E-Newsletter | Issue: 2025-06-01

President’s Letter

From the writing desk of Katrina Marie

Dear CRW Members,

The countdown to conference is on! We have an amazing lineup, and I can’t wait to learn all the things. We’re also entering summer. I hope you’re getting some writing in, and also taking time to enjoy the warm days. I’m keeping this section brief because we have a lot of information below, including the finalists for the Unpublished entries for the Stiletto Contest!

Can’t make it to the CRW Mixers on Thursday evenings? In the even numbered months we are hosting the mixer on Monday evenings. More information on the next one is below!

Stiletto Judges
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for due dates for your judging packets.
Published Entries are due June June 28, 2025

Interested in running for the board?
Are you interested in running for a board position next year? Respond to this email and let me know. You can also reach out to any of the board members. Elections will take place in October.

Keep reading for updates on the conference and workshops. A quick reminder that we don’t have any workshops in July since we have the CRW Conference.

Unpublished Stiletto Contest Finalists

Contemporary Romance Long (80k+)

Ingrid In Ibiza by Aria Garnett
The Greatest Breakup Album Ever Made by Olivia Estridge

Contemporary Romance Mid-Length (50-80k)

The One Who Caught My Eye by Lindsay Kubin
Falling for Nobody by Christina Neuroth
Her East New York Cowboy by Anna Taylor Sweringen

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Love, Spies, and All Things Rocket Science by Lindsay Kubin
The Tinsel Twist by Rosie Potter
Danger By Design by Aria Garnett

Contemporary Speculative / Paranormal

Seraphim Rising by Jennilynn Wyer
2033: Ancestor Resurrection by Deborah DeHaemer

CRW Mixer

Join us on June 9th at 8PM EST / 7PM CST / 6PM MST / 5PM PST.
We’re excited to hang out with everyone. We don’t have a set topic, it’s just a chance to chat. Add it to your calendar, and come hang out with your fellow members!

2025 CRW Virtual Conference

Have you heard? CRW is holding our annual writing conference on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27. As a CRW member, you have free access. Woohoo! Check out the speakers and the schedule here. Share that link with your writing buddies and on your socials; the more attendees the merrier!

In addition to the conference, we offer a masterclass for an extra fee. This year, Deanna Roy, who also writes as JJ Knight and several other names, will share her expertise on building a blockbuster brand. Deanna has built a thriving business that includes special print editions, book boxes, and direct sales. Oh, and lots of pickles! CRW members who want to attend the masterclass on Friday, July 25, must register specifically for the class. 

Do you have a book cover that’s nice but not converting? Maybe you know there’s something not quite right but you don’t know what it is. Here’s your chance to get an expert opinion!

During their conference session, graphic designers Tamian Wood and Cathy Helms will offer kind, constructive cover design critiques to help authors improve their sales and marketability. The first fifteen people who submit their covers will receive reviews, either during the session or afterward. Cover images should be saved as .jpg, under 1MB, and named with the book title, e.g., AliceInLoveland.jpg. Don’t delay! The deadline for submissions is Saturday, June 14. 

Have questions? Want to support the conference with branded graphics? Email conference chair Dayna Reidenouer (they/them) at communications@contemporaryromance.org.

New Members

Please join me in extending a big, warm welcome to our newest members of CRW:

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Event Calendar

Writing Sprints

Join in on our CRW-led writing sprints. We share reminders in the member Facebook Group and Slack.

Every Tuesday: 9am ET | 8am CT | 7am MT | 6am PT
Sprints with Tanya on Zoom

Want to run sprints at a different day/time? Let us know!

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Upcoming Workshops

Invest in your own growth as a writer this year! Here is the lineup of workshops we have for February 2024. Members attend at a discounted price!

Workshop Track	CRW Member Price	Non-Member Price
General Track (Craft, Business)	$20 CRW Member	$30 Non-Member
Advanced Track	$30 CRW Member	$40 Non-Member
Members Only	FREE for CRW Members	N/A

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Member New Releases

Have a new release? Share it on our site and in an upcoming Member Newsletter here, and be sure to take a look at all the new books from CRW members in 2025.