LEWISTON — The Maine Romance Writers, a nonprofit statewide organization dedicated to supporting romance writers, meets monthly. The next meeting will be held beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the USM Lewiston Campus, 51 Westminister St., Room 103.

The meeting begins with introductions of members and guests. At noon, there will be time for a brown bag lunch and chatting about writing followed by the speaker, Gayle Lynds at 1 p.m. Her topic will be, “Nine Secrets to Writing Bestselling Thrillers.”

Lynds is the award-winning author of 10 international espionage novels, including “The Book of Spies” and “The Last Spymaster.” Her next book is due out June 30. A member of the Association for Former Intelligence Officers, she is co-founder (with David Morrell) and former co-president of International Thriller Writers.

Nonmember guests attend their first meeting free. Those planning to attend should contact Marianne at [email protected]. For more information about the Maine Romance Writers workshops, meeting schedules, writing contests and annual retreat, go to: www.MaineRomanceWriters.com.