About CNYRW
CNYRW is an active affiliate of Romance Writers of America, a national organization of approximately 8,000 members with chapters throughout the USA and Canada. We meet once a month at the Liverpool Public Library in Liverpool, NY to exchange thoughts and ideas on the state of the industry, share in critiquing sessions, and attend our monthly writing workshops. Founded in 1988, our group includes members from all over Central New York--Syracuse, Oswego, Canandaigua, Gloversville, Plymouth--and anywhere in between.
CNYRW members share a closeness that comes of being kindred spirits. Each of us has spent his or her time struggling through the solitary process of creation, submission, hope, and rejection. We thrill with each other's successes, cry with each other's disappointments, bolster each other's confidence, and cheer each other on. We invite you to explore our site, and see what our chapter has to offer. Feel free to send us an E-mail or a letter if you have any questions at all. We hope to meet you soon.
2008 Meeting Schedule: "Here's The Story"
(Programs subject to change. Dates will be added as available.)
January 5, 2008 - Cara Summers - Beginnings
February 2, 2008 - Amy Garvey - Backstory and Motivation
March 1, 2008 - Gwyneth Bolton - A Little More than Sex: Sexual Tension, Sexy Scenes, and Making It Hot
March 28 & 29, 2008 - It's conference time! Click the banner below to learn about our exciting 2008 conference!
April 12, 2008 - A follow-up to the Margie Lawson workshop, and possibly a one-page workshop!
May 3, 2008 - Christine Wenger - Creating Characters
June 7, 2008 - Gayle Callen - Plot, Subplot, and Theme
July 12, 2008 - Pre-National Discussion / Editor Visit: The Wild Rose Press
August 9, 2008 - Post-National Discussion
September 6, 2008 - Maggie Shayne - Creating Characters and Ensemble Works / CNYRW's 20th Anniversary Bash
October 4, 2008 - Amy Garvey - Dialogue
November 8, 2008 - Ellen Hartman - Revisions
December 13, 2008 - Rose Ceremony and Holiday Party - CDC 2008 promises a ceremony you won't want to miss!
2009 Meeting Schedule
(Programs subject to change. Dates will be added as available.)
January 17, 2009 - Topic and Speaker TBA
February 7, 2009 - Topic and Speaker TBA
March 7, 2009 - Topic and Speaker TBA
March 13 & 14, 2009 - It's conference time again! Click the banner below to learn about our exciting 2009 conference!
April 4, 2009 - Topic and Speaker TBA
May 9, 2009 - Topic and Speaker TBA
June, 2009 - Topic and Speaker TBA
July, 2009 - Topic and Speaker TBA
August, 2009 - Topic and Speaker TBA
September 12, 2009 - Holly Jacobs and Susan Gable - We Don't Need No Stinkin' Rules
Meeting Itinerary
NEW MEMBERS must present their dues upon arrival to take part in members-only activities. GUESTS may stay for lunch, programs, and the social hours, but are asked to wait in the library for members-only activities. Members bringing guests, please inform the chapter officers as soon as you arrive.
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Critique Sessions (members only)
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
- 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Board Meeting (members only)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Business Meeting (members only)
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Program
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Writers' Social
Amber Schalk Volunteer of the Year Award
This annual award is given in memory of Amber Schalk, a longtime CNYRW member who contributed much to our chapter. Congratulations to the following CNYRW members who were honored for service to our chapter!
- 2007: Barbie Jo Bogart and Kari Lee Townsend
- 2006: Bill Blodgett, Janine Giordano, Andrea Kaczor
- 2005: Susan St. Thomas
- 2004: Midge Johnson and Gayle Callen
- 2003: Carol Lombardo
- 2002: Molly Herwood and Chris Fletcher
- 2001: Nancy Lewandrowski and C.J. Barry
- 2000: Jane O'Connor, Kathy Grimes, and Theresa Kovian
- 1999: Cara Summers
- 1998: Ginny Aubertine and Patty Gannon
- 1997: Jenna Mindel
- 1996: Maggie Shayne, Chris Wenger, and Gayle Callen