Day 1 Welcome & Preview

9:00am PT

Get ready to have an AH-mazing conference!

In this Welcome session, Sue will give you some important information about the next few days and share a preview of the sessions you can attend (or watch) today.

If you're a Spark Passholder, you can pop into the Ignite Lounge as early as 8:00am PT today and chat with your fellow attendees before we get started!

Wrangle your inner critic

9:15am PT

If you struggle with doubt or feeling “good enough” (or even writing fast enough), this session is for you!

In "Wrangle Your Inner Critic," Sue Brown-Moore and romance author Danika Bloom get real about overcoming writing hurdles and rediscovering the joy in your craft. We share our experiences with setting goals, celebrating wins, and finding ways to make the writing journey less daunting and way more fun.

Plus, you'll get some awesome tips on building a supportive writing community and managing those anxiety-inducing moments. Tune in for a relaxed, inspiring chat that’ll leave you feeling ready to tackle your writing with confidence!

Writing your own hero's journey (& being your authentic self out loud)

10:30am PT

In this session, we get cozy with best-selling author Steff Green, who writes as Steffanie Holmes. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and hang out with Steff and host Sue Brown-Moore as they explore Steff's journey from riding the bully romance trend to embracing her true passion for all things gothic, fantasy, and kooky spooky romance.

Steff opens up about the highs and lows of growing her writing business to 6 figures, pivoting her author brand, staying true to herself, and the personal challenges she faced along the way as a legally blind author.

If you're looking for an an example of an author who succeeded because of being true to who they are, this one's for you. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

Vampires & Dragons & RomComs, oh my!

11:45am PT

Ready to dive into a world where vampires, dragons, and RomComs collide? Join us for a chat with seriously prolific author Ines Johnson. With over 100 kissing books published and a background in writing serialized fiction for TV, Ines approaches her writing with a unique framework (and shares it with us).

In this session, she shares her breakdown of how tropes work in a story and how to how to “write to market” without crushing your creative vibes.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a pro looking for new tips, you’ll find plenty to get excited about. So, kick back, relax, and get ready to soak in some awesome insights.

Handling overenthusiastic fans as a romance writer

1:30pm PT

Get ready to hear Gail Carriger spill the tea on managing parasocial relationships with super-enthusiastic fans as a romance writer.

From creating a safe space for yourself and most loyal readers to setting boundaries that will keep your sanity intact while you grow as an author, Gail shares her tips for striking a balance to protect yourself and your author brand. 

Tune in to hear Gail's real experience with overzealous fans and tap into her unique approach to fostering meaningful—but healthy—connections with readers.

Writing as an autistic author + combining tropes

2:30pm PT

Join us for a heartfelt and honest conversation with Kait Ballenger, the award-winning author of the Seven Range Shifter series. 

In this interview, Kait shares her experiences as an autistic writer, from receiving a late diagnosis to realizing how themes of redemption and self-acceptance have naturally become a part of her storytelling style. 

Kait also chats about why cowboys and wolves are a powerhouse trope combo and reveals one very special story element that makes paranormal romance so addicting.

Whether you're a die-hard paranormal romance fan or just looking for an inspiring heart-to-heart, Kait Ballenger's interview is a must-see!

Live Workshop: What's Love Got to Do With It? Romance, Relationships & Tropes

4:00pm PT

Live Happy Hour: Day 1 wrap-up + PRIZES!

6:00pm PT

Join us to chat about your favorite sessions & takeaways from the day and what's coming up tomorrow.

We'll be giving out some stellar prizes—you must be present to win many of these—and maybe even virtual drinks!

AND you never know who might drop in on stage as a surprise speaker!

Wanna see what we're giving away as prizes each day? They'll be announced in the daily preview email, so be sure to check your inbox!

After Happy Hour, hang around until 8pm PT in the Ignite Lounge or bump around Fluid Space to network and make new Romancelandia friends!

Day 2 Welcome & Preview

9:00am PT

Today, we focus on your readers!

In this Welcome session, Sue will give you an overview of the day's activities and share a preview of the sessions you can attend (or watch) today.

If you're a Spark Passholder, you can pop into the Ignite Lounge as early as 8:00am PT today and chat with your fellow attendees before we get started!

Urban Fantasy Romance: The dark, dirty, and snarky (Panel interview)

9:15am PT

Are you a fan of magic, romance, and kick-butt heroines? Then you won't want to miss this lively discussion with urban fantasy authors C.P. Rider, Heather G. Harris, and Deborah Wilde!

They dive into the juicy details of what sets apart Urban Fantasy, Urban Fantasy Romance, and Paranormal Romance. Expect plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes tips as these talented writers share their secrets for crafting immersive worlds, unforgettable stories, and heroes that readers truly care about. 

Whether you're already an urban fantasy romance writer or just looking to explore a new genre, this fun (and funny!) chat will inspire you to start (and finish!) your next manuscript draft.

8 First-Chapter Tips to Hook Your Readers

10:30am PT

If want to write a romance book that readers rave about, your first chapter has to hook them in very specific ways. In this laid-back discussion, Casey Harris-Parks shares her top eight strategies for writing a first chapter that keeps readers turning pages and sets up an addictive experience.

Casey also shares how she became an editor for Harlequin, and she and Sue chat about all the essential story elements to establish early on, as well as the value of partnering with an editor who truly understands the romance genre and can guide you in satisfying the unique desires and expectations of romance readers.

Packed with down-to-earth advice and industry insights, this session will leave you feeling inspired and ready to write an opening chapter that captivates readers from the very first page.

Writing BDSM romance for the Heart and Soul

12:00pm PT

Joey W. Hill, a veteran author of BDSM and erotic romance, sits down for an honest, intimate chat about her writing process and the genre she's called home for two decades.

She taps into personal experience to share her techniques for writing stories and heroes that always feel real. She also opens up about the unique challenges of writing a full ménage in a single book, penning FemDom stories as a submissive herself, and the importance of putting your heart (and a little discomfort) into your work.

Whether you're a confident, experienced author or a newbie taking your first steps into the erotic romance space, this charmingly candid interview will hit you right in the feels.

Ship Happens: Five Tricks to Make Your Readers Swoon

2:00pm PT

Learn the 5 must-have elements to create romantic chemistry in your romance book in Hollie Smurthwaite’s interview, “Ship Happens”. There’s a technical trick to the emotional payoff, and we’re walking you through it!

Hollie shares how to layer tropes, dialogue, vulnerability, power dynamics, and sensory details to nurture that special swoon-inducing je ne sais quoi in your love stories. And, we talk about hitting that perfect balance between Showing and Telling to support your heroes' romantic chemistry throughout the story. 

Whether you excel at witty banter or deep interiority, this session will give you tons of real examples from bestselling books to help you play to your strengths and craft unforgettable romantic relationships on the page.

Far Beyond Fabio: What Modern Romance Readers Really Want

4:00pm PT

In our readers-tell-all panel, host Sue Brown-Moore sits down with Jennifer Morris, director of the Coastal Magic Convention, and Tamara Ford, host of the Shelf Addiction podcast, for a fun, casual chat about what today's romance readers crave in their books... and what they won't tolerate.

From the tropes they can't resist to the plot potholes that make them DNF, Jennifer and Tamara dish on what it takes to capture readers' hearts in today's ever-evolving romance landscape. Sprinkled with nostalgic faves, juicy anecdotes, and a whole lotta love for the genre, this chat is a must-watch for anyone who adores a well-crafted Happily Ever After. 

Tune in for the tea on vampires, alphas, diversity, and more - plus some exciting giveaway opps you won't want to miss! Don’t miss this special interview, where romance readers get real.

Live Happy Hour: Q&A with Joey W. Hill + Day 2 wrap-up + PRIZES!

6:00pm PT

Joey W. Hill will join us from the stage to answer your questions in this extra-special social session.

Afterwards, hang around to chat about your favorite sessions & takeaways from the day and what's coming up tomorrow.

We'll be giving out some stellar prizes—you must be present to win many of these—and maybe even virtual drinks!

Wanna see what we're giving away as prizes each day? They'll be announced in the daily preview email, so be sure to check your inbox!

After Happy Hour, hang around until 8pm PT in the Ignite Lounge or bump around Fluid Space to network and make new Romancelandia friends!

Day 3 Welcome & Preview

9:00am PT

In our next-to-last day of WWR2024—the final day for free ticketholders—we're talking about the story!

In this Welcome session, Sue will give you an overview of the day's activities and share a preview of the sessions you can attend (or watch) today.

If you're a Spark Passholder, you can pop into the Ignite Lounge as early as 8:00am PT today and chat with your fellow attendees before we get started!

The Essential Elements of a Romance

10:00am PT

You know that giddy feeling when you're falling for someone special? The heart-pounding excitement, the yearning, the will-they-won't-they tension?

Crafting those subtle emotional ups and downs is an art, and historical romance author Paula Judith Johnson has refined the must-have beats that readers expect from a romance into a simple, straightforward list. 

From memorable first meetings to angsty separations to epic grand gestures, Paula breaks down the essential story moments that'll keep your readers swooning.

Whether you're a newbie writer or a seasoned pro, you won't want to miss Paula's romance-writing wisdom that's both practical and straight from the heart.

3 Elements of Emotional Intimacy and How to Use Them

11:00am PT

Award-winning author Rebecca Hunter pulls back the curtain on the secret to crafting emotionally charged romance novels. She guides us through the three essential elements of emotional intimacy—thoughts, words, and actions—and demonstrates (using real stories) how to skillfully place them in a scene.

Rebecca shows us how emotional dissonance and resonance are the keys to building a foundation of emotional intimacy that your story can build on and uses relatable examples from her own works, plus practical tips for every stage of the writing process, to empower you to elevate the emotional stakes in your stories.

By the end of this session, you'll understand how to build backstories that lay the foundation for a compelling intimacy arc, use subtext and dialogue to raise tension, and seamlessly weave together the characters' inner worlds and outward expressions to create a deeply satisfying Happily Ever After.

Romantasy Worldbuilding

12:30pm PT

Grab some tea and get cozy. Because in this interview, romantasy author Leslye Penelope shares her personal techniques for crafting immersive, character-driven worlds that blend magic, fantasy, and love. Leslye is known for her skill at worldbuilding, and she breaks it all down for us in bite-sized insights.

In this super-chill interview, Leslye opens up with a candid look at her own journey from self- to traditionally published and about the importance of writing stories true to your heart, while also considering reader expectations and branding. She also talks about how to nurture that first shiny spark of inspiration and then layer in rich details during revisions.

She'll inspire you to embrace what makes your story uniquely yours and to have the courage to share it with the world. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, you'll come away with practical tips and a behind-the-scenes look at building romantic fantasy worlds that resonate.

Creating stronger inner conflicts in your romance novel

2:00pm PT

Janice Hardy's workshop on creating stronger conflicts in your romance novel is a freaking masterclass in romance story design. 

In only 40 minutes, Janice walks us through not just the two types of conflict you need in every romantic fiction story—internal and external—but also deep dives into the character traits that make your readers care about the heroes.

AND she ties all of that into the plot and demonstrates the top reasons why romance books fail. This session is a Do Not Miss, and we bet you'll want to watch it many times. (There will be no DNFing here!)

Personality Power-ups: Using personality types in character design & story tropes

2:45pm PT

Romance editor and author coach Jessica Snyder really knows this genre. And she uses examples from her own author clients to demonstrate how personality frameworks can give you a solid grasp on your characters' core traits, blind spots, and the opportunities for growth that shape their transformative journeys. 

When you get intimately acquainted with who your characters at their core, creating relatable conflict and simmering tension becomes much simpler. Because you already know what will set them on fire... in the serious and sexy ways.

Listen in and equip yourself with a new set of tools for penning romance that strikes a deep emotional chord. If you're ready to take your character development to the next level, definitely don't want to miss this interview session!

Before & After Demo: How your romance beats affect your hero's growth arc

4:30pm PT

In this over-the-shoulder book coaching session, Beth Barany uses neurolinguistic programming to guide two writers through brainstorming their hero's growth arc using 6 key romance beats. And Beth invites us along for the ride so you can try out this technique for yourself, in real time. 

Just by listening to Beth ask deep-dive questions and by following along with Lea Kirk and C.P. Rider as they brainstorm their example stories, you are sure to experience your own AHA! moments. And as Beth points out throughout the session, you can't do this exercise "wrong".

So download your worksheet below, shut out any distractions that might steal your focus, and get ready to make some serious progress on your WIP story concept.

Live Happy Hour: Day 3 wrap-up + PRIZES!

6:00pm PT

Join us to chat about your favorite sessions & takeaways from the day and what's coming up tomorrow.

We'll be giving out some stellar prizes—you must be present to win many of these—and maybe even virtual drinks!

AND you never know who might drop in on stage as a surprise speaker!

Wanna see what we're giving away as prizes each day? They'll be announced in the daily preview email, so be sure to check your inbox!

After Happy Hour, hang around until 8pm PT in the Ignite Lounge or bump around Fluid Space to network and make new Romancelandia friends!

LIVE! Day 4 Welcome & Preview

10:00am PT

In our final day of WWR2024, we are deep-diving into LIVE WORKSHOPS!

In this Welcome session, Sue will give you an overview of the day's activities and share a preview of the sessions you can attend (or watch) today.

If you're a Spark Passholder, you can pop into the Ignite Lounge as early as 8:00am PT today and chat with your fellow attendees before we get started! 

Live Workshop: Fiction Haiku: Setting the table (& writing to word count)

11:00am PT

In this live workshop, author Amy Lane shares her secret recipe for crafting the perfect romance novel. Using a clever "setting the table for dinner" analogy, she'll walk you through exercises to establish the ideal ambiance, tropes, characters, and conflicts.

Amy serves up plenty of practical tips on how to balance book length with the complexity of your story elements, so you can maintain a steady simmer of tension and emotional depth. She'll even spill the tea on writing intimate scenes that showcase your characters' vulnerable sides and leave your readers swooning.

Whether you're a seasoned chef in the kitchen of love or just starting out, Amy's got you covered with examples and advice to help you create a satisfying, well-crafted romance from start to finish. So grab a seat at the table, put on your favorite apron, and get ready to cook up a mouthwatering tale of connection that'll leave your readers craving seconds!

Live Workshop: Writing Your ID

2:00pm PT

Readers have expectations when they pick up your book. And Tere Michaels will show us how your “why” as a writer matters as much as the story itself. Don’t miss this special live workshop! 

Live Workshop: First Fight Makeovers - Live Line Edit Demo & Critiques

4:00pm PT

Join author and editor Stacy Juba for a dynamic workshop designed to transform your fictional arguments into compelling, emotionally resonant scenes.

Through a blend of instruction and live line-editing demonstrations, participants will gain valuable insights into crafting authentic argument scenes in their romance novels.

From emotional triggers to communication styles, Stacy will explore the nuances of real-life psychology and how to apply it to your characters' interactions.

You'll learn how to:

• Avoid common pitfalls
• Incorporate realistic behaviors for your characters' personalities
• Create the ingredients of a strong argument scene that keeps readers engaged
• The line editing demonstration will feature a selection of excerpts pre-submitted from participants.

LIVE! Farewell chat: Day 4 wrap-up + PRIZES!

6:00pm PT

Join us in this farewell social time for the final prize giveaways and reminiscing about our favorite sessions. 

We'd also love to hear what you want to see more (or less) of next year, so drop in and let us know!

The end of this session marks the end of the conference for this year, so be sure to do any networking in the Ignite Lounge before it starts. 

Day 1 Welcome & Preview

9:00am PT

Get ready to have an AH-mazing conference!

In this Welcome session, Sue will give you some important information about the next few days and share a preview of the sessions you can attend (or watch) today.

If you're a Spark Passholder, you can pop into the Ignite Lounge as early as 8:00am PT today and chat with your fellow attendees before we get started!