Bad Romance: A smut-writing workshop

Since this event is taking place inside Short Path's Barrelhouse Bar, attendees need to be 21+.

Enter the alluring villain! In this craft-focused smut-writing workshop, we’ll dig into the appeal of villains and anti-heroes—and how to make them irresistibly hot on the page.

Together, we’ll explore how power dynamics, consent, backstory, and motivation can turn a “bad idea” character into a compelling romantic lead. We’ll talk about what separates delicious tension from unexamined toxicity, how to write desire that crackles without flattening characters into stereotypes, and how to let your villain be seductive because of their flaws—not in spite of them.

What to expect:

Expect a mix of discussion, examples, and low-pressure writing prompts. All experience levels welcome. Bring your favorite fictional villains, your curiosity, and a willingness to flirt with the dark side—on the page, at least. 😈✍️

Be sure to bring your notebook, laptop, and/or other preferred writing tools! You'll be able to write your own scenes at the end of the workshop. Stay to network with other romance fans and browse titles at Read My Lips Boston's romance pop-up bookshop!

Tickets include a workshop seat and private shopping from Read My Lips Boston, Boston's diverse romance pop-up bookstore. Drinks will be available for purchase from Short Path Distillery -- Please support our kind hosts!

Meet your instructor:

Megan Hennessey got her start in romance at the height of 50 Shades of Grey at Sourcebooks Casablanca reading the slush pile. She continues sharing her love for romance by giving workshops and courses at writers’ groups, the Women in Publishing Summit, and the Editorial Freelancers’ Association. She loves romance novels that break the rules and center queer, kinky characters. Come say hi at her website meganhennesseywrites.com or on IG @hegmennessey.

About Read My Lips Boston:

Read My Lips Boston is a diverse romance bookshop that partners with breweries, cafes, and other establishments to host monthly mobile shops all around Boston. Their curated selection of love stories centers authors and main characters identifying as BIPOC, disabled, queer, big-bodied, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in the romance genre. Read My Lips donates 10% of their proceeds to local and national non-profits and social causes.

About Short Path Distillery:

Short Path is a small-batch distillery and cafe space based out of an old metal shop. They've been making liquor (chiefly rum, whiskey, and gin) their way since June 2015. They distill their spirits in-house, using locally sourced ingredients, and get creative infusing their spirits with everything from blueberries to unique botanicals! Their distillery cat, Mash, is Instagram-famous.

Info: Grab a drink at the cocktail bar before class starts!

Info: The workshop will take place inside Short Path's private space, the Barrelhouse Bar. If you don't know where it is, just ask someone when you get there! :)

Info: You can also browse new & used romance books at the Read My Lips Boston pop-up inside the Barrelhouse Bar!

Also check out other Workshops in Everett, Arts events in Everett.