Local RWA chapters offer a number of conferences, contests, and workshops. Listed below are the chapter contests and conferences scheduled for the coming months.
Please submit all contest, conference, and workshop announcements to Susan Burge Alverson. Deadline and format instructions are provided at the end of the column below. Thank you!
Contests and Conferences
compiled by Susan Burge Alverson
**11th Annual GOTCHA! Sponsor: Silicon Valley Romance Writers
Fee: $25
E-Receipt Deadline: November 12, 2008
Eligibility: not published in category entered
Entry: first 15 pages. Categories/Final Judges: historical, Hilary Sares, Kensington; Regency sweet to spicy, Hilary Sares, Kensington; inspirational, Emily Rodmell, Steeple Hill; paranormal, Jessica Wade, Berkley Jove; short contemporary, Susan Litman, Silhouette; long contemporary, Keyren Gerlach, HQN; mainstream contemporary, Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks; series mystery/RS, Allison Lyons, Harlequin; ST mystery/RS, Chris Keeslar, Dorchester. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Joy Baxter or Elizabeth Fischer, Fischer/gotcha@svrwa.com , www.svrwa.com/gotcha-contest .
**Linda Howard Award of Excellence 2008
Sponsor: Southern Magic, Inc.
Fee: $25-$30
Postmark/E-Deadline: November 22, 2008
Eligibility: not published in novel-length fiction in category entered in last 5 years
Entry: first 25 pages. Categories: long/short contemporary series, ST, historical, RS, FF&P, erotica, YA. Final Judges: agents/editors. FMI, entry form, and rules, www.southernmagic.org .
December Contests
*National Readers’ Choice Awards 2008
Sponsor: Oklahoma RWA
Fee: $25
Deadline: December 1, 2008
Entry: paper-published romance novels with 2008 copyright or first US printing date. Categories, short contemporary series, long contemporary series, short historical, long historical, F&P/TT, novella, ST contemporary, RS, traditional, inspirational. Judges: romance readers. FMI, entry form, and rules, www.okrwa.com .
**Great Expectations 2009
Sponsor: North Texas RWA
Fee: $20-$30
E-Deadline: December 28, 2008
Receipt Deadline: January 2, 2009
Eligibility: not contracted/published within 5 years of deadline
Entry: first 25 pages, query letter. Categories: contemporary, RS, ST, romantic elements, inspirational, historical, specialized, YA, erotic romance. Judges: experienced, trained. Final Judges: TBA. Top Prize: $50. FMI, entry form, and rules, GEcoordinator@ntrwa.org , www.ntrwa.org.
January Contests
*New England Readers’ Choice Bean Pot Award 2009
Sponsor: New England RWA
Fee: $25
Deadline: January 7, 2009
Entry: full-length romance novels published in 2008. E-books eligible in loose, printed form. Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, RS, historical, erotic, F&P/TT. Judges: readers, booksellers, librarians. Top Prize: $50, certificate. FMI, entry form, and rules, send SASE to Valerie Harris, 13 Poole Street, Medford, MA 02155, 781-874-0771, vharris94@comcast.net, www.necrwa.org .
*Award of Excellence 2009
Sponsor: Colorado Romance Writers
Fee: $20
Deadline: January 9, 2009
Entry: books published in 2008. Bound e-books eligible. Categories: short/long contemporary, ST contemporary, RS, historical, FF&P/TT, inspirational, romantic elements, spicy romance. Judges: readers, booksellers, published. Top Prize: trophy, letter congratulating editor, certificate. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Patricia Morgan, patmorg@q.com , Lori Corsentino, lacrosentino@live.com , www.coloradoromancewriters.org .
*Golden Quill 2009: Published
Sponsor: Phoenix Desert Rose RWA
Fee: $25
Receipt Deadline: January 9, 2009
Eligibility: RWA members in good standing
Entry: romance novels with 2008 copyright, first North American printing/release. E-books eligible printed and bound. Categories: historical, Regency, mainstream/ST, long contemporary, short contemporary, traditional, paranormal/TT, F/F/SF, inspirational, RS, hot/sexy/sensuous, erotic, best first book, novella. Judges: romance readers, librarians. Top Prize: plaque, representation in RWR ad, lapel pin, Web site graphic. FMI, entry form, and rules, goldenquill@desertroserwa.org, www.desertroserwa.org .
*Book Buyers’ Best (BBB) Award
Sponsor: Orange County Chapter
Fee: $25-$30
Deadline: January 10, 2009
Entry: romance novels published in 2008. Categories: series short contemporary, series long contemporary, St with romantic elements, RS/mystery with romantic elements, historical/Regency, F&P/TT. Judges: booksellers, librarians. Final Judges: book buyers from Borders and Levy Home Entertainment. Top Prize: crystal book trophy, one-year ad/promotion on OCC/RWA Web site. FMI, entry form, and rules, BBBContest@occrwa.org .
*14th Annual HOLT Medallion Awards
Sponsor: Virginia Romance Writers
Fee: $30
Deadline: January 10, 2009
Entry: romance novels published January-December 2008. Printed and bound e-books eligible. Categories: mainstream/ST contemporary, long contemporary, short contemporary, FF&P/TT, historical, RS, extra-spicy/erotic, long inspirational, short inspirational, romantic comedy, best first book, southern theme. Judges: readers. FMI, entry form, and rules, www.virginiaromancewriters.com.
*Write Touch Readers Award 2009
Sponsor: WisRWA
Fee: free-$25
Deadline: January 12, 2009
Entry: novel-length romances with 2008 copyright, first printing, first North American printing date. Eight categories. Judges: romance readers. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Virginia McCullough, vemccullough@earthlink.net, www.wisrwa.org.
*Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence 2009
Sponsor: Southern Magic Chapter
Fee: $15-$20
Receipt Deadline: January 15, 2009
Entry: romances published in 2008. Bound e-books eligible. Categories: short contemporary, long contemporary, historical, ST RS, series RS, FF&P/TT, contemporary ST, YA inspirational, novella. Judges: readers, booksellers, librarians. Top Prize: full-page RWR ad, engraved bookmark. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Jennifer Echols, GWContest@southernmagic.org, www.southernmagic.org.
*Judge A Book By Its Cover
Sponsor: Houston Bay Area RWA
Fee: $15
E-Receipt Deadline: January 15, 2009
Entry: cover of book or novella published in 2008 by traditional house, ePublisher, POD, or self-published. Categories: contemporary series, ST/mainstream, RS, historical, F&P/SF, sexiest cover. Judges: booksellers worldwide. Top Prize: featured in RWR ad. FMI, entry form, and rules, judgeabook@hbarwa.com , www.hbarwa.com .
Marlene 2009
Sponsor: Washington Romance Writers
Fee: $25-$30
Deadline: January 15, 2009
Eligibility: see Web site
Entry: 35 pages, synopsis (5 pages max). Categories: ST, long/short series contemporary, historical, romantic elements, FF&P, YA. Judges: published, unpublished, trained. Final Judges: editors TBA. Top Prize: Marlene Medallion, critique by multi-pub author TBA. FMI, entry form, rules, and score sheet, contact Keely Thrall, wrwmarlene@hotmail.com , www.wrwdc.com.
*Winter Rose Award for Excellence 2009: Published
Sponsor: Yellow Rose Romance Writers
Fee: $25
Postmark Deadline: January 24, 2009
Eligibility: PAN or PAN eligible
Entry: romance novels published in 2008. Categories: RS, paranormal, ST contemporary, historical, series contemporary, inspirational. Final Judges: booksellers, readers groups, librarians. Top Prize: silver rose pendant. FMI, entry form, and rules, www.yellowroserwa.com .
Winter Rose Award for Excellence 2009: Unpublished
Sponsor: Yellow Rose Romance Writers
Fee: $30
Postmark/E-Deadline: January 24, 2009
Eligibility: not published in book-length fiction
Entry: prologue/first chapter (25 pages max). Categories: RS, paranormal, ST contemporary, historical, series contemporary, romantic elements, YA. Final Judges: editors. Top Prize: partial read by agent, cash, silver rose pendant. FMI, entry form, and rules, www.yellowroserwa.com.
February Contests
*4th Annual Passionate Plume: Published Authors of Erotic Romance
Sponsor: Passionate Ink
Fee: $15-$25
Receipt Deadline: February 7, 2009
Entry: books or official publisher-release digital versions in .pdf with first copyright or first North American printing date of 2008. FMI, entry form, and rules, www.passionateink.org/contests.
**4th Annual Stroke of Midnight: Unpublished Authors of Erotic Romance
Sponsor: Passionate Ink
Fee: 15-$25
Receipt Deadline: February 7, 2009
Eligibility: unpublished in category entered
Entry: beginning of ms. (35 pages max). Final Judges: agents, editors. FMI, entry form, and rules, www.passionateink.org/contests.
Between the Sheets 2009
Sponsor: Greater Detroit Romance Writers
Fee: $25
Deadline: February 14, 2009
Eligibility: not published/contracted
Entry: love scene (10 pages max). Final Judges: Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester; Gail Chasan, Harlequin/Silhouette, Emmanuelle Alspaugh, Judith Ehrlich Literary Management. Top Prize: $100, certificate. FMI, entry form, and rules, www.gdrwa.org .
**18th Annual Duel on the Delta
Sponsor: River City Romance Writers
Fee: $25
Postmark Deadline: February 14, 2009
Eligibility: not published in book-length fiction within last 5 years
Entry: prologue/first chapter (25 pages max). Categories: historical, series contemporary, mainstream/ST, mystery/RS, paranormal, YA, inspirational. Judges: published, experienced/certified. Final Judges: agents/editors. Top Prize: $25, dueling pistols pendant, certificate. FMI, entry form, and rules, annmariemcghee@yahoo.com, www.Rivercityromancewriters.org.
**Merritt
Sponsor: San Antonio Romance Authors
Fee: $25-$35
Deadline: February 14, 2009
Eligibility: not contracted/published in novel-length romance in last 4 years
Entry: 30 pages including synopsis. Judges: experienced, trained. Final Judges/Categories: romantic elements, Megan McKeever, Pocket; RS, LaToya Smith, Grand Central; contemporary series, Patience Smith, Silhouette; paranormal, Rose Hilliard, St. Martin’s; historical, Tessa Woodward, Avon. Top Prize: partial read by Kate Duffy, Kensington. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Jenn Wilkins, sara_merritt09@yahoo.com , www.sararwa.net .
The Sheila 2009
Sponsor: Valley Forge Romance Writers
Fee: $25-$30
Receipt Deadline: February 15, 2009
Entry: beginning of story, synopsis (35 pages max). Categories: ST contemporary, RS, paranormal, historical, romantic elements/chick lit. Judges: PAN, PRO, experienced. Final Judges: editors, editor assistants. FMI, entry form, and rules, contact Robin Kaye or Carla Kempert, contest@vfrw.com , www.vfrw.com .
*Open to Published Authors
**Open to Published and Unpublished Authors
Conferences
Fall Fest
Sponsor: Florida Romance Writers
Location: Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel, Dania, FL
Fee: $50-$55
Date: November 8, 2008
F. Paul Wilson will present a workshop on characterization. FMI, vglevine@hotmail.com, www.frwriters.org/meetings.html.
Supercharge Your Writing!
Sponsor: Virginia Romance Writers & Chesapeake Romance Writers
Location: Williamsburg Public Library, Williamsburg, VA
Fee: $70-$85, early bird discounts
Date: November 8, 2008
Debra Dixon will present an intensive, all-day workshop. FMI, contact Terri Osburn, vaconference@yahoo.com , www.virginiaromancewriters.com/Conferences/conference.html .
December Conferences
NONE SUBMITTED
January Conferences
NONE SUBMITTED
February Conferences
Discovering Story Magic
Sponsor: Silicon Valley RWA
Location: Sheraton Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA
Fee: $65-$75
Date: February 28, 2009
Robin Perini and Laura Baker will present their hands-on workshop on plotting. FMI, www.svrwa.com/meetings/future-meetings#feb09, www.discoveringstorymagic.com/ .
On-Line Workshops
December Workshops
From Biz to Buzz
Sponsor: From the Heart Romance Writers
Fee: free-$15
Date: December 1-14, 2008
Presenter: Becky Martinez. FMI, www.fthrw.com/workshops/ .
How the Christians Stole Christmas: Celtic History
Sponsor: Celtic Hearts Romance Writers
Fee: $10-$15
Date: December 1-6, 2008
Presenter: Dona Parus, aka Sloan St. James. FMI, www.celltichearts.org/chwksp.html.
January Workshops
Add Depth to Your Novel with Mythic Elements
Sponsor: Orange County Chapter
Fee: $20-$30
Date: January 12-February 8, 2009
Presenter: Marcy Weydemuller. FMI, www.occrwa.org/onlineclasssignup.html .
Don’t Be at a Loss for Words: Achieve Your Goals in Writing and Life
Sponsor: Kiss of Death (KillerInstincts)
Fee: $15-$30
Date: January 1-31, 2009
Presenter: Tanya Hertel. FMI, www.rwamysterysuspense.org/coffin.html .
Happy Hookers!: Engaging the Reader From Start to Finish
Sponsor: Heart of Carolina Romance Writers
Fee: $15-$20
Date: January 1-31, 2009
Presenter: Terry Spear. FMI, www.heartofcarolina.org/online_classes.html .
Know the Market, Know Yourself
Sponsor: From The Heart Romance Writers
Fee: free-$15
Date: January 5-18, 2009
Presenter: Tracy Wolff. FMI, www.fthrw.com/workshops/ .
Serial Killers
Sponsor: Kiss of Death (MurderOne)
Fee: $15-$30
Date: January 1-31, 2009
Presenter: Katherine Ramsland. FMI, www.rwamysterysuspense.org/coffin.html .
Deadlines are firm. Deadline for the February issue (which will include items with a contest deadline or conference date in March, April, or May or with an on-line workshop date in April) is December 1. Deadline for the March issue (which will include items with a contest deadline or conference date in April, May, or June or with an on-line workshop date in May) is January 1. Please follow the formats at the end of the Web site listings, not in the abbreviated RWR listings. E-mail submissions confirmed by reply. No attachments please. Send to Susan Burge Alverson, susanalverson@mac.com . Thank you!
For RITA, GH, and National Conference information, please contact RWA’s main office at 832-717-5200.
CONTEST FORMAT:
Contest Name
Sponsor (chapter name)
Fee
Deadline
Eligibility
Entry
Categories
Judges
Final Judges
Top Prize
FMI (entry form, rules, score sheet, contact, Web site info)
CONFERENCE FORMAT:
Conference Name
Sponsor (chapter name)
Location (place, city, state)
Fee
Date
Speakers [up to five individuals (authors, agents, editors, specialists, etc.), also indicate which ONE speaker is to be featured in the RWR]
Publishing Houses (house names only, no additional individual editor names)
Agencies (agency names only, no additional individual agent names)
Conference Features (workshops, multi-track, panels, appointments, critiques, awards, book fair/signing, raffles)
FMI (contact, Web site info)
WORKSHOP FORMAT (FOR INTENSIVE, HANDS-ON, SINGLE-TOPIC, OR SINGLE-SPEAKER CONFERENCES):
Workshop Name
Sponsor (chapter name)
Location (place, city, state)
Fee
Date
Presenter
Topic
Workshop Features (critiques, book fair/signing)
FMI (contact, Web site info)
ON-LINE WORKSHOP FORMAT:
On-Line Workshop Name
Sponsor (chapter name)
Fee
Date
Presenter
FMI (contact, Web site info)
