The Maryland Romance Writers are proud to present three days of craft discussions, author readings, and hands-on how-to advice from some of the top authors in romantic fiction, the bestselling commercial fiction.
Maryland Romance Writers Stage
The mission of MRW is “to promote excellence in romantic fiction and advance the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy, dissemination of information, professional education, publications, and other appropriate activities and to provided continuing support for writers within the romance publishing industry.”
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Stage: Lawn of the Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Friday, September 28
The Influencers
Before they were authors, they were readers-and we all have books that touched our hearts or impacted our lives in profound ways. Maryland Romance Writers discuss their five favorite books and ask the audience to share theirs, too!
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Bringing the Past to Life: Historical Romance Style
With Hamilton: An American Musical, Outlander, The Crown, and other pop culture historicals, the past has never been more in style. Award winning and multi-published authors explore the challenges and rewards of finding the right style for writing believable historical romance.
Panelists: Joyfully Jay, Mary Tilghman, Lori Ann Bailey, E. Elizabeth Watson
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Who Am I? Creating a Character
A great character steps off the page and into our lives. You may love her or hate her, but if the author does their job, the character becomes oh-so-real to the reader. Join these award winning and multi-published authors for a discussion on what it takes to bring a character to life.
Panelists: Alexa Jacobs, Priscilla Oliveras, Robin Covington, Donna Alward, Emily Duvall, E. Elizabeth Watson
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Everybody Falls in Love: Diverse Characters in a Diverse World
Bestselling and award-winning authors share their experiences as diverse authors, and using the page to bring characters of every dimension to life. Love is universal.
Panelists: Denny S. Bryce, Pintip Dunn, Pintip Dunn, Xio Axelrod, Ivy Quinn, Cheryl Barton, Andrew Gray
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What's New in Indie/Self-Publishing
Indie authors have upended the traditional publishing model. What's new and hot in this fast-growing trend? Bring your questions!
Panelists: Rebecca Rivard, Kelly Maher, Xio Axelrod, Robin Covington, Stoni Alexander, Cheryl Barton
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Magic Men and Women: Paranormal & Fantasy Romance
Join our award winning and multi-published paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi romance authors for a discussion of what's new and fresh in speculative fiction, how they create those magical men and women, and more.
Panelists: Rebecca Rivard, Andy Palmer, Pintip Dunn, Jamaila Brinkley, L. Penelope, Meredith Hale
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It's getting hot in here: Steaming up the pages of Erotic Romance
From sensual tension to explicit love scenes (and language), romance authors excel at writing erotically. Bestselling and award-winning authors share straight talk about writing hot.
Panelists: Andie J. Christopher, Kelly Maher, Stoni Alexander, Andrew Gray
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Saturday, September 29
All About That Swag: A Q&A Debate Game
Do you ever wish you could ask your favorite author about their writing practices? Pantser or plotter? Play it sweet, or make them work for it? Ask what they were thinking when they killed off your favorite character? Perhaps find out what sorts of books they love to get lost in. Join us for a casual open Q&A session where you can bring your questions and win yourself some specially chosen swag to kick off our Saturday morning fun!
Panelists: Robyn Neeley, Alexa Jacobs, Mary Tilghman, Rebecca Rivard, Emily Duvall
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Fictional Foes: Villains & Antagonists
Who doesn't adore a dastardly villain or a juicy antagonist? Join these popular romance authors as they share ideas for creating the perfect fictional foe.
Panelists: Rebecca Rivard, Elodie Nowodazkij, Dawn Ibanez, Nancy C. Weeks, Amy Case
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Beyond Mr. Darcy – From Kensington Books
Our friends at Kensington Books have matched together some of the bestselling and award winning authors of Kensington and Avon books to discuss what it takes to weave history into fiction. Join these award winning and multi-published historical romance authors as they share tips and tricks of their trade.
Panelists: Denny S. Bryce, Jenna Jaxon, Charis Michaels, Lori Ann Bailey, E. Elizabeth Watson, Mary Tilghman
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Needful Things: Writing for Young Adults
Coming-of-age romance is about those all-important firsts--first crush, first kiss, first heartbreak--all while negotiating the tricky path to adulthood. Bestselling and award-winning YA and New Adult authors discuss how they craft these intense but engaging stories.
Panelists: Elodie Nowodazkij, Pintip Dunn, Jessica Ruddick, Ivy Quinn, CL Rose
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Contemplating Contemporary – From Kensington Books
From “Meet Cutes” to “Racy Run-ins,” and from the locker room to the boardroom, our special guests from Kensington and Avon Books write all things romance with a modern twist. Bestselling and award-winning contemporary authors discuss the making of a good love story in today’s world.
Panelists: Shelly Ellis / Stratton, Shirlee McCoy, Priscilla Oliveras, Christi Barth, Zoey Castile
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Writers & The Legacy of the Black Panther
How has the blockbuster hit film Black Panther changed the landscape for black characters and creators? With so many across the globe consuming positive depictions of black diasporic culture, what does this mean for black authors amidst publishing's long-standing challenges with diversity and inclusivity?
Panelists: L. Penelope, Cheryl Barton, Dawn Ibanez, Denny S. Bryce, J.L. Lora, Xio Axelrod
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Love and Lies: Contemporary Romance
Lies. Deception. Dishonesty. Bestselling and award-winning authors discuss how these elements can advance a plot, build characterization, create romantic conflict, and lead to a positive resolution.
Panelists: Stoni Alexander, Christi Barth, Andi J. Christopher, Nancy C. Weeks, Kate Clayborn
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And Still She Persisted: Strong Female Characters
Contemporary romance writers share their thoughts about why they write strong-willed female characters, why empowerment is so critical in the world of fiction (especially in romance) and how their heroes love the challenge of an independent woman.
Panelists: Kini Allen, Kate Clayborn, Stoni Alexander, L. Penelope, J.L. Lora, Melinda Valentine
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Sunday, September 30
Book Cover Bingo
Join the authors as they share their favorite romance book covers--and check off the book titles on your Bingo card. Books, swag and other prizes for the winners!
Panelists: Kelly Maher, Alexa Jacobs, J.L. Lora, Mary Tilghman, Emily Duvall
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Give and Take: Author/Blogger Relationships
Spend time getting to know bloggers and reviewers as they share their love of romance stories and the authors who write them. Learn how a blogger shares book content without giving away secrets or plot twists. These panelists will discuss how they get the word out and connect writers to readers.
Panelists: Kim Lowe, Kini Allen, Rae Latte, Joyfully Jay, Victoria Kennedy
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Yoga Pants, Coffee and Word Counts: Writer's Life
Ever wondered how a book gets written? How do authors fill blank pages? What fuels a writer, day in and day out? Learn from a talented group of authors how they craft their stories, what goals they set to ensure their books gets written, and what does the day in a writer look like? Details are revealed!
Panelists: Jamaila Brinkley, Robyn Neeley, Robin Covington, Alexa Jacobs, Jessica Ruddick
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It's Just Business: The Nitty-Gritty of Publishing
Writing a book is just the beginning. This talented group of authors discuss the zillion things that happen after typing, "The End." From marketing to newsletter publication to finding new readers and networking with industry pros, you'll hear it all in this lively panel discussion.
Panelists: Christi Barth, Priscilla Oliveras, Andi J Christopher, Robin Covington, Donna Alward
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Trends in Romancelandia
Let this talented group of bloggers and writers update you on everything current in romance! Things in the publishing industry change quickly and this skilled group of professionals will enlighten you as to what's hot and what's not…
Panelists: Robyn Neeley, Kini Allen, Rae Latte, Joyfully Jay, Nancy C Weeks
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Up Against the Wall: Creating Conflict
The engine of a good story is the conflict. What does the character want--and what's stopping him or her from getting it? Authors discuss their favorite ways of torturing their characters while still ensuring they get their happily ever after.
Panelists: Donna Alward, Emily Duvall, Priscilla Oliveras, Lori Ann Bailey, Robyn Neeley
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Keeping It Real: World Building in Romance
Sometimes the biggest characters of the best love stories are the places that capture our character’s heart. From New York to Seattle, small towns to big cities, and lonely mansions to cozy cottages, we will chat about what it takes to build and create a captivating backdrop to the best love stories ever told.
Panelists: Christi Barth, Emily Duvall, Pintip Dunn, L. Penelope
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Defending the Tropes
Secret babies. Friends to lovers. Runaway bride. Tropes are used in romance as plot devices to bring lovers together. Join these authors in a spirited defense of their favorite tropes--or the ones they love to hate. Audience participation encouraged!
Panelists: Andy Palmer, Victoria Kennedy, J.L. Lora, Dawn Ibanez, Jamaila Brinkley
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