It's August, the month when RWAustralia entices romance writers to their annual Romance Writers Conference. And entice writers they did, this year to the gorgeous Pullman King George Square Hotel, Brisbane.
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| Image courtesy of: image.leisurecom.com |
The RWAustralia Conference is that wondrous time when bestselling authors reveal their paths to publication; where writers attend workshops focused on the craft of writing, or take the opportunity so generously given to pitch their stories to an agent or editor. It's the time when writers gather together, old friends mingling with new, and celebrate their love of the romance genre.
Inspire. Entertain. Create magic. Every speaker I listened to, every workshop I attended, those were the messages I received, and will nurture as I now look back on the conference as a wonderful memory to treasure as I write.
The Bring Out the Animal in You Cocktail Party was fun, fun, fun. Especially the costumes!
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As always, the keynote speakers grabbed my attention. Marion Lennox and Kate Forsyth were so emotive, so inspiring. Equally valuable were the workshop sessions. A variety of topics, each aimed at educating. I was reminded of things I already knew and learned a lot more.
Some unforgettable quotes:
Marion Lennox - RITA Award-winning author:
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| Photo courtesy of: Joanne Boog |
"Every day I sit at my computer and imagine people in my head."
"At times writing is easy. Often it's not. Protect your magic."
Kate Forsyth - Aurealis Award-winning author:
"Books are magic. They transport you to other worlds where for a while you travel the journey of other characters."
Ally Blake - Harlequin Mills & Boon author:
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| Image courtesy of: allyblake.com |
"Show up. Show up. Show up." And after a while the muse shows up, too."
"If it isn't beautiful or functional, lose it!"
"Do not write 'The End' until the book is finished!'
Chris Taylor - indie author of romantic suspense:
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| Image courtesy of: christaylorauthor.com.au |
"Choose a character's past with care, one that they can get over."
Lauren K McKellar - author and editor:
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| Image courtesy of: goodreads.com |
"Page-turning quality is reader magic."
Liz Pelletier - Founder, Entangled Publishing:
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| Image courtesy of: midwestwriters.org |
"The key to crafting a bestseller is entertainment."
"Tell a story readers want to hear."
Inspire. Entertain. Create magic. Every speaker I listened to, every workshop I attended, those were the messages I received, and will nurture as I now look back on the conference as a wonderful memory to treasure as I write.
Do you love attending writers' conferences? Do they fill you with inspiration?
Love to love - beautiful dancing at the Butterfly Ball Gala Awards Dinner
Love to laugh: at funny animal snaps.
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| Image courtesy of: chelseadogs.com |
Love to learn: all about writing, both serious and fun!
What a fabulous sounding weekend! I was rather sorry I was unable to go, I kept checking Facebook for updates all weekend. Thankfully you and a few others obliged, Enisa! I love conferences for the inspiration, the lovely luxury you can have in the hotels, the books, the fantastic company, the hope and dreams you can share with like minded people. Absolutely everything to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHi Malvina. Conferences are great, especially our RWA one. So much to see and learn and experience. And, of course, have some fun! Hope you can make it next year!
DeleteIt was a brilliant conference, one of the best. Not only was it inspiring (wasn't Marion amazing?) but I think we all came away with new tools we can use in our career.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the round-up, Enisa, and for sharing those quotes, Enisa. They're great.
Hi Cathryn. So much to enjoy and every year the conference gets better and better. I love attending!
DeleteHi Enisa! It was a great conference, wasn't it? One of my favourite quotes came from Liz Pelletier also. It was something like 'Edit the STORY, not just the pages of the book', which really struck a chord with me as I sometimes get caught up with those little word changes when I'm editing, when what I really need is to look at the story as a whole. Thanks for the recap.
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn. I always find something strikes a chord with me at conferences. I may have heard the advice many times but then I'll hear it a certain way at a conference and it all makes sense!
ReplyDeleteHi Enisa, it sound like a fabulous conference. So inspiring.
ReplyDeleteIt was. RWA gets better every year. Always leave inspired.
DeleteHi Enisa, Thanks for sharing your conference roundup. It was lovely to see you again in Brisbane. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Narelle. Long time no see. Great catch-up. Conferences are great for that.
DeleteLove the round up Enisa. Loved all the inspirational quotes too. Love how authors love to share with others. Love catching up with all my fellow writers too. Always something to learn, laugh and love at Conference.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassandra. The conference was great, wasn't it? Great for nformation, networking and simply having some fun.
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