SUNDAY
Sunday, February 18
~8:00-9:00 AM~
Registration + Check In Opens
~9:00-9:50 AM~
BALLROOM
Thrills,Danger, Adventure & Romance
Authors discuss the art of infusing romance into epic escapade in stories that are equal parts heart-pounding and heartwarming.
Jo Segura; Angela Montoya; Kimberly Lemming; Kate Dramis; Ashley Poston; Katie Garaby (M)
MARY GAY
Mental Health, Chronic Illness & Disability Rep Romance
Take a closer look at love stories through the neurodiverse lens, delving into nuanced and authentic portrayals of diverse romantic experiences.
Marissa Eller; Natalie Caña; Sierra Isley (M); Paige Lavoie; Jen Comfort
HENRY OLIVER
Queer Joy in YA
Explore YA novels that embrace love, self-discovery, and the triumphs of LGBTQ+ characters, in stories filled with hope and celebration.
Brian D. Kennedy; Jenna Miller; Kelly Quindlen; Julian Winters, Molly Horan (M)
AUDITORIUM
Behind the Love Story: Author-Editor Dynamics
Dive into the intriguing collaboration between an author as they offer a rare peek into the dynamic process of crafting compelling love stories from inception to publication.
RM Romero; Ashley Hearn
~10:00-10:50 AM~
BALLROOM
Let's Talk About Sex...Again
Another look at the nuances of writing intimate scenes in romance novels.
Meryl Wilsner; Ashley Herring Blake; Tati Richardson; Mazey Eddings (M); Naima Simone
MARY GAY
Monster and Paranormal Romances
Exploring the allure of paranormal creatures and monsters.
Paige Lavoie; Kimberly Lemming; Sharina Harris; Jenna Levine (M); Celestine Martin
HENRY OLIVER
Second Chance
Explore the complexities of love, forgiveness, and redemption in tales where hearts reunite against all odds.
Lakita Wilson; Kristin Dwyer; Samantha Markum; Jen Devon (M); Kate Goldbeck
AUDITORIUM
Paths to Publishing
Learn from seasoned writers as they share effective strategies, tips, and best practices for building a strong author presence online.
Taj McCoy, Lauren Morrill; Sierra Isley
~11:00-11:50 AM~
BALLROOM
Industry Discussion: Romance & Women's Fiction
Exploring trends, challenges, and the intersection of romance and women's fiction within the publishing industry
Harper St. George; Sharon C. Cooper; Vanessa Riley; Jen Devon; Ginny Baird (M); Lauren Lacey
MARY GAY
Memorable Settings
How memorable and vivid locations contribute to the overall impact of love stories.
Neely Tubati Alexander; Mia Tsai; Elizabeth Everett; Naima Simone, Laura Piper Lee (M)
HENRY OLIVER
YA Romantasy
A discussion on the unique elements and themes that characterize the genre.
Emily Thiede; Angela Montoya; Swati Teerdhala; Rebecca Ross, Vania S(M)
AUDITORIUM
It’s Complicated!
Explore the challenges and joys of creating love stories that blend complicated characters with escapist fantasies with realistic and emotionally resonance.
Kate Goldbeck, Seressia Glass, Mazey Eddings, Falon Ballard
~12:00-12:50 PM~
BALLROOM
Crafting Chemistry: Making the Sparks Fly between Characters
The art of creating authentic and captivating connections, what makes us swoont, and good kissing scenes
Jenna Levine; Kaitlyn Hill; Nikki Payne (M); Neely Tubati Alexander; Jo Segura; Alicia Thompson
MARY GAY
Fanfic to Romance Pipeline
Exploring the unique challenges and advantages of this transition.
Adib Khorram; Shanna Miles; Serena Kaylor; Preeti Chhibber (M)
HENRY OLIVER
Earning the Happily Ever Afters
How to craft a satisfying and earned happy endings and why they're important.
Kristin Dwyer; RM Romero; Goldy Moldavsky; Sharina Harris; Ashley Poston (M); Jackson Pearce
AUDITORIUM
Work it! Workplace Romance
Authors discuss the intricacies of forbidden love, professional dynamics, and sizzling chemistry within office settings, offering insights into crafting captivating narratives that blur the lines between work and passion.
Sharon C. Cooper; Denise Williams; Seressia Glass
~1:00-1:50 PM~
BALLROOM
Tension & Stakes
A discussion on how to build suspense and keep readers invested in the love stories.
Lauren Morrill; Becca & Krista Ritchie, Mia Tsai, Goldy Moldavsky, Elizabeth Everett (M)
MARY GAY
The Romances that made you fall for Romance
Exploring the stories that inspired authors' love for the genre.
Nikki Payne; Tracy Solheim; Lauren Kung Jessen; Falon Ballard (M), Ashley Herring Blake
HENRY OLIVER
LOL in YA
How comedic elements contribute to character dynamics and overall storytelling in the genre.
Susan Lee; Kelly Quindlen (M); Samantha Markum, Swati Teerdhala
AUDITORIUM
Dudes Write Romance
Highlight and discuss perspectives and contributions of male authors in the world of love stories.
Adib Khorram; Julian Winters; Brian D Kennedy, Jeffrey K. Davenport
~2:00-2:50 PM~
BALLROOM
Battle of the Tropes
Fun game to see which trope comes out on top!
Julian Winters (MC); Jill Tew; Preeti Chhibber; Serena Kaylor; Alicia Thompson; Emily Thiede; Susan Lee; Ginny Baird, Kate Dramis
MARY GAY
Body Positivity and Diversity
Celebrate body positivity and diversity in romance, discussing the importance of representation, empowerment, and authentic character portrayal.
Meryl Wilsner; Jenna Miller (M); Denise Williams; Tati Richardson, Natalie Caña
HENRY OLIVER
The Perfect Antagonist
Authors dissect the complexities of creating the 'perfect antagonist,' exploring their pivotal role in igniting conflict, driving character growth, and intensifying the pursuit of love.
Kaitlyn Hill; Celestine Martin; Vanessa Riley; Shanna Miles (M); Molly Horan
AUDITORIUM
Writing Romance in the Indie Market
Explore the unique challenges and opportunities, learn strategies for success, and discover how best to connect with readers.
Jeffery K. Davenport; Tanvier Peart; Lauren Lacey
~3:00-4:00 PM~
BALLROOM
Closing Keynote & Signing
LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE
TIA WILLIAMS in conversation with Taj McCoy