10 Oklahoma Writing Resources
Posted by David Duhr in 
Oklahoma, the Sooner State, is up next in our State Writing Resources series. Its motto is “Labor omnia vincit,” which means “Work conquers all,” which means “Get your ass out of bed, slacker!” Oklahoma achieved statehood on November 16, 1907, the same day that actor (and Rocky trainer) Burgess Meredith was born in … drum roll … you guessed it! Ohio. Ugh, so close.
Oklahoma writing features a cast that includes such greats as Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man), Sarah Vowell (The Wordy Shipmates is my favorite of hers), Blake Edwards (the Pink Panther guy), National Book Award winner Joyce Carol Thomas, poet John Berryman, and, OK, Chuck Norris, who apparently can kill you in every way possible, and in many ways impossible.
Presented in no particular order, here are 10 Oklahoma writing resources, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you’re an Okie or are planning to become one, these are some organizations you might want to take a peek at.
1) Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers
Established to recognize its extended community of internationally known writers. The Center is also dedicated to providing opportunities for aspiring writers.
2) Oklahoma Writers’ Federation
A nonprofit federation of writers groups dedicated to promoting higher standards for the written word in Oklahoma.
3) Scissortail Creative Writing Festival
A showcase of Oklahoma creative writing, the Scissortail Festival celebrates published, emerging authors reading original poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction.
4) Oklahoma Center for the Book
Promotes the past, current and future works of Oklahoma authors; promotes the literary heritage of the state; and encourages reading for pleasure by Oklahomans of all ages.
5) Individual Artists of Oklahoma
Committed to sustaining and encouraging emerging and established artists in all media who are intellectually and aesthetically provocative or experimental in subject matter or technique. Includes poetry competitions and writing contests.
One of the oldest quarterlies in the nation, Cimarron Review publishes poetry, fiction and nonfiction with a wide-ranging aesthetic.
7) Nimrod International Journal of Prose and Poetry
Nimrod is published twice a year and features the best new poetry, short fiction and creative nonfiction.
One of the oldest continuously published literary periodicals in the United States, and is devoted to serving students, scholars and general readers worldwide.
The Oklahoma Writing Project’s goal is to improve student achievement by improving the teaching of writing and literacy by improving learning in Oklahoma’s elementary, middle and high schools, as well as technology centers and colleges.
10) Oklahoma City Writers, Inc.
OCWI consists of writers experienced in all genres, getting published, and those new to the literary art. Each month, the group invites speakers on different aspects of writing—getting published, marketing, submitting to agents, and the new world of publishing technology.
Help us add to this list, Oklahomans! Do you run a local writing group or a lit journal we should be aware of? Feel free to share info and links in the comments section below.
Don’t forget Oklahoma Review!
http://www.cameron.edu/okreview/front.htm
Thanks for this, Jensen. So many mags, so little time.
Here’s a list of writer’s groups and resources I confirmed are still in existence as of 11-2014, complete with their contact information. As an author, editor, and small publisher, I found little in the way of a comprehensive list when I started years ago and wanted to help others find resources in their community. Enjoy!
http://www.books-a-daisy.com/pages/writing-resources.php
This is really helpful, Karen. Thank you. Oklahomans, take notice!
Yeah, comprehensive lists are hard to come by, if possible at all. It’s so hard to keep up, with so many new writing groups springing up and so many closing down. Every state/region could use someone like you, keeping diligent.