Page 25 - KC Cunningham Issue

"Beyond Happily Ever After"

"San Diego romance writers craft stories with a little bit of love and a whole lot more"
By Maria Connor

There’s a saying One of the things that makes Romance Writers of America different
amongst romance from other professional writing organizations is that it serves not
“An engaging heroine.”
—Kelley Armstrong, writers that today’s only its published members, but those who are working toward pub-
author of Frost Bitten books aren’t your lication. Its PRO designation is awarded to individuals who have
mother’s romance written and submitted a full manuscript, a significant achievement
novels. Yesterday’s for those seriously pursuing a career as a romance novelist. PRO
bodice rippers – so members are eligible for other benefits, such as the annual PRO
named for covers retreat, online classes, a quarterly newsletter and dedicated online
depicting a gorgeous discussion forums.
but disheveled RWA-SD supports
heroine caught in the this initiative by
embrace of a brawny offering its PRO
hero – have given members mentor-
way to stories that ship, writing chal-
span every sub- lenges, critiques
category of fiction, and guidance
including mystery, from its published
action-adventure members. In turn,
and fantasy. the membership
promotes its pub-
Those unfamiliar lished authors by
with the genre may organizing speak-
Author of A Drop of Red and Break of Dawn
scoff at “those trashy ing engagements,
romance novels,” but book signings
savvy writers know and other special
romantic fiction for events. The result
what it is: the largest share of the consumer fiction market, earning is a collaboration San Diego
$1.37 billion in annual sales. that celebrates Woman
each person’s
With more than 7,300 new titles released in 2008, the romance success, whether
market provides aspiring writers with more opportunities to become that is a contest 25
published than most literary markets. Add to the mix a national win or a three-
trade association, 10,000 members strong, dedicated to “advanc- book deal.
ing the professional interests of career-focused romance writers
through networking and advocacy,” and that dream of writing – and “[RWA’s] purpose
selling – a novel is a whole lot closer to coming true. is to support the
romance genre,
Romance writing with a professional edge but in doing that,
they educate
RWA-San Diego (RWA-SD), chapter 54 of Romance Writers of and support the
America, is a not-for-profit organization that serves as a resource authors, as well,”
for published authors and aspiring writers by providing educa- says R. Ann
tion on the craft of writing, industry news, support and motivation. Siracusa, RWA-
Established in 1982, just one year after the founding of the national SD member and
association, RWA-SD has approximately 90 members, a third of author of All For a
whom are published. Dead Man’s Leg
(Sapphire Blue
“It’s more than just a group of people who have similar interests,” Publishing, March
says HelenKay Dimon, president and author of more than 12 books 2009). “It’s helped
including Holding Out For a Hero (Kensington Brava, October me a great deal.
2009). “It’s a place where you can get what you need profession- You learn a lot
ally, every step along the way, from craft to queries to promotion.” about craft and
technique from
The group meets monthly with a day-long session that includes the speakers that
two presentations, a business meeting, lunch and book signings. come, the confer-
Sometimes the workshops are led by chapter members; many ences and the
times the workshops feature well-known authors, editors and other members of
agents, or individuals with a unique expertise such as FBI agents, the organization.”
marketing professionals or screenwriters.
March/April 2010