The Smithsonian Associates presents
Conversations about Romance, with Best-Selling Authors
Sessions on Wednesdays: Wed., Oct. 19, Nov. 9, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, Feb. 1

Romance novels were created to celebrate women’s control over their own destiny, with the promise of enduring happiness at story’s end. The popular genre’s established pedigree includes such venerable writers as Jane Austen.

The form allows for tremendous latitude in expanding on the basic theme of the heroine and her man. Many writers of romance combine this premise with detailed history, suspense, supernatural experience, humor, and other styles that allow for variety in thematic development. However, they all share an abiding sense of the heroine as the winning centerpiece.

In this series, several best-selling authors describe how they create compelling heroines, challenging heroes, and intricate story lines that allow the protagonists to live happily ever after. The writers reflect on their careers, their recent works, and the satisfactions of writing books that readers love. A book signing follows each session.

Oct 19 Suzanne Brockmann
Author of the Troubleshooter and other series, has based many books on the U.S. Navy SEALs.

Nov 9 Mary Jo Putney
Author of Stolen Magic, her passionate novels combine romance, history, or fantasy with psychological depth and intensity.

Dec 7 Diana Gabaldon
Her novels are romances in the classical sense, closer in style to 19th-century works. Discussion of the Outlander saga, which has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.

Jan 11 Carly Phillips
Her best-selling The Bachelor was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a Reading with Ripa book club selection.

Feb 1 Jennifer Crusie
Hot sex, clever characters, and wit are hallmarks of her best-selling “chick-lit” novels, including Bet Me.

The link to this program:  http://residentassociates.org/com/romance.asp

Pamela Regis is professor of English literature at McDaniel College, and author of A Natural History of the Romance Novel.  She will “interview” each of the authors.

There are 5 sessions, each beginning at 6:30 and ending at 8:00 pm

Tickets: Gen. Admission $136, RAP Members $90, Senior Members $81