Hey algorithm...find me new romance writers. I want to tell them that @chicagonorthrw.bsky.social is a great place to learn, connect and thrive as a writer. Membership is the cheapest around...$35. You get free admission to monthly meetings taught by a wealth of experts on craft, publishing, etc.

So, looking back, I had great writing hopes for 2025. I had an agent, I had good feedback on my manuscript, I told people they could read my book soon. ....things happened. 😂 But I start 2026 with a renewed determination. This book is good, and it will see the light of day!

YES! I'm all registered for the Chicago North Romance Writers SPRING FLING 2026! Who's going to join me? EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS SOON!!!! www.chicagonorthromancewriters.com/spring-fling

This.

Contemporary romance indie authors - trying to decide between KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital and Barnes & Noble for self publishing. Leaning toward KDP, but would love to hear your thoughts! #indiepublishing #writingromance #amwriting

One of the best writing conferences around for romance writers! Registration just opened with early bird pricing, and you can choose in-person or online! (But I hope you choose in-person so we can meet!) #amwriting #writingromance #chicagospringfling

Authors of #Romancelandia! In an attempt to get a jump on Bookstore Romance Day planning for 2026, I have opened up the author registration form. This information is shared w/bookstores who want to do events for BRD & for Bookstore Romance Day-presented virtual panels & events. Link in next post.

Today's the LAST DAY to submit a workshop proposal for Chicago-North Romance Writers' SPRING FLING conference in April 2026. You won't want to miss it!

If the #StuffYourEReader event is too much to sift through -- @fatedmates.net have done the legwork for you. Just added these to my TBR! #romance

For those who want to GET ALL THE BOOKS -- a bunch of freebies for you! It's #StuffYourEReader day!

Confession - I hoard books (new, secondhand, library discards) like a miser. I have a very hard time getting rid of books. At last count, I had more than 1,100 in my shelves. Is that an excessive amount?

I'm normally not a fan of present-tense writing, but I just finished beta reading a fantasy novel from my agent-sibling, and it was SO good. I might have to rethink my bias.

Only 3 weeks away!

Me and my bsky bubble

Near Lauragh, #Ireland: Sean O's Hobbit-ish forge. #StreetPhotography #ivy #door

The biggest problem with writing a romance novel set in Ireland is that you can get completely, wistfully lost when researching vacation rentals. Now all I want to do is plan another vacation there!

Writers, name five of the authors who most impacted your writing style or philosophy: Betty Smith Jane Austen Victoria Holt Sharon Kay Penman Jude Devereaux

Ah, we've reached that intersection of heat & humidity where I can't sit on any chair in shorts for more than a minute. My legs stick to the chair like a fruit rollup to its wrapper.

What little respect he has for the profession, the craft and the readers. Why buy it? Just ask ChatGPT to summarize the plot, if you must.

With THREE romance-only bookstores (@lovessweetarrow.bsky.social, @thelastchapter.bsky.social and now the new Pink Couch bookstore in Wilmette) in the Chicagoland area, it's absolutely a lock: CHICAGO IS THE BEST MARKET FOR ROMANCE NOVELS! 😍

Chicago Romance readers! It's the last few days to enter to win FREE passes to the Chicago Books in Bloom reader event The ticket giveaway ends May 30, so use this link to enter: socialman.net/c/1h7ey/

As hometown romance novelists, the Chicago Sun-Times’ unwitting publication of an AI-“written” article on summer reads (where the majority of books weren’t real) struck a nerve. We responded. chicago.suntimes.com/letters-to-t...

I mean....LOOK AT THESE HEAVY HITTERS??? 😍

SO excited for this incredible event! If you love books (specifically romance novels, romantasy, etc) and you're in the Chicago area -- you won't want to miss this chance to meet amazing authors, discover new favorites and have fun!

Woot WOOT- my amazing literary agent @burbanosobi.bsky.social is in the house!!! Give her a follow!

The @chicagonorthrw.bsky.social Discord group has kicked my butt into shape with goal-setting, writing sprints and general spoonanigans. 10/10 Would Recommend.

I love everything about this -- especially the opening lede.

You guys...my 76-year-old parents have discovered romantasy. Both my mom and dad are reading them, and are texting me their reactions to spicy scenes. HELP.📖

Pick up your favorite beach reads this summer in the best city in the world for summers!

Such mixed feelings on this one. I first did Nano in 2003, with two toddlers at home and pregnant with my third. It was my first in-person writing community, and I'm still friends with a few of the authors. But so many missteps, serious ones, in such a short span. #NaNoNoMo

Full transparency: I've been struggling with my WIP. I spent weeks opening it, changing a word or two, rereading and closing again. My agent sibling @dezhdagaubert.bsky.social recommended going back to the outlining drawing board to pick up my loose threads. I am sorry to report that it's working.

A woman who goes to GREAT LENGTHS to research her books...even becoming a doctor and working in Alaska! Go buy it!

Today is the one-year anniversary of *the call* from my agent, Sobi Burbano. Some thoughts and reflections on the year. First off, I was incredibly lucky that my querying days were short. I began querying in October 2024, and had three fulls out when I got *the call.* Why so short? I have a theory.

Honored to serve as the 2025 president of @chicagonorthrw.bsky.social -- with a brilliant board including @maryloquacious.bsky.social, @jvontobelwrites.bsky.social and @victoria7401.bsky.social. One of the best romance writing groups anywhere.

I mean...Merriam has ALL the words....

Romance authors...spicy books are often the victims of book bans. Sarah MacLean is on the board of this organization, and if you're a published author, consider adding your voice.

Giveaway alert!

#Romancelandia -- if you want to keep up with the antics and amazing writers of the renown @chicagonorthrw.bsky.social, I've assembled this handy-dandy starter pack. go.bsky.app/79Fbp47

Not sure who made this, but just goes to show...EVERYTHING can be a romance movie!

Heartbreaking. My son lives in Arlington and I was so looking forward to stopping in on my next visit. This is not what we meant about scorching hot romance!

This is the chaos energy I aspire to. Well done.

I think editors are underestimating the appeal of angry female main characters. Especially for the next four years.

5 writers I've read 5+ books by: Jude Devereaux Victoria Holt Robert Jordan Gail Carriger Charlaine Harris #BookSky💙📚 #books #romancelandia

My 25yo son had 5 vacation days left to use, so he decided to do a Museum-cation this week. He's going to all his favorite Chicago museums, walk around at his own pace without being rushed, while listening to audiobooks. He'll hit MSI, Art Institute, Field, Adler, Shedd and MCA. Love that for him.

Had the chance to celebrate @bryndonovan.bsky.social and the book birthday of Her Knight at the Museum. And birthdays should always have cake, especially book ones! Congrats Bryn!

Damn dog just ate an entire coffee cake.

So, my toxic trait is that I go ALL IN on a new hobby, buy all the things, then abandon them for greener pastures. I've done sewing, quilting, crochet, knitting, felting, embroidery, cross-stitch, jewelry making, candle making, painting, watercolor, scrapbooking. I'm sure there's more. 1/3

You know. Just some inspiration as you write that next spicy scene... 😳 www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfTT...

John Krasinski is absolutely sexy and I'm 1000% ok with him being Sexiest Man Alive. There. I said it.

Where are my @chicagonorthrw.bsky.social writing friends at?