Ottawa Romance Writers Monthly Events
Our members-only meetings are a discussion of Ottawa Romance Writers business, upcoming events, and the goings-on in the romance writing world (1:00-2:00 pm).
Our workshops are not always specific to romance. They cover the business of writing, craft, writer’s life, and research. Usually free for members and $25 for guests from 2:00-4:30pm (depending on workshop, see listings for details). Seating is limited, reserve your spot at Eventbrite.
Events Currently take place online using Zoom on the first Sunday of the month. (Subject to change)
- Reserve your spot
- Suggest a workshop
- Get our workshop newsletter
- Past workshops 2020-2022 2016-2019 and 2010-2015
08A with KT Literary agent Sara Megibow, April 2nd 2023
KT Literary agent Sara Megibow will chat about profit strategy, trends, successes, and pitfalls specific to romance publishing in this new year. The conversation will include a Q&A and lots of data analysis sprinkled with jokes and hope. Our romance readers are voracious for your stories – let’s talk about what’s working to go get ‘em!
About Sara:
Sara has worked in publishing since 2006 and represents New York Times bestsellers authors including Margaret Rogerson, Roni Loren, Jason M. Hough and Jaleigh Johnson. She specializes in launching debut authors and working on long-term career development and profit strategy with them.
Sara wants clients to love the books they write, and make money writing them. Crafting that kind of balance between artistic and commercial success takes communication, teamwork, and a focus on “Art. Patience. Strategy.” She represents authors who write middle grade novels (all sub-genres), young adult novels (all sub-genres), romance novels (all sub-genres) and science fiction/fantasy for the adult market.
For more information about Sarah Megibow visit:
Tickets $15+fees, or Free to ORW members (only $60 for a year’s membership!)
Even Superman Has A Day Job with Maggie Wells, may 7th 2023 14:00EST
Explore various methods of dealing with uncertainty, defining success, writing practices, motivational tools, and practical tips.
I just want to spend my days writing. Who among us hasn’t said something along those lines? But, for many of us, this dream may never be a reality. Not because we lack the drive or talent to be successful, but because life is messy and complicated. But balancing a day job with a thriving writing career isn’t impossible.
In Even Superman Has a Day Job, I will explore various methods of dealing with uncertainty, defining success, writing practices (journaling, morning pages, sprints, group writing, and dictation), motivational tools (word counts, small bites, scene-by-scene, the beauty of leftovers), and practical tips on working revisions, edits, and marketing into the equation.
In this interactive discussion, we will talk about time management techniques, setting boundaries and priorities, and share ideas for refilling the creative well. Special focus will be placed on tapping energy reserves, finding ways to de-stress and refresh, and using writing challenges and your author support networks as both a safety net and a springboard to success.
ABOUT MAGGIE WELLS:
By day Maggie Wells is buried in spreadsheets. At night she pens tales of people tangling up the sheets. This author of feminist, sex-positive romance is the product of a charming rogue and a shameless flirt. You only have to scratch the surface of this mild-mannered married lady to find a naughty streak a mile wide.
Tickets $15+fees per ticket, Free to ORWA members (only $60 for a year’s membership!)
Character Development Q&A
Learn how to make your characters come to life with Sharon Short (aka Jess Montgomery)
Creating believable characters is the engine that drives stories, novels, essays and memoirs. It’s also one of the most challenging writing craft tools to master. In this session, award-winning author Sharon Short (a.k.a. Jess Montgomery) and Writer’s Digest columnist and instructor will share three key techniques to help you as you begin–or revise–your writing project.
About Sharon:
I write novels, personal essays, and the occasional short story. I am also a regular contributor to Writers’ Digest magazine with my “Level Up Your Writing (Life)” column debuting in the March/April issue of 2021.
As Jess Montgomery, I write historical mysteries published by Minotaur Books. The Kinship Historical Mystery series is set in 1920s Appalachia and is inspired by Ohio’s true first female sheriff.
As Sharon Short, my book-length work ranges from a coming-of-age novel set in the 1950s (My One Square Inch of Alaska) as well as two mystery series: the comedic-with-a-twist-of-social-satire Josie Toadfern mysteries, and the electronic-gumshoe Patricia Delaney series, written in the early 1990s on the cusp of the digital age.
http://www.sharonshort.com/
Tickets $15+fees per ticket, Free to ORWA members (only $60 for a year’s membership!)