Romance writers discuss their craft on Valentine’s Day at Syracuse University

Romance writers discuss their craft on Valentine’s Day at Syracuse UniversityFebruary 07, 2008Judy Holmesjlholmes@syr.edu

Two celebrated Central New York romance writers will present “Love in the Afternoon: A Reading and Discussion about Romance Writing” on Valentine’s Day — Feb. 14 — at 3:30 p.m. in Room 500 of Syracuse University’s Hall of Languages. The event, presented by SU’s Writing Program and Women’s Studies Program, is free and open to the public.

Paid parking is available in the Irving Garage or in the University Avenue Garage.

The event will feature Gwendolyn Pough, who writes African American romance novels under the pen name of Gwyneth Bolton, and Carolyn Hanlon, who writes for Harlequin under the pen name of Cara Summers. The authors will read selections from their latest romance novels and discuss their experiences working within and against the genre of romance writing. A book signing and reception will follow. The SU Bookstore will be selling the authors’ latest books.

Pough is an associate professor in SU’s College of Arts and Sciences who teaches in the Writing Program and in the Women’s Studies Program. She has published on hip-hop and feminism, including the book “Check It while I Wreck It: Black Womanhood, Hip-Hop Culture, and the Public Sphere” (Northeastern, 2004). Her first romance novel, “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me,” was published by Genesis Press in 2006. Since then, she has published “If Only You Knew” (Kimani Press/Harlequin Books, 2006) and “Sweet Sensation” (Genesis Press, 2007). Other books are pending publication in 2008. More information is available on her at http://www.gwynethbolton.com.

Hanlon is an instructor in SU’s Writing Program and at Onondaga Community College. She has written more than 25 novels for Harlequin. She received the 2007 Golden Leaf Award for Best Short Contemporary Romance and the 2007 Golden Quill Award for Best Hot, Sexy and Sensuous Romance. Romantic Times Magazine recently nominated her for its “Storyteller of the Year” Career Achievement Award. Winners will be announced in April 2008. More information about Hanlon is available on her website at http://www.carasummers.com.