Annual Conference & Soirée

Regency Fiction Writers
2023 Virtual Conference

Five books of different colors, the spines reading: Regency Fiction Writers Conference 2023

Navigating the Regency Era:
One Story at a Time

July 13th – 15th, 2023

Keynote Speakers | Schedule | Policies

Our three-day conference was held live via Zoom and, with presenter permission, our sessions were recorded for registrants’ use. Any sessions not recorded will be marked as such in advance so attendees may plan to attend in person.

Conference Chair Cecilia Melton and her committee of volunteers worked hard to create a conference to remember and wish to thank everyone who made it possible: The Board of Directors, the attendees and especially the presenters. The Board of Directors and the Conference Committee were delighted to offer a wide variety of workshops and presenters this year and hope the attendees enjoyed this year’s virtual event.


General Conference and Registration Information

Registration for RFW2023 is now closed.

 

Keynote Speakers

We have two amazing keynote speakers lined up for the conference, ladies who are legends in the Regency storytelling world: Julia Quinn, the NY Times bestselling author and creator of the Bridgerton series, and RFW member Cathy Maxwell, a multi-award winner and NY Times and USA Today bestselling author.

Photo of author Julia Quinn#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don’t read (or write) romance, and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code. On December 25, 2020, Netflix premiered Bridgerton, based on her popular series of novels about the Bridgerton family. Season 2 premiered on March 25, 2022, and season 3 is forthcoming.

Photo of author Cathy MaxwellCathy Maxwell has been in publishing for thirty years. Yes, that makes her a war horse, i.e. she has seen a lot of stuff. Over the course of that quarter of a century, Cathy has written forty historical romances, hit the New York Times and USA Today lists, been nominated for or won some nice awards, made dynamite writing friends, and has had the time of her life. Her latest book is A KISS IN THE MOONLIGHT. You can find out more about her at her website, or, if you wish to stalk her, you can find her on Facebook. She usually yaks back.


Schedule of Events

(Subject to change!)
All times given below are in U.S. Eastern Time Zone (EDT).
World Clock Time Zone Converter or click on event time to see local time in a new tab.

Day 1: Thursday, July 13th:
Industry Workshops and the Business of Writing
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm Conference Zoom Opens

The Conference Zoom waiting room opens at 12:15 pm.
Attendees will be let into the main “room” beginning at 12:30 pm.
Cameras and microphones will be turned off at 1:00 pm sharp.
1:00 pm – 1:15 pm Welcome — Justine Covington, RFW President
Announcements — Cecilia Melton, Conference Chair


1:15 pm – 2:15 pm Your Path to Publishing and Career Success
Presented by Kathryn LeVeque

Indie, Traditionally Published, or Hybrid – what’s your path to publishing? Welcome to an interactive workshop for all authors at all stages of their career. Kathryn Le Veque will discuss where you started from and where you’re going, helping authors understand the advantages – and possible disadvantages – of different publishing paths.
2:15 pm – 2:30 pm Break
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Lawyers Panel
Moderated by: Cathy Maxwell

Panelists:
Michael Gross
Umair Kazi
Do you have questions about trademark, copyright, contracts, partnerships, etc., etc., etc.? Would you like to discuss issues like online publishing, freelancing agents, screenwriting contracts, or anything else you wish? Now is your opportunity to ask all the questions to the lawyers of the writers’ advocacy organization, The Author’s Guild.
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm Break
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm Serialized Fiction: How Authors Are Using the Format
Presented by Eloisa James & Erica Ridley

Serial publication was once fairly common, with novels such as Madame Bovary and Uncle Tom’s Cabin first appearing one chapter at a time in periodicals. Today, tablets and digital subscriptions have helped revive the format. This panel will discuss the process, platforms, and best practices for publishing episodic fiction or a complete serialized novel.
4:45 pm – 5:00 pm Break
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm A Conversation with Sabrina Jeffries
Hosted by Ann Chaney

Join us for an hour of conversation with Sabrina Jeffries. She’ll share her career path-where she’s been and how she sees the future. Sabrina’s outgoing personality guarantees a conversation filled with laughter, insight and maybe a few tears. As a NY Times best-selling author of more than 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas), Sabrina’s literary success has never changed who she is.
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Meet & Greet w/Breakout rooms!

Stay late in the Conference Zoom meeting for an evening of comradery, networking, and fun.
Day 2: Friday, July 14th
Historical, Marketing, and Writing Craft Workshops
Cathy Maxwell’s RFW Member Keynote
10:30 am – 11:00 am Conference Zoom Opens

The Conference Zoom waiting room opens at 10:30 am.
Attendees will be let into the main “room” beginning at 10:45 am. Cameras and microphones will be turned off at 11:00 am sharp.
11:00 am – 11:15 am Welcome — Justine Covington, RFW President
Announcements — Cecilia Melton, Conference Chair


11:15 am – 12:15 pm Diversity Panel
Moderated by Cecilia Melton

Panelists:
Liana De La Rosa
Pamala Knight
Lisa Rayne

Is Diversity still an issue in Historical novels or have we bridged the gap? Join Cece as she speaks with three authors of diverse novels for a deep dive into diversity in Romancelandia.
12:15 pm – 12:30 pm Break
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm The Secret Weapon: Poison
Presented by Serita Stevens

While most poisons these days can be discovered – if the detective is savvy and knows what questions to ask and what to look for – they will find the poison. However, there are a few poisons that a determined killer can use. Understand what questions your detective needs to ask. Understand what symptoms can trigger your suspicions.
1:30 pm – 1:45 pm Break
1:45 pm – 3:05 pm Antiques Show & Tell
Presented by Kate Bateman

Join bestselling author and antiques expert Kate Bateman for a virtual Antiques Show and Tell–Regency Edition! Pour yourself a glass of ratafia (or wine!) and play along with Kate’s “Guess the Object” quiz to familiarize yourself with some everyday items found in the Regency, from tea caddies to scent bottles to Regency-era reticules!

(Warning – may include items of a scandalous nature!)

3:05 pm – 3:20 pm Break
3:20 pm – 4:20 pm A Conversation with Janna MacGregor
Hosted by Ann Chaney

Please join us for a chat with award-winning author and past president of Regency Fiction Writers, Janna MacGregor. Janna’s journey to traditional publishing and beyond will provide you with an insight in how an author can make a difference. She tackles each endeavor with passion and logic. Janna’s an inspiration to us all.
4:20 pm – 4:35 pm Break
4:35 pm – 5:00 pm Keynote Speaker – Cathy Maxwell

Cathy Maxwell has been in publishing for thirty years. Yes, that makes her a war horse, i.e., she has seen a lot of stuff. Over the course of that quarter of a century, Cathy has written forty historical romances, hit the New York Times and USA Today lists, been nominated for or won some nice awards, made dynamite writing friends, and has had the time of her life. You can find out more about her at her website, or, if you wish to stalk her, you can find her on Facebook. She usually yaks back.
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm RFW 2023 Annual General Meeting & Recognition Awards

** All members of Regency Fiction Writers are encouraged to attend the AGM. Conference registration is not required.

To be held on a separate RFW Zoom meeting. Link will be provided to all RFW Members.

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Write and Drink!

Return to the Conference Zoom meeting for an evening of writing sprints and your favorite libation. Not too much, we’re writing!
 
Day 3: Saturday, July 15th
More Historical, Marketing, and Writing Craft Workshops
Julia Quinn’s Guest Keynote Q&A
In the evening, our Annual Soirée, including breakout rooms and silent auction.
10:15 am – 10:45 am Conference Zoom Opens

The Conference Zoom waiting room opens at 10:15 am.
Attendees will be let into the main “room” beginning at 10:30 am. Cameras and microphones will be turned off at 10:45 am sharp.
10:45 am – 11:00 am Welcome — Justine Covington, RFW President
Announcements — Cecilia Melton, Conference Chair


11:00 am – 12:00 pm Up to Scratch: Boxing in England from 1681-1880
Presented by Edie Cay

The history of English prizefighting is convoluted and weaves through both the common populace as well as royalty. The phenomenon of prizefighting was so ubiquitous that the sports’ slang from the Regency period is still commonplace today, even though the terms themselves went out of use in the sport long ago. We’ll hit the highlights of the evolution from the first prizefight between a butcher and a butler in 1681, the rise of boxing amphitheaters, the involvement of women and people of color, Broughton’s Rules, Broughton’s downfall and the outlawing of boxing in London, as well as when and why boxing gloves were introduced. We finish in 1880 when the English Boxing Associations were formed and the adaptation of Queensbury Rules.

12:00 pm – 12:15 pm Break
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm Regency Birth Control
Presented by Jessica Cale, editor/host of Dirty Sexy History

Many people assume birth control was only invented in the 1960s, but that’s just not true. Birth control predates recorded history, and it has been used effectively for thousands of years. Women in the Regency period did have access to family planning methods, but they might not be what you’d expect. In this hour-long talk, Jessica Cale, host of the Dirty Sexy History podcast, talks you through a world history of contraception, along with changing ideas and laws about pregnancy, birth control, and abortion. This class will give you an overview of practical historical methods of birth control you can use in your fiction, and it will provide you with a list of historical resources you can refer to for more information.
1:15 pm – 1:30 pm Break
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm They Weren’t Roommates: Everything You Think You Know About Queer History is Wrong
Presented by Merry Farmer

Since the mid-20th century, there has been a deliberate effort on the part of historians to erase Queer History and make the world believe that the LGBTQ community has always been in the closet, ashamed of themselves, and afraid to come out because they would be killed. Guess what? That’s a big fat lie! In this workshop, USA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer will separate the lies from the truth and share the latest research on what life was truly like in the Regency and beyond for gays and lesbians.
2:30 pm – 2:45 pm Break
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm Is TikTok a Tool For You?
Presented by Annabelle Anders & Tammy Andresen

Have you considered adding TikTok to your marketing toolbox? Tammy and Annabelle will give you a rundown of the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to TikTok as well as some “how-to” tips to get you going!
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm Break
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Keynote Speaker – Julia Quinn Q&A

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don’t read (or write) romance, and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code. On December 25, 2020, Netflix premiered Bridgerton, based on her popular series of novels about the Bridgerton family. Season 2 premiered on March 25, 2022, and season 3 is forthcoming.
4:30 pm – 8:00 pm Break
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm Regency Fiction Writers Annual Soirée

• A presentation by Victoria Vane of Sew Vane Couture, Reticules to Redingotes – A live, deep dive into Regency Fashion.

• Fellowship (Break Out Rooms)
Silent Auction* (bidding closes at 11:45 PM EDT)
• Farewell – Ilene Withers, RFW President-Elect
 
Regency costumes are encouraged, but are NOT required.

* Proceeds from the 2023 Silent Auction will be split between the Feather to Fly With—The Emily Hendrickson Scholarship Fund and defraying costs for the 2024 Conference to make it affordable for all.


Conference Registration

Registration is as follows:
• Early Bird – Saturday, April 1st through Thursday, June 1st
• Regular – Friday, June 2nd through Friday, July 7th
There will be no late registrations.

 

Conference Fees and Financial Assistance

Registration for RFW2023 is now closed.

The fees for the conference were as follows:

2023 RFW Conference Rates RFW Members* Non-Members
Full Registration
from 12:00 am, June 2nd, 2023
until 11:59 pm July 7th, 2023
$125 USD $199 USD

All times given are in U.S. Eastern Time Zone (EDT).
World Clock Time Zone Converter

Link to registration form is farther down after the important information & policies.

 

A Feather to Fly With —
The Emily Hendrickson Scholarship Fund

Any member of Regency Fiction Writers in good standing who has financial need and qualify can apply to have their conference fees paid through the generous contributions and fundraising efforts of the A Feather to Fly With—The Emily Hendrickson Scholarship Fund BEFORE registering, as if approved you will receive a special registration link to use instead of reimbursement.

Review the application criteria, rules, and deadlines for submission before applying. Visit the Scholarship Fund page for more information and the application.

If anyone has a question about the scholarship process, please contact Darlene Marshall, Membership Director and Coordinator for A Feather to Fly With Scholarship Fund.


Anti-Harassment Policy

Members of RFW are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. We provide an experience where everyone is treated with respect. We strive for all interactions among members to be harassment-free and inclusive of everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, age, body size, physical appearance, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, or any other factor. We do not tolerate discriminatory, harassing, demeaning, or violent language or actions in any form against our members; presenters at our meetings, workshops, and conferences; volunteers and staff; or readers.

To participate in RFW’s events and programs, you agree to conduct yourself according to this Anti-Harassment Policy and shall notify the Board of Directors or an RFW committee chair if you witness or experience any harassing or uncomfortable behavior. The consequences of violating this Anti-Harassment Policy may include warnings, expulsion from the event or program with no refund, and/or any other consequence at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.


Cancellation Policy

There will be no refunds due to availability of recorded sessions for future access.

To register at member rates for The Regency Fiction Writers 2023 Conference, you only need to be a member in good standing of Regency Fiction Writers at the time your payment is processed. Non-members found to be registered at the member-only-prices will be refunded and they can register again at the non-member prices if space is available.


Registration for RFW2023 is now closed!


If you have any questions or problems, you can always contact
our Conference Chair
or President.