Romance writing is one of publishing’s most lucrative categories and continues to captivate millions of female readers. Though the genre is often criticized for promoting traditional gender roles and conforming to patriarchal ideals, a new generation of writers are challenging these stereotypes and empowering their heroines in new ways.
Join us in conversation with modern romance novelists Libby Waterford, Kilby Blades and Denise Williams, as they discuss the craft of writing romance and its relationship to feminism, power and gender.
7:00PM EST - 8:00PM EST/4:00PM PST - 5:00PM PST
This is a virtual event. Please register here.
About the Panelists
Libby Waterford writes steamy contemporary romances where lust always leads to happily ever after. The President of the Connecticut Chapter of Romance Writers of America®, she is also an instructor at the Westport Writers’ Workshop where she teaches classes on romance and genre fiction. Libby has participated in National Novel Writing Month every year since 2008 and is a four-time “winner.” Libby lives with her family in Fairfield County, Connecticut. www.libbywaterford.com
Kilby Blades is a USA Today Bestselling author of Romance and Women's Fiction. Her debut novel, Snapdragon, was a HOLT Medallion finalist, a Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist, and an IPPY Award medalist. Kilby was honored with an RSJ Emma Award for Best Debut Author in 2018, and has been lauded by critics for "easing feminism and equality into her novels" (IndieReader) and "writing characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal" (Publisher's Weekly).
Denise Williams wrote her first book in the 2nd grade. I Hate You and its sequel, I Still Hate You, featured a tough, funny heroine, a quirky hero, witty banter, and a dragon. Minus the dragons, these are still the books she likes to write. After penning those early works, she finished second grade and eventually earned a PhD in education, going on to work in higher education. After growing up a military brat around the world and across the country, Denise now lives in Des Moines, Iowa with her husband, son, and two ornery shih-tzus who think they own the house. www.denisewilliamswrites.com