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Thank you for attending Romance Writers' Week! We'll see you in 2025.

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Romance Writers' Week 2024 Schedule

Click the drop down arrow beside each session title to see full description, replays, and supplementary materials. If a replay isn't up, Zoom hasn't processed it yet.

Monday, February 12th

Tuesday, February 13th

Wednesday, February 14th

Thursday, February 15th

Friday, February 16th (Premium members only)

10:00AM EDT / 3:00 PM UK

Boy Meets Girl - And Beyond: Reinventing Tropes in the 2020s

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Presented by Lucy V. Hay

workshop

This Romance Week, Bang2write's Lucy V Hay will delve into the intricate dynamics that make 'Boy Meets Girl' a timeless trope and so beloved. From tragedy to comedy (and everything in-between), Lucy will explore the power of first encounters, the sparks of chemistry, the hurdles of misunderstandings, and the ultimate triumph of love.

Drawing from classic literature such as Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet through to modern and iconic movies like My Best Friend's Wedding or indie fare like 500 Days of Summer, Lucy will examine how this archetype has evolved throughout history and adapted to diverse storytelling mediums.

Special links:

Follow Lucy V. Hay on social media:

12:00PM EDT / 5:00PM UK

Write Way Better Scenes

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Presented by Anne Hawley & Rachelle Ramirez of Pages & Platforms

workshop

In this webinar, you will learn:

  • What a scene is and isn't

  • The 7 Essential Elements of a working scene

  • How to analyze a scene

  • How to apply the 7 Essential Elements when crafting and editing your scenes

In addition, you'll analyze three working scenes to practice and solidify your new knowledge.

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2:00PM EDT / 7:00 PM UK

Writing Interiority: How to Show Your Character’s Inner Life on the Page

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Presented by Savannah Gilbo

workshop

In this training, Savannah will talk about how you can use interiority to reveal your character’s inner life. And this is one of her FAVORITE topics because interiority is the secret sauce that can take a novel from good to great. You’ll also learn why revealing your character’s inner life is KEY to drawing readers in from the very start and keeping them engaged all the way to ‘The End.”

4:00PM EDT/ 9:00PM UK

Meet Cute With Your Ideal Reader

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Presented by Sue Campbell

workshop

Knowing your ideal reader is the key to unlocking a solid book marketing strategy. Knowing your perfect love match between your books and the right reader will help you make every other marketing decision and find fans who will help spread the word.

By the end of the workshop you'll:

  • understand the power of a reader persona,

  • learn how to break through the Resistance you feel around creating one (and marketing in general),

  • learn how to research your ideal reader,

  • understand the elements of a good reader persona, and

  • know how to use a reader persona in your book marketing

6:00PM EDT/ 11:00PM UK

The Romance Writer's Guide to Effective Story Editing

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Presented by Kristina Stanley of Fictionary

workshop

Are you dreaming of publishing your romance novel? Performing a thorough story edit will help you systematically strengthen your manuscript, so readers keep turning pages. Story editing helps you make sure you have a well-structured plot, compelling characters, and engaging settings.

Kristina Stanley, bestselling author and Founder of Fictionary, will take you through the 9-step process she uses to self-edit her novels. You’ll leave this session with actionable advice you can immediately apply to your book. She’ll also leave you with 3 tips on how to turn your romance novel into a series.

10:00AM EDT/ 3:00PM UK

How to Use Technology to Make Your Editing Process Simple and Efficient

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Presented by Hayley Milliman

workshop

Join ProWritingAid's Director of Community Engagement, Hayley Milliman, on a deep-dive into making your editing process easier with ProWritingAid.

12:00PM EDT/ 5:00PM UK

Five Pro Tips for Research that Will Bring Your Historical Romance to Life

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Presented by Susanne Dunlap

workshop

Writing a historical romance isn’t just a question of dressing your characters in costumes out of Pride and Prejudice. (Although who doesn’t love those costumes…) Avid readers of this sub-genre will expect a certain amount of historical accuracy not just in costume, but in manners, milieu, and many other little details. In other words, you need to do some research. But how much? How do you know what’s important and what’s not? Where is it okay to invent things? And how do you weave it all into the story seamlessly, so the romance takes center stage rather than the research? In this workshop, you’ll get tips and strategies for structuring and prioritizing your research, a list of web resources to lead you to what you need, and a worksheet with the five key details essential to creating a world that will immerse your readers.

2:00PM EDT/ 7:00PM UK

Tent Pole Revision Process - Using Five Key Scenes to Revise Your Draft

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Presented by Rona Gofstein

workshop

Congratulations! You finished the draft of your novel! Now… it’s time to edit. But how? Too many writers start with a scene-by-scene, chapter-by-chapter process. Unfortunately, through this method, you can miss some of the larger, structural issues which then go unfixed. An initial revision from the beginning to the end doesn't allow you to see the overall picture. Join Author Accelerator certified book coach Rona Gofstein as she shows you how to use five key scenes so you can see what’s working and what’s not there yet. Discover a new process that emphasizes the pivotal moments in your story, enabling you to have a more significant impact on your book - in less time - and enhance your editing process.

Special links:

4:00PM EDT/ 9:00PM UK

Understanding Scene

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Hosted by Julie Artz

workshop

Scene is the atom in Story's periodic table, but many writers struggle to define what it is and how to use this essential building block in their work. Join book coach Julie Artz on February 13th for a deep dive into understanding what a scene is and how to use it to write compelling stories. We'll dig into the six parts of scene, some common scene types, showing and telling in scene, how to use scene to create a cause-and-effect trajectory through your story, and how strong scenes help with pacing, tension, character motivation, and emotion, and more!

Special link:

Check out her weekly newsletter, Wyrd Words Weekly, and download today’s slides: https://pages.julieartz.com/prowriting-romance

6:00PM EDT / 11:00PM UK

Networking

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Presented by ProWritingAid

networking

During this networking session, you will have the opportunity to meet other people in the Romance writing community through speed dating. We will be sending you into breakout rooms in groups of 4 or 5. 

10:00AM EDT / 3:00PM UK

In Conversation with the Romantic Novelists’ Association

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Presented by Virginia Heath, Sue Moorcroft, Frances Mensah Williams, Carrie Elks, and Laila Rafi

panel interview

The Romantic Novelists’ Association is the UK’s number one professional membership organization for writers of romantic fiction. Join us for a lively panel with our President, Sunday Times Bestselling Author Sue Moorcroft and our talented author members as they discuss why they are proud to write romantic fiction, the respect rom fic campaign, and the benefits of joining this supportive writing community for both traditionally and independently published authors.

Special links:

Virginia Heath:

Sue Moorcroft:

Frances Mensah Williams:

Carrie Elks:

Laila Rafi:

12:00PM EDT / 5:00 PM UK

Grow Your Brand and Bank Account in 2024 with Direct Sales

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Presented by Chelsea Bennett

workshop

If you’re not selling your books directly, you’re leaving a lot of opportunities (and money!) on the table. In this session we will explain the benefits of selling your books directly through your own website and how to do so utilizing print-on-demand technology. Earn more revenue per sale, collect customer data, take advantage of white-label shipping and grow your email list with direct sales. Tune into this session to learn how!

Special offer:

Promo code ROMANCE15 will give Romance Writers’ Week attendees 15% off print products through August 12, 2024: https://bit.ly/4bA0WnK

2:00PM EDT / 7:00 PM UK

The Personality of Romance: Using the Enneagram Personality System to Shape Your Romance Novel

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Presented by Dani Abernathy

workshop

This workshop will help writers understand the Enneagram personality system and how to use it to create powerful relationship dynamics in their romance novels. Writers will learn the distinguishing characteristics of the nine types within the Enneagram, how to use type pairings to create conflict and passion, and how to choose the best types for their novel. Attendees will come away with reference materials and practical steps to build swoon-worthy romances.

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4:00PM EDT / 9:00 PM UK

A Conversation with Suzanne Park

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Presented by ProWritingAid

interview

Suzanne Park is a Korean American writer who was born and raised in Tennessee.

In her former life as a stand-up comedian, Suzanne appeared on BET, was the winner of the Seattle Sierra Mist Comedy Competition, and was a semi-finalist in NBC's "Stand Up For Diversity" showcase.

Suzanne graduated from Columbia University and received an MBA Degree from UCLA. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, female offspring, and a sneaky rat that creeps around on her back patio. In her spare time, she procrastinates. Her comedic novels have been featured in “best of” lists in NPR, Popsugar, Real Simple, Country Living, Bustle, Buzzfeed, Marie Claire, Parade, Shondaland and The Today Show.

Special link:

Learn more about Suzanne Park: https://www.suzannepark.com/

6:00PM EDT/ 11:00PM UK

Narrative Heartbeats: Enhancing Romance Writing with Generative AI

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Presented by Melle Amade

workshop

"Narrative Heartbeats: Enhancing Romance Writing with ChatGPT" is a focused, one-hour journey into the world of AI-assisted romance storytelling, tailored for authors. This session will introduce the capabilities of ChatGPT as a creative tool in the development of engaging and emotionally rich romance narratives. During the presentation, authors will learn how ChatGPT can be utilized to brainstorm and refine key aspects of romance writing, including character development, emotional arcs, and plot generation. We will showcase how ChatGPT can assist in crafting detailed character profiles, suggest intriguing storylines, and help create dialogues that resonate with depth and authenticity. The talk will emphasize the collaborative nature of ChatGPT, guiding authors on how to effectively interact with the AI to enhance their creative process. This session is not just about understanding ChatGPT's functionalities; it's about empowering authors to use this advanced tool to enrich their storytelling, ensuring that while the AI provides innovative suggestions and support, the heart and soul of their romantic tales remain distinctly human.

Special offer:

Get 10% off Melle’s "BOOK A WEEK" course: https://ai4ces.mykajabi.com/pl/2148099441

10:00 AM EDT/ 3:00 PM UK

Sensory Writing for Romance Writers

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Presented by Sacha Black

workshop

Writers know they need to use the senses in their novels, but how much? Which sense? And how do you make it flow? In this session, Sacha Black. Will answer those questions as well as:

  • Showing you how to layer your sensory writing

  • Explaining when you should and shouldn’t use the senses.

  • Tips and tricks to make your writing more sensory

Special links:

12:00PM EDT / 5:00PM UK

Ten Tips For Better Sex (Scenes)

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Presented by Karelia & Fay Stetz-Waters

workshop

Want a foolproof “recipe” for structuring a sex scene? How about five types of dirty talk?  Whether you are just tiptoeing away from closed-door sex scenes or looking to enhance your erotica co-writers, Karelia and Fay Stetz-Waters, will provide practical, easy-to-apply sex-scene tips as well as suggestions for books, videos, and activities for further exploration. The presentation will also have a special focus on cliteracy, sharing debunking sex-myths that have left many women (and other people with clitorises) and their partners feeling sexually broken or inadequate. Romance writers have a unique opportunity to educate the community about fulfilling, cliterate sex. Let’s use our beautifully crafted sex scenes to make the world a more pleasurable place!

Special links:

2:00PM EDT / 7:00 PM UK

Romantic Suspense: How to Create Satisfying Twists When the HEA Is a Given

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Presented by Samantha Skal

workshop

HEA or Happily Ever After (for now) defines the romance genre. So when we're writing romantic suspense, where there are Bad Things happening as well as the will they/won't they tension, how do we keep it from getting muddy? When do we resolve the HEA, and when do we resolve the suspense? How do we create and execute twists that the reader will find meaty and satisfying, without sacrificing the central romance arc? This hour-long session will cover these questions as well as:

  • A deep-dive into villain logic, the key to satisfying twists

  • Tips for coming up with and mapping out your suspenseful moments to ensure satisfying pacing

  • How to create twists that work

Special links:

  • Learn more about Samantha Skal: https://www.samanthaskal.com

  • She is a huge fan of #bookstagram and talks about her favorite books on @authorsamanthaskal

4:00PM EDT / 9:00 PM UK

Defining Audience Expectations - What is Dark Romance?

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Presented by Kallista Foote

workshop

In this webinar, we'll discuss what is - and isn't dark romance and how to know if you're writing one. We'll explore why readers love the genre and their expectations so you know how to satisfy that audience. This will empower new dark romance authors to confidently create their stories by understanding genre expectations.

Special links:

6:00PM EDT / 9:00PM UK

Networking

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Presented by ProWritingAid

networking

During this networking session, you will work in small groups to create a couple. Collaborate to create both the main character and the love interest. Then, decide which trope is bringing them together. Teams will introduce their couples at the end of the session.

10:00 AM EDT/ 3:00 PM UK

Romance Novel Pitch Workshop

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Presented by ProWritingAid

workshop

Are you ready to captivate literary agents and publishers with your love story?

Join us for a one-hour interactive workshop where you'll master the art of crafting a compelling pitch for your romance novel. This session will guide you through the essential elements of a standout pitch, from hooking your audience with a tantalizing premise to showcasing the emotional depth of your characters.

Don't miss this opportunity to refine your pitch and take your romance novel to the next level!

12:00 PM EDT/ 5:00 PM UK

A Conversation with Alexis Daria

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Presented by ProWritingAid

interview

Alexis Daria is an award-winning and international bestselling author of You Had Me at HolaA Lot Like AdiósTake the LeadWhat the Hex and more. Her books have been featured on “Best of” lists from outlets like Oprah MagazineEntertainment Weekly, NPR, Buzzfeed, and Washington Post, and have received starred reviews from trade publications like Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal. A former visual artist, Alexis is a lifelong New Yorker who loves Broadway musicals and pizza. Her next novel, Along Came Amor, will be released in January 2025.

2:00 PM EDT/ 7:00 PM UK

Skip the Sales Pitch: 12 Author Archetypes that Attract the Right Readers

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Presented by Lara Ferrari

workshop

Lara Ferrari is an author marketing specialist who’s on a mission to make social media promo as easy, comfortable and fun as possible – so you can attract readers and sell more books without the awkwardness. Join her in this brand new workshop especially for romance writers as she introduces us to 12 author archetypes, each with their own winning strategies for cultivating relationships with readers without being ‘salesy’. Tune in to discover whether you’re a Dreamer, Rebel, Provocateur or something else entirely…

4:00 PM EDT / 9:00 PM UK

Networking Event

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Hosted by ProWritingAid

networking

During this networking session, you will be placed into small break-out rooms to get to know each other and discuss your takeaways from the week.

Due to technical difficulties with our first networking event, this is NOT exclusive to Premium Day. All are welcome to attend! We hope to see you there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend the events?

All registrants are welcome to attend sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Friday's session are available only for Premium and Premium Pro members.

How do I access the session replays?

Monday-Thursday's session replays are stored on this page. Scroll up to the schedule, then hit the small drop down arrow next to a session's title.

That will expand the session description and show the replays. Replays are available for two weeks for free after the event.

How soon are replays added?

We aim to offer all replays as soon as we can. Most are up within 3-5 hours after the session ends, depending on processing time.

How long do I have access to replays?

All attendees have access to Monday-Thursday's session replays until March 1, 2024.

After that, replays are only available for ProWritingAid Premium or Premium Pro subscribers.

Do you have the slides for [x] presentation?

When we add replays, we upload any slides given to us by our presenters. Sometimes, presenters can't share slides. If that's the case, we won't upload any slides.