Welcome to Orange County Romance Writers
OCRW promotes excellence in romance fiction (including its myriad subgenres), by helping writers exchange their knowledge and establish career goals while supporting and encouraging our members through all levels of their careers. Our monthly meetings are like mini conferences with speakers and workshops on craft, marketing, publishing and more.
OCRW is pleased to announce the release of its member anthology:
First loves, second chances, and compelling courtships.
Romancing Orange County celebrates one family’s enduring passion for family, land, and romance in Southern California.
Anchored by sprawling oak trees and shrubby manzanita, the Galtero rancho’s rugged canyons and arroyos drop down over steep cliffs to where pale sand meets the vast Pacific Ocean. Gifted to the family in 1842, the rancho becomes the pride and passion of the Galteros, who bind their loyalties to the land and each other.
Galteros meet and marry, first as rancheros, then as vintners and orchardists, and eventually as entrepreneurs and hoteliers. Over two centuries, new Galteros are born and raised, fall in love, and start families of their own.
This anthology, presented by the nonprofit group Orange County Romance Writers, features romances written by active members, who draw from the saga of seven generations of Galteros for their inspiration.
Romancing Orange County is available for a limited time. Get your exclusive copy today.
1864 / Her Healing Touch by Linda Carroll-Bradd
Casta and Joaquin have been acquainted since they were children. Somehow, on this visit to the Galtero Rancho, they look at each other through different eyes, unable to deny the attraction.
1890 / Love Under the Orange Blossoms by May Leonardo
My father forced me into a betrothal with a man I never met. Furious, I planned to bring misery upon all. But my betrothed offered me a deal: stay married for 30 days, then choose my own future. I will resist my new husband’s looks, charm and sculpted body and return home a free woman. How hard can that be?
1910 / On the Wings of Love by Christopher Lentz
In 1910, a chance invitation from an artist to touch the sky in a hot-air balloon opens up a widow’s world…and her heart.
1938 / Watch Over Me by Selene Grace Silver
One aloof, business-minded man determined to keep his life tidy, uncomplicated, controlled. One provocative, art-loving woman born to make it rousing, exhilarating, adventurous.
2023 / Lost in Lavender by Kristy Tate
Widowed nurse Jesse and reserved gardener Clive find unexpected love in life’s later years, healing old wounds and discovering love can bloom again.
Present Day / Lucky in Love by Domino Savoie
When Camille skids off a muddy road to avoid a stray dog, she’s unexpectedly rescued by Hawke, her long-time nemesis. Forced to share a rustic cabin, old tensions spark new passions. Can they overcome their tumultuous past and find a love that endures?
Present Day / Timeless by Liz Durano
He was my first love, the foreman’s son I almost eloped with until life pulled us apart. Twenty-five years later, Hiro Sato returns as a billionaire and a man determined to rekindle what we left behind and a second chance at love.
A limited-release fundraising project for the organization, Romancing Orange County is a collection of short romances and women’s fiction, each featuring Galtero family © descendants. All contributing writers are active OCRW members.
OCRW Monthly Meeting
Our next meeting takes place on November 9, 2024.
OCRW Critique Group
Need someone to give your chapter a review? Want to know how a character is received or if a plot twist makes sense? Consider joining the OCRW Critique Group. Critique two submissions for each of yours only during the weeks you submit your chapter (about 12 pages or 3K words.) All critiques are done on your own time within that week with chapters downloaded from a groups.io forum. If you’re interested, please fill out the form here. You’ll receive an invitation to join the members-only group.
Weekly Write-Ins
Weekly write-ins are happening on Saturdays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Members attending arrive a few minutes early, check in with goals, and then everyone mutes and works on their stuff. We say a few words right before the meeting disbands. The Zoom link and the time and day are posted in the OCRW Monthly Calendar emailed through Morning Juice at the beginning of each month. For more information visit our membership page or email membership@ocromwriters.org.