Back in the 1970s when she was working in the field of collectible dollhouses and miniatures, she had the savvy to notice another trend in the making—the growing popularity of romance novels among women from every cross-section of society.

Recognizing this rapidly developing art form as an industry for women, about women and by women, she capitalized on it, starting in 1981 with a 24-page newsletter. It contained news of the latest releases and information about the authors who wrote them.

That early newsletter has evolved into a glossy magazine eagerly awaited every month by over 150,000 fans of romance reading and writing, fans who are as addicted to Romantic Times as a gourmand is to fine chocolate. It is eagerly gobbled up by readers, booksellers, writers, agents, editors and publishers alike, all over the globe.

Falk made sure Romantic Times was never just a fan magazine. It brought readers together with authors and authors together with each other, to be sure; but (along with organizations like the Romance Writers of America) it also gave fans of the genre and the women (and a few men) who were creating it a real voice in the publishing industry.

Many authors credit Falk with their success. Quick to open industry doors for those she believes in, she recognizes ability and talent and takes advantage of opportunity where she sees it. And she is brilliant at creating opportunity where none exists.

A year after its beginning, Romantic Times sponsored its first annual Booklovers Convention in New York City. The unique event (another mark of Falk’s genius) was greeted with enthusiasm from fans and the news media.

The following year, Dame Barbara Cartland joined romance readers at the second RT convention, after traveling cross-country with Kathryn aboard the now famous Amtrak Love Train, organized by then reader/now published author, Chelley Kitzmiller. Romantic Times has since been declared “the bible of romantic fiction” by more than one newspaper, including USA Today.

Every year, thousands of ardent readers, authors, cover model hopefuls and cover models attend the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. It’s a unique setting in which fans meet the beloved authors and aspiring novelists network with editors and publishers over elegant lunches and dinners.
 
At the annual event, fans cheer for would-be cover models at male beauty pageants (Falk launched the fabulous Fabio). Readers dress up like their favorite heroines for the costume ball (many with their own personal heroes in tow), get authors’ autographs at awards banquets and celebrity-studded book signings, and share their love of the genre with the public at large.
 
Whatever the motive for attending one of Falk’s conventions, you can always expect the unexpected—she never disappoints or fails to amaze.  Learn more about the Booklovers Convention and Falk’s lovely magazine at the RT website, www.romantictimes.com. But fair warning—don’t even sample this delicious morsel unless you’re prepared to fall in love because it’s that addictive.
 
She is the undisputed romance industry expert and the unquestioned, unrivaled and unequivocal Queen of Romance.  All Hail, Queen Kathryn—and long may she reign!

—Charlene Keel

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