Birthday Extravaganza!

Throughout the month of May Coffee Time Romance and The Romance Studio are having a birthday Anniversary Extravaganza! There are some awesome prizes on offer, with major prizes for the Scavenger Hunt being a Sony Wi-Fi eReader and a Nook Simple Touch for two lucky winners. There's also a blog event, anniversary party and CTR Forum event - and that's where I come in!!

During the second week of May, 12th to 19th, authors are having a celebratory bash, holding contests and questions and answer sessions and giving away all sorts of wonderful prizes. The fabulous Keri Arthur, fellow Dark Sider, will also be there on the 19th chatting about her books and giving away a signed ARC of Darkness Devours, among lots of other goodies!

To find out what I'll be up to pop on over to the Coffee Time Forums any time between May 12th to 19th!

Halloween Birthday Bash

The fabulous Dark Side Downunder blog is one year old on 31st October! And to celebrate we're having a Halloween party and birthday bash with giveaways! There's a grand prize plus prizes for two other lucky people.

Some of the giveaways on offer include:

Dark Angels books 1 and 2 by Keri Arthur

Scent of a Man by Maree Anderson

King Rolen's Kin trilogy by Rowena Cory Daniells

Rogue by Nicole Murphy


Captive by Christina Phillips

... and more!

Going to be heaps of fun - more details nearer the time!!

Character, Desire & Conflict

Here's a great blog post by fab UF author Keri Arthur, on a recent Art of Romantic Comedy workshop she attended with Michael Hauge and Steve Kaplan. Although the workshop focused on romcom and screenplay, the advice is relevant across genres and states all stories are based on a simple foundation that consists of three basic elements - character, desire and conflict.

It's a great post, and part two is next week!

Perth Roadshow 2009

On Saturday I attended the 2009 RWA Romance Roadshow in Perth. What a fantastic day! The Roadshow Committee did a wonderful job of organising everything. We were lucky enough to have Kelly Hunter, President of the RWA and published with Harlequin Mills and Boon Modern Heat/Sexy Sensation, Keri Arthur, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Riley Jenson, Guardian series, and Denise Rossetti, erotic romance author published with Ellora's Cave and Berkley Sensation.


The day could have been tailor made for me, since Keri took workshops on world building, on how we as authors can successfully create an alternative and believable environment. I find setting a challenge and have to constantly remind myself to layer in the landscape/climate etc so this was invaluable for me.

Keri also did a question and answer session on writing urban fantasy/paranormal and all the nitty gritty bits of the publishing world which was completely fascinating!!!

Me and Keri Arthur (not that I'm name dropping here...)

Then we had the Sealed Section with Denise which
proved very popular for some reason!!! We discussed language, the differences between erotic romance, erotica and pornography and the importance of vivid sensory detail and deep emotional point of view. Her tips were invaluable.
It was also great to chat about publishing in general with authors who've experience in both e and traditional publishing marketplaces.

There were also tutorials on deep point of view, effective story dialogue and romance heroes, lots of spot prizes and goody bags!


Me with Denise Rossetti (OK I AM shamelessly name dropping!!)

It was fantastic to meet up with so many other writers, and it sure didn't feel like a whole year ago since the inaugural Roadshow when I was so inspired that I subbed Foretaste of Forever to The Wild Rose Press!

Here's a pic of me with my good mate Nikki Logan, who a few months after last year's Roadshow signed a two book contract with Harlequin Mills and Boon Romance! Her debut book is out in the New Year and I can't wait to read it!

Perth Roadshow is on its Way!!!

Romance Writers of Australia inc

proudly presents

The 2009 Romance Roadshow

Featuring…

Keri Arthur
New York Times Best Seller List author

Kelly Hunter
Harlequin Romance author, President of Romance Writers of Australia

Denise Rossetti
Ellora’s Cave and Berkley author,

Plus: local authors, giveaways and much, much more.

Come and hear some of Australia’s leading romance authors talk about the craft of writing and the industry they work in. With interactive tutorials and an author panel, it’s a day no aspiring author should miss.

After a day full of information, relax and catch up with your new friends at our post Roadshow dinner.



Saturday 23rd May 2009
Good Earth Hotel
195 Adelaide Terrace
Perth



Cost: RWA Members $100
Non-Members $110
Dinner - tba

Prices include lunch, morning and afternoon tea

For further information on presenters and tutorial topics go to: www.romanceaustralia.com

Enquiries: Julie-Anne roadshowenquiries@romance.com
Registration Nicki roadshowregistrar@romance.com