Once a year, Orange County Romance Writers steps away from our usual online format and gathers in person to celebrate the stories we write—and the community that helps us keep writing them.
Join us for our annual Celebration of Romance on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Brea, California. This special hybrid event is OCRW’s only in-person meeting of the year, with Zoom access available for those who cannot join us in Brea.
Our featured guest, author Celeste Barclay, will present two sessions during the event. A longtime favorite who has shared her knowledge with writers many times over the years, Celeste brings valuable experience, practical insights, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping fellow authors. Details about her presentation topics will be announced soon.
The day will also include plenty of opportunities to celebrate our members and their books. We’ll announce the winners of the Hearts in Ink Contest, admire the entries in our cover contest, and offer author- and book-themed raffle baskets filled with prizes for writers and readers.
And, of course, there will be food! Our potluck lunch will be coordinated through Meal Train, with drinks, coffee, tea—and a celebration cake—to enjoy throughout the gathering. Information about contributing to the potluck will be shared with registered attendees.
As valuable as the presentations and activities are, the heart of this event is the chance to spend time together. Online meetings allow us to connect throughout the year, but there is something special about sitting around the same table, sharing a meal, exchanging ideas, meeting new members, and catching up with friends we may not have seen since last year’s celebration.
Whether you’ve been part of OCRW for years or have only recently discovered our community, Celebration of Romance is an opportunity to build connections with people who understand the joys and challenges of the writing life.
Come for the presentations, contests, raffles, and cake. Stay for the conversations, laughter, and pleasure of celebrating romance with fellow authors.
Celebration of Romance
Saturday, October 10
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Brea, California and Zoom
REGISTER FOR CELEBRATION OF ROMANCE
VOLUNTEER & DONATION FORM FOR CELEBRATION OF ROMANCE
2026 COVER CONTEST ENTRY FORM