Romance is blooming, and so is everything happening at First Coast Romance Writers right now. Whether you write romance, dream about writing it, or simply love to read it, FCRW has something for you this spring. Pull up a chair and let us tell you what we have been up to.
A New Anthology Is Almost in Your Hands
FCRW authors have done it again. Our spring anthology is arriving toward the end of April 2026, and it is packed with the kind of swoony, satisfying romance our readers have come to expect. From historical romance to contemporary love stories and everything in between, this collection showcases the remarkable talent living right here in Northeast Florida. Watch this space for the official release announcement and where to grab your copy.
Can’t get enough of our authors between anthologies? Previous collections, including Romancing the Tropics, Romancing the Holidays, and the Pinevale Valley shared world series, are available now. These fundraising anthologies directly support FCRW’s mission to provide workshops and resources for romance writers.
Workshops You Will Not Want to Miss
FCRW delivers professional-level craft and career workshops every month, and the 2026 lineup is outstanding. Here is a quick look at what is coming up:
- May 9 brings Dr. Ruth L. Baskerville to help writers finally get that book out of their heads and onto the page. This Zoom session covers everything from developing theme to building chapters, crafting characters, and knowing when to stop writing. Dr. Ruth has guided 88 published authors and brings 56 years of educational experience to this conversation.
- June 13, New York Times bestselling author Ginny Myers Sain comes to the library in person to talk about author voice and plotting the perfect mystery. If you have been struggling to make your pages stand out, this is the workshop for you.
- July 11 is a double feature with Joan Griffin on literary citizenship and FCRW member Abigail Sharpe leading a live editing session, so you can watch real manuscript feedback happen in real time.
- August 8, JD Allen and Mari Freeman author Julie brings her dual-genre expertise to workshops on sizzling dialogue and owning your unique writing voice.
- September 12, award-winning author and ghostwriter Lana McAra takes on author branding and live editing in what is consistently one of her most popular sessions.
- Workshops are free for the public for two sessions. After that, annual membership is just $50 and covers the entire year. Individual Zoom sessions are available for $10 each.
- Membership: The Best $50 You Will Spend on Your Writing Career
FCRW welcomes everyone from writers working on their very first manuscript to award-winning published authors. For $50 a year, members receive access to every monthly workshop, a supportive community that genuinely celebrates your wins, connections to the NERFA (National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award) contest, mentoring through the Beacon Program, marketing guidance, and the opportunity to participate in FCRW anthology projects.
Meetings are held on the second Saturday of every month at the West Regional Branch Library, 1425 Chaffee Road S., Jacksonville, FL 32221, with hybrid Zoom options available. Visitors are always welcome. Doors open at 9:45 AM for social time, with the meeting called to order at 10:00 AM.
Ready to join? Visit firstcoastromancewriters.com to learn more.
Show Your Romance Pride
While you are in a celebratory mood, stop by the FCRW shop at shop.firstcoastromancewriters.com. We carry mugs, tumblers, water bottles, hats, and jogger pants designed for writers and romance readers alike. “Shush, I’m Writing” and “Happily Ever After” are just a few of the designs available. Grab something for yourself or a fellow bookworm. Every purchase supports the organization.
Romance Writers Are Your People
FCRW has been building community, launching careers, and celebrating love stories for years. Whether you are searching for your writing tribe, looking to sharpen your craft, hunting for your next favorite read, or just want a “Shush, I’m Writing” mug that truly speaks to your soul, you have found the right place.
