All Monthly Meetings are Virtual until further notice.
Members can find the programming meeting links on the RCRW’s forum and on the private Facebook page.
Guests may attend two meetings to help make their decision to join. Some meetings are exclusive to RCRW members only, such as the December holiday workshop. Please contact [email protected]m at least 72 hours in advance for a link to access the remote meeting. We use the Zoom software. Meetings are live and are not recorded.
Please note that the meeting platform has changed to Zoom. Please contact [email protected] for the correct monthly link.
Virtual Meeting Schedule
Rose City Romance Writers (RCRW) meets the second Saturday of each month.
Meeting are at no-cost for RCRW Members. People are welcome to attend our meetings, up to two times, before they are required to become RCRW chapter members.
10-11(ish): Chapter business meeting
11-12:30(ish): Workshop/presentation
Virtual Programming
September 9, 2023 Programming Announcement
Jo Bartlett
Title of presentation
Writing the rainbow: Considerations when writing LGBTQIA+ characters
Description of presentation
Diversity and inclusivity in fiction are vital. LGBTQIA+ readers need to see themselves well represented on the page to know they have a place in the world and find a sense of belonging. Cis straight folks need accurate windows to understand what those experiences might be like. As important as it is for diverse characters to exist in all books, it may do more damage than good when that representation is done poorly and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. If your gender identity or sexual orientation doesn’t fall under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, how do you achieve accurate, truthful, realistic representation? JY Bartlett, a queer, non-binary, award-winning writer and author will share tips, considerations, and points of possible hazards as you create rich worlds of diverse people.
Presenter Bio
JY Bartlett (pronouns: they/them) teaches and writes about grief, loss, childhood adversity and learning to trust yourself again. They often escape to their writing shack in the woods to calm down their nervous system. They’re the author of several books on intuition and mediumship development and have been an award-winning professional writer and marketer for two decades. Originally from England, they now live in Eugene, Oregon. Learn more at jybartlett.com.
October 14 , 2023 Programming Announcement
Scott Eagan
Title of presentation
Is it Women’s Fiction or Romance?
Description of presentation
Scott will focus on defining the genre of women’s fiction and how it differs from that of a traditional romance. I recent years, these lines have been blurred a bit as people try to market to an ever-changing publishing climate. The emphasis will be to identify the characteristics of each so authors can better place their stories with editors and agents.
Presenter bio
Scott Eagan opened Greyhaus Literary Agency in 2003 with three goals in mind: 1) To remain a small agency focusing only on romance and women’s fiction; 2) To provide educational opportunities for writers in these genres and to make efforts to enhance the romance and women’s fiction genres; and 3) To assist with increasing communication between the professional publishing community and the writers. He earned a bachelor’s in English literature, a master’s in literacy and a master’s in creative writing. Scott is an active member of the Romance Writers of America and still dabbles in writing as a hobby outside of the agency. He is also an instructor with the UCLA Extension Program teaching courses in developmental editing, marketing in publishing, and networking as an agent.
November 11 , 2023 Programming Announcement
Shirley Jump
Title of presentation
Conflict: More Than An Argument
Description of presentation
Are you struggling to increase the conflict and tension in your scenes? Is your book feeling flat, or editors and readers are saying there isn’t enough conflict? This interactive workshop will cover the difference between conflict and tension, how to create conflicts that aren’t just arguments, and developing conflict from your characters’ internal emotional wounds. If you are in the middle of a book and feeling stalled, this workshop will help you get the novel back on track. Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Presenter bio
Shirley Jump, author of Writing Compelling Fiction, is an award-winning, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and USA Today bestselling author who has published more than 80 books in 24 countries.
She has spoken all over the world about the power of narrative and how to create compelling books. A former reporter and communications director for a marketing agency, she uses her diverse background to help clients create impactful books that readers can’t down.
December 9 , 2023 Programming Announcement
The RCRW December 2023 meeting will be a private, in person, event for members only!
More virtual workshops and presentations are scheduled for 2024.
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As things are rapidly changing, RCRW is adjusting to be able to keep our community connected while also doing what is best for our members. PCC has cancelled our room reservation. RCRW is still having our monthly meeting but as a VIRTUAL option only. The meeting link and phone number has been posted to the RCRW Forum for member access.
Resource Links: CDC | Oregon Health Authority | WA State Dept. of Health