Once again the MSU Libraries will serve as the host site for the annual Quill Awards event organized and sponsored by the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame. It will be held on Thursday evening, September 30, 2021 online, beginning at 7 p.m. Central Daylight Time. This online event is free and open to the public. 

Zoom link: https://missouristate.zoom.us/j/94190328635

journalist and Route 66 historian Susan Croce Kelly will be inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame during a special online edition of the organization’s annual Quill Gala.

The award will be presented during a virtual ceremony that will feature a live roundtable discussion with Kelly.

Kelly is the prize-winning author of two important books of Route 66 history: “Route 66: The Highway and Its People,” and “Father of Route 66: the Story of Cy Avery,” both published by the University of Oklahoma Press. 

Today her work is focused on Ozarks history and culture: she is managing editor of OzarksWatch Magazine, published by the Ozarks Studies Institute, an ongoing initiative of the Missouri State University Libraries, and she recently completed final edits on “Newspaperwoman of the Ozarks,” a biography of long-time twentieth century reporter Lucile Morris Upton which will be published by the University of Arkansas Press.  

“We are proud to recognize Susan for her storytelling career and her contributions to the written word,” says Randy Berger, president of Missouri Writers Hall of Fame. “Her work will stand as an inspiration to a new generation of writers who will use their talents to tell the stories of our region. We are honored to celebrate her legacy and her ties to Missouri.”

The Quill event raises funds for college scholarships for talented high school seniors. This year’s event is free to view and donations are encouraged. Donations can be made during the broadcast, or any time, at this link: https://cfozarks.org/writers

You can also donate by mailing a check to Missouri Writers Hall of Fame at 411 N. Sherman Pkwy., Springfield, MO 65802.

For more information, please contact Randy Berger at randybergerpr@gmail.com or 417-818-0494.

About Missouri Writers Hall of Fame: Established in 1994, Missouri Writers Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit organization that encourages writers of all ages. Proceeds from various events fund college scholarships for talented high school seniors and recognizes students in grades 5 through 12 for their writing skills.

To fulfill its mission, the volunteer board of directors each year selects a Missouri professional writer to receive the Quill Award for making significant contributions to the written word. Past Quill Award recipients include young adult authors Sandy Asher and Kate Klise; producer Linda Bloodworth-Thomason; children’s author and poet David Harrison, songwriter Johnny Mullins and novelists Daniel Woodrell and Ridley Pearson.