by Annie West, author of The Desert King’s Pregnant Bride (Harlequin Presents Extra, April 2009)
One week ago I was in Melbourne, a marvellous city that seemed to be taking a long slow breath between frightening bushfire emergencies. It’s a city that’s great for conferences, especially when you factor in the marvellous things you can do before and after your official commitments – great food, great shopping, sightseeing too, if you can get past the first two.
20-22 February was the first ever Australian Romance Readers’ Convention (ARRC). The first such convention I’ve been to, as well. And it was a huge success. The energy levels produced by so many enthusiastic readers (including those of us who are writers as well) was enormous. I’m sure a lot of happy participants could have just floated home afterwards, rather than catch their flights for Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, the Northern Territory (for anyone unfamiliar with Australian geography, that’s as far in every direction as you can go) and beyond.
We had 275 attendees and the noise from the Friday night reception was almost enough to lift the roof off the reception rooms. Not rowdy you understand. Just the constant hum of excited women and a few men all talking at once, interspersed with delighted exclamations and lots of laughter.
That started off on a packed weekend of guest speakers, panel discussions, book signings and general mingling that left most of us happily exhausted. There were too many authors present to list them all but some you might know from Harlequin were: Melanie Milburne, Michelle Douglas, Amy Andrews, Carol Marinelli, Ally Blake and Paula Roe. Others included Sherrilyn Kenyon, Stephanie Laurens, Anna Campell, Dianna Love, Keri Arthur and Mary-Janice Davidson.
Christina Lee, Sales and Marketing Director and Haylee Kerans, Publishing Coordinator from Harlequin Australia were there too, participating in panels and mixing with readers. It was excellent having their input on the intricacies of the publishing world.
We discussed the lure of the Aussie voice in romance today, where romance is heading, ereading, the source of story ideas, reader expectations, market forces and how they affect series romance, as well has having sessions on the various types of romance.
For me one of the loveliest things was to meet readers and hear their take on my stories. Honestly, nothing beats meeting people who love your characters as much as you do! That made the booksigning, my first ever (as opposed to signing individual books occasionally) a real treat.
Then on Saturday night there was a marvellous convention dinner with awards. The one that interested me most (of course) was the ‘Favourite category/series romance for 2008’ and I’m thrilled to say that all ten finalists were Presents or Sexy stories as we call them Down Under! Now that IS exciting! The winner was Aussie author Melanie Milburne with The Marciano Love-Child. Congratulations, Melanie!
No trip to Melbourne would be complete without some serious shopping (we were next to the enormous Victoria markets after all). You should see the fantastic red bag I bought! Plus the gifts for people not lucky enough to attend (aren’t I good?). And then there was the food…I got to the Convention early and left late especially to catch up with some reader and writer friends and of course it made sense to get together over a good meal.
I hear the next ARRC may be in Sydney in two years. Believe me, I’ll have it on my calendar as soon as the dates are posted.
Has anyone else been to a reader event like this? What was the best part of it? Or if, like me, you have little experience of these, what things would you ask or tell your favourite authors when you finally came face to face?
Annie
PS. I should perhaps mention that I did wear some other clothes at the convention, it’s just that these photos were taken within a few hours of each other!
Annie (left) with reader, Elisa (center) and Michelle Douglas (Harlequin Sweet author).
Sweet treats at Brunetti’s cafe – a Melbourne speciality.
Annie (L) and debut Harlequin Medical author Sharon Archer (R).
Melanie Milburne with her best book award.
Annie enjoying an Italian breakfast with romance lovers Josie Caporetto (L), Anna Campbell (second from R) and Serena Tatti (R).
———–
Annie’s next book will be out in North America from Harlequin Presents Extra in April — The Desert King’s Pregnant Bride. Here’s the blurb and use the Browse the Book widget to read more!
Sheikh Khalid Bin Shareef has vowed never to get entangled with virgins. But innocent Maggie is too hard to resist—and he takes her…
The next morning she disappears. But Maggie is unfinished business, and he has her sent to his kingdom. There they discover the consequence of their night of passion.
Marriage is the only answer—but it must be one with no emotions, no expectations of love. Maggie will take her rightful place by the sheikh’s side…and in his bed!
Annie, if you’re around I tried to email you that I was posting your blog but the emails kept bouncing back for some reason, sorry!
I love that Harlequin is so international with authors from around the world. I should be used to it, but I’m always a bit gobsmacked when I realize how many fabulous authors we have from Australia, NZ, Canada, Spain…even Egypt! No wonder there are so many books with great settings and perspectives.
On a more shallow note, I covet Melanie Milburne’s dress! So pretty. And congratulations on the award!
~Amy
Annie, great post, I wish I was closer to drop into such glamorous sounding conventions! All those writers and readers in one place – heaven. Thanks for the pics and well done to Melanie Milburne!
x Abby
Lovely post Annie (ooh, and that Brunetti’s display!). It looks as though you all had a great time. And congratulations, Melanie – I loved the dress, too!
Thank you for letting us know all about ARRC, Annie. I wish I could have been there. The contact with other writers and with readers must have been fantastic. And you looked wonderful in the photos. So did Melanie. Many congratulations to her on the award.
Kate
Hi all, just testing to see if I can post. I’ve been trying for ages!
Annie
Yay! Success! I was about to give up.
First up, Amy, thanks for posting this. You’re right, we’re a truly international group, aren’t we?
As for Melanie’s dress, I’m sorry to say the pic doesn’t do it justice. It was such a gorgeous dark pink and she looked ultra chic – so fitting for a Presents author.
Annie
Abby, it would have been marvellous to have you there. Your lovely Irish accent would have gone down a treat and you would have fitted right in, believe me. There’s talk of another convention in Sydney in two years – maybe you could fit it in your schedule…
Annie
Kate, actually having my photo taken is NOT my favourite thing. That’s why I own a camera, so I can take other people’s photo. But these pics are quite good and you can see everyone’s enjoying themselves.
And one thing I forgot to say in the piece is that we held a silent auction at the convention where people bid for various donated items and we raised $7,000 for the Victoria Bushfire Appeal which was so nice.
Annie
Christina,
Brunetti’s was an eye opener for me. And the smell was heavenly too. If ever we’re in Melbourne together I’ll take you there. It shouldn’t be missed! I’m sure it’s the right place to go for writerly inspiration.
Annie
Hi Annie,
Breakfast at Brunetti’s was so much fun! Christina, you wouldn’t believe the heavenly aromas as you enter Brunetti’s. It really is a little piece of Italy – very much like their pasticcerie – and just off Lygon Street (Little Italy). A wonderful backdrop to a lovely morning with some gorgeous ladies!
Hugs
Serena
xx
Serena, lovely to see you here. I’m seriously wondering if I could work that gorgeous cafe into a story sometime. Of course that would mean more visits in the name of research!
Annie
Hi, Annie!
First of all, congratulations on nabbing the number two spot on the Harlequin bestseller list in the US – very well deserved! I’ve only been to Melbourne twice and both times I grazed the many pastry shops of Ackland Street. Mm-mm!
At last year’s Romance Writers of America conference, I went to the literacy signing event, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Nora Roberts. I was so awestruck I couldn’t say anything!
~ Vanessa
Hi Vanessa,
Thanks for the congratulations. I’m pretty chuffed about that placing, as you can imagine. Oh, the pastry shops on Ackland St in Melbourne are fantastic. And we found some brilliant Greek ones right in the centre of town too (on a previous trip). Hm, how did a piece about a readers’ convention turn into a discussion of food?
Vanessa, I’d be awestruck rubbing shoulders with Nora Roberts too. Actually, I’m yet to meet a lot of my fellow Presents authors in person and I know I’m going to be babbling or tongue-tied when I meet some of them – people whose books I’ve been enjoying for ages!
Annie
But Annie, you take such lovely pictures! You have a lovely smile!!
Sounds like a wonderful time. I would love to come to Australia and join everyone for the next one! Congrats to Melanie, and yay for Presents/Sexy taking all the finalist spots!
(And now I hope my comment makes it. I’m always in moderation when I try anymore.)
Lynn
Annie, it looks just fabulous– the clothes, the cakes, the company– makes me really wish I’d been there. Thanks so much for taking photos. As someone who NEVER seems to remember to use a camera (even if I do remember to take it) I really appreciate other people who are more on the ball, and it’s lovely to get a chance to share in these lovely events.
Congratulations to Melanie on her award and you
on your stellar US sales!
Annie, wasn’t the conference fun? I couldn’t get over the level of excitement and enthusiasm the delegates created. Wow! Lovely post – and my mouth is watering as I look at the Brunetti’s display. That was definitely a highlight of the visit! Congratulations on the Desert King’s Pregnant Bride hitting the stands. It’s a doozy of a read! And Khalid? Swoon!
Lynne Raye, I’m sure you’d have a ball if you could make it to the next convention. What an excellent excuse for flying to Australia!
Annie
India, it really was good fun. As for the camera, it was mainly that other people were taking photos which reminded me to get a few. Usually I take my camera and forget all about using it.
Isn’t Melanie’s win great? And congratulations to you on winning your UK RNA award – that’s just fabulous.
Annie
Anna, I have to admit I look at the pic of Brunetti’s food and all the rest fades into the background (just for a moment). Then I remember all the enthusiastic people I met in Melbourne and it’s hard to pic a highlight. You’re swooning over Khalid? Lovely (G)!
Annie
This conference looks seriously good and has made me want to start stashing pennies to come and join you all.
Annie, your photos are great, Brunetti’s looks mouth-wateringly tempting, congrats to Melanie on her award – and am coveting her pink dress!
Sharon xxx
Ooooh I have an idea – you know how the chocolate tour of Melbourne is always popular during the Romance Writers of Australia Conference? Why not do a tour of the cake shops of Melbourne. Or we could always have the next convention/conference at Brunetti’s?
BTW ideal setting for a book… more research needed. All welcome.
Hugs
Serena
xx
Sharon, it would be lovely if some fellow Presents writers headed to Australia one year to join those of us Down Under. The celebrations would be terrific and, if we happened to be in Melbourne, I’d take you to Brunetti’s!
Annie
Serena, I’ve heard of those Melbourne tours. A cake shop tour of Melbourne would be so decadent! Maybe after a conference so we could still all fit into our nice outfits at the conference dinner? (G)
Annie
A wonderful post, Annie! I am always my happiest in Australia and am hoping to make a return visit (maybe for that Sydney conf in two years??) but the photos and your blog made me feel as if I were right there. Good for Melanie and terrific to see Anna Campbell’s smile in the pics, too. Thanks for sharing!
Jane, it would be lovely to see you in Sydney in two years’ time. I remember you at a Queensland conference where you were such a hit. And don’t forget the writers’ conferences too – Brisbane this August and Sydney next year. Lots for you to choose from!
Glad you like the pics. Anna has a great smile, hasn’t she?
Annie
Hi Annie, Its nice to finally see your photo. I love your books & your shiekh books are always so romantic & one of my top 3 fav to read when its shiekh books (Jane Porter is another one). I cant wait to read your latest.
what a great time you had. sounds so exciting.
keep writing,
your fan
Hey, guys, I’m smiling over your comments about my…smile!!! Thank you! Jane, you know we adore you down here and you’re welcome any time you want to come! Sydney sounds like a great idea!
Annie, thanks so much for posting all these gorgeous pics! Like Jane, I’m hoping to come for the Sydney conference in 2010…although after seeing that photo of Brunetti’s, I almost wish it were in Melbourne!
Congrats Melanie, you’re such a star! (And you look gorgeous in that dress–wow!)
Okay, now I can’t stop thinking about pastry….thppppt. Might have to bake some cookies.
Redlighting, Hi! What a lovely post! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoy my sheikh stories. I have a soft spot for those heroes myself – love writing them! Am honoured that I’m up there with Jane’s wonderful sheikh stories in your estimation. Can you see my grin from there?
Annie
Anna, you have a great smile. Almost as terrific as your laugh! It was great to catch up in person and get both.
Annie
Jennie, would be lovely it you could make it to one of the Aus conferences. Don’t worry, Sydney has lots of terrific eateries too. It’s quite civilised. If you’re baking, remember me. I’m ovenless, waiting for our replacement one to arrive next week. I’ll have to console myself with some good books!
Annie
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