But if you’re looking for inspiration, peruse these lists.  If you’re looking for nitty gritty, you’ll find that here, too.  As well as practical experience and new ideas.

Click here for a list of articles, sorted by the author’s last name.

Click here for a list of articles, sorted by title.

Note: If you have any articles from older issues of the Update that you would like to see included here (must have been written by a WRW member), please write to the WRW Web Site Committee.  We would love to have them. 

If your address, phone number, fax number, or e-mail address changes after you join WRW or after you renew your membership, please send an e-mail to . Your information will be updated throughout our organization.
RWA must be notified separately. Thank you!

This survey (including instructions) went out to all WRW members via the WRW Announcements YahooGroups on November 21st.  You can also download a formatted Word doc of the survey here and then email that with your answers to Mary Lenaburg, or you can copy & paste the survey text from this web page and email that to Mary Lenaburg.

If you prefer to return the survey by snailmail you’ll need to refer to the email you received via the announcement loop to get the address.

However you decide to return the survey, please do return the survey.  The Programs Committee is depending on you.

Thank you!!

Washington Romance Writers Programming Survey

What are you currently writing (i.e. contemporary, Regency, etc.)?

How long have you been writing?

What level have you reached in your writing?
__ Published in romance
__ Advanced
__ Intermediate
__ Beginner

What genre do you most like to read?

Who is your favorite author?

Describe the best workshop/seminar you have attended (note: does not have to be WRW)

In order of importance (1= least 4=most) please rank the following in terms of which workshops you would most likely attend.
______The craft of writing
______The business of writing/selling/marketing a novel
______The writer’s life
______Research

Are the any specific topics or speakers you would like to see WRW present at a monthly meeting?

Would you like to be a member of the WRW programming committee?  If so, what is your contact information?

When you have completed this survey, please email it to Mary Lenaburg at mary_romance@cox.net
WRW will use this information to help plan future programming.

You may now register or renew your membership via the WRW website.  The process is easy and quick.  Step-by-step instructions are listed below.  At first glance it may look intimidating, but as you read through the instructions, you will see that they are simple to follow.

1) Access the WRW website at http://www.wrwdc.com

2) Click on the “How to Join or Renew” button on the right side of the Web Page.

3) That will take you to a page with a pink text box near the top, titled, Membership Renewals.  In the box, there are links for the New Member Registration Form and for the forms to Renew your membership.  Click on the link for the form you need. Please try this year’s new short renewal form!

4) Do not hit the Enter key while filling out the form.  Instead, please use your mouse and/or browser down arrows to scroll down the page.

5) After you have completed all information on the form, BEFORE YOU HIT SUBMIT, please scroll to the top and look it over to make sure that you filled it out correctly.

6) Once you have reviewed the form, and made any corrections, click on “Submit” at the bottom of the form.  Some fields on the form are set as required information.  If you receive an error message, please DO NOT hit the back button.  If you did not fill out one of the required fields, you will receive an error message and your form will be below that with the missing information fields highlighted.  Once you have made the necessary corrections, click on “Submit” at the bottom of the form. 

7) That will bring you to the payment page where you will have the option of paying via PayPal, or sending a check via regular U.S. Mail.  You will see a button to click for PayPal, as well as instructions for paying by check, should you choose that option.  (NOTE:  You do not need to have a PayPal account in order to send your payment through PayPal.  You may pay, securely, by credit card.

8) If paying by PayPal, you may either login to your PayPal account (if you are a member), OR click on Don’t Have PayPal?  Click here.  At that time you will fill out a payment form to pay by credit card, and then submit your payment.

IMPORTANT:

• When you hit the “Submit” button, the information you entered will automatically be emailed to our Membership Chair (wrwdc.member@gmail.com).
• If, after you submit your form, you realize that you made a mistake, forgot something, or wish to make changes, please DO NOT try to fill the form out and send it again.  If you do, you will probably get an error message because the database won’t accept two forms with the same RWA number. Instead, send your corrected or additional information directly to the Membership Chair (wrwdc.member@gmail.com).

Please put your LAST NAME and the word “Change” in the subject line of the message. For example: KENT Change
• Please note that your membership cannot be processed until we receive your dues payment, whichever method you choose.
• Membership must be renewed, including payment received, by August 31st in order to be eligible for early registration for our Spring Retreat. If you pay online, the automatic date-stamp on your payment will serve as your payment date.  If you pay by check, the U.S. Post-Mark will serve as your payment date.  This means that all payments must be date-stamped no later than August 31st in order to be eligible for early registration for our retreat, “In the Company of Writers,” and at member rates.

You will receive a confirmation email when your membership is complete. You may receive this confirmation within a week, however, please allow 3—5 weeks for processing. Membership is handled by WRW volunteers, and sometimes outside deadlines are pressing.

If you have questions or concerns, or if I may assist you with the membership process in any way, please feel free to contact me at wrwdc.member@gmail.com .

Wishing you all the best,

Catherine Kent
WRW Membership Chair

Jennifer Crusie and Pamela Regis

In the final installment of the Conversations about Romance, with Best-Selling Authors series, presented by the Smithsonian Associates, Pamela Regis interviewed Jennifer Crusie (and her mascot, Moot).

Jenny read from Bet Me and from Moot’s book, Don’t Look Down (on the shelves April 4!).  She talked about why she writes romance and how she got started, answered many questions from the audience, and wore fabulous shoes.

Nora Roberts

Sarah Gabriel

WRW members Nora Roberts and Susan King (writing as Sarah Gabriel for Avon) signed books at Turn the Page in Boonsboro, MD, on Saturday, December 10th. 

Mark your calendars now!  The next signing at Turn the Page will be February 11th, featuring WRW members Elaine Fox and Nora Roberts.

Behind Ms. Parker, you see Glenda Garland on the left and Mary Jo Putney on the right.  Glenda and Merry Banerji (not pictured here) coordinated this years Booksellers Lunecheon event, and Mary Jo Putney gave a wonderful and inspiring speech.