Readers, writers and conventions - oh my!
Ever had one of those moments when you wish you had never opened your mouth and made a suggestion? Not because it was a silly idea, but because it wasn’t and you knew you’d be the one who had to run with it?
Well last November I did and now 8 months later I am wondering what the heck was I thinking!
You see, I opened my mouth with the infamous line “How’s this for an idea?” A few of us on a romance readers group were lamenting how we couldn’t afford to go to RT or to RWA nationals since it is so expensive to get there from Australia, so I threw out the idea of having a readers event in Australia instead. And yes, you guessed it, the others thought it was a brilliant idea and promptly made me chairperson of a new organisation and the Australian Romance Readers Convention was born!
It’s been quite the roller coaster ride for us all. A lot of work but I have made some really close and lifelong friends along the way and the event itself promises to be amazing! It is scheduled for 20 - 22 Feb 2009 in Melbourne Australia and work is constantly on the go to make sure the best possible event happens.
We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from Authors and publishers. We know it is a long and expensive way to travel and are constantly amazed at how generous people are. We also have a big supply of free books and promo items generously posted to us from those who can’t come.
The line up is spectacular, if I say so myself 
We have Sherrilyn Kenyon, MaryJanice Davidson, Stephanie Laurens, Dianna Love, Liz Maverick, Keri Arthur, newcomer Bronwyn Parry, Ally Blake, Nicola Marsh, Paula Roe, Denise Rossetti, Jess Dee, Helen Woodall (EC editor), Carol Marinelli, Annie West, Anna Campbell, Jordana Ryan, and many more yet to confirm….phew! What a party!
We have support from our confirmed wonderful sponsors Avon/Harper Collins, All Romance ebooks, Harlequin Australia, Intrigue Romance Books, Torquere Press and more are signing up every day. (Contact Natasha at arrc.sponsorship@gmail.com)
So if you would would like more details about the event send an email to ARRC09@gmail.com and join our mailing list.
Registration opens soon!
And what have I learned from this experience?
Sometimes we put our feet in our mouth for a reason.
Although it’s a hard slog, I wouldn’t have missed this opportunity for the world.
Maggie
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Dammit, dammit, dammit! Why didn’t I save my pennies??? I’d LOVE to meet my favorite author, Mary Janice Davidson and MY OWN EDITOR, Helen Woodall! And I heard a rumor that the one and only Jaid Black would be attending too! At least my beloved crit partner is coming to New York from Oz at Christmas and we’ll finally meet in person.
Maybe I can still hope for a windfall between now and then. Or again, if I start rowing my boat now…
You’re an amazing woman, Maggie. If anyone could pull this off, you could.
Ash
If we win the lottery, I’ll be there! Otherwise, take copious notes and lots of
pictures and videos!
Are you going to have a Mr. Romance Cover dude like the RT convention?
Aw shucks Ash….I wish you could come too
I would love to make it to the USA again one day. It’s been over 12 years since I was last there, but dammit I will make it again!
Thanks Jeanne…no, we can’t afford to pay the models! But we are doing a cover competition. Not quite the same though…
Thanks guys!
Wow, Maggie. I’m impressed! What a line up you have. I wish you the greatest success. Wish I could pop over and attend. LOL. I can’t even afford to go to the west coast.
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