Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

 My name is Malinda Andrews, and I am a multi genre author who fell backwards into writing romance. But now that I’ve started, my brain keeps coming up with more stories! Though I still enjoy the fantastical elements of high fantasy, urban fantasy, and all the world building that entails.

How did you hear about this event? How many years have you attended?

 I heard about WOTR from a writer friend, Melissa Haag, several years ago and have wanted to attend for a while! 2026 was my first year, and ’27 will be my second time. I was honored to attend last year, and am looking forward to coming back!

What genres do you write?

 Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy, Fairy Tale, High Fantasy

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

 Oh goodness, I have a few that I think have “flown under the radar” so to speak. But I really think Wolf’s Blood and its trilogy doesn’t get as much attention and love as I feel it should. Bryna, the FMC, demanded her story be told. So I did, even though her story wasn’t in the line up and I was working on something else at the time. But she was insistent, and it’s a story that was so much fun to create and world build for. Someday I plan to get back into her world as there are more adventures with Bryna and Ethan that need to be told.

What is one fun fact about you? It can be anything like food allergy, fear of something, weird way you broke a bone…….

I don’t drink Coffee! I’ve made it through five years of college, “big kid” jobs, and three children…all without one drop of coffee! I do, however, know the best places local to me for hot chocolate and other drinks. My favorite is when it’s fall and winter and the hot cider comes back to Colectivo. I would love to have that be a menu option all year round!

What are your social links?

https://linktr.ee/Malindawrites?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=ed83b47e-22ac-4e5e-b649-018a249444bb 

What are you buy links?

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Malinda-Andrews/author/B013YY7Z42?shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=f8137e95-d3a4-460f-a730-94d204cf9b52 

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

DV Fischer, plus size dark romance author

How did you hear about this event? How many years have you attended?

 You (Twinsie Angie)

What genres do you write?

 Plus size dark romance

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

 Her

What is one fun fact about you? It can be anything like food allergy, fear of something, weird way you broke a bone…….

 Fear of outerspace

 What are you buy links?

https://www.amazon.com/stores/DV-Fischer/author/B08XJP3QGD

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

mama, book nerd, random hobbyist, some say crafty crocheter,

What do you think makes WOTR so different from other events?

its really like a family reunion that you actually want to go to and there’s books

Why should readers choose WOTR? What’s something readers should know about WOTR?

you never know what your gonna find there and how many new friends you will make there

What is a special memory you have about WOTR?

there are so many memories I have about WOTR. but all the inside jokes you have with authors that are friends and seeing the excitement on the authors faces when I give them their crochet goodies I make them

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hello! I’m Twinsie Tenise. I live in central Illinois with my wife and 3 fur babies. Our children are grown and even though they don’t live at home we are lucky enough to see them and the grandkids often. Robyn and I have been married for 11 years in November. Robyn and our granddaughter volunteer for Writers so if you’ve ever been to WOTR, you have more than likely seen us around. I read mostly MM romance with occasional Sapphic romance and edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Please don’t expect me to remember exactly how long I’ve been with Twinsie Talk, I feel like its been 6 or 7 years. 🙈 I hate that I can no longer say those 2 numbers without hearing 6/7 over and over again. Oh did I mention I’m the manager in a middle school kitchen. I’m sure you can understand how fast the new phrases get old. Annnd moving on…

What do you think makes WOTR so different from other events?

I’d say its the sense of a community. No matter if its your first year or you’ve been to every single event, you always feel like family. Over the past 12 years I have made friends with some wonderful humans, humans I could not imagine my life without them. I value their friendship, advice, criticism, and slight harassment because its how some of us show our love!

Why should readers choose WOTR? What’s something readers should know about WOTR?

The event space is massive! Theres room to wander around without feeling claustrophobic. I’ve found that sometimes the authors may be just as nervous as we are to meet them for the first time so don’t freak out. I mean we all freak out but you don’t have to worry. I promise if it is your first time attending, you will be ready to buy tickets for next year before the weekend is over. Remember to have fun!

Its ADA accessible which makes it easier for those who use a walker, wheelchair, or mobility scooter. As I mentioned above, the family reunion feel. Its like coming home. Its all inclusive. They even have pronoun and hugs/no hugs stickers at check in.

What is a special memory you have about WOTR?

Oh my, there are so many different memories so I will select one from 2026. It involves our crazy table at the after party We always manage to end up in some sort of a nonsensical conversation that makes complete sense to everyone at the time. This time it including me explaining a certain scene in an A.d Ellis book to everyone at our table, then Jill and I trying to figure out how said scene went down. At one point I was sitting on the floor as we worked through things and of course my wife took a picture of it. Our after party table always ends up being a riot! I love my Writers On The River family!

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Twinsie Kelly

What do you think makes WOTR so different from other events?

It just IS different. There isn’t a bunch of crazy extras trying to get more exposure. WOTR is completely transparent with the mission, the charity, including everyone, and keeping everything running like a well oiled machine.

Why should readers choose WOTR? What’s something readers should know about WOTR?

The event space is amazing! Everyone has room and time to mingle with authors and other readers. I have never been to WOTR and left without having a new friend, whether it being another reader or author.

What is a special memory you have about WOTR?

It is hard to choose only one. I moved away from the area in 2019 but I love being able to come back and see so many of my friends. However, one thing I LOVE hearing is newcomers talk about what an amazing experience they had. It just makes me get all the feels!

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hello! I’m J.M. Walker or Twinsie JoJo or just Jo or Jim. IYKYK. I’m from Canada and am happy married to the love of my life. We’ve traveled the world together and will continue doing so until our bodies no longer allow us. I’m an author but I’ll always be a reader first.

What do you think makes WOTR so different from other events?

It feels like one big giant family reunion but you actually like this family. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. Even if it’s your first time at WOTR, everyone will make you feel right at home.

Why should readers choose WOTR? What’s something readers should know about WOTR?

Because WOTR is seriously the best! They wouldn’t be going into their 12th year if they weren’t. Readers should choose this event because it’s one of a kind, all genres of literature are welcome, whether you have 1 book or 50 out, Writers On The River will welcome you and always give you a chance. The costs of the event are budget friendly too. Which helps, especially these days.

What is a special memory you have about WOTR?

Oh gosh, there are so many. But I love that year after year, I get to see my people. I wish I could see everyone more than once a year but it is what it is. I definitely don’t take these weekends for granted.

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Kate Hawthorne and I’ve been publishing angsty, queer romance since 2018. I am a big fan of the moon, ghosts, and cherry coke zero. 2027 will be my 7th WOTR.

What do you think makes WOTR so different from other events?

I think it’s special because while we’re all there to sell books and make friends, it’s a big group of us coming together to help a greater cause and the event always kind of vibrates with some sort of magic because of it.

Why should readers choose WOTR? What’s something readers should know about WOTR?

Because it’s awesome, obviously. Readers should know it’s a fun event. Everyone is friendly and you’ll have a great time.

What is a special memory you have about WOTR?

Every memory from WOTR is special it would be so hard to pick one

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I am Melinda and I am proud to be a part of the team that puts WOTR together each year.

What do you think makes WOTR so different from other events?

We put our heart and sole into WOTR from the time we start planning the event to the time we announce our donation amount each year. WOTR is not just an event to us it is a way we can give back and help make a difference for women who are starting their lives over.

Why should readers choose WOTR? What’s something readers should know about WOTR?

Readers should choose WOTR because we have something for everyone that loves to read romance and you never know you may find your next favorite author to read.

What is a special memory you have about WOTR?

The thing I love about WOTR is getting to announce how much we get to donate to Thistle Farms every year thanks to the generosity of our readers, authors, and influencers that support what we do.