Explore the Romance Writers Association
A Professional Group for Writers of All Things Passionate
Oct 16, 2009
The Romance Writers Association of America is the largest organization for writers of romance novels in the United States. Its 145 local, online and special interest chapters represent all romantic fiction genres including, contemporary, historical, inspirational, paranormal, Regency, romantic suspense, erotic and YA.
A History of the Romance Writers Association of America
Founded in 1981, the RWA 's initial purpose was to “serve as a nonprofit trade association for romance writers.” According to its website, the organization’s goal is “to advance the professional interests of career focused romance writers through networking and advocacy.” Its 10,000 members are a testament to the group’s success.
RWA Awards and Conferences
- The RITA is awarded for excellence in the romance genre. It is awarded to authors in most romance genres. 2009 winner, Karen Templeton, who was awarded the RITA for the best contemporary romance for her book, A Mother's Wish, had this to say, “This is the mother of all Romance awards, so color me thrilled to bits.”
- The Golden Heart is awarded to unpublished romance authors whose books reflect excellence in the field of romantic fiction. The award can be the boost needed to secure a book contract as is the case with inspirational romantic suspense and mystery writer, Kelly Ann Riley. She was awarded the Golden Heart for her book, Kitty's Fire , in July, 2009 and accepted a book deal with Steeple Hill Books, the Christian division of Harlequin, in August.
The Romance Writers of America holds an annual conference. The conference in 2010 will be its thirtieth. Individual RWA chapters also sponsor conferences and events throughout the year.
Special Interest RWA Chapters
While some RWA chapters boast members from all romantic genres, others target more specialized romance authors and are generally online groups. Here are some examples of the latter:
- Passionate Ink is geared specifically to authors of erotic romance novels. According to its web site, its members are, “all romance writers with varying degrees of sensual content in our writing."
- Rainbow Romance Writers online group describes itself as “The place to be for authors of romance in LGBT genres.” Their goal is to support and promote excellence in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender romances
- Fantasy, Futuristic and Parnormal Chapter of RWA. This chapter caters to romance writers who include elements of “science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and time travel to their romance manuscripts.”
- Faith, Hope and Love, the Inspirational Outreach Chapter of RWA. According to its website, FHL “seeks to encourage fiction that glorifies God and promotes biblical principals and preserve a spirit of unity within and between the members of FHL and RWA.”
Also represented in the special interest chapters of the Romance Writers of America are, among others, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, Chick Lit Writers of the World, Gothic Romance Writers, and The Kiss of Death Mystery/Suspense Chapter.
Akin to writers organizations like the Mystery Writers of America and the Horror Writers of America, the Romance Writers of America offers a spectrum of networking opportunities, support and awards for excellence.
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