RomanceLahoma Schedule

Learn the basics of author newsletters, from building your subscriber list to crafting engaging content your readers will love. We will discuss content ideas and how to keep your readers coming back for more.

Marsal Lyon Literary Agent Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong will walk you through the timeline of what happens when you get “the call,” the types of questions you should consider, and what generally happens in the days after signing as you prepare for submission, what your agent is doing while you’re working on any requested its, and finally, what to expect once your manuscript goes out to publishers.

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Graphics are intimidating for most authors. It’s hard to know what looks right, and we can quickly get overwhelmed with programs like Adobe Photoshop. Still, as an independent author, we need to have plenty of graphics for our books so we can get attention, and then, get sales, from our books. Not many of us can afford to pay a graphic artist to design everything, either. So Candice Gilmer is going to show you how to up your visual game with Canva and BookBrush, so you can find those readers and sell all the books!

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Whether you're crafting a sweet historical romance or a sexy contemporary rom-com, the world in which your story unfolds is just as important as the characters and plot. In this course, writers will explore the foundational principles of world-building and learn how to design settings that breathe life into their stories. This course will equip you with the tools to build a world that feels authentic and enhances your narrative. Learn how to shape your setting to support your themes, deepen your characters, and captivate your readers.

Step into the artful balance of historical accuracy and romantic fantasy, where every detail can ground and uplift your story. We’ll explore how to weave authentic period details with the heartwarming and hopeful elements that make romance novels unforgettable. From navigating historical social norms to crafting lovable characters who thrive within (or triumph over) their restrictive constraints, we will discuss discover strategies to keep your romance true to its era without sacrificing the charm and emotional pull that readers crave.

Join New York Times bestselling author, Ginny Myers Sain, as she guides you through the plotting method she uses to craft her novels. Using this "best of both worlds" technique, you'll learn how to embrace the organization and structure of "plotting" without giving up the creativity and freedom of "pantsing".

In this course romance novelists will learn how to identify the key BEATS used in made for TV movies designed for viewers who love the Hallmark Channel. Using these beats, authors will craft their love interests, design obstacles to stand in the way of their love story, and deliver the perfect grand gesture to ensure a happily ever after.

Two best-selling authors discuss working together to draft, edit and publish a book that both writers love. Though not accountants or lawyers, the authors will also give a brief overview of how they handle the legalities and finances. Q&A throughout.

It took years of learning the hard way for USA Today Bestselling Author, Katana Collins to trust her intuition.  After all this time, she's finally refined her methods and found a way to both follow her heart while tweaking her books to hit the market's sweet spot. While intuition may not always be able to be taught, it can be discovered, developed, and strengthened! And this is the perfect workshop for the author who's looking to tap into their intuition!

TBA

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Learn about the various ways you can have your books translated and make money in foreign markets!

No volunteers assigned

Enjoy lunch and then a Q & A session with our keynote, Sara Cate, and

special guest, Wander Aguiar

(Registration required. No walk-ins)

From querying agents to selling a book to a traditional publisher and everything in between (and beyond). come learn about querying, submission, contracts, and more!

This session is focused on indie vs. publisher routes, dual/duet/single narration options, a deeper dive about human vs. artificial voices and how to get the most from your partnership with your chosen narrator(s).

(Must be registered to sell books)

Open to Public book sale: Registration Required

Interested in traditional publishing and have a book ready to go? Pitch your book to our visiting agents & editors. Pre-Sign ups allowed for 1 appointment per attendee allowed. Check to see what they are looking for and to sign up HERE

Whether you are planning to self-publish or submit to an agent or publishing house, it’s important to polish your work until it shines. Ally Robertson, editor for The Wild Rose Press aka Alicia Dean, freelance editor, will show you how to self-edit your work so that you can make it the best it can be. Her 20 years as an editor has given her the skills and experience to provide tips on ways to improve your story, from dialogue tags, to punctuation, passive voice, dangling modifiers, show vs tell and more.

Need to decompress, but aren't ready to go to your room? Swing by Room D and enjoy some quiet time, where you can go over your notes, collect your thoughts, and just chill for a bit. Please do not sit in groups and chat in this room. 

Be sure to take advantage of the hotel's complimentary evening reception (for those staying at the hotel).

 Announcement of 2025 Heart Award Contest Winners

& 2026 Keynote Speaker