2025
RSJ ONLINE ROMANCE BOOK CONVENTION
EVENT SCHEDULE
ENJOY THE 3-DAY VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
Note: All Conference Events Are Scheduled in Eastern Time (ET)
THURSDAY, JULY 10
DON'T MISS IT! GET MATCHED WITH YOUR TEAMMATES DURING THE KICKOFF!
10
JULY
12:00 pm - 12:50 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
WELCOME TO RSJ: Let's Set Up Your Teams
Your RSJ Team Will Present Your First Team Challenge
Get An Overview On How To Navigate The RSJ Convention & What's To Come. Don’t miss it—this is where the magic starts! Join in to get placed on a team, meet fellow attendees, and start racking up prizes and points for your team.
10
JULY
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
Using TikTok To Launch a Book
Kenya Goree-Bell ~ Author
Learn how to use TikTok to launch a book by implementing a pre-launch checklist, networking, preorder, and the BookTok community.
SESSION MODERATOR - Moni Boyce
10
JULY
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
Hooks and Tropes – Why Your Romance Novel Needs Them!
Dana Grimaldi ~ Harlequin Editor
What makes a reader click, buy, or binge your book in a single night? In this essential workshop led by the team at Harlequin, discover the art and science behind catching a reader’s attention—and keeping it.
SESSION MODERATOR - Angela Anderson
10
JULY
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm
SHORT BREAK - 15 MIN
10
JULY
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
INDUSTRY PANEL
Keep Them Up All Night: How to Make Readers Binge Your Books
Lydia Sharp (Entangled Publishing), Cole Lanahan (The Seymour Agency), and V. Ruiz (Brick & Bloom)
SESSION MODERATOR - Jen Graybeal
10
JULY
4:15 pm - 5:15 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
The Pinterest Power Hour: Attract Romance Readers with Ease
Want to reach new readers and get your books in front of the right eyes? Pinterest is more than recipes and home décor — it’s a powerful (and free!) tool for authors. In this 60-minute workshop, you’ll learn how to set up your Pinterest profile, understand the different types of Pins, and start using Pinterest to drive long-term visibility for your romance novels.
SESSION MODERATOR - Tiffany Jones
10
JULY
5:15 pm - 6:00 pm
DINNER BREAK - 45 MINUTES
10
JULY
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
DARK ROMANCE PANEL + SCAVENGER HUNT GAME
Love in the Shadows: The Allure of Dark Romance
Kenya Goree-Bell, Stephanie Morris, Pepper Winters, and Bria Rose
Step into the shadows with a panel of bestselling and rising dark romance authors as we explore the dangerously addictive world of morally grey heroes, forbidden desires, and love that walks the edge of obsession. We'll dive into what makes dark romance irresistible, the fine line between pain and passion, and why readers can’t get enough of the darker side of happily ever after.
Stick around after the discussion for a wickedly fun Dark Romance Scavenger Hunt, where you’ll search for sultry, sinister, and scandalous items. Think you know your dark romance grey heroes?
Come test your knowledge—and win some delightfully dark prizes.
PANEL SESSION MODERATOR - Moni Boyce & Angela Anderson
SCAVENGER HUNT - Tiffany Jones
The RSJ Convention Is Run On Eastern Time.
FRIDAY, JULY 11
11
JULY
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
The Ultimate Guide to Planning and Executing a Book Launch
Laurie Cooper ~ Pub-Craft (Author Coaching & Book Marketing)
Whether you're launching your first book or your fifteenth, a successful release takes strategy, timing, and the right tools. In this actionable workshop, award-winning speaker & marketing coach Laurie Cooper walks you through a proven step-by-step process to plan and execute a book launch that attracts your ideal readers and drives sales.
You'll learn how to:
➡️ Prepare your platform and marketing
➡️ Build a launch plan that works for you
➡️ Maximize visibility during your release week
BONUS: Every attendee receives a copy of Laurie’s popular "Exhausting Book Launch Checklist", a comprehensive guide designed to help you stay organized and launch with confidence.
SESSION MODERATOR - Jen Graybeal
GET READY FOR SOME TEAMWORK, NETWORKING, AND FUN!
11
JULY
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
TEAM CHALLENGE ~ DAY 2: Meet & Greet Engagement, Networking, & Prizes
Your RSJ Team
Meet Your Fellow Attendee. Don’t miss the team engagement—it’s where the real fun and connections happen throughout the convention! Plus, we're still racking up prizes and points for your team.
11
JULY
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
Designing Unforgettable Romantic Heroes: Building The Internal Life That Bonds Readers to Protagonists
If you want readers to feel invested in your protagonist’s journey, they’ve got to be able to understand how your hero thinks, but also be surprised by what your hero does. This means creating a vibrant inner life that’s understandable, even as their thinking shifts. Building the mental world for an imaginary person (or dragon, android, vampire, alien, secret Fae queen) who is relatable and dynamic is no easy task.
In this talk, you’ll learn some simple concepts from behavior change and brain science that can help you craft 3-dimensional romantic heroes with rich interior lives, including: two vital requirements to keep readers invested in your heroes’ journeys, the 5 Stages of Change that define your protagonist’s journey, and more. Plus, mental worlds that will capture and hold readers’ attention because the journey towards earning their Happily Ever After is so satisfying.
SESSION MODERATOR - Moni Boyce
11
JULY
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm
SHORT BREAK - 15 MINUTES
11
JULY
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
Spotlight on Brick & Bloom ~ A Digital-first Romance Imprint
Rebekah Borucki - Row House Publishing
Join us for this special spotlight on Brick & Bloom, the digital-first romance imprint from Row House Publishing that’s redefining what love stories look like. With a model focused on debuting titles in ebook and audiobook formats, they are on a bold mission: to publish romance for every kind of romantic. They champion new and emerging authors, regardless of social media following or publishing background. They’re especially passionate about uplifting Black and brown, queer, and disabled voices. Find out what Brick & Bloom is acquiring now.
SESSION MODERATOR - Angela Anderson
11
JULY
4:15 pm - 5:15 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
Love Bytes: Exploring AI's Impact on Romance Writing and Copyright
Desarie Green
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly popular in creative industries, including romance fiction—but how does technology intersect with the art of storytelling, authorship, and intellectual property? Join us as we explore the practical and ethical considerations of using AI in romance writing. Topics will include the creative authenticity of AI-generated content, potential impacts on authors' livelihoods and industry standards, reader expectations, and the current stance of the U.S. Copyright Office regarding copyrightability of AI-produced works. Gain insights into balancing innovation with protecting your creative rights.
SESSION MODERATOR - Moni Boyce
11
JULY
5:15 pm - 6:00 pm
DINNER BREAK - 45 MINUTES
11
JULY
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
WELCOME TO CAFE CLIFFHANGER NIGHT:
Our PJ Party Event
Who's Winning Prizes Tonight? Listen and watch in your pajamas while cliffhangers from books are read in audiobook format to introduce you to your next great read. Get your drinks, snacks, and pajamas ready.
SESSION MODERATOR - Stephanie Morris, Tiffany Jones, and Angela Anderson
The RSJ Convention Is Run On Eastern Time.
SATURDAY, JULY 12
12
JULY
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
TEAM CHALLENGE ~DAY 3: Meet & Greet Engagement, Networking, & Prizes
Your RSJ Team
Meet Your Fellow Attendee: Authors, Aspiring Authors, & Readers
12
JULY
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
Plot Twist: Your Love Story Could Be a Show
Niki Williams ~ Indigo Ink
Top 10 things every romance author should know before adapting their book for the screen. Whether you’re writing it yourself or hiring someone else, this workshop will guide you through what it really takes to make the jump. The distance between a great novel and a great show is bigger than it seems, but with the right tools, your story can make the leap beautifully. Don’t miss it.
SESSION MODERATOR - Moni Boyce
12
JULY
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Mosely Room
So, You Want to Be an Author? Aspiring Author Workshop: Part 1
- Authors Miriam Pace & Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Kickstart your writing journey with this beginner-friendly workshop designed to help you understand the basic structure of romance novels. From story format to foundational tips, we’ll guide you through what it really takes to start writing the book you’ve been dreaming of. Enjoy this interactive session as we build the framework of a story together.
SESSION MODERATOR -
Karol Jarvis at DWRI.org
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Lovehall Room
Love Beyond the Stereotypes: Writing Authentic Muslim Romance
Talia Basma ~ Author
Join debut author Talia Basma for an inspiring workshop on crafting authentic Muslim romance stories that break stereotypes and celebrate diverse narratives. Whether you're a writer, reader, or simply curious this session will explore how to create compelling love stories that resonate with authenticity and heart. Together, we’ll dive into the importance of representation in romance and why Muslim voices matter and balancing cultural and religious nuances with universal themes of love and connection. Perfect for aspiring authors or anyone passionate about inclusive storytelling!
SESSION MODERATOR - Tiffany Jones
12
JULY
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm
SHORT BREAK - 15 MIN
12
JULY
3:15 pm - 4:00 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
Genre Panel
From Fantasy to Fantasy Romance
Ailed De la Torre, Jennifer Safrey, J. Ember Hintz
SESSION MODERATOR - Moni Boyce & Tiffany Jones
12
JULY
4:00 pm - 4:15 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
Tiara and Crown Winner Announced!
Do You Have Your Tiaras, Fantasy or Royal Crowns Ready - Winners Announced!
SESSION MODERATOR - Angela Anderson
12
JULY
4:15 pm - 5:15 pm - Mosley Room
So, You Want to Be an Author?
Aspiring Author Workshop: Part 2
- Authors Miriam Pace & Rachel Smoka-Richardson
In this session we’ll continue building your story by reviewing your progress, refining structure, and diving deeper into the romance-writing process. Enjoy this hands-on workshop.
SESSION MODERATOR -
Karol Jarvis at DWRI.org
4:15 pm - 5:15 pm - Lovehall Room
Strategic Thinking for Authors
Jen Graybeal ~ Creative Coach
Success means different things to different people, but if you don't know what it means to you then you can never get there. This workshop is for published authors that want to apply strategic thinking to every aspect of their business. We talk about what it means, how to use it to your advantage, and the three-letter word that should be part of every strategic discussion.
SESSION MODERATOR - Tracee Lydia Garner
12
JULY
5:15 pm - 5:45 pm
LET'S GET YOU BACK WITH YOUR TEAMMATES:
Engagement, Networking, & Prizes
It's time to rally with your teammates again.
12
JULY
5:45 pm - 6:45 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
Cutting Out the Middleman: Direct Book Sales For Indie Authors
Moni Boyce ~ Author
Discover the power and profitability of selling your books directly to readers through platforms like Payhip. This comprehensive session explores step-by-step how independent authors can set up direct sales channels, highlighting the substantial benefits such as higher royalties, stronger reader connections, and greater control over your author brand. We’ll also candidly discuss potential drawbacks, from managing customer support to navigating marketing responsibilities. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to boost your earnings and reader engagement by embracing direct-to-reader sales.
SESSION MODERATOR - Jen Graybeal
12
JULY
6:45 pm - 7:00 pm
SHORT BREAK - 15 MIN
12
JULY
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Lovehall Room
Hooked on a Series: Strategies for Creating a Series That Sells
Stephanie Morris ~ Author
Turn one great romance into a whole series readers can’t stop bingeing. Learn how to plan, write, and position your books for lasting impact and lasting income.
SESSION MODERATOR - Tracee Lydia Garner
12
JULY
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Online - Lovehall Room
RSJ ANNOUNCEMENTS & THANK YOU
Your RSJ Team & DWRI.org Executive Team
What's New, What's To Come, and 2026 RSJ Convention
Get Ready! BOOK COVER BINGO Begins
We'll Close The Night With Book Cover Bingo And Prizes.
SESSION MODERATOR - Janice Kenner
2025 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
You Will Not Want To Miss
Love Bytes: Exploring AI's Impact on Romance Writing and Copyright
AI is making waves in romance fiction—but what does it mean for storytelling, authorship, and your rights? Join us as we explore the creative and ethical impact of AI in writing, from authenticity and industry standards to reader expectations and copyright concerns. Get ready—Attorney Desarie Green will be unveiling everything you need to know.
Hooks and Tropes – Why Your Romance Novel Needs Them!
What makes a reader click, buy, or binge your book in a single night? In this essential workshop led by the team at Harlequin, discover the art and science behind catching a reader’s attention—and keeping it.
Plot Twist: Your Love Story Could Be a Show
Niki Williams delves into the Top 10 things every romance author should know before adapting their book for the screen. Whether you’re writing it yourself or hiring someone else, this workshop will guide you through what it really takes to make the jump. The distance between a great novel and a great show is bigger than it seems, but with the right tools, your story can make the leap beautifully. Don’t miss it.
Cliffhanger Pajama Night
Readers and authors join together for a pajama party night where snippets of romance books are read aloud in an audiobook atmosphere tingling your ears and your senses to buy your next favorite book.
♥ Known as our Cafe Cliffhanger Night, one lucky pajama dressed creative attendee will win a prize for best dressed. Don't be afraid to sport your curlers, head scarfs, & masks. 😃
Tiara & Crown Day! - Saturday, July 12th
♥ Tiara & Crown Day officially begins Saturday, July 12th. So get your Royal headpiece ready and come prepared to represent.
Best Tiara or Crown Wins! (Winner Announced after the Fantasy Panel) Our team is watching, so have your cameras on.
Book Cover Bingo - Saturday Night
♥ We'll close out the convention with Book Cover Bingo leaving you yearning for more books. Some of you will even walk away with more prizes.
YOU'LL WANT TO KNOW THIS...
HEADS UP!
Don't miss the morning sessions for networking, meeting authors, and making a new friend.
Don't miss the evening fun and games where lots of prizes are given out.
And keep hold of your registration book box items because they are part of your RSJ Convention experience. You never know when you'll need an item from the box during your 3-days of romance booklover fun, games, and workshops.
YOUR BOOK BOX
Registered Attendees Are Shipped A Registration Book Box Full Of FREE BOOKS & Goodies.
Want to know what's inside your registration box? See Details Below or View Convention Highlights.
(International attendees outside the U.S. are sent free books via gift cards but can still expect their swag.)
FREE BOOKS
Get various books from publishers such as Harlequin Books, Entangled Publishing, Macmillan and more.
CONVENTION T-SHIRT
Be the envy of the bookish community in your graphic tee from the RSJ Romance Book Convention.
CONVENTION BAG
From the home, to the car, to groceries and more, you'll be able to represent your romance bookish lifestyle with class.
SURPRISE GIFTS
Each year RSJ puts their personal shopper to work to find great gifts to include in your convention box.
AMAZON KINDLE
Enjoy lots of Kindle drawings where you'll have a chance to win a new Amazon Kindle. A fabulous addition to any box.
SWEET SNACKS
Yummy, yum, yum! Treats to enjoy while you're reading in your favorite chair or writing your next book
PROMO ITEMS
Get bookish community promo items and content from published authors hoping to make you a fan of their books.
PRIZE DRAWINGS
Become a lucky winners to have your name drawn for a Prize, and you'll walk away with even more swag.
GIFT CARDS
You just might be a lucky winner of one or more of our Gift Card Drawings during the convention games or sessions.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
"I was thrilled to be going, even if it would only be online. And Oh joy, oh delight! I can honestly say that I had the best time I’d had all year, and certainly since the last time I was away at a conference for readers and writers. I can’t wait for next year!" - K. T. Bond (Author)
