Keynote Speaker:
Lora K. Reiter, Ph.D. is the daughter of poet-essayist Lora D. Reiter. She grew up fascinated by the mystery of words and is the author of three poetry collections, a novel, a three-act play, and a collection of short stories and other prose. Prize winner for both poetry and fiction, she is currently doing research for a book exploring mental retardation, with illustrative case studies.
    Born on a farm in Jewell County, Kansas, Lora has traveled in Europe, Asia, and Mexico. Her travel experiences have influenced themes and images in her writing.
    Dr. Reiter’s talk is entitled: “This Writing Is Our Writing,” taking off from our conference theme of “This Land Is Our Land.”
    You will find her talk inspirational. Don’t miss it!

Workshop Speakers:
Betty Gibb is the managing editor for the Kansas Senior Press Service and editor of The Best Times (Hohnson County’s monthly publica-tion for services) She holds a Masters Degree in Journa-lism from the University of Missouri.

Tom Mach was editor of a national magazine
(Software Supermarket), editor of a regional lifestyle magazine (South Bay Accent), and assistant editor of Small Business Report. In addition, he was a stringer for a chain of newspapers and has published hundreds of articles in a wide variety of magazines and newspapers.

Anne Haehl is a published poet and veteran of poetry readings. She also brings academic credentials. With her M.A. in English and PhD in Speech, she has a lot to share. She is also a professional storyteller.

Shirley Swayne has been a teacher of art, English literature, and writing courses for the past 35 years. She has a B.A. degree in Fine Arts from Illinois Wesleyan and an MA and MFA from the University of Wisconsin. She teaches writing for various Ottawa organizations.

Carol Russell, a president of the Christian Writers Fellowship and member of the American Christian Writer’s Network, has spoken to numerous groups and is a published author. She is an Advanced Toastmaster of Toastmasters International.

Robert McManes, a poetry writer for 38 years, attended Southeastern Oklahoma State as an English major. He authored five books of poetry, including Poetic Sighs, We Ain’t in Kansas No More, Reflections in a Poet’s Mirror, Love From a Poetic Point of View, and Don’t Read Me like Some Poem. He has been published in several e-zines and magazines.

Mary-Lane Kamberg is an award-winning poet, essayist, and journalist. Her humor has appeared in the Christian Science Monitor, Kansas City Star, Kansas City Parent. Her I Don’t Know How To Cook Book is due out in April 2004.

Carol Anderson was a professional photographer for fifteen years. Since her retirement she has written several essays, stories for her grandchildren, and lately has been seeing many of her recent photographic images as inspiration for haiku.