Romance Writers of America Charter Members

In 1980, the Romance Writers of America was established with 37 charter members and founded by editor Vivian Stephens. The following authors were part of that first group of members:

• Rosalyn Alsobrook
• Florence C. Ayre
• Jennifer Blake
• Parris Afton Bonds
• Rebecca Brandewyne
• Jillian Dagg
• Rita Clay Estrada/Rita Clay
• Rita Gallagher
• Phyllis Halldorson
• Amanda Harte
• Donald Hawley (1)
• Nancy Holder
• Linda Howard/Linda Howington
• Marian Jones
• Ruth Langan
• Ann Major / Margaret Cleaves
• Janis Susan May
• Teresa Medeiros
• Amy Padgett/Amy Corwin
• Nora Roberts
• June Lund Shiplett
• Suzanne Simmons Guntrum
• Sondra Stanford (2)
• Cathy Gillen Thacker
• Phylis Warady
• Carolyn Williamson
• Linda Randall Wisdom

(1) - Based on a blog comment. Could not find additional information about Mr. Hawley and RWA. (2) - Based on email comment. Have not found other verification.