Readers, writers and conventions – oh my!

Maggie — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:57:58 +0000

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

League of Amazing Writers » Magda

Readers, writers and conventions – oh my!