ONLINE WORKSHOPS: SPONSOR: RWA® Online Chapter TITLE: Hook ‘Em and Hold ‘Em INSTRUCTOR: Teresa Bodwell DESCRIPTION: Learning how to hook those readers and keep them turning your first few pages is a critical skill for every writer. Using examples from published books along with writing assignments from your work in progress, this workshop helps you [...]

Writers’ Corner Online Workshops Christine M. Fairchild presents Editing Dialogue for Snap, Crackle and Punch! an online workshop held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, 2010. Cost is $30. Register at http://www.christinefairchild.com/classes.html Visit www.ChristineFairchild.com for more information. The Beau Monde Academy presents Exploring the World of Jane Austen an online workshop with instructor Victoria Hinshaw, [...]

A year ago, I nearly gave up writing. I’d fallen prey to the negativity surrounding the tectonic shifts in the publishing industry, and at the time, I was sure there would never be a way to earn a living as an author. Who was I kidding? I would be far better off out of the [...]

RWA Chapter Contests Ohio Valley Romance Writers’ 2010 Enchanted Words Contest deadline has been extended to November 15! The contest is particularly low on entries in the historical category. Submit your query letter, synopsis and first five pages of your manuscript. Finalists in each category will be judged by an editor and an agent. Judges: [...]

Yes, we’re writers, but we’re readers first. Part of the reason I wanted to write was to give others the transporting experience I’ve had, reading a wonderful book, and ‘waking up’ hours later, unaware of my surroundings. Or consciously slowing down, toward the end of a book, just so I won’t be done. Yes, I [...]

Contests What’s on your nightstand? A book with a good opener? Or the one with sizzling sexual tension? From sweet to erotic, give us a 10-page love scene that our judges will want to take to bed. The Greater Detroit RWA’s 2011 Between the Sheets contest final round judges are: Charles Griemsman, Harlequin Enterprises * [...]

CONTESTS: CONTEST:   Judge A Book By Its Cover JABBIC SPONSOR:  Houston Bay Area RWA ELIGIBILITY:  Books published in 2010 SUBMIT:  The cover of your book or novella published by a traditional house, ePublisher, POD or self-published. FORMAT:  Electronic files (JPG or GIF) only FEES:  $15 DEADLINE:  January 15, 2011 FMI:  www.hbarwa.com or contact Leslie Marshman [...]

I have been toying with the concept of “who is my readership” and where do I find them? You might believe that once you come to “The End” and congratulate yourself for a job well done, your next task is merely to find an agent, publisher or venue to capture your words between the covers. [...]

RWA Chapter Contests The New England Chapter of RWA has added the category “Mainstream with Romantic Elements” to its 2011 Bean Pot Contest for published authors. Check it out Hudson Valley RWA announces the 25th Annual Hook, Line & Sinker contest. Submit the first three pages of your manuscript. The five entries with the highest [...]

Conferences Southwest Florida Romance Writers is hosting their annual conference on Jan. 29, 2010. The conference will be held at The Hyatt Place in Bonita Springs across from Coconut Point Mall. The cost is $80 per person, $85 after November 1, 2010. Mail your registration using the form on their website, or register online at www.swfrw.org. [...]