Heartland Romance Authors “Show Me the Spark” Contest’s deadline is August 31. Fees are $25.00 RWA Members and $30.00 non-RWA Members. This contest is electronic, first chapter or 25-pages with an un-judged synopsis. Categories are Contemporary, Erotica, Historical, Inspirational, Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romantic Suspense and Young Adult. Visit their site for more information.

Valley of the Sun Romance Writers “Hot Prospects” Contest’s deadline is September 1. Fees are $25 for Valley of the Sun RW chapter members/$30 for non-chapter members. This contest is judging your 3-5-page synopsis and up to 25 pages of story (30 pages max). Categories are Historical/Regency, Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Long/Single Title and Series Contemporary. Visit their site at http://www.valleyofthesunrw.com

Online Workshops

Carolina Romance Writers presents How to Do Research for Your Book workshop with instructor Karen MacMurray. This online event will be held from August 2-29 with a July 25 registration deadline. Fees are $15 CRW and HCRW members and $25 non-CRW members. Visit their site at  http://www.carolinaromancewriters.com

Northeast Ohio RWA presents Self-Promotion Primer: Guilt-Free & Cost-Effective PR Options workshop with instructor Marcia James. This online event will have six lessons posted over two weeks from August 15-28. Registration deadline is August 14. Fees are $15 for NEORWA members and $20 for all others. Visit their site at http://www.neorwa.com

Yosemite Romance Writers presents Dialog That Dazzles workshop with instructor Lori Wilde. This online event will be held August 2-27 with a registration deadline of August 1. Fees are $20 YWR members and $25 non-members. RWA Membership isn’t required. Visit their site at http://www.yosemiteromancewriters.com

Conferences

Central Ohio Fiction Writers presents “Write from the Heart” Conference at the Holiday Inn Worthington in Columbus, Ohio from October 1-2. Fees are $118 for COFW members and $128 non-members. Keynote speaker is Suzanne Brockman. Visit their site at http://www.COFW.org

Heart of Carolina Romance Writers presents Muse Therapy, taught by D. D. Scott, online August 1-31. The workshop is about injecting life into tired and/or stressed out muses. Writers will gain tools to analyze their muses’ funks, reign in their creative divas and up their page counts. Register here

Yosemite Romance Writers presents two online workshops for August.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Grammar & Style But Didn’t Think It Really Mattered runs August 2-27 and is taught by Annie Oortman. The workshop will “show you how to enhance your writing’s curb appeal to make the most of your writing’s appearance, readability, and impact.”

Also running August 2-27 is Courting the Muse with instructor Tawny Weber, billed as Practical and Spiritual Tools for Writers: The art of recognizing, then making the most of your writing habits. In addition, this workshop will show you ways to use tools like aromatherapy, Feng Shui and the tarot to empower your writing, and yourself on the road to success.

Register online www.yosemiteromancewriters.com

Hearts through History Romance Writers present two workshops in its August Campus line-up.

Gamblers and Lightskirts: Vice in the Old West will be taught by Jacquie Rogers, August 8-21. This class is about “entertainment” in the Old West, including gambling and prostitution.

Beyond Research: Fact and Fiction for the Historical Romance Author, by Carrie Lofty, will run August 8 – 21. How do you integrate your historical research into a steamy, compelling, tear-jerking, rip-roaring novel? How much detail is enough? What to keep and what to ditch?
For additional information on these classes or to register click here

Get out of the water! No, it’s not a shark attack. It’s almost time for the
2010 GATEWAY TO THE BEST contest! You still have time to polish your manuscript. So say goodbye to the pool or beach and say hello to your keyboard! The GRAND PRIZE is $100! Two of last year’s entries went on to final in the Golden Heart!
Here’s what Golden Heart Historical finalist Jacqui Nelson had to say about
her experience with the Gateway, “The Gateway to the Best was my first contest and
I loved the entire experience! In fact it has set the bar for all
the contests I’ve since entered. The feedback was incredibly helpful but
also gracefully given. The contest coordinator
answered my questions quickly and cheerfully. And the Final Rankings
Spreadsheet (that anonymously listed what each
contestant in my category scored) was the icing on the cake!” The contest formally opens August 2 and closes September 10. Gateway to the Best is sponsored by Missouri Romance Writers. Check out all the rules, judges and details at: www.morwa.org.

Mid-America Romance Authors (MARA) is delighted to announce we are now accepting entries for our 2010 Fiction from the Heartland Contest. This year entries are being accepted in both print and electronic format. The final round being judged by BOTH an editor and an agent, this is a wonderful opportunity to get your manuscript in front of acquiring industry professionals. The deadline is September 10th, 2010 and will cost $30.00. To be eligibility the author must be unpublished in book-length fiction in the past five years. The categories are and final round judges are Contemporary Single Title: Danielle Poiesz, Pocket Books; Category Romance: Susan Litman, Harlequin/Silhouette Books; Historical: Tess Woodward, Avon Books; Paranormal: Meredith Giordan, Berkley Publishing Group; Inspirational: Melissa Endlich, Steeple Hill Books; Romantic Suspense: Lauren Plude, Grand Central Publishing; Young Adult: Natashya Wilson, Harlequin Teen; Erotic Romance: TBA. Agent judges: Sara Megibow, Nelson Literary Agency; Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary Agency; Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency; Karen Solem, Spencerhill Associates and Claudia Cross, Sterling Lord Literistic. The top Prize is $50.00 and Plaque. Please visit www.mararwa.com for more information.

The Golden Network’s Golden Pen Contest is now open for entries! What makes this contest special? Each entry in the Golden Pen will be judged by
at least one published author and one Golden Heart finalist. What’s more,
entries will be 55 pages. This is a chance to have a large portion of your
manuscript evaluated. The format is similar to the Golden Heart, so this is a
great contest to “test drive” your manuscript before entering the Golden Heart.
Entries will be returned before the Golden Heart deadline. The entry fee is only $30.
Categories and final round judges include: Series Contemporary – Susan Litman, Harlequin
Single Title – Katherine Pelz, Berkley\, Historical – Leis Pederson, Berkley; Paranormal – Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks; Romantic Suspense – Holly Blanck, St. Martins; Inspirational – Melissa Enlich, Steeple Hill; Young Adult – Regina Griffin, Egmont USA
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements – Valerie Gray, Mira. Details can be found on the Golden Pen pages at www.thegoldennetwork.com. For more information email : Contest@thegoldennetwork.com.

Workshop

Sizzle 101 instructed by Jennifer LaBrecque will be a time to join award-winning, veteran Blaze author Jennifer LaBrecque and learn how to
notch up your writing’s sensuality level from so-so to sizzling. The
two-week course will cover sensuality vs. sexuality, creating sexual
tension, awareness, steps to intimacy, the emotional component, engaging all
five senses, and moving beyond tab a into slob b. Join Jennifer as she
shares her secrets for writing which have earned her reviews such as,
“Nobody writes a hotter novel better than Jennifer LaBrecque.” – CataRomance
Reviews and “This one is hotter than hot!” – Romantic Times Book Review.. The online class will be August 9 – 23, 2010 and will cost $20. The registration deadline is August 3, 2010 more information may be found at www.heartofdixie.org.

Yosemite Romance Writers is proud to present their online workshop for August 2-27, Di Dialog That Dazzles. Dialogue that dazzles is about creating the most exciting, compelling conversations you’ve ever written. Stellar dialogue can make you story leap to life the way nothing else can. If you’ve gotten comments from editors and agents that your dialogue is trite or stilted or dull, we’ve got the cure for you. This workshop is designed to teach you how to write fresh, natural dialogue that dazzles. You’ll learn new techniques for rewriting any lines of dialogue and improving them spectacularly. You’ll uncover secrets of incorporating these methods into your writing style. Learn how to make your dialogue stand out and dramatically increase your chances of selling your book! The class will be instructed by Lori Wilde, who has sold fifty-two novels to four major New York publishing houses. She is also an instructor for a company who provides online community education to over 1600 colleges and universities. Lori is a past RITA finalist and has four times been nominated for Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She’s won the Colorado Award of Excellence, the Wisconsin Write Touch Award, The Lories, The More Than Maggie, the Golden Quill and The Best Books of 2006 Book Award. Her books have been translated into 22 languages and excerpted in Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Complete Woman and Quick and Simple magazines. She’s appeared numerous times on the Waldenbook’s bestseller list and Ingram’s Top. The deadline to register is 08/01/2010
and will cost $20 YWR members; $25 non-members. RWA Membership isn’t required. Registration may be done at www.yosemiteromancewriters.com .

Retreats

EVA’s 2010 retreat will be directed by Shannon Donnelly and held on Sunday, August 22n from 8am-5pm at the Monrovia Canyon Park Conference Cabin. For more information please contact: www.eastvalleyauthors.com. EVA members pay and $25 nonmembers. Space is limited to only 24 so register early!

Winners

Celtic Hearts Romance Writers is pleased to announce the finalists for the
2010 Annual Golden Claddaugh Contest. Passion ~ Jeanell Bolton
Fractured Paradise ~ Lexi Connor; Aliya Arabesque ~ Madeline Smyth
Erotic Category The Lust Boat ~ Dolores Wall Maroney, Hustler’s Dream ~ Casey Crow
The Druid Prince ~ Camryn Rhys; Future/Fantasy/Paranormal The Veil ~ Sabrina Jarema
The Key to My Heart ~ Julie McMullen, The Seduction of Phaeton Black ~ G. Jillian Stone;
Historical In Longfellow’s Keep ~ Mary E. Lawrence, His to Hold ~ Jenna Stuart
Scenting Scandal ~ Suzanne Web; Romantic Suspense His Reluctant Witness ~ Lexi Connor, Deception ~ Jennifer Beane, Black Ops ~ Dr. L. Pepper Norris; ContemporaryPassion ~ Jeanell Bolton, Fractured Paradise ~ Lexi Connor, Aliya Arabesque ~ Madeline Smyth; Erotic Category
Final Round Judge: The Lust Boat ~ Dolores Wall Maroney, Hustler’s Dream ~ Casey Crow
The Druid Prince ~ Camryn Rhys; Future/Fantasy/Paranormal The Veil ~ Sabrina Jarema
The Key to My Heart ~ Julie McMullen
The Seduction of Phaeton Black ~ G. Jillian Stone; Historical In Longfellow’s Keep ~ Mary E. Lawrence, His to Hold ~ Jenna Stuart, Scenting Scandal ~ Suzanne Web; Romantic Suspense
His Reluctant Witness ~ Lexi Connor, Deception ~ Jennifer Beane, Black Ops ~ Dr. L. Pepper Norris. The Celtic Hearts Contest Committee would like to wish the finalists luck in the next round! Winners will be announced on September 1, 2010.More information may be found by contacting the Contest Chair, Eliza Knight: writer@elizaknight.com.

CLASSES

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA Presents How to Write Emotion with Laurie Saunders.

In this workshop we will look at the many ways we can infuse our romance novels with emotional tension and the numerous ways to describe the emotions our characters experience so that the reader can experience the emotions of the characters along with them.

WHEN: July 5, 2010 through August 1, 2010

WHERE: This workshop will be conducted via a Yahoo! email loop. Email invitations will be sent 48 hours prior to the beginning of the workshop.

WHO: Laurie Sanders is the Founder, CEO, and Editor at Black Velvet Seductions. She writes and lectures frequently on topics related to writing romance and erotica. In her “spare” time she writes as Alyssa Aaron. Her book His Perfect Submissive is available at Black Velvet Seductions, Amazon, Fictionwise, and AllRomanceEbooks.com

HOW: Just register for the workshop and complete the payment process via PayPal. The cost is $15.00 for FFnP members and $25.00 for non-FFnP members.

REGISTRATION: http://www.romance-ffp.com/event.cfm?EventID=113

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA presents The Ultimate Packaging for Your Product – Logline, Premise, Query Letter and Synopsis with Elle James and Delilah Devlin. 

This workshop focuses on key elements for packaging your product to make it shine above the rest of the slush pile. Instructors will provide weekly instruction, assignments to reinforce lessons learned and feedback on assignments. Participants will develop loglines, premises, query
letters and a synopsis with the opportunity to receive feedback on all.

Week 1 – Logline and Premise
Week 2 – Query Letters that Pop
Week 3 – Synopses that Shine

The instructor will lead off the topic and discussions for the day, and then members work together to apply these elements to their own WIPs. This is an interactive workshop, where participation by everyone is encouraged.

Note: This interactive, lesson-oriented workshop is limited to only 40 participants, first come/first serve. Sign up ASAP to reserve your spot in this incredible workshop!

WHEN: July 5, 2010 through July 26, 2010. Sign up now and get ready for nationals.

WHO: Delilah Devlin is an award-winning author of erotic romance with a rapidly expanding reputation for writing deliciously edgy stories with complex characters. Ms. Devlin has published over 50 erotic romances in multiple sub-genres and lengths for various publishing houses including Avon, Kensington, Cleis, Black Lace, Elloras Cave and Samhain.

Best-Selling author and Golden Heart Winner Elle James made a new-year’s resolution in January of 2000 to become a published author. In 2005, her dream came true when Dorchester published her first novel, the 2004 Golden Heart Winner for Best Paranormal. She’s since sold 15
Romantic Suspense novels to Harlequin Intrigue, 1 each paranormals to Dorchester & Silhouette Nocturne and 17 sexy romances to Ellora’s Cave, Avon Red and Kensington Aphrodisia under her pen name Myla Jackson.

WHERE: This workshop will be conducted via a Yahoo! email loop. Email invitations will be sent 48 hours prior to the beginning of the workshop.

HOW: Just register for the workshop and complete the payment process via PayPal. The cost is $10.00 for FFnP members and $25.00 for non-FFnP members. If you are a member of FFnP be sure you are logged into the website before you register to get the member price. Payment is due at time of registration.

REGISTRATION: http://www.romance-ffp.com/event.cfm?EventID=154

Elements of RWA Online Workshops Presents

Creating a Web Presence for the Techno-Challenged By Anne Marie Novark
Get the down and dirty regarding domain names and hosting services. Learn about blogging, Facebook, MySpace and more.  A self-confessed techno-klutz and tightwad, Anne Marie Novark will explain how to create do-it-yourself websites for free or on the cheap. The class will consist of five lessons every other day over the space of two weeks with handouts loaded with resources and information. “Believe me, if I can set up an eye-catching, cost-effective web presence, then so can you!”

Bio: Anne Marie Novark is a Texas girl who writes spicy Contemporary Western novels, as well as Regency historicals. Anne Marie is published with The Wild Rose Press.

Date: August 16 – 27, 2010
REGISTRATION ENDS AUGUST 12
Elements Member $9, Non-member $15

To register for this workshop click <http://www.elementsofrwa.com/wkshp_reg2.htm> here.

OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL is pleased to announce our CAMPUS online workshop/class for the month of July:  Writing a Page-Turner with Instructor: Liz Lounsbury
DATES: July 12th – August 8th, 2010
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 11th, 2010
FMI: http://www.oirw.net/campus/currentcourselist.htm

The Passionate Ink Chapter of RWA Presents
Lessons from the Old Storytellers: Building your Worlds Presented by Masha Holl
First came storytelling: that is the oldest profession in the universe… Weaving tales of far-away, imaginary lands, greater-than-life heroes, and beautiful-as-the-dawn heroines was once a
craft passed from parent to child, from master to apprentice. What can we, the modern storytellers, learn from the old masters? What does telling a tale have to do with writing a novel? Lessons from the Old Storytellers: Building your Worlds reveals some of their secrets and teaches how a modern writer can learn from the ancient craftsmen.

June 28, 2010 – July 25, 2010

Cost: $15 for Passionate Ink Members, $20 for non-members

Masha Holl writes romantic science fiction and fantasy—that’s spaceships, alien universes, and very close encounters—to the sounds of Metal Rock. Her novella The Brightest Heaven, and her short story The Joining, are available from The Wild Rose Press.

To Pay Online: Using PayPal (PayPal), send payment to workshops@passionateink.org <mailto:workshops@passionateink.org> with “WORKSHOP – Worldbuilding” as the
subject. In the “message” section, include Your Name and Email Address.

To pay by check, print this page and send with a check to
Passionate Ink Workshops
c/o Robin L. Rotham
P.O. Box 2412
Norfolk, NE 68701

BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR CHECK.
CHECKS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE START DATE TO BE ADMITTED TO THE WORKSHOP

Hearts Through History Presents an Online Class: How to Write Realistic Native Americans Past and Present with Instructor: Regina Paul
Do you want to write about Native American characters? Stumped by how to make your Native American characters as realistic as possible? Then you’ve come to the right place! Bestselling Native American romance author Regina Paul will teach you how to make your Native American characters stand out.

Dates: July 5-July 11, 2010
Registration Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fee: $10/HHRW members, $20/others

Regina Paul is a full-time freelance writer and author with over 800 articles and 10 books published to her credit.

To register for this class: http://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/classreg.htm
FMI: HHRW Campus Coordinator: classes@heartsthroughhistory.com

Orange County Chapter of RWA presents “Break Free From the Slush Pile ” with CJ Lyons
July 12 – July 24, 2010
Join award-winning medical suspense author CJ Lyons as she explains the secrets to successful pitching, tips to engage an editor or agent through your query letter, and reveals the creation of a high concept.

CJ has received requests for manuscripts every time she pitched. She’ll help you feel more comfortable during your pitch session and more confident with your pitch. This workshop will help you polish your query letter, create a pitch, and prepare you for meeting an agent or editor.
Enrollment Information at _http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassJuly10.html_
(http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassJuly10.html)
This is only a 2-week class.
COST: $10 for OCC members, $15 for non-members

About the Instructor:  In addition to being an award-winning medical suspense author, CJ Lyons is a nationally known presenter and keynote speaker. CJ’s award-winning, critically acclaimed Angels of Mercy series (LIFELINES, WARNING SIGNS, and URGENT CARE) is available in stores now with the fourth, CRITICAL CONDITION, due out December, 2010. Her newest project is as co-author of a new suspense series with Erin Brockovich.

Enrollment Information at _http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassJuly10.html_
(http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassJuly10.html)
COST: $15 for OCC members, $20 for non-members

Coming in August 2010 from Orange County RWA “Understanding Men” with Dr. Debra Holland

Do you wish you had a better understanding of men? Now is your chance to improve your real-life relationships with men and enhance your male characters all through taking the same course. This will be a five-week session with new material that this award-wining romance writer, who also is a noted psychotherapist and consultant, has developed on how male sexuality affects
responses, attitudes and behaviors.

http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclasses.html._ (http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclasses.html.) Check out our full list of workshops.

CONTESTS

Indiana Romance Writers of America presents The 20th Anniversary of INDIANA‘S GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY 2010

Our detailed score sheet and considerate feedback can help you fine-tune your manuscript.

**Trained first-round judges, including published authors
**Acquiring editors and agents as second- and third-round judges
**$50 for first place in each category
**The Best-of-the-Best winner is chosen from among the first-place winners in each category and will receive $100.

DEADLINE: Entries must be received by June 27, 2010. For your convenience, IGO accepts only electronic entries.

ENTRY FEE: $25. Can use PayPal or mail a check.

ELIGIBILITY: Unpublished in novel-length fiction by a non-vanity publisher in the last five years (See www.indianarwa.com/ for detailed eligibility guidelines.)

ENTRY: Beginning chapters (prologue included) and synopsis. Pages and synopsis combined not to exceed 35 double-spaced pages.

FIRST-ROUND JUDGES: Either trained judges or published authors.
SECOND-ROUND JUDGES:
Historical/Regency: Jesse Feldman, NAL
Mainstream with Strong Romantic Elements: Maureen Walters, Curtis Brown, LTD
Paranormal: Alicia Condon, Kensington
Romantic Suspense: Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks
Single Title: Latoya Smith, Grand Central Publishing
Young Adult*: Holly Root, Waxman Literary Agency

BEST-OF-THE-BEST JUDGE: Meredith Giordan, Berkley
*Young Adult does not need to be a romance.

PRIZES:
The top entry in each category will receive $50 in cash and a certificate
The entry judged best overall will receive $100 in cash and a certificate.

Further information and contest rules are available through our IRWA Web site: www.indianarwa.com/.

FTHRW’s 2010 GOLDEN GATEWAY UNPUBLISHED Contest

The Golden Gateway is open to authors unpublished and uncontracted in romantic
fiction in both print and electronic format within five years of the contest deadline.

The entry receipt deadline is July 12th2010.
Fee: $20 FTHRW Members, $25 other RWA members, $30 all others
Enter in electronic format up to 55 pages (manuscript and synopsis) of your unpublished novel. The manuscript and synopsis MUST be in one file with the synopsis AFTER the manuscript.

All heat levels will be judged under their primary category. Ex: If you have an erotic romantic suspense, it goes to RS. An inspirational historical goes to historical.

Categories and Final Round Judges:
Single Title– Katherine Pelz, Editor Asst. – Berkley
Historical – Deb Werksman, Editor – Sourcebooks
Mainstream w/Rom. Elements – TBA
Series Contemporary – Shana Smith, Editor, Silhouette
Romantic Suspense – TBA
Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Time Travel – Latoya Smith, Grand Central

For further details, entry forms and rules visit: http://www.fthrw.com/contest/goldengateway/

RWA San Diego is proud to announce the winners in our 2010 Spring Into Romance contest.

SINGLE TITLE
1st Place: SPOTLIGHT by Kim Law
2nd Place: COURAGE AND AZALEAS by Claudia Shelton
3rd Place: FIGHT LIKE A BLONDE by Melissa Cutler
Honorable Mention: SAVING CAPTAIN MARSH by Caroline Phipps

CONTEMPORARY
1st Place: A NIGHT AT THE ROSEMONT by Mary Oldham
2nd Place: A MAN OF HONOR by Jackie Allen
3rd Place: HOW TO LOVE A BILLIONAIRE by Kelly Rucker
Honorable Mention: STRANGERS IN A BED by Kelly Rucker

NOVEL with STRONG ROMANTIC ELEMENTS
1st Place: DIE RUN HIDE by Patrice Kavanaugh
2nd Place: A SOLDIER’S SERENADE by Ellen S. Lindseth
3rd Place: OUT OF FOCUS by Nancy Naigle
Honorable Mention: THE MISER WHO BOUGHT THE FARM by Kendel Flaum

PARANORMAL
1st Place: Love? Please! A Tale of the Holy Warriors by Marne Ann Kirstatter (req.for full)
2nd Place: Blind Sight by Pamela Schiebe
3rd Place: Hunter’s Moon by Lisa Kessler
Honorable Mention: Love Chosen: The Fae Dragon Chronicles by Marne Ann Kirstatter

HISTORICAL
1st Place: THE BARGAIN – by Gina Conkle
2nd Place: SWEET ENEMY by Heather Snow
3rd Place: LESSONS FROM A SCOUNDREL by Crista McHugh
Honorable Mention: MORE THAN A STRANGER by Erin Kelly

CONFERENCE

New Jersey Romance Writer’s Put Your Heart in a Book (PYHIAB) Conference

Date: Friday and Saturday, October 22-23

Location: Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel in Iselin

Not only is there a great lineup of speakers giving dozens of fabulous workshops, but almost two dozen editors and agents are already scheduled to take appointments, with more on the way.

If you’ve signed up, great! We’ll be thrilled to see you in October. But if you haven’t yet, there are many reasons why you should. Like hearing our Big Three, Sharon Sala, Robyn Carr, and Leanne Banks speak. Plus…the opportunity to attend a special pre-conference workshop given by Bob Mayer.

Need another great reason why you absolutely cannot afford to miss the NJRW Put Your Heart in a Book Conference?

Peter Miller, literary agent extraordinaire, will be giving a workshop, “Metamorphosis: Best Selling Novel to Hollywood,” at the Conference. Miller, known as the literary lion, has been an active literary and film manager for more than thirty years. He is President of PMA Literary and Film Management, Inc. and Millennium Lion, Inc; he and his company have successfully managed more than 1,000 books worldwide, as well as dozens of motion picture and television properties. These works include eleven New York Times Bestsellers, and fourteen produced films that Miller has managed or executive produced. Miller has a number of film and television projects currently in active development, with some nearing production, in association with Warner Bros. Features, Warner Bros. Television, Paramount/DreamWorks, HBO, and many other producers and production companies.

If you’ve got questions, please go to our website, www.njromancewriters.org

SPONSOR:  San Francisco Area Romance Writers

CONTEST:  2010 Heart To Heart Contest (Unpublished)

DEADLINE:  Midnight on July 15, 2010

FMI: http://www.sfarwa.com/

SPONSOR:  The Golden Network

CONTEST:  The Golden Pen (Gets you ready for GH)

DEADLINE:  August 15, 2010

FMI:  Golden Pen pages at www.thegoldennetwork.com or email to Contest@thegoldennetwork.com.

SPONSOR:  Florida Romance Writers

CONTEST:  Golden Palm Contest (Unpublished)

DEADLINE:  Midnight, August 15, 2010

FMI:  www.frwriters.org

SPONSOR: Ancient City Romance Authors
CONTEST:  Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award (Published authors)

DEADLINE:  Postmarked by July 5, 2010

FMI:  http://www.acrarwa.org/

SPONSOR: Utah Romance Writers of America

CONTEST:  Utah Heart of the West Contest  (Unpublished)

DEADLINE:  Midnight July 1, 2010

FMI:  www.utahrwa.com

SPONSOR: From The Heart Romance Writers (FTHRW)

CONTEST: GOLDEN GATEWAY (Unpublished)

DEADLINE:  July 12, 2010

FMI:  http://www.fthrw.com/contest/goldengateway/

WORKSHOPS:

SPONSOR:  Mid-Willamette Valley RWA

TITLE:  Plot Fixer: the 15 Most Common Plot Problems and How to Fix Them

INSTRUCTOR:   Kara Lennox/Karen Leabo

DESCRIPTION:  This workshop covers the fifteen most common plot problems, recognizing them, and fixing them.

DATES:  July 5-25, 2010

FMI:  http://www.midwillamettevalleyrwa.com/online.classes.htm

SPONSOR:  Yosemite Romance Writers

TITLE:  Celtic Knotwork: Weaving Together Characterization and Plotting

INSTRUCTOR:  Pollyanna Williamson

DESCRIPTION:  Learn how characterization and plotting weave together to make your story come alive.  Review elements such as GMC, character development and plotting, sagging middles.

DATES:  07/05/2010 – 07/30/2010

FMI:  www.yosemiteromancewriters.com

SPONSOR: The Rainbow Romance Writers, Chapter 217 of RWA

TITLE:  Medical 101 For Writers
INSTRUCTOR: Ally Blue
DESCRIPTION:  This course gets down to basics to explain how to make your own medical scenes more realistic.  Covers medical terminology, some anatomy, common medical, surgical & traumatic conditions of what health professionals try to do about them, creation of a realistic hospital setting, popular misconceptions, & where to research facts you need.

DATES:   July 5-18, 2010

FMI:  http://www.rainbowromancewriters.com/2009/03/medical-101-for-writers/ or workshop coordinator at:  workshop@rainbowromancewriters.com

ALL-DAY WORKSHOP

SPONSOR:  Ancient City Romance Authors

TITLE:  All Day Fiction Writers’ Boot Camp
LOCATION:  Crowne Plaza Hotel, Jacksonville, Florida

DATE:  September 25, 2010

PRESENTERS:  Author, Patricia Potter; Agent, Joyce Holland

WORKSHOP TOPICS:  Building a Successful Novel (10 Steps to a Saleable Book), The Union Between
Characterization and Conflict, and The Art of Dramatic Pitching.

FMI:  http://www.acrarwa.com

CALL FOR ONLINE WORKSHOP PRESENTER. Heart of Dixie Romance Writers is recruiting instructors for our 2011 online workshop program.

We are looking for fresh, interactive 2,3 or 4 week online workshops that include course of study across the genres for inexperienced to advanced writers. Our workshops are open to members of other chapters, as well as non-RWA members. Please submit the following for consideration:

*Speaker Name & Bio *Availability *Workshop Title & Description of course material *Syllabus if available, including target audience and posting schedule (2x,3x weekly, etc.) *Identify workshop area of expertise: Craft, Industry, Promotional, Career – Please note that Heart of Dixie has a 6 month exclusivity clause.

Please send all proposals and/or questions to 2011 Workshops Coordinator, Christine Glover, at cjglover63 AT gmail DOT com.

ALL FOR WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS. The Yellow Rose Chapter of RWA (Chapter #188) is now seeking instructors for our 2011 online workshops. Yellow Rose is a small chapter in North Texas
with numerous members outside the area and we’d like to give those who cannot attend meetings and hear our monthly speakers a chance to participate.

Workshops would be open to the chapter as well as to all RWA members. We are looking for instructors who can provide a wide variety of workshops as we have everything from historical writers to young adult writers. Craft and industry workshops wanted as well!

You can find out more about our chapter by visiting http://www.yellowroserwa.com.

For consideration, please send the following information to workshops@yellowroserwa.com:

- Speaker Name and Bio – Available Dates – Workshop Fee – Duration – Workshop Title and Description

Workshops

Workshop title: Brick by Brick: Using Structure to Write and Revise. Instructor: Melissa Blue. Registration deadline: 7/4/10. Fee: $20 YWR members; $25 non-members. RWA Membership isn’t required; anyone can take our courses. You may register online at our website, www.yosemiteromancewriters.com.

Online Class: Pitch Perfect. Instructor: Jeannie Eddy. Dates: June 14 — 25, 2010. Registration Deadline: June 12, 2010. Fee: $10/HHRW members, $20/others. To register for this class: http://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/classreg.htm.

Online Class: A Theory Of Magic. Instructor: Ann Macela. Dates: June 28 – July 12, 2010 (Note start date).
Registration Deadline: June 26, 2010. Fee: $10/HHRW members, $20/others. To register for this class: http://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/classreg.htm.

Online Class: How to Write Realistic Native Americans Past and Present. Instructor: Regina Paul. Dates: July 5-July 11, 2010. Registration Deadline: June 30, 2010 .Fee: $10/HHRW members, $20/others. To register for this class: http://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/classreg.htm.

Mid-Willamette Valley RWA Presents: Our July 2010 3-week online class: Plot Fixer: the 15 Most Common Plot Problems and How to Fix Them by Kara Lennox/Karen Leabo. Class runs from July 5-25, 2010. Cost is $20 for MWV RWA members and $25 for non-members. See http://www.midwillamettevalleyrwa.com/online.classes.htm for details.

Contests

Indiana Romance Writers of America presents The 20th Anniversary of INDIANA’S GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY 2010. DEADLINE: Entries must be received by June 27, 2010. For your convenience, IGO accepts only electronic entries. ENTRY FEE: $25. Can use PayPal or mail a check.
See www.indianarwa.com/ for guidelines and more information.

The 2010 Heart To Heart Contest sponsored by the San Francisco Area Romance Writers is open for entries. CONTEST CATEGORIES: Paranormal, Erotic, Contemporary, Young Adult, and Historical. WHAT TO ENTER: The magical scene in which your hero and heroine meet for the first time, maximum 15 pages (optional one-page set-up, unjudged). Fee: $15. Deadline: Midnight on July 15, 2010. Eligibility: Unpublished. For contest overview, official rules, entry form, and score sheets go to: http://www.sfarwa.com/.

The Golden Network’s Golden Pen Contest is now open for entries! The entry fee is only $30. For 55 pages, this is a great deal! Details can be found on the Golden Pen pages at www.thegoldennetwork.com.

Florida Romance Writers is proud to announce that the Golden Palm Contest for unpublished writers has returned! You can be the next winner! Deadline to enter is Midnight, August 15, 2010. Entry fee $20.00 for FRW, and $25.00 for all others, 25 pages maximum. For more information and rules, see our website www.frwriters.org.

The New Jersey Romance Writers 2010 Put Your Heart in a Book Contest will
be accepting entries beginning June 1, 2010 and ending at June 15, 2010. Categories are as follows: Short Contemporary Category length (<80,000 words) romances and romantic
suspense set in the present day. Single Title Contemporary Romances set in present day, 80,000 words minimum. Historical Category and Single Title length romances set before 1945, includes Regency romances. The Paranormal Fantasy, futuristic, paranormal and FFP romantic suspense will be in the category. The final category is Romantic Elements Women’s fiction, mysteries, and suspense. Prizes Awarded in each category will be 1st Place: $50 + plaque, 2nd Place: $35 + certificate, 3rd Place: $25 + certificate. All final round entries will be judged by an agent, editor and multi-published author. The entry fee is $20 ~ NJRW members, $35 for all others. For more information please contact Jessica Dickstein, 2010 PYHIAB Contest Chair atromancebyjessicalauren@gmail.com. Please put PYHIAB Contest – Your Submission Category in the subject line of your email.

Time is running out to enter your manuscript in Georgia Romance Writer’s prestigious Maggie Awards of Excellence for Unpublished Romance Novelists. Appropriate fees, entries and completed entry forms must be received by June 5, 2010, 10 p.m. What’s New about the Maggies? For the first time, the Maggies have gone electronic. Entry rules and entry forms are posted on the GRW Web site at http://www.georgiaromancewriters.org/the-maggies/ or e-mail the Maggie Chair at pjmantovani@gmail.com or call 770-313-5781 with any questions. What’s Great about the Maggies? For one thing, the judges. Two published authors will judge each entry. It is worth entering for the feedback alone. If you are a final, your entry will be judged by:
Single Title: LaToya Smith, Grand Central Publishing
Paranormal/Fantasy: Esi Sogah, Avon
Historical, Danielle Poiesz, Pocket Books
Contemporary Series Romance: Kathryn Lye, Harlequin
Inspirational: David Long, Bethany House
You can feature that accomplishment in your query letters. Also you can win Jewelry! If you’re fortunate enough to win a Maggie Medallion, publication is not guaranteed, but you’ll be recognized throughout the country. And it will look great around your neck. So go to the GRW Web site www.georgiaromancewriters.org and enter before you miss the deadline. http://www.georgiaromancewriters.org/the-maggies/.

Workshops
Northeast Ohio RWA is pleased to announce it’s June online workshop, DEATH
SCENE INVESTIGATION with instructor, Phyllis Middleton will begin June 7 and end on June 25 From the Coroner’s Investigator point of view the instructor will give an interactive
workshop on what to expect from the scene and how to handle it – from
working with the police, family and pathologists. How do a Medical
Examiner / Coroner handle the body at the scene? Find out in this fun and
sometimes ‘gross’ workshop! This is a normally a full month class, but is
shortened for this class, so therefore will be power packed! The instructor is Phyllis Middleton. While employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation at nineteen years old,
Phyllis Middleton was trained in the Science of Fingerprints. This training
included the classification, comparison and search methods used by FBI and
known throughout the USA. To learn more
about Phyllis check out her website at
http://www.phyllismiddleton.com. Cost for the workshop is $15 for NEORWA members, $20 for all others. You do not have to be an RWA member to take our workshops! To register go to http://www.neorwa.com/index.php/Workshops/WorkshopRegistration.The registration deadline is the day before the workshop starts. Once registered, you will be subscribed to the workshop loop prior to and for the
duration of the class.

Dunes & Dreams RWA Chapter 215 (from Eastern Long Island) present their June
2010 Online Workshop, Basics Boot Camp With Gina Ardito beginning on June 1 and ending on June 28. Deciding to write is the easy part. But without the proper training, a new
recruit can soon find him/herself in the weeds. “Ten-hut! Fall in, cadets, for Basics Boot Camp!”
Over four weeks, they’ll strengthen your writing skills so you can safely
maneuver the obstacle course of romance writing. Master the rules and hone
your writing chops so your story can be all that it can be. Week I, will focus on the strategies of GMC, POV, and characterization. Week II, they’ll flex your grammar, spelling, and punctuation muscles. By Week III, They’ll commence plotting, research, and back story. Finally in Week IV, you’ll be tough enough to show off your new writing guns. Each registrant will have the opportunity to receive an in-depth personalized critique of one writing submission (maximum: 15 page length with standard formatting.) The cost is $10 D&D members, $25 all others. Registration form and more information Http://www.dunesanddreams.org/writing-workshops or
email the coordinators at workshops.ddrwa@gmail.com. Gina Ardito is multi-published in hardcover, paperback, and electronic formats. She has more than ten years experience in writing,
mentoring, and critiquing. Known by some associates as the “contest judge
slut,” Gina has judged the RITAs, the Golden Heart, and too many local RWA
chapter contests to list. A co-founder of Dunes & Dreams RWA, she currently
serves as chapter President and General Whip-Wielder.

“The Lessons of FIREFLY: Learning from the Works of Joss Whedon”
with Jacqui Jacob will run from June 14 to July 10, 2010. Although Joss Whedon’s television show FIREFLY only aired through the fall months of 2002, it has continued to generate followers through word of mouth, DVD sales and an inexhaustible amount of discussion both at conferences and online in writing loops. FIREFLY, created by the Rod Serling of our generation, was a masterpiece of writing. Each of its thirteen episodes taught character development,
dialogue and plotting techniques. Its motion picture sequel, SERENITY, not only
touched on these subjects but added relationships, loyalties and loss to
its repertoire. In this workshop, Ms. Jacoby will reveal the lessons of FIREFLY. By using
class participation and examples from the episodes, she will translate with
words what Mr. Whedon was teaching us on screen. Joss Whedon has reviewed this workshop and has given his permission for it to be offered to The Romance Writers of America
Enrollment Information at _http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassJune10.html_
(http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassJune10.html). Cost is $20 for OCC members, $30 for non-members. If you have specific questions, email _occrwaonlineclass@yahoo.com.

The Passionate Ink Chapter of RWA Presents Designed to Sell How to Enhance Your Writings Curb Appeal presented by the Grammar Divas will begin June 7, 2010 and on June 27, 2010.
In today’s buyers’ market, anything you can do to enhance
your manuscript appeal puts you one step ahead of everyone else
trying to sell. By taking a look at your writing with a fresh eye,
you may discover ways to make the most of your writing’s appearance, readability, and impact.
The Grammar Divas (an English teacher and a professional copywriter)
share episodes of popular writing improvement shows such as Dream Words,
This Old Sentence, Extreme Makeover: Paragraph Edition, Trading Spaces,
Fun Shui, and Designed to Sell. You leave the workshop with decorating
ideas, remodeling projects, and prose improvements that can make your
manuscript appealing to a potential buyer or an editor!
The cost is $15 for Passionate Ink Members, $20 for non-members. To register of for questions please email workshopchair@passionateink.org.

Book World

CONTESTS:

CONTEST:  Golden Claddaugh CHAPTER SPONSOR:   Celtic Hearts Romance Writers FINAL ROUND JUDGES ANNOUNCED:   FF&P:  Leis Pederson – Berkley/Jove; Contemporary:  Lois Winston, Ashley Grayson Literary Agency; Romantic Suspense:  Laura Bradford – Bradford Literary Agency; Historical: Barbara Poelle -  Irene Goodman Agency;  Celtic:  Deb Werksman – Sourcebooks;  Erotic:  Kate Seaver – Berkley DEADLINE:  June 1, 2010 FMI:  www.celtichearts.org

CONTEST:  The 18th Annual Lone Star Writing Competition CHAPTER SPONSOR: Northwest Houston RWA DETAILS:   All electronic this year.  The Lone Star Writing Competition is one of the few contests with two published authors and one unpublished author judging the first round.  Finalists will be sent to BOTH an agent and an editor for judging. DEADLINE:  Entries must arrive via email by midnight June 6, 2010. Any entries received after the deadline will be deleted unopened. FMI:  www.nwhrwa.com.

CONTEST: Reveal Your Inner Vixen CHAPTER SPONSOR:  Maryland Romance Writers DEADLINE:  June 1, 2010 FMI:  Contest page at www.marylandromancewriters.com CONTEST:  2010 Put Your Heart In A Book Contest SPONSOR: The New Jersey Romance Writers DETAILS:  Contest will be accepting entries beginning June  1st.  Entries must be sent electronically. DEADLINE:   Received by midnight June 15, 2010. FMI:  PYHIAB Contest Chair at _romancebyjessicalauren@gmail.com_

WORKSHOPS:

TITLE:  Making a Scene (Master Class) INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Kay CLASS PREREQUISITE:  Each student must have at least 100 pages of a work in progress DESCRIPTION:  An intensive class concentrating on writing compelling scenes.  Class will study types of scenes and the components necessary to make each scene effective. Twelve lessons with homework assigned for each.  Q&A will be encouraged with students having the chance to post scenes to be read and critiqued. DATES:  June 13 -26, 2010 FEE: $50 REGISTER:  www.patriciakay.com and click on writing classes link. FMI:  classes@patriciakay.com

CHAPTER:  Yosemite Romance Writers

TITLE:  Pitching the Press INSTRUCTOR:  Louis Knott Ahern DESCRIPTION:   This class will present insider tips on how to unravel the mysteries of working with the media. Participants will be asked to select a real target media and write a press release. DATES: June 7 –July 2, 2010 DEADLINE: June 6, 2010 FMI:  Yosemiteromancewriters@yahoo.com

TITLE:  May the Force Be With You (Adding realistic Law Enforcement & Legal System Elements Into Your Novel) INSTRUCTOR:  Kerri Nelson DESCRIPTION:  Class will show you how to sound like an expert when you add the legal system or law enforcement characters into your novel.  Learn “cop talk”, criminal evidence procedures, anatomy of a lawsuit, and more. DATES: June 7 –July 2, 2010 DEADLINE: June 6, 2010 FMI:  Yosemiteromancewriters@yahoo.com

TITLE:  Brick by Brick:  Using Structure to Write and Revise INSTRUCTOR:  Melissa Blue DESCRIPTION: This class will discuss the following:  the overall goal for your character and/or of your story; the simple structure of a scene;  the three act structure of a novel;  the four turning points in a novel where the character changes. DATES: June 7 –July 2, 2010 DEADLINE: June 6, 2010 FMI:  Yosemiteromancewriters@yahoo.com

CHAPTER:  RWA Online Chapter TITLE: The Warrior-Writer: Improve the Author, Improve the Writing INSTRUCTOR:  Bob Mayer DESCRIPTION:  This one-a-kind workshop focuses on the author. Behaviors become habits. Habits become character. Character defines destiny.  This class applies the battle-tested strategies of the Green Berets to the world of being an author. DATES: June 1-30, 2010 DEADLINE: May 31, 2010 FMI:  http://www.rwaonlinechapter.org/campus.htm

CHAPTER:  Elements of RWA TITLE:  Pitching and Networking INSTRUCTOR:  Jeanne Eddy DESCRIPTION:  This workshop focuses on helping you create an eight-second pitch. We’ll teach you how to  compact the essence of your story into one “perfect pitch” to capture and keep an editor/ agent’s attention and get a request. DATES:  June 7 -23, 2010 DEADLINE:  June 3, 2010 FMI:  http://www.elementsofrwa.com/workshops.html#June

CHAPTER:  Carolina Romance Writers TITLE:  How to do Research for Your Book INSTRUCTOR:  Karen MacMurray DESCRIPTION:  This workshop teaches how to find “primary” or original sources for doing historical books (both fiction and nonfiction), intimate knowledge of a city or country without going there, free online databases that aid expertise in subject area, access to rare materials and images/photographs DATES:  August 2-27, 2010 DEADLINE:  July 25, 2010 FMI:  email Carole at: workshops@carolinaromancewriters.com

CHAPTER:  CAMEO, Chapter 123 of RWA TITLE:  THE ALPHA MALE, FROM ABE TO ZEUS INSTRUCTOR:  Laurie Schnebly DESCRIPTION:  This class analyzes the Alpha Male, their minds and characteristics to bring the hero of your WIP into his full Alpha glory. DATES:  June 7 to June 25 DEADLINE:  June 1, 2010 FMI:  Lpatrice9@aol.com.  Subject line: CAMEO class

CHAPTER:  Hearts Through History HHRW TITLE:  How to Write Realistic Native Americans Past and Present INSTRUCTOR:  Regina Paul DESCRIPTION:  This class will help you write about Native American characters realistically to make them stand out. DATES:  July 5 – 11, 2010 DEADLINE:  June 30, 2010 FMI:  http://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/classreg.htm;  classes@heartsthroughhistory.com

CHAPTER:  Hearts Through History HHRW TITLE:  Pitch Perfect INSTRUCTOR:  Jeannie Eddy DESCRIPTION:  this class will explore what makes an attention-grabbing pitch, how to spit it out (even if you’re shy), and do some hands-on interactive pitch writing. DATES:  June 14 — 25, 2010 DEADLINE:  Registration Deadline: June 12, 2010 FMI:  http://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/classreg.htm;  classes@heartsthroughhistory.com ALL DAY WORKSHOP: CHAPTER:  Heart of the West Utah Romance Writers of America TITLE:   Bob Mayer’s All-day Workshop for Writers LOCATION:  Salt Lake City Airport Hilton INSTRUCTOR:  Bob Mayer DATES: June 5, 2010 TIME:  9:00 AM to 5:00 PM DEADLINE TO REGISTER:  June 1, 2010 FMI:  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/501397694

Workshop Proposal’s Sought by the Lowcountry RWA. The Lowcountry Romance Writer’s is currently seeking instructors for our 2011 online workshops. We are looking for instructors who have fresh, invigorating workshops that think “outside the box.” You can find out more about the topic titles and the Lowcountry Chapter by visiting http://lowcountryrwa.com

Workshops

From the Yellow Rose Romance Writers~ Just in time for Nationals, Gemma Halliday presents Get Your Foot in the Door: Query Letter and Synopsis Workshop. You’ve written an amazing manuscript – now what? How do you get editors and agents to read it? With a kick booty query letter and synopsis! This hands-on course will polish and shine your pitch into an invaluable tool for getting your foot in the door. This is a 2-week course and begins May 31, 2010. To register, go to http://www.yellowroserwa.com/workshops.php

Is your writing muse giving you trouble? Keeping you from finishing your current manuscript? Let D.D. Scott help you get it all sorted out with her June On-Line Workshop: Muse Therapy. Registration is now open through May 31, 2010. To register, send a check or Money Order in U.S. Dollars, made out to STAR On-Line Workshop, and mail to STAR On-line Workshop Coordinator, PO Box 6, Willseyville, NY 13864. For more information email Carol Henry at: carolhenry@frontiernet.net.

Airing Dirty Laundry – Use Family Stories, Eavesdropping and Cable TV to
Create Writing Income, an online workshop brought to you by the Heart of Dixie RWA chapter. This two-week workshop offers information and tips on how to create a source of outside income by writing short stories for the confessions and romance magazines. Find out more at the Heart of Dixie website.

Join Bucks County Romance Writers’ special event, Hook ‘Em From Page One. Come hear editors and agents evaluate the first page of manuscripts. Learn what hooks the professionals and what turns them off. Wednesday, June 23, 2010 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Buckingham Township Building, 4613 Hughesian Drive, Buckingham, PA 18912. For more information please e-mail Conference Chair at meredithcleary@verizon.net, and for registration form, please go to www.buckscorw.org

CAMEO, Chapter 123 of RWA is proud to announce our June workshop with Laurie Schnebly Campbell, her topic is The Alpha Male, that elusive character we all try and create. Join Laurie on a journey of Alpha Males from Abe to Zeus. Look into their minds and characteristics, bring the hero of your WIP into his full Alpha glory. For more information email Lpatrice9@aol.com, subject line: CAMEO class.

Yosemite Romance Writers is Proud to present their June online workshops. YRW is highly dedicated to bringing you some of the best instructors to assist you in reaching your writing goals. To register and for a complete listing of our upcoming classes please visit www.yosemiteromancewriters.com.

Dunes & Dreams RWA Chapter 215 (from Eastern Long Island) present their June 2010 Online Workshop: Basics Bootcamp with Gina Ardito. Over four weeks, we’ll strengthen your writing skills so you can safely maneuver the obstacle course of romance writing. Find out more at
http://www.dunesanddreams.org/writing-workshops

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA Presents Beyond Fangs: Creating New and Interesting Paranormal Characters, with Deborah Blake. June 28th through July 14th. Go to http://www.romance-ffp.com/event.cfm?EventID=156 for registration.

The Beau Monde Academe presents Developing an Outstanding Character Arc. Class Dates: May 17th thru May 30th. Go to http://www.thebeaumonde.com/academe/ for more info and registration.

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA presents Puzzling Out the ‘Necessary’ Bits, with Beth Daniels. This is the workshop where we dig into what’s being published to find the elements that slipped from our grasp before and make note them for inclusion in current or future projects. June 1, 2010 through June 28, 2010; for info go to http://www.romance-ffp.com/event.cfm?EventID=114.

Conferences

Cruise Conference – Sign up TODAY-Balcony Cabins almost gone! The Florida Romance Writers are proud to present keynote speakers Heather Graham, Joan Johnston & Sally Schoeneweiss for the 2011 Fun in the Sun Conference. Join us and Cruise with your Muse. January 20th-24th, 2011 on-board the Carnival Destiny.
Departs from Miami, FL. For more information visit our website at http://frwfuninthesunmain.blogspot.com/

Long Island Romance Writers’ 14th Annual Luncheon. We hope you and your fellow writers will join us for our editor/agent networking luncheon to be held at the Inn at Fox Hollow, Woodbury (Long Island), NY on June 11, 2010 from noon to 4:00 p.m. The cost is $60 to non-LIRW members. Go to www.lirw.org for more information.

The 2010 Heart of the Rockies Contest from Colorado Romance Writers has a June 15 deadline. Enter first two chapters and a 1-5 page synopsis, 35 pages total max. Electronic submissions only. Categories and judges: Long Contemporary – Victoria Curran, Harlequin Enterprises; Short Contemporary – Shana Smith, Harlequin Enterprises; Single Title Contemporary – Alexandra Machinist, Linda Chester Literary Agency; Romantic Suspense – Melissa Jeglinski, The Knight Agency; Historical – Tessa Woodward, Avon; Paranormal – Alicia Condon, Kensington Books; Inspirational – Jen Leep, Revell Books; Mainstream with Romantic Elements – Danielle Poiesz, Pocket Books; Erotic – Kelli Collins, Ellora’s Cave. FMI, entry form and rules

Northwest Houston RWA’s 18th Annual Lone Star Writing Competition is open for entries. All electronic, contest closes June 6. Final judges: Inspirational – Lindsay Guzzardo, Guideposts Books, and Tamela Hancock Murray, Hartline Literary; Young Adult – Kat O’She, Leap Books, and Tina Wexler, International Creative Management; Romantic Suspense – Leis Pederson, Penguin, and Tina Tsallas, Great Titles, Inc.; Contemporary Series Category – Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin, and Pam Strickler, Pam Strickler Author Management; Single Title Category – Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks, and Lois Winston, Ashley Grayson Literary Agency; Historical – Alicia Condon, Kensington, and Sara Megibow, Nelson Literary Agency; Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Category -Tara Gavin, Harlequin Nocturne, and Alexandra Machinist, Linda Chester Literary Agency. Enter now!

The Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award for published novels, sponsored by Ancient City Romance Authors, closes July 5. Final Judges: Booksellers, Librarians, Romance Readers. See web site

RWA Chapter Workshops

Long Island Romance Writers would like to extend a warm invitation to our upcoming 13th annual Editor/Agent Luncheon to be held on June 11, 2010 from 12:00 p.m – 4:00 p.m. Special guest speaker: Steven Zacharius, President of Kensington Books. Other agents: Stephany Evans — FinePrint Literary Management; Heather Evans — FinePrint Literary Management; Suzie Townsend — FinePrint Literary Management; Jennifer Didik — Loretta Barrett Books, Inc.; Amy Boggs — Donald Maass Literary Agency; Emmanuelle Alspaugh — Judith Ehrlich Literary Management; Diana Fox — Fox Literary; Anne Bohner – Pen & Ink Literary; Michelle Wolfson – Wolfson Literary Agency. Other editors: Alicia Condon — Kensington Brava, Stacy Boyd – Harlequin; Latoya C. Smith — Grand Central Publishing; Linda Ingmanson – Samhain. FMI see our website

Outreach International offers two online workshops in June. Social Networking: Resources For Writers, taught by Nika Dixon, runs June 1–28 FMI: http://www.oirw.net/campus/currentcourselist.htm

Historical Angles, by instructor Beth Daniels, runs June 1 – 28. This workshop looks at every angle from which a historical novel can be written and branches into the research necessary, the creation of believable characters, settings, details, and looks at some of the practitioners – the successful ones – in this very diversified genre. FMI: http://www.oirw.net/campus/currentcourselist.htm

Yosemite Romance Writers has announced its June online workshops, running June 7-July 2. Pitching the Press: Award-winning journalist and PR coach Louise Knott Ahern will share insider tips on how to unravel the mysteries of working with the media. May the Force Be With You (Adding Realistic Law Enforcement and Legal System Elements Into Your Novel) is taught by Kerri Nelson . Brick by Brick: Using Structure to Write and Revise, taught by Melissa Blue, looks at how to use the structure of a scene and the structure of a novel to not only create new material but to diagnose troublesome parts while revising. To register and for a complete listing of our upcoming classes

The Bucks County Romance Writers’ annual Hook `Em From Page One Event is on June 23, 2010. Hear the reactions of the pros to the first page of your manuscript: Patience Smith, Harlequin Enterprises; Anne Hawkins, John Hawkins & Associates; Chasya Milgrom, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.
Only 80 spaces are available and space will fill quickly. http://www.buckscorw.org/

From the Heart Romance Writers, a special interest chapter of RWA, is accepting proposals from interested instructors and presenters for its 2011 schedule for in-depth, well-structured workshops to be conducted via a Yahoo Loop. www.fthrw.com

RWA Chapter Conferences

Capital Region Romance Writers of America, Inc presents Building a Better Novel: A Writer’s Tool Box, Saturday, June 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, New York. Featuring Jenna Petersen on the business of writing, Caridad Pineiro on the craft of writing and an editor / agent panel and appointments including: Lindsey Faber, Sahmain Publishing; Keyren Gerlach, Silhouette Romantic Suspense; Miriam Kriss, Irene Goodman Literary Agency; Pam Strickler, Pam Strickler Author Management. For a conference brochure and/or registration form, please visit our web site

Call For Workshop Proposals – Fun In The Sun Conference, January 20-24, 2011: Florida Romance Writers of South Florida cordially invite speakers to submit proposals for our Fun in the Sun Conference, a four night cruise to Key West and Cozumel Send your proposals by June 1, 2010.