Romance writers from across US prepare to gather in Washington DC

July 2, 11:08 AMJacksonville Romance Novels ExaminerMiriam van Veen

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Romance writers prepare to visit Washington D.C.

One of the biggest romance events of the year is coming to the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington D.C. July 15 through July 18, 2009—The Romance Writers of America National Conference. This July will be the 29th conference for the RWA. Events include writer workshops, pitch sessions with editors and agents, networking opportunities, and a huge literacy book signing featuring a massive number of published authors signing their latest books. Authors signing include Nora Roberts, the prima donna of romance, Lori Foster, Janet Evanovich, Linda Howard, Brenda Jackson, Angela Knight, Jayne Ann Krentz, Carly Phillips, and many more. The two hour event raises thousands of dollars every year toward literacy charities.

In addition to the week long business conference for romance writers of all stages of their career, from aspiring to multi-published, NYT bestselling authors, Saturday night will host the RITA and Golden Heart Awards Ceremony. The purpose of the RITA is to recognize outstanding writing of published romance novels and novellas. The Golden Heart recognizes excellence in writing for unpublished works entered each year. A Golden Heart nod can help an unpublished author skyrocket to attention of publishing houses and agents garnering a potential future sale.

Jacksonville resident Rita O. Henuber is a Golden Heart finalist this year for her romantic suspense, Guardian Angel. "Incredibly thrilled and honored," she says about her Golden Heart nomination. "The nomination was a giant step forward in my writing journey. It garners attention from peers, agents and editors, something all writers want."

Romance writers in the North Florida area can rejoice. If authors can't attend the National Conference, benefits of the RWA can be found locally with First Coast Romance Writers located in Jacksonville, Ancient City Romance Writers located in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, and Florida Panhandle Romance Writers located in Tallahassee.