Library's annual romance convention returns August 4-6

‘Romance GenreCon’ brings bestselling romance authors and fans to Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, MO—Mid-Continent Public Library’s annual Romance GenreCon convention for romance readers and writers will return August 4-6 to its Woodneath Library Center, 8900 NE Flintlock Road, Kansas City, Mo. The free, three-day festival will draw romance fans and authors from across the country for a convention dedicated to the creation and enjoyment of the continually top-selling genre.

“We’re thrilled to bring Romance GenreCon back to Kansas City, and we can’t wait to welcome writers and fans from around the region to join us for three days of learning, networking, and having fun!” says Amy Fisher, MCPL information and reader services manager.

A variety of bestselling and award-winning romance authors headlining this year’s convention. Authors include:

• Kerrigan Byrne, USA Today bestselling author of historical romance
• Elizabeth Camden, acclaimed historical romance author and former academic librarian 
• Tessa Dare, New York Times and USA Today bestselling historical romance author
• Elizabeth Essex, award-winning author of historical romance 
• Virginia Heath, acclaimed author of historical romance 
• Amalie Howard, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of historical romance
• Nicole Locke, a Harlequin historical romance author
• Janna MacGregor, Kansas City resident, attorney, and acclaimed author of historical Regency romance
• Cathy Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author of historical Regency romance 
• Lisa Rayne, acclaimed historical romance author featuring multicultural protagonists
• Vanessa Riley, New York Times bestselling author of multicultural Regency historical romance 
• Cat Sebastian, acclaimed author of historical LGBTQ+ romance 
• Joanna Shupe, award-winning author of historical romance, including a BuzzFeed best book of 2021

Thursday and Friday (August 4 and 5) of GenreCon will be the Romance Writers Conference, with experienced romance authors and industry professionals leading classes about navigating the romance writing process―from character development to publishing and selling a book.

Friday and Saturday (August 5 and 6) will be all about the fans during the Romance Readers Conference. Passion-loving readers will have the opportunity to meet their favorite authors and participate in a range of activities, including games, crafts, and cosplay.

To learn more about Romance GenreCon and registration, visit mymcpl.org/Romance.  

2022 Romance GenreCon Schedule

Thursday, August 4

• 8:30–10:00 a.m.
  Indie Publishing 101
  Social Media Basics for Writers
  Using Historical Facts
• 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  Everything I Needed to Know About Writing, I Learned From Kindergartners
  Planning Your Brand: Being Flexible but Consistent in the Ever-Changing World of Publishing
  Writing Fearless Characters
• 1:30–3:00 p.m.
  Copyrights, Trademarks, & Plagiarism, Oh My!
  Writing Around the Black Moment
• 3:30–5:00 p.m.
  He Said/She Said: The Dark Art of Snappy Dialogue
  Techniques for Developing Romantic Chemistry
• 6:30–8:00 p.m.
  Customer Exploration
  Writing One of the “HOTest” Trends in Romance

Friday, August 5

• 8:30–10:00 a.m.
  Coffee Talk: Let’s Network
  Social Media Videos for Introverts
• 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  Newsletters 101
  Romance Writing 101
  Social Media Show and Tell
• 1:30–3:00 p.m.
  Break the Rules; Keep Your Promises
  More Than Just a Cute Cover Image
• 3:30–5:00 p.m.
  Character Themed Words: A Toolkit
  Procrastination & Time Management for Writers
• 6:30–9:00 p.m.
  Fan Fest: Welcome party and Lady KC Reading Salon

Saturday, August 6

• 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  Fan Fest: Saturday morning will kick off with a “State of the Genre” author panel covering current issues in the industry, including the importance of diversity and inclusion in romance novels. Our featured book seller this year is Bliss Books & Wine, who will get Saturday going right with a fun craft project.