ORANGE COUNTY ROMANCE WRITERS

Ready to Join OCRW or Renew Your Membership?

Monthly Meeting Information
2nd Saturday of the Month

Enter Hearts in Ink Contest for Published Authors

HEARTS IN INK CONTEST

Orange County Romance Writers (OCRW) is a nonprofit organization working toward developing new authors, enhancing the careers of published authors and improving recognition for romance writers and the romance publishing industry.

We promote excellence in romance fiction (including its myriad subgenres), by helping writers exchange their knowledge and establish career goals while supporting and encouraging our members through all levels of their careers.

Eleven months of the year, OCRW holds meetings featuring professional speakers on a variety of topics related to the writing life.The meetings are accessible via Zoom or when they are hybrid, in person at the Brea Civic and Cultural Center in Orange County. Time is built in for networking and relationship-building during lunch and breakout sessions.

OCRW Meetings

Eleven months of the year, OCRW gathers for a general meeting featuring professional speakers on a variety of topics related to the writing life. Our monthly meetings are like mini conferences with speakers and workshops on craft, marketing, publishing and more.

Whether the content is focused on craft or business or research, the information informs attendees’ goal to become successful authors. The meetings are accessible via Zoom.

For our once-a-year Celebration of Romance, they are hybrid. We're in person at the Brea Civic and Cultural Center in Orange County and on Zoom. Time is built in for networking and relationship-building during lunch and breakout sessions.

Encouraging Each Other Through Writing Sprints

Writing Sprints happen Mondays through Fridays from noon to 2:00 pm PST and on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Members attending arrive a few minutes early, check in with goals, and then everyone mutes and works on their stuff. We say a few words right before the meeting disbands.

The Zoom link and the time and day are posted in the Events Calendar (details available to members only) as well as emailed through Morning Juice at the beginning of each month. For access to the calendar, email membership@ocromwriters.org to register for the Morning Juice.

OCRW members may attend these writing sprints at no charge—they are included in your membership.

Improving Writing Through Book Clubs

Our All About Romance Book Club meets monthly to discuss a popular classic or new romance from a variety of romance subgenres. Conversation focuses on what readers like or don't like about the selected book, and why it attracts readers. The group gathers on the third Wednesday of every month at 3:00 pm PST.

Our Writing Craft Book Club meets bi-monthy, six times a year, beginning in February, followed by April, June, August, October and December. We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm PST, to discuss the advice from a craft book, which is chosen in advance by the group, and how to incorporate it into one's writing process and practice, relevant to today's market.

Meeting Zoom links and dates can be found in the Events Calendar and posted on the OCRW Monthly calendar, located on the Morning Juice inside our groups.io. OCRW members may attend these book clubs at no charge—participation is included in your membership.

Honoring Excellence Through Contests

OCRW has a long tradition of sponsoring contests that celebrate excellence in romance writing.

These competitions are open to both members and non-members and provide recognition for outstanding storytelling and craft.

Through initiatives such as the Book Buyers Best, the forthcoming Hearts in Ink Contest, the legacy Orange Rose Award, and our Celebration of Romance Cover Contest, OCRW continues to support and showcase the work of romance writers at every stage of their careers.

Hearts in Ink 2026 Is Open for Entries

The Orange County Romance Writers is excited to announce that the 2026 Hearts in Ink Contest for Published Authors is now open!

Hearts in Ink celebrates excellence in romance novels, novellas, and mainstream fiction with a central romance.

We are accepting entries in the following categories:

Contemporary Romance
Historical Romance
Speculative Romance
Romantic Novella

Deadline: May 31, 2026 at midnight PDT

Entry Fee: $35 for OCRW members | $45 for non-members

For full category descriptions, contest rules, and entry instructions, visit: Hearts in Ink Contest

We can't wait to celebrate your stories!

Encouraging Authors Through Collaboration

OCRW proudly presents Hearts for the Holidays, a multi-author romance anthology featuring original short stories by our talented chapter members. The collection is available through major online retailers, as well as Hoopla and Kobo Plus.

100% of proceeds support OCRW’s programs and educational initiatives, helping empower new and emerging romance authors.

PURCHASE HEARTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS