ORANGE COUNTY ROMANCE WRITERS

One hand reaching forward, one hand reaching back

Ready to Join OCRW or Renew Your Membership?

Monthly Meeting Information
2nd Saturday of the Month

Volunteer to Judge Hearts in Ink Contest

VOLUNTEER TO JUDGE

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.

HOW OCRW SUPPORTS WRITERS

OCRW Meetings

OCRW gathers almost every month for a general meeting featuring professional speakers, workshops, and conversations designed to support writers at every stage of their journey.

Think of our monthly meetings as mini-conferences for romance writers. Topics may include craft, marketing, publishing, research, author mindset, career planning, and the business side of writing. Each session is created to give attendees practical tools, fresh ideas, and encouragement they can carry back to the page.

Most monthly meetings are held on Zoom, so members and guests can attend from wherever they are.

Once a year, OCRW hosts our Celebration of Romance, a special hybrid event held both in person at the Brea Civic and Cultural Center in Orange County and online via Zoom. This annual event includes featured programming, lunch, breakout sessions, and time for members and guests to connect, network, and build relationships within the romance writing community.

Encouraging Each Other Through Writing Sprints

Need a little accountability, encouragement, or company while you write? OCRW’s virtual writing sprints give members dedicated time to work on their stories, publishing tasks, edits, marketing, or any creative project that needs attention.

Our regular sprint times include Mondays through Fridays from 12:00–2:00 pm Pacific and Tuesday evenings from 7:00–9:00 pm Pacific.

The format may vary by session and moderator. Some groups prefer quiet, uninterrupted work time after a brief goal check-in, with cameras off and microphones muted until the closing wrap-up. Other sessions may use Pomodoro-style writing rounds, short check-ins between sprints, open Q&A, social media or publishing discussion, or time for casual networking.

Come as you are, bring whatever you’re working on, and choose the sprint style that helps you make progress.

How to Join

Current OCRW members can find writing sprint dates, times, and Zoom information on the OCRW Events Calendar. Because writing sprints are a member benefit, event details and Zoom links are visible to members only.

Writing sprints are included with your OCRW membership, so there is no additional charge to attend.

Need help accessing the calendar or member-only event details? Email membership@ocromwriters.org and we’ll be happy to help.

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 on Zoom.

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.

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 current 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.

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