Romance Writers of America is a national non-profit genre writers' association-the largest of its kind in the world. It is designed to offer networking and support to individuals seriously pursuing a career in romance fiction. You can find this and much more information on their website. What follows is a bit of their history and information on how and why you should join.
In Houston, Texas in 1980 RWA was founded by a group of frustrated romance writers. These 37 charter members found that writing conferences seemed to ignore romance writers. They created a nationwide network of romance writing peers in order to unite in a strong front for publishers and skeptics alike. They shared information and supported each other in their efforts to nurture their careers as serious romance writers. These Romance Writers of USA are 9,000 members strong and growing and are considered 'The Voice of Romance."
1,600 of those members have published in book-length romance fiction. The writer-members have worked as doctors, engineers, attorneys, military officers, actors, artists, stay-at-home moms, scientists, mathematicians, musicians, businesswomen, scholars, teachers and many other professions. Some have resigned from their prior positions to work full time while others balance dual careers.
There are 140 RWA chapters around the world with chapters in almost every state. You can find out if your state has a chapter by accessing this link or their website. Each chapter usually supports a contest that gives writers an opportunity to pit their work against that of other writers. Chapters usually meet once a month and consist of guest speakers from publishing, writing or from any number of professions that might serve as research topics for authors, such as law enforcement. These chapters also offer critique-partner or critique-group opportunities, not to mention networking, fellowshipping and all around camaraderie.
This year they are holding their RWA 25 th Annual National Conference in Reno , Nevada . There will be more than 100 workshops as well as round tables, one-on-one pitch meetings and parties and networking opportunities.