Main library transforms into the mecca of romance
TOLEDO – What type of romance novel disciple are you? You’ve dabbled in the art form in the past. You’ve read Fifty Shades of Gray but you’re not sure where to go next. You always got a novel with you, and you read every chance you get. You’re waiting by your Kindle (or at the library) for the next release. Or, you’re actually writing your first romance novel right now!
If you relate in any way to any of these scenarios, Romance-Con is the place for you! On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Main Branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) transforms downtown Toledo into the Mecca of everything Romance Novel. This free celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the library.
“Romance authors love meeting their fans and other authors,” explained Allison Fiscus, adult services coordinator with TLCPL and organizer of Romance-Con. “Romance-Con is the ideal spot to listen to these people and their passion, and share that passion with one another.”
Findlay-based author L. B. August is excited to meet readers and authors at Romance-Con. “I’m going in with an open mind, to meet people and to talk about books,” the first-time author said.
She took an unusual path to writing her new book, In The Shadows (which she identifies as “Romantasy” – a combination of romance and fantasy).
“I was looking for really strong female characters but they seemed hard to find, so I just created my own,” August said. It took her a year to write her book, publishing it in early 2024. At Romance-Con, she’ll be part of a paranormal authors’ panel.
Planning for an epic day
Romance-Con is the result of a great deal of planning. Fiscus pondered a Comic-Con-type event for romance novels and novelists as soon as she arrived at TLCPL in 2004. The planning took on a more serious tone after the pandemic in 2021, when she moved into her current position. And rightly so; romance novels represent 52 percent of book sales and are the highest-earning genre of fiction writing (estimated at more than $1 billion). In 10 years, romance readers have changed from women ages 35 to 54 to women between the ages of 18 and 54.
The romance genre has been ignored in the publishing industry and maligned by authors for years. But the genre has consistently grown and diversified, breaking the barriers of publishing (most are self-published).
Romance genres range from contemporary, literary and historic, to religious, gothic and paranormal; from young and “new” adult, to minority, military and LBGTQ. And there is a very strong support system for romance writers in the Toledo area, featuring writing sessions, networking, inspiration and support.
“We’re absolutely feral for the genre here,” said Fiscus, “and the Main Library is the perfect spot for Romance-Com.”
The festival will take over the entire library, with feature presentations in the McMaster Center and meeting rooms 1 and 2, and an author fair throughout the main floor. “The Main Library is a destination in itself, and downtown businesses are taking part too,” Fiscus said.
Talks, hunts and merch
Romance-Con’s featured talks include nationally recognized romance writer Abby Jimenez, author of Just for the Summer, as well as Kimberly Lemming, Kathryn Moon, CM Nascosta, Jo Segura and Julie Soto. The seating for all of these talks is full, but day-of wait-lines will be available to fill no-show seats.
In addition, fans will find a wide range of activities to satisfy their appetites for everything romance:
- An author fair where fans can meet their favorite authors
- A Love & Friendship scavenger hunt for kids
- Button making, featuring a “choose your trope” theme
- Book cover photo shoot for all those Fabio-esque characters
- A Lovers’ Era library exhibit of items about love and heartbreak from across the years
- A wide range of panel discussions of such topics as historical romance, creating tension in stories, becoming a romance author, writing romantic (and hot) scenes, celebrating queer love, general writing tips and editing, etc.
- Social media for romance writers
- A live podcast of Black Romance Has A History
- Researching romance with the BGSU Popular Culture Library
- Tarot readings
- Genre specialty sessions – diversity, fantasy and paranormal writing
“Writing is such a solitary life,” author August said. “I love the indy writing community around the world, and I’m honored to be accepted and asked to participate in Romance-Con. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone involved.”
Food trucks will be available, and local businesses will have specials and discounts throughout the day. In addition, Jupmode will have a pop-up shop with Romance-Con-themed merchandise. Check out the library’s website for all the times and details.
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