Just like any group of friends, a few people were sitting around at the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society one day telling stories.
Then, an idea sprung forth.
Because Callaway County is about to celebrate its bicentennial anniversary (as will Cole and Boone counties), the idea is on par with those plans.
"A bunch of us at the historical society were sitting around trying to figure out what to do for the Callaway 200 celebration," said Carolyn Paul Branch, also of the Callaway County Public Library. "We had just been telling stories and got to thinking it would be a good idea to get them published.
Branch is coordinating the idea: a book titled "It Happened in Callaway."
Three organizations joined forces to collect some of those stories and will publish them this October. Groups involved include the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society, Callaway County Public Library and Callaway Writer's Group.
Stories are due May 31, Branch added.
"We're hoping to get stories from all over the county and on a wide range of topics," she said. "That's why we have four categories: History, humor, memories and poetry."
Except for the first category, stories don't have to be historical to be included.
"It could be something that happened in recent years, or even last week," Branch added. "Our only criteria are that it must be something that happened in Callaway."
She said people don't have to be perfect writers to contribute to the book.
"We're looking for the story itself - not an assignment for a picky English teacher," she said. "Our editors will take care of any minor errors."
This book will be a record for those in the future.
"It's permanent; it's something that will stay," Branch said. "It's wonderful to know it will be something people can use in the future."
Prizes will be awarded to a winner in each category and a grand prize winner. They will be invited to the historical society's annual fall dinner.
Information about the contest is online at dbrl.org/callaway200.