Fall in Love With Romance Books at Winter Institute

On Friday, February 19, Winter Institute (Wi16) attendees can join a session on LGBTQ+ romance books called “All You Need is Love: LGBTQ+ Romance.”

In this session, attendees will hear from both bookseller panelists and authors. Moderated by Amanda Toronto of WORD Bookstores in Brooklyn, New York, and Jersey City, New Jersey, the first part will feature a discussion of the financial benefits of bringing romance titles into stores, in addition to some tips about how to market them.

Panelists will include: Mariana Calderon of Second Star to the Right Children’s Books in Denver, Colorado; Jenny Cohen of Waucoma Bookstore in Hood River, Oregon; and Rebecca Speas of One More Page Books in Arlington, Virginia.

Following that discussion, attendees will hear from a panel of LGBTQ+ romance authors in conversation about writing books that reflect their experiences with love, their inspirations, and the important role romance novels play in guiding people through their personal journeys of self-discovery. The session will be moderated by VP and Editorial Director of Scholastic Press David Levithan; the authors have been invited to participate in the chat during the session.

Authors will include: Dahlia Adler, author of Cool for the Summer (Wednesday Books); Alyssa Cole, award-winning and bestselling author of How to Find a Princess (Avon); Casey McQuiston, author of the bestseller Red, White, & Royal Blue and the upcoming One Last Stop (St. Martin’s Griffin); Paul Rudnick, award-winning play and screenwriter and author of Playing the Palace (Berkley); Phil Stamper, author of The Gravity of Us and As Far as You’ll Take Me (Bloomsbury); and Aiden Thomas, Indies Introduce and bestselling author of Cemetery Boys (Swoon Reads).

The 2021 Winter Institute will be held virtually from Thursday, February 18, through Saturday, February 20. The full Wi16 schedule can be found here. Questions about the event can be sent to [email protected].