Pimp My Badge 

(WEDNESDAY, 1-2pm) Want to make your RT badge (or bag) memorable? Feel the need to get all girly or glammed up? Maybe even dark and dangerous? We’ll have terrific trinkets and bedazzling bling ready for you to pimp out your badge. Prizes, goodies and fun games like: Pick-up Lines, Pillow Confessions, Suck Up, Guilty Pleasures and Favorite “Toys.” It’s like your BFF pajama party gone wild. This will be one of the first workshops of the convention so that your badge holder and registration bag will be “blinged out“ for the entire convention.

Romance Readers Family Feud

(WEDNESDAY, 1-2pm) Join these bestselling authors for a romance take on a game show classic with plenty of prizes and lots of laughs. Survey says you’ll giggle your way through this fun-filled game made just for romance readers!

Celebrate History, Action and Hometown Heroes in Series Romance

(WEDNESDAY, 1-2pm) Whether you like your books heart-warming or heart-pounding, set in the distant past or right next door, these authors deliver! Join authors from Harlequin’s Intrigue, Suspense, Love Inspired, Historical and SuperRomance lines for fun, games and prizes.

Western Round Up

(WEDNESDAY, 2:15-3:15pm) Join these western writers and a special hunky guest for TV/movie western trivia, line dancing and prizes. Pull on your boots, grab your hat and come along to the roundup.

Beyond the Bodice … Lacing Together Faith and Romance

(WEDNESDAY, 2:15-3:15pm) Inspirational romance has come a long way, baby. Real people … real-life issues … real romance … and messages that remain long after the last page is turned. What is inspirational romance today, and what does it have to offer you, the reader? Find out in this tell-all workshop.

Mystery & Thriller Author Chat

(WEDNESDAY, 2:15-3:15) Find out how these chilling and thrilling minds work and what’s next for these bestselling authors.

How to Find the Best eReader for You

(WEDNESDAY, 2:15-3:15pm) Aren't sure which electronic reader to buy or whether it is time to upgrade? Want to learn more about downloading digital library books? Hands-on demonstrations of e-book reading devices as well as tips on how to manage that burgeoning digital to-be-read pile and more.

The Good, the Bad, The Sidekick

(WEDNESDAY, 3:30-4:30pm) We want to lurv on Han Solo! When they’re good, they’re delicious like Han. When they’re not, they’re like … Jar-Jar Binks. Whether mentor, ally or trickster, sidekicks show the soft, gooey underbelly of our heroes and heroines. Compete for prizes and test your knowledge of famous sidekicks. Wrong answers might result in a dance and photo op with Jar-Jar. You’ve been warned!

Scategory Romance — the Game for Fans of Romantic Fiction

(WEDNESDAY, 3:30-4:30pm) Team up with these fun authors and test your knowledge of romance fiction trivia via this Scattergories-game-like workshop. Mega fun and multiple prizes to be had.

You Done It! Plot a Mystery with The Outfit!

(WEDNESDAY, 3:30-4:30pm) Members of The Outfit, a Chicago crime fiction writers’ blog, need you to help them plot a mystery. If it works, The Outfit will write a round robin short story after the Convention and publish it on Kindle, with as many of your names as Amazon permits.

Intergalactic Bar & Grille Reader Party

(WEDNESDAY, 4:45-5:45pm) Never give up — never surrender … but always party! It’s time to sell your landspeeder, get the heck off Tatooine and join us at this stellar book-lover event. Beam up to the Intergalactic Bar and Grille for some nibbles, awesome goody bags, fabulous prizes and a chance to mix and mingle with out-of-this-world authors and readers! Special sci-fi gift for the first 100 patrons in line.

Build-A-Hero-Workshop

(WEDNESDAY, 4:45-5:45) Who wants to build a bear when you can design your very own hero? Join us for an interactive look at what readers want. Authors will moderate as the audience makes lists of characteristics they value, then vote for their favorite attributes. To end on a fun note, each author will write one or two sentences of an opening paragraph introducing the hero the readers want. Books and other door prizes will be awarded, and one winner will receive the final written paragraph, autographed by the panel. 

Fictional Mad Libs — Who You Gonna Write?

(THURSDAY, 10-11am) Join three authors as they coach you in how to choose the right words for the right character. From Scotland to the Caribbean to deep in the heart of Texas, we’ll spin you around and mix it up to create that Scottish cowboy wearing a tricorn you’ve all been dreaming of. Trust us, it’s all in the words. Come play Mad Libs with us and discover a hilarious way to create a story.

Nine Naughty Novelists, the Smutketeers & Cover Model Karaoke!

(THURSDAY, 10-11am) As a sequel to the popular 2010 Naughty, Smutty Hollywood Reader Party, this hour-long reader party offers readers the chance to sing with cover models and win awesome prizes. This year’s party will be even hotter than the last! 

Historical Author Chat 

(THURSDAY, 10-11am) A rare opportunity to hear from some of the most popular pioneers of the historical romance genre to discuss their beloved books and series and what’s next. Joining the panel is historical romance star Sarah MacLean.

History Fan Fictionary 

(THURSDAY, 11:15am-12:15pm) Our language has changed a great deal through the centuries, and many once-common sayings and words have been lost. If you can’t define “varlet” and don’t know what “flying the blue pigeon” means, then come join the fun as a panel of writers well-versed in historical language attempt to enlighten you. Ah, but who’s telling the truth, and who’s making it up? That’s for you to decide, in this game full of pitfalls and prizes and fabulous phrases.

Postapocalyptic and Near Future YA

(THURSDAY, 11:15am-12:15pm) The Hunger Games marked the start of a growing subgenre in YA. Join our panel of authors whose novels span the breadth of near-future YA. From Sci-Fi adventure to dystopian romance and zombie survival, these talented authors have it covered.

Moderator: Rosemary Clement-Moore
Panelists: David Macinnis Gill, Beth Revis, Carrie Ryan, Margaret Stohl

Wild 'N Wacky Party

(THURSDAY, 11:15am-12:15pm) Join these authors as they heat up the windy city and celebrate 10 years of the Wild ’N Wacky Reader Party. Take advantage of some personal time with the cover models. Be sure to leave your inhibitions at the door and enjoy the fun. Boas will be given to the first 30 people who arrive. Bring your own boas, too. Other giveaways will be handed out during this Wild ’N Wacky Reader Party!

Paranormal Author Chat

(THURSDAY, 1:30-2:30pm) Get up close and personal with these beloved authors of the paranormal genre with your back-stage pass to this exciting session. Come prepared with your most burning questions about the books, their series and some of the most beloved characters of the genre.

Under the Kilt — the Naked Truth About Scotland

(THURSDAY, 2:45-3:45pm) Everything you ever wanted to know about Scotland. Not only what a gentleman wears under his kilt, but also: If the rebels supported Bonnie Prince Charlie, why are they called Jacobites? Are Bloody Mary and Mary, Queen of Scots the same person? What is a Burns supper and is haggis really as disgusting as it sounds? If you love Scotland, join us for an interactive chat about this unique land.

Reader Roundtable

(THURSDAY, 2:45-3:45pm) A workshop where readers are the panelists! Readers share with authors, bloggers and other readers about what works for them in terms of the romance genre and online interaction with authors. Reader panelists will be chosen from a pool of reader registrants.

Steampunk Gaslamp Gathering

(THURSDAY, 2:45-3:45pm) Cinch your corset, fold your fan, tip your top hat, grab your goggles and open your clockwork heart to the most intriguing — and most fabulously costumed — subgenere of romance, where Victorian allure meets the fantastical. Mingle with steampunk authors, enjoy swag, a fashion show and treats! Fulfill flights of improbable fancy, courtesy of your consummate author hostesses. We can’t wait for you to come to call! 

Naughty Hour of Fantasy & Fun!

(FRIDAY, 10-11am) Super hot shifters, over-the-top ménage, BDSM, zombies or intensely erotic contemporary romances — are these for you? If so, this is your event! Nothing is off limits in this naughty hour! Ask your favorite authors anything ... names may be changed to protect the very guilty. Hear the authors’ funniest stories, like “You know you’re an erotic romance writer when … ” Play games and win goodies from books to sex toys and even a Kindle. Giveaways to everyone who attends … sorry, no cover models can be raffled off. We tried! They won’t let us.

Throwdown with Heather Graham & Cherry Adair

(FRIDAY, 10-11am) Pick sides and be prepared to play dirty. This no-holds-barred, fast-paced Q&A will require nerves of steel, a sharp knowledge of Heather and/or Cherry’s books and the willingness to cheat and have fun. Lots of bribes (PRIZES)! There more you know, the more prizes you’ll win! Heather’s side will get better prizes! Cherry’s side will like their prizes better!

Celebrate the Passion and Power of Series Romance 

(FRIDAY, 10-11am) Meet some of the authors who create the stories full of passion and power that you crave! Join authors from Harlequin’s Presents, Desire, Blaze and Nocturne lines for fun, games and prizes.

Hosts: Caitlyn Crews, Lynn Raye Harris, Lisa Renee Jones, Mira Lyn Kelly, Janette Kenny, Kimberly Lang, Andrea Laurence, Jennie Lucas, Kira Sinclair, Cat Schield, Maisey Yates

Name That Vampire

(FRIDAY, 11:15-12:15pm) Up for grabs: the world heavyweight title of Vampires’ Biggest Fan! Think you know fictional vampires? Think you love them best of all? Our game will separate the fangbangers from the fakers as players fight to name that vampire. Prizes for the winners, and goody bags guaranteed for the first 30 registrants.

Contemporary Author Chat

(FRIDAY, 11:15am-12:15pm) Hear from this fan-favorite author who has mastered contemporary romance with witty dialogue, dynamic characters and timeless love stories. Also be the first to know what's ahead from this bestselling author.

Red Hot Pictionary! 

(FRIDAY, 11:15am-12:15pm) How well do you know your erotic lingo? Do you think you could draw all those sexy things you like to read about? Join the authors of International Heat for a game of Red Hot Pictionary! Prizes, sexy excerpts and cheeky surprises. Need we say more?

Carina Press Romance Bingo

(FRIDAY, 1:30-2:30pm) Get your daubers ready! The pace will be fast, the competition intense, the prizes irresistible and the romance phrases … a bit on the cheeky side, as Angela James and Carina Press authors act as callers for a bingo game like none you’ve ever played. 

No Holds Barred with J.R. Ward & Jessica Andersen

(FRIDAY, 1:30-2:30pm) Join No. 1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward and New York Times bestselling author Jessica Andersen for a candid, no-holds-barred Q&A about everything and anything. Get their takes on how to make it in paranormal romance, the value of critique partnering, the business and the craft of writing and the Black Dagger Brotherhood and the Final Prophecy novels. Bring your questions and let’s see where they take us!

Seven Minutes in Urban Fantasy Heaven

(FRIDAY, 1:30-2:30pm) Join us for the most intense urban fantasy hour ever. Authors will find their funniest, most romantic or most action-packed scenes … and have just seven minutes to read them aloud to you! You’ll get a whirlwind trip of different creatures, styles and characters — as well as the chance to win books from all of the participating authors.

Moderator: Richelle Mead
Panelists: Lynda Hilburn, Suzanne McLeod, Kristin Painter, Nicole Peeler, and more UF authors to be announced!

Reader’s Entertainment and Celebration! 

(FRIDAY, 2:45-3:45pm) Celebrating 10 years of entertaining readers by offering gifts, games, giveaways, meet and greets with favorite authors and loads of fun and laughs! No one goes home empty-handed! Stop by and celebrate with us! There will be chocolate!

Books, Bods and Brews

(FRIDAY, 2:45-3:45pm) Prizes and surprises, tea and treats, plus whatever else we can cram into the time allotted. Get a taste of our indulgent stories. Be ready for zany, story-related games and friendly fun with book giveaways, sexy prizes from fitness and cover models, tasty sweets and much more.

Reader Appreciation Workshop

(FRIDAY, 2:45-3:45pm) Join No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh and national bestselling authors Sylvia Day and Cheyenne McCray for an hour celebrating the special connection between authors and their readers. With giveaways, Q & As, exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming books and lots of laughter, this is an hour you don’t want to miss!