Who We Are

Founded in 2002, Midwest Romance Writers (MRW) is a Kanasas City area chapter of Romance Writers of America® (RWA), which promotes excellence in the romance genre. We represent the interests of both published and unpublished authors writing in not only the traditional romance genre, but women's fiction, mainstream fiction, and other fiction subgenres as well.

Current Board and Committee Members

     President:     Leigh Stites                   Immediate Past President:     Jackie Bannon
     VP, Programs:     Heidi Senesac            PRO Liaison:     DeAnn Sicard
     VP, Communications:    Bobbie Cole      PAN Liaison:     Bobbie Cole
     Treasurer/Membership:     Paula Gill    Newsletter:      Bobbie Cole
     Secretary:    Alfie Thompson                Website:      Linda Kage

What We Do

Our primary function is to provide support and information to those seeking publication and those already published in romantic fiction. To that end we provide a monthly meeting where members can not only connect with others who share their professional interests but also attend a small seminar presented by an industry professional that is designed to improve general writing skills.

We also offer a host of secondary benefits to our members such as critique outlets and networking opportunities. Please see our Membership Benefits section below for full details.

Where & When We Meet

We meet on the 2nd Thursday of every month in Overland Park at the Red Robin restaurant on the corner of 95th and Metcalf. (For a map, CLICK HERE). Our meeting begins at 6:00pm with an informal social dinner. At approximately 7:00pm we begin our program or workshop, which lasts about an hour. At 8:00pm our night together concludes with a brief business meeting. All times, however, may be subject to change, so please check our PROGRAMS PAGE for the most current information.

Membership Benefits

A member of Midwest Romance Writers experiences the following benefits:

Critique Opportunities:

      Obtaining a professional critique on your manuscript is one of the most valuable tools an author can have access to. MRW works not only within itself to establish small critique groups, but with the two other Kansas City area chapters as well, to pair those seeking critique opportunities with those who share similiar interests. Being exposed to this broad network allows an author the best possible chance at finding a critique circle that will work for him or her throughout the duration of their carreer.

Knowledge Bank:

      With the overwhelming majority of MRWs membership comprising published authors, the knowledge bank within our chapter is extensive. We have members who have been in the industry for twenty years or more. We have members who have served as editors for publishing houses, both in a copy-edit function and in aquisitions functions, who bring critical insight on professionalism and manuscript development.

Networking Within RWA:

      Romance Writers of America has over 10,000 members and is the only writing organization in the United States that allows unpublished members to participate at the same level of opportunity as published members. By becoming an RWA member, authors are instantaneously exposed to an enormous network of peers who share the same goals of success in the writing industry. With these shared goals comes a true foundation of mutual respect and friendship that stems from the genuine desire to see members succeed. More Information on RWA.

Workshops:

      MRW presents online workshops that are designed to improve craft, and as a member you may attend for free. Nonmembers must pay the enrollment fee.

Newsletter:

      It's a guaranttee that once a month we publish a newsletter to our members that contains valuable information from across the nation about publishing. Articles from other authors nationwide are also included. Sometimes, depending on how active the industry is in a given month, we publish two.

Retreat:

      Each year MRW holds a members-only writing retreat, usually at one of our members' lake houses. It's a weekend full of fun, craft, and socialization that truly develops bonds with one another. Mini programs are presented, open critique occurs, but best of all, for one full weekend, an author can have as much time as he or she wants to immerse in nothing but writing.

Awards:

      Whether an author made a sale, signed with an agent, or just accomplished a few paragraphs of writing, we reward our members accomplishments in our incentive program that's designed to help meet goals.

Joining Us

We encourage all authors interested in joining to attend one of our programs first. Guests are allowed to attend two programs annually before they are required to join.

Annual dues are $35.00, payable in check or cash.