The Diamond Heart®

Unveiling the Diamond Heart Award – A New Chapter in Honoring Excellence

Since its inception, Romance Writers of America (RWA) has proudly presented an array of awards in recognition of romance writing excellence and showcasing the remarkable talent and creativity of our authors. From the distinguished RITA Awards to the esteemed Golden Heart Awards and beyond, RWA’s yearly accolades celebrate and elevate individuals who are passionate about RWA and the romance genre.

This is why we write to you today with an update on a significant development regarding THE VIVIAN® Award. With the encouragement of the award’s namesake, Vivian Stephens, the RWA Board of Directors has approved a new name for the published author’s contest – the Diamond Heart Award. The Board is excited about the positive impact this change will have as we continue to celebrate the extraordinary richness and variety of our genre. This decision reflects RWA’s dedication to fostering an environment that embraces the diverse voices and experiences within our romance writing family.

While this award undergoes a transformation, Vivian Stephens' name will remain closely tied to our community. Her legacy will continue to be honored through the dedicated RWA industry service award, recognizing her enduring contributions to our shared journey.

We appreciate your partnership and support as we take this meaningful step for all romance writers. RWA remains committed to celebrating your talent, passion, and unique voices that make our community thrive.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Romance Writers of America. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you soon.