About Membership

Visitors are welcome to attend up to two meetings for a nominal door fee before being required to join. Membership dues are $30.00 per year. Members and visitors must be 18 years of age or older.

Membership Benefits

Monthly Newsletter
Romantically Speaking is a valuable resource and a great way to get to know other members. Our newsletter is unique in that so many members, published and unpublished, submit articles.

All-day Writing Workshop
Each November RIRW sponsors an all-day workshop event to enhance the writing experience. For a nominal fee, members and guests can attend workshops on a range of topics presented by well-known and respected authors.

Critiquing Service
For a $25.00 fee, members can have their first three chapters and synopsis critiqued in writing by a published author in the group (or another member of the writer’s choice.)

Book Sales
Each month we set up a table with used books donated by our members.  You can purchase as many as you like for 25 cents each.  All proceeds go to the group’s treasury. This monthly event is a great way to clear your shelves by bringing in your used books and pick up some new ones at a bargain.

Contest Sponsorship
Each year a drawing is held to sponsor one member’s entry fee in a recognized contest for unpublished authors.  Individuals must be RIRW members who have completed their membership requirements.

Writing Requirements
Believe it or not, this is a benefit for all members of RIRW.  The writing requirements work hand in hand with RIRW’s goal to help members become published and to promote excellence in women’s fiction.  It also works to motivate members to produce and learn how to meet deadlines.

Within one year of joining, individuals must show evidence of having written a proposal (three chapters and a synopsis) in order to maintain their membership.  Within two years, individuals must show evidence of having completed a manuscript.

Silent Critiques
At each meeting, up to three members can elect to read  (or have read) three consecutive pages of their manuscript and receive written silent critiques from attendees.

Annual Retreat
This unofficial overnight writing adventure (Saturday afternoon until Sunday noon) is usually held in February.   It’s a time to write, reflect, eat (real food as well as chocolate) and commiserate with fellow writers in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Email Loop
A private e-mail loop open only to members as a support vehicle for one another. It’s a great way to stay in touch and share information and research needs, as well as the ups and downs of the writing life.

Membership Requirements

RIRW believes that in order to succeed, writers must actively pursue their craft. The following requirements must be met to maintain membership in the group: Within one year of joining, individuals must show evidence of having written a proposal (three chapters and a synopsis.) Within two years, individuals must show evidence of having completed a manuscript.