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

August 9, 2008 - Post-National Discussion

September 6, 2008 - Maggie Shayne - Creating Characters and Ensemble Works

October 4, 2008 - Nancy Henderson and Molly Herwood - Setting

November, 2008 - Ellen Hartman - Revisions

December, 2008 - Rose Ceremony and Holiday Party - CDC 2008 promises a ceremony you won't want to miss!

Meeting Itinerary

  • 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 (officers 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