entry by Marilyn Smith
A New Snoopy for Grandma Agnes by Annie Lisenby
Best Magazine Article
First Place
Potter Magic: Guiding Libraries in Pandemic Times by Angela Yuriko Smith
Second Place
From Asia to the Ozarks by Annie Lisenby
Third Place
Remember the flames by Billie Holladay Skelley
Finalist
The Potato Masher Murder by Gary Sosniecki
The Kent State Shootings by Larry Wood
A Hiking Life Jessica by Marie Baumgartner
Best Newspaper Article
A Tale or Two by Marilyn Smith
Best Newspaper Column
First Place
Davis Stars in Memorable Afternoon by Billie Holladay Skelley
Second Place
Brooder Houses Series (Parts 1,2,3) by Marilyn Smith
Third Place
An Ozark Girl’s Golf Odyssey by Lonnie Whitaker
Best Poem
First Place
Their Little Sister by Marilyn Smith
Second Place
Riding the Exhale by Angela Yuriko Smith
Third Place
Paternal Admiration by Jessica Marie Baumgartner
Finalist
Harvesting Souls by Billie Holladay Skelley
Haiku by Larry Wood
Best Article or Essay on US Military History
First Place
The Terrible McWaters by Larry Wood
Second Place
Don’t Forget the Official Records in Your Search by Lynn Casssity
Best Fiction
First Place
Finding Wings (Chandler Sisters Novels) by Deborah Raney
Second Place
Knowing by Rachel Moore
Third Place
Desolation Run: A Road Raptors MC Novel No 1 by Larry Lovan
Finalist
Making Room at the Inn in Loves Pure Light (Christmas Novel Collection) by Deborah Raney
Pathway to Home (Book 3 of the Becker Family series) by Patricia Wahler
Moonblood by T.W. Fendley
Shadow’s Lament by Ryan Aussie Smith
Best Non-Fiction
First Place
Lover’s Leap Legands: From Sappho of Lesbos to Wah-Wah-Tee of Waco
byLeland & Crystal Payton
Second Place
Ordinarily Extraordinary by Patrick P. Long
Third Place
Tales from the Blue 2 by James B. King Jr.
Best Juvenile Work
Food for Thought by Billie Holladay Skelley
Best Children’s Picture Book
First Place
Blossom’s Wish by Lindsey Hobson
Second Place
Delmar the Dinky by Patricia Danna
Third Place
Mulligan Runs for Office by Lonnie Whitaker
Best Young Author Short Story
A Tale on a Cold Night Amanda Vasquez