The Return of Mad City Romance

 After a several-year hiatus, Mad City Romance, an eclectic and inclusive group founded by romance writers but open to fiction authors of all genres, is gathering online via email and virtual meetings. Stay tuned for further updates.

December 20, 2014 Meeting: Holiday Breakfast and Book Exchange

Holiday Breakfast and book exchange. Take a break from the holiday stress and enjoy breakfast and a book with friends.

November 15, 2014: Ebook Covers

Find out the fashion do's and don'ts for ebook covers. Speak with our expert, discover your options and make your look its best.

October 18, 2014 Meeting: Website best practices

Guest speaker and web designer Elaine Meszaros will discuss best practices for author websites. Come with coffee and questions!

September 20, 2014: NaNo WriMo Prep!

November is National Novel Writing Month! Start preparing now with plot brainstorming and hot tips. By the time November rolls around, you'll have everything you need, including a support group of over-caffinated, under-rested compulsive writers for friends! Group therapy will follow at the October and November meetings. :)

August 16, 2014 Meeting: Convention vs. Conference

Convention vs. Conference. Find out who wins on Saturday! 

Published author Chris Merrill will lead a recap of Romantic Times Convention and Romance Writers Conference. We'll discuss the differences, pros and cons and pick up insight into the rapidly changing world of publishers and theme parties!

July 19, 2014: Write-in Part Deux!

The June write-in was such a success we're doing it again! Join us for a session of caffeine consumption and sprint writing. Snacks provided, work encouraged, success applauded. See you there!

June 21, 2014 - Write in!

Bring your coffee and some extra donuts and do what writers do. Write! Brainstorming, critiquing, advice and more coffee available as desired. Oh yes, and bring your laptop/notebook/stone tablet. It's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

May 17, 2014 - Creative exercises to increase your motivation

Coffee? Chocolate? Deadlines? What helps you stay motivated and stay writing?

We'll explore a number of creative ways to help you get moving on your writing.

Come ready to participate, laugh and exercise your grey matter.

April 19, 2014: Blurbs!

Blurbs! How to write the "back of the book" and capture the audience's attention. Bring your latest work in progress to brainstorm and critique.

March 15, 2014 Meeting: Series!

Editors want them. Readers want them. All the cool writers have them.

No, not tattoos or tribal piercings. Series!

Chris Merrill has graciously offered to let us in on the secrets of writing series. She even promised props, so consider yourself warned!

February 15, 2014 Meeting: Save the Cat for Pantsers and Plotters

Lisette will present on the SAVE THE CAT method of plotting for romance writers. This method appeals to both sides of your brain. Lisette's interpretation works for both the pantser and the plotter—especially if they reside in a single writer!

January 18, 2014 Meeting: Five-Minute Fix

Bring your incomplete characters, your plots to nowhere, your tech questions or whatever else you need help with to the group, and we’ll brainstorm solutions. Sometimes the Hive mind is a good thing! 

November 9, 2013: Social Media: How much is enough?

Lori Devoti will lead a discussion on social media. What are the options that are out there? What method is the best fit for you? What's worked for you in the past? What hasn't? Bring your questions and experiences and be ready to share! Lori will also talk about ways to cut down on your time on social media while upping your impact.

October 19, 2013: Show off your tools!

Do you use a nifty tool to help your writing? Whether it’s Scrivener, The Magic Spreadsheet, or something none of us has heard of, if it helps your writing, share it with the group! Bring your computer and get ready to do a little demo (approx. 15-20 minutes per tool, at least the first go-round). Internet will be available.

If you're planning to share something, please give Jennifer Scratch a heads-up for planning purposes!

September 14, 2013 Meeting: Everything Critique

What kind of critique partner do you need? Someone to help with the building blocks? Someone to help you fill your plot holes? Or someone to help you polish to perfection? Come to the next meeting to get some guidance!

We'll have a questionnaire to cast the type of critiquer you are, tips on selecting and working with a critique partner, and a fun session critiquing opening pages.

  

This is an interactive workshop, so be sure to bring your first page or two.

August 24, 2013 Meeting: Plotting Party: or How To Lie Convincingly

Wondering what your next project is? Painted yourself into a plot corner? In dire need of interesting characters? 

Bring your coffee and your thinking cap. MadCity writers will break into groups to plot your next book, brainstorm solutions, and tell you all about Aunt Edna. Be ready to take notes and practice the art of prevarication.

If you have a favorite plotting tool, bring it along to share with the group; charts, graphs and turning points welcome.

Save the Dates!

Here are the dates for our upcoming meetings:

• August 24
• September 14
• October 19
• November 9 (NOTE DATE CHANGE!)

More information on topics/speakers coming soon!

July 20, 2013 Meeting: Write in!

Bring your notebook or laptop and WRITE! Other writers are handily nearby for brainstorming or problem solving. (Please bring beverages/snacks for yourself and/or to share with the group.)

Save the Date - 2013 Summer Meetings

We'll have more information at the June meeting, but for now, mark your calendars for our July and August meetings: July 20 and August 24.