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!
