RWA, the Romance Writers of America, is s a nonprofit trade association whose missionis to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy and by increasing public awareness of the romance genre. In 1979, group of five romance authors decided there needed to a writers conference that celebrated the romance genre, and held their first conference in 1981.

The conference provides writers in the romance genre a place to learn more about their craft, the publishing industry, and recognize published and unpublished authors through their RITA and Golden Heart contests. I stumbled upon RWA when searching for a contest and then learned about their conference. I attended my first (not knowing anyone) in 2003 in Dallas (no travel costs), and actually finaled in the Golden Heart contest five years later.

With the exception of one year, I’ve attended every conference and had a chance to meet some incredible authors and gain invaluable experience.

I’m sharing alittle bit of this as a giveaway. Sign up for one of two RWA swag bags I’ve assembled in the giveaway section!

For another kind of giveaway, check out my Website.

You can get a free download of “Debate with a Vampire,” or sign up for my newsletter for a copy of “Sweet Revenge!”

When Allison meets a stranger at the annual party in Dracula’s castle in Romania, she finds herself the debate of her life.