Tag: OCRW Birthday Bash

OCRW Birthday Celebration

Many of us on this blog originated from OCRW, which once was called OCC. Today was the annual OCRW birthday celebration and it was fun to gather and celebrate the BBB winners, the BIAY celebrants, and those that earned roses.

There were baskets for raffle, a book cover contest, a speaker, potluck, and lots of catching up and fellowship.

I’ve been a member for over twelve years and I remember this meeting be a highlight every year. I don’t think this year was any less. Much kudos goes to our board and all the hard work behind the scenes to pull this off.

I thought I would share pictures I took. I wish I could’ve gotten a big group photo since there were many there you would all recognize (and some on zoom). It was nice to see familiar faces. The meeting was jam-packed full of lots of great things.

The Birthday Bash Itself

Here we are listening to our speaker of the day, the baskets for the raffle, and the food table.

Book Cover Contest

This year instead of large printed covers, it was all online. With a monitor to showcase them during the meeting. There were a large selection of covers to choose from with 5 different categories.

MOST ROMANTIC: Worth the Risk by Liz Durano

BUY IT NOW (Best Cover): What Happens At the Beach by Skye McDonald

SEXIEST COVER: Blue-Eyed Jacks by Calia Wilde

BEST TITLE AWARD: Where She Belongs by Liz Durano

BEST IN GENRE: A Slight Change of Plans by Denise M. Colby

Other OCRW Activities and Announcements

We have an active online book club that meets monthly for different topics. We also have Book in a year to encourage writers to finish their book. If you are interested in learning more about the Orange County Romance Writers group check out our website. (which we will be updating soon).

Book Buyers Best Contest Winners

Winners were announced during the meeting. My debut novel, When Plans Go Awry, placed in 3rd place in the Historical Romance category. Congratulations to all the winners.

It was a lovely day. I’ve been so blessed to be a part of this organization for so long and make lifelong writing friends here.

If you notice the vase of roses, it has been tradition as long as I’ve been here to receive a rose for published work. I remember sitting in my chair dreaming of the day I would receive a red rose (for traditionally published).

I’ve written about it in this blog post about my debut novel and all the firsts that came with it.

Now I have my first novella publishing in November and I’ll be receiving a white rose. I’m a little excited about that too. And now I realize I haven’t written about this book at all here on this blog.

My next published book releasing November 4, 2025

Sometimes the best life is the one we never planned.

Sarah Anne Baker never wanted to be anyone’s burden. But hours after losing the Godmother who raised her, she faces an impossible choice: marry her late fiancé’s brother—or flee into the unknown. With fear as her only companion, she places her trust in the one man leaving town that night—the enigmatic traveling peddler known only as Mr. Smith.

Alexander Sinclair walked away from his noble title in Scotland to live a quiet, hidden life. Peddling wares from town to town has given him peace, free from the weight of expectation. Until a desperate young woman crosses his path. He can’t turn her away… no matter the cost.

Together, Sarah and Alex set out on a journey through loss, healing, and a bond neither expected to find. But as secrets surface and choices demand to be made, both must decide: cling to the lives they planned—or risk everything to embrace the future God has written for them.

A tender tale of courage, redemption, and love strong enough to change the course of two hearts forever.

You can preorder the e-book here on Amazon for $3.99