Special Spotlight
While this event was initially an idea mentioned on the fly in Messenger and the concept came while sitting on the floor in Pennsylvania, Charm City Romanticon would not be a reality without Michelle Fewer. So today, at the 2nd annual CCR, we want to spotlight her dedication to not only this event, but to Romancelandia. ~ Julie Collier
Michelle, Your hard work and dedication to supporting the indie book community knows no bounds. I can't tell you how much I appreciate being able to message you for guidance and the pick me up I need to keep going in this scary book world. Thank you for the opportunities you've provided me. You deserve so much more than my words of gratitude and if you every need help, just whistle and I'll come running. ~ Kaylee xoxo
Michelle, you mean more to me than words could ever say. You’re so much more than my editor. You’ve become like a sister to me. Someone I can confide in with every aspect of my life. A person whom I truly trust and admire. You’re an inspirational human being. From being the best mum, wife, sister and daughter to being the best friend, word fluffer, editor and confidant. You ooze female empowerment and will never fail to hype up anyone you care about. Your heart is pure and I adore you. I’m so thankful you’re in my life. You are a Queen and I want you to always remember to hold your head up high so your crown doesn’t slip. I love you 🩷 Koko Heart
Thank you for your attention to detail and diligence on making this an amazing event. I can wait to meet you in person finally! xoxo, Cecelia Mecca
Michelle is one of the very best people I know. She's kind, genuine, and so good-hearted. Her voice can instantly make a bad day so much better and I adore her for her huge heart and infinite patience (both as my friend and word-fluffer) and I'm lucky to have her in my life. ~ Stephanie Rose
There are so many things I'd like to say to or about Michelle and yet, none quite encompass what she means to me. I'm not sure what I've done good in my life to deserve such a caring, generous, thoughtful and incredible friend, but I feel like I hit some kind of awesome people lottery when I was introduced to Michelle. Michelle, you are one in a million. I don't know that I would have made it this far in the book world if it was not for you and your encouragement. You send love and light, even when you are having a tough time. You lend a helping hand, even when you have a gazillion things going on. You give a piece of yourself to everyone you meet. And those who meet you come away a better person because of it. I know I did. Meeting you at Shameless has been one of the centerpieces of my life. You light up the room with your infectious enthusiasm. And you could make a lead ball at the bottom of the ocean buoyant by your smile alone. On days I feel unworthy, I remember that someone like you believes in me. Someone intelligent, authentic and esteemed. You do that, just by being yourself. It is pure joy to know you. It is a great honor to call you a friend (who is more like family). It is such a pleasure to have a platform to tell you all that you mean to me. And I know you already know how much I love you, but whenever you're having days of doubt or worry, read this and many others like it and know you are appreciated, revered and, most of all, Loved.
💜 Nina Bloom
Michelle puts her heart and soul into making CCR such a magical event. Anyone who has met her knows her huge heart, and caring soul. I love her so hard! ~ Jill Garrett
Michelle puts her heart and soul into everything she does! She's an advocate for writers, narrators, models and readers alike, and she makes sure everyone feels seen and heard. This event would not be nearly as successful as it's been without her at the helm.
~ Jessica Lynne
Michelle has made me feel like a welcome addition to the CCR family ever since I first begged for a spot in the lineup. She answers my endless questions with kindness and patience, even if she's probably answered them a dozen times before. She's sweet, funny, and resourceful. The indie community is lucky to have her. Plus, she recommended Robert Hatchet for one of my audiobooks and the casting was so freaking spot on, I'm still amazed months later. So I'm forever grateful. ~ Jackie Walker
Michelle, you truly are a wonderful, caring, kind, loving, and incredibly talented person and I thank god that I am lucky enough to call you my friend. You are such an inspiration to me. Watching you continue to do such amazing things like bringing all of us such a great event as CCR, building your editing business, writing beautiful blog posts…..they all have brought us so much happiness! There are so many more things I wish I had the words to express how you’ve enriched my life, but for now please know that you are so loved and appreciated!!! Xoxo Marie Evans
Michelle is an absolute superstar! The work she does is NOT easy! She helps so many people in so many ways and still has time for everything else in her life! I am truly honored to know her and call her a friend!!! Thank you for making these event possible! ~ Valerie Ann
When you meet a person who your soul identifies as a kindred spirit, you know you have been blessed. That is how I feel about Michelle. Every interaction in person or online has made me so thankful that she is in my life and my heart! ~ Wendy Simek
Michelle is a bright light in this bookish world. She gives of her time, energy, and talent freely with an abundance of love and a smile. No matter what is going on in her own life, she carves out time for others. She is a positive wave of goodness that I'm so grateful to have in my life and consider a gift. Love you, Michelle, so much. May all your good karma come back to you a thousandfold. ~ LJ Evans
Even before the first time I met Michelle in person (which was at the 2022 Knockout Book Bash in Louisville), I already recognized her love for the written word combined with her enthusiasm and energy, would be a positive force in this industry. Meeting her only reinforced it. Michelle's selfless support of authors proves that sisterhood and collegiality are alive and well. Her shared vision for CCR—an interactive platform for readers, authors, and industry professionals—is a testament to the passion she holds for the book world and all its members. Michelle's friendship is invaluable. ~ Freya Barker
Michelle is such a sweet, beautiful woman. I call her my enabler because I add everything she recommends to my TBR. She’s always there for anyone who needs her support, help or a hug. I’m so excited to meet her in person! ❤️❤️ Liz Matzen
There are few people who support indie authors as wholeheartedly as Michelle. I feel so lucky to know her and call her part of my team. Because Michelle doesn’t just edit indies and plan this amazing book-signing event, she reads and reviews ARCs and pimps our books. She is generous, genuine, and deserving of all the praise! Thank you, Michelle for being the amazing woman you are. ~ Blye Donovan
Michelle is an amazing force for Romancelandia and authors! From the moment you meet her, you can feel her passion for what she does. Her desire to help shines through every single thing she does and says. The author community is so lucky to have her backing us up. She's a bright and shining light that deserves all the good things! ~ Golden Angel
I am forever grateful for the day I opened my email and received a message from Michelle. We didn’t know each other at the time, and one email led to two which led to three, and we hit it off. I needed an editor, she offered, and the rest is history. Having her on this journey with me has been incredible. She’s the best cheerleader, editor extraordinaire and, most of all, my friend. Plus, she knows exactly where to find the hottest models on Instagram to use as muses while I write. If I need to vent, she always listens and offers priceless advice. She’s fiercely protective of her tribe and I am so happy to be a part of it. Without Michelle, Romancelandia wouldn’t be the same place. Her enthusiasm and love for authors and readers is a beautiful thing. Thank you for everything…and I hope you know, you’re stuck with me! Love you tons!
~ Charissa Gracyk
I first met Michelle at the Shameless Book Con in 2022. Without even knowing me, she invited me to a party she was hosting and instantly welcomed me into her tribe. She’s the type of person who makes you feel seen and special with just a word, smile, or—even better—hug. I’m so thankful for her support and advice, and especially for being able to call her friend. She’s truly one in a million! ~ Angela Taylor
Thank you for all you do in this community to bring and keep us together to celebrate our connection to all things books and the friendships we have cultivated as a result!
~ Tammy Beck
I'm sure everyone else says the same thing as I say. I love Michelle's unbridled enthusiasm for authors and the books they write. She's fiercely intelligent, kind, and loyal to those lucky enough to call her a friend. Between the Charm City Romanticon, the blog, and the podcast, Michelle has truly become a force for good in Romancelandia!
~ Joyce Heibert
Michelle embodies rare kindness, radiates positivity, and is a planner extraordinaire. Once you meet Michelle you're left feeling as though you've met someone extraordinary. In Romancelandia, Michelle found her place, and I count myself fortunate to have crossed paths with Michelle. Once you meet Michelle, strangers become friends.
She's not merely a dreamer; Michelle is a doer and pro party planner. Her baby, Charm City Romanticon, stands as a testament to her ambitious dream, a dream that authors, narrators and readers enjoy time together, and she tirelessly ensures everyone feels like a special guest.
With her amazing CCR team, Michelle orchestrates an amazing event that attendees think about for months. A heartfelt thank you to Michelle for her boundless love and dedication and for her dream becoming a reality! ~Jenny Smith
Michelle and I connected through various author groups. We seemed to like the same books, same writers and I felt a connection with her. Although we had never met in person, I could tell she was my kind of people. We got to meet in person at Indies Invade Philly Authors book signing 2021 and immediately vibed. It was my first time stepping into the romance book world and around all those rabid romance fans. I've been called a lot of things in my life, shy has never been one of them. It was a little intimidating to begin with but seeing a smiling face made me feel comfortable. She has been such a boost to Romanclandia, from hyping up friends to editing. I feel proud to call her friend.
~ Joey Bowden, The Book Bubba
To Michelle, whenever you have trouble remembering how amazing you are we're all out here feeling it for you! Even those book lovers who don't exactly know your contributions are better for all that you do. ~ Meg Miller
Your love for this community is inspiring and infectious. Thank you for being a friend, light, and guide to so many of us on our journeys! ~ Aly Stiles
Michelle, they say for each action there is an equal reaction, but I don't think that's true. The past few months of my personal life presented challenges, and details of Charm City Romanticon slipped past the days on my calendar. You gently reminded me what was needed and when, and offered assistance. Your kindness goes well beyond just this signing and when I thought you might rightfully be frustrated with my oversight, instead you offered solutions AND affirmations. "You're fine." "It's okay." "I'm here to make this signing good for the readers and the authors." These are words spoken from your lips, at one time or another. Authors talk. Every comment with regard to you uses the adjectives "loving" and "kind"—just like you. Thank you for your efforts, and those of Julie, Rhon, and Susy. You've made this event a pleasure and I'm glad to call you friend. ~ D. D. Lorenzo
I've been in the book world for over a decade. I've done it all - blogger, event coordinator, and author, but I have to say that Michelle Fewer is one of the elite women who can wear all of those hats simultaneously. Her passion for creating and fostering a world where readers and authors can come together is unmatched. Her desire to see authors succeed and flourish is second to none. Her dedication, selflessness, and support is infused into every relationship she has, and I'm so grateful to call her my friend.
~ Hannah McBride
Michelle, you're a rock star. Such a suportive and amazing woman, and so, so, so grateful for you! ~ Brittney Sahin
There are very few people in this world who genuinely want everyone who crosses their path to succeed. Fewer still who put their own time, money, and effort into helping make that happen. Maybe that's why fate gave Michelle the last name it did. She is one of the fewer.
I've been lucky enough to watch her go from reader to reviewer. From blogger to podcaster. Ultimately adding editor and event coordinator to the list–scaling what most people would consider mountains in just a few short years, establishing herself as a fixture in the industry.
And we are better for it. We need more Michelles in the book world. Cheering us on and lifting us up. Reminding us that absolutely is one of our crutch words and heroes can only take their pants off once, no matter how skilled they are in the bedroom. Sharing our books far and wide with reviews that make our stories sound like the best thing ever written.
I've said it many times, but I'm more than happy to say it again–I am so grateful for the day she picked up one of my books and found her way into my corner.
And I plan to keep her there. ~ Janice Whiteaker
The way that Michelle brings such exemplary respect, joy and care to everything she does as a part of this industry is beyond beyond. So grateful she and her crew are a part of this community and overjoyed to celebrate at CCR! ~ Samantha Brentmoor
I'm so blessed to have Michelle in my life. Beyond the books she has been there for me on some heavy times and I'm just so grateful to call her a friend! She is one of the best beta/friend/impromptu therapists a girl can have! ~ Amanda Johnson
There are very few people in this world who are as genuine, kind, and caring as Michelle. Her passion for words—and authors—is unmatched, but it's her heart that is truly special. Any day I get to chat with Michelle is a good day. ~ Patricia D. Eddy
Michelle, There is no words to explain how much you mean to me. You found me in a romance group and said “Hey, This one belongs to me and here I am, a st@lkersister”. Not only are you one of my sisters but you are a amazing listener, advisor, and hugger. (Did I really just say that?) but yes, if you need a hug michelle is your person. Thank you for everything you do for the romance community!! Just keep being your loveable self because your really a badass person. Love, Susy
Michelle is an absolute treasure. We found each other at the exact right moment and I’m forever grateful for her guidance and her willingness to bring me along for the ride. Michelle’s heart for those around her makes her a natural hype girl, but it’s her ability to read between the lines (sometimes quite literally) and be the calm in the storm that makes me so proud to be able to call her my friend. ~ Noelle Ryan
Nearly three years ago, though it seems like forever, a chance virtual meeting brought Michelle into my life and nothing has been the same since.
Our mutual love of books, authors and Romancelandia bonded us, as strongly as our dislike of mean girls and one star reviews and we became sisters! Cue the podcasts, and hilarity. So, when she invited me along on the adventure that has become Charm City Romanticon, it was an easy yes, (not that she would have let me say no).
Michelle’s heart is huge, enthusiasm is infectious, her humor is irreverent, her talents vast and her loyalty unwavering. Simply stated, Michelle is one of the best people I know and I am honored and blessed to call her my friend. ~ Rhon House
Michelle, your bubbly personality and positive energy is infectious! It's impossible not to smile when you're around. And even though we've only met once IRL (because, internet friends), I feel like I've known you for years! Thank you for all of your hard work and support, not just during CCR, but throughout the year. You do sooooo much for authors, especially indie authors. The book world needs more people like you in it!! ❤️
~ Kelly Reynolds
A few years ago Michelle reached out to me because she and Julie Collier were launching Charm City, and they wanted to bring in narrators for year 2. She wanted to talk with me about what would make for an ideal narrator experience at a romance con. I will forever remember her outreach as it was instantly clear to me what a caring, kind, and thoughtful person Michelle is. She intuited that the narrator con experience is not necessarily the same as the author experience and was approaching the planning with a striking amount of intentionality and thoughtfulness to ensure that they were fully ready to support narrator attendance in 2024. And sure enough, now as an attending narrator this year, I've seen her bring that same level of intentionality and thoughtfulness to the experience as she showed in those early conversations.Her warmth and caring shines through with every interaction we have. Michelle definitely stands out to me as a wonderful source of goodness and light in this community, and it's a true pleasure to know her. ~ Rose Dioro
Thank you, Michelle, for being so welcoming and for making this conference stress-free! I can't wait for this weekend! ~ Tracy Solheim
Michelle, you are an amazing human!! We all know how hard you worked to put this event together because you care so much! Thank you, and for the love of god please take a break when it’s over! <3 ~ Gab
Michelle is an amazing, loving, and wonderful person. Her dedication to our community warms my heart. She’s so special to us all. ~ Aaron Shedlock
Keep on kicking butt—literally and figuratively. 😜 ~ Rochelle Paige
What do I want to say about Michelle:
There are many many more words that I can think of to describe Michelle - she is hard working, tireless, funny, empathetic, friendly, kindness personified. She will be your biggest cheerleader and your sounding board. But I think the most descriptive word I think of when I think of Michelle is GENUINE. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does and the people she brings into her circle. I feel blessed and humbled that I am allowed to be one of these people. I love her to the moon & beyond. Thank you for being who you are and thank you for being part of my “family”.k about the words “book community” - I think about Michelle.
When I think of the word “found family” - I think about Michelle
When I think of the word “supportive” - I think about Michelle
For almost 30 years, I've had the fortune to call Michelle and John found family. I am always so impressed and immensely proud of what this woman can accomplish when she puts her mind to it. ~ Page